contax Archives

Contax G2

What you missed, you can have now

Once the Contax G2 hit the market, we were well and truly in the digital age. When I look back at the film cameras of the day, they were really beautiful. It’s hard to believe how many people were drawn to those ugly digital cameras. Time can be a bit of a tease. Fortunately, the G2 is still around and in good shape.

The second-generation Contax G system

The G2’s autofocus performance has been improved compared to the original G1. It can now focus as fast as 1/4000 second in manual mode and 1/6000 second in aperture-priority mode. The G2’s autofocus is very fast and more reliable. Just press the shutter button halfway to lock focus.

The g2 is a professional camera

For those who are used to using a fully manual Leica, an electronic film camera can easily be seen as a toy. But the Contax G is no toy. Lots of professional photographers use it. After all, it has some pretty impressive Zeiss lenses.

automatic rangefinder camera

I own a Fujifilm X-PRO1, which is also an autofocus rangefinder camera, much like the G series. The Contax G has a higher production technology than the X-pro1, and it focuses faster than Fujifilm.

I was impressed by the G2’s autofocus speed. I didn’t think such a high-speed focusing system would be available in the 1990s. The Contax comes with a set of Zeiss lenses, including 16mm, 21mm, 28mm, 35mm, 45mm, and 90mm, all of which focus very fast.

Manual focus mode

The Contax G2 has a manual focus mode that lets you set the focus distance with a dial. This is really handy for street photography. I tend to prefer using the fully manual Leica M for street photography.

No Contax G3

Unfortunately, after the Contax G2, there was no more update for the camera, and there was no G3.

Disadvantages of Contax G2

Another thing to watch out for with the Contax is the surface deterioration of the plastic handles. The Contax TVS iii also has this problem. The handle originally had a matte coating, but over time, that peels off. I just erased this coating with an eraser, and it looks like new.

Lomography x-pro 200

Novel Aromas

In the decade when traditional film production declined and many companies went bankrupt in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Lomography, a trendy form of photography, became immensely popular among young people worldwide. However, it was not until around 2012, when photography filters and a deluge of Lomo-style apps flooded the market for smartphones, that Lomography’s rampant growth was truly challenged.

Today, people can easily switch to various Lomo filters on their phones, without realizing that the exaggerated colors they admire actually come from Lomo film. Few people now seem to intentionally experiment with Lomo film, except for software engineers who need to simulate Lomo effects.

Warm Currents in the Air

What defines true Lomo photography? My conclusion is that at least one of the following must be present: a plastic camera body, expired film, or cross-processed slide film. Lomo cameras have cute plastic bodies that leak light and can use pinhole or plastic lenses to produce unexpectedly artistic effects. Expired color film can also create vintage or surreal colors, and some Lomo enthusiasts enjoy collecting various expired rolls. All slide film can actually be cross-processed, and this process yields an astonishing impact on contrast, grain, and colors, giving rise to a unique artistic effect.

Lomography X-Pro 200 is a slide film that can be processed as a color negative (C-41) film, producing true Lomo photography. The film’s name, X-Pro, indicates that cross-processing is required to achieve Lomo effects. The cross-processed X-Pro 200 yields a healthy skin tone, rich teal, aged indigo, rough grain, and countless other emotional sensations that defy description.

Perfect Artworks or Perfect Feelings

Sadly, Lomography X-Pro 200 is now difficult to find, and if it is discontinued, it will be a great loss for many Lomo enthusiasts who cherish this film.

Stock up on the Lomography X-Pro Slide 200 135 format slide film for whacked out colors, huge contrast and insane saturation.
Film Type:	attribute_value_Color Slide Film
ISO:	200
DX code	No:
Development:	attribute_value_Cross Processing - C-41, Regular Processing - E6
Exposures:	12
Pack Size:	3

Contax g2 Planar 45mm f2 Black&White Review

Carl Zeiss 45mm F/2 Planar Review with black & white film

Kentmere 100 film from the UK

Kentmere 100 film has an average tolerance at best and can only be considered satisfactory. Choosing a film can be about selecting a particular style, and having all films be the same would be uninteresting. Street photographers reportedly appreciate the grain in this film.

When discussing black and white film, the development process is closely related. When I refer to the film’s tolerance and contrast, it’s based on my personal development habits and compared to other films.

While some people can use this film to create beautiful grayscale images through technical means, overall, Kentmere’s film has slightly high contrast, coarse grain, and a lower tolerance. Highlights are prone to overexposure, and shadows may be too dark. The contrast level is relatively high, and many people nowadays pursue a high-contrast effect, such as Daido Moriyama’s style.

35mm, ISO 100, medium contrast, black & white film. Suitable for most applications in good lighting conditions.

Medium speed ISO 100
Fine grain and good sharpness
Broad tonal range with good contrast
35mm cassettes and bulk lengths available