The natural, logical evolution of Contax's classic camera range, the G1 combines the best and most important features of SLR, compact and rangefinder camera technology, to provide an instrument that is supremely easy to use, versatile and discreet.
With a solid aluminium chassis and highly durable titanium body in the true tradition of the great camera maker's art.
Autofocus Carl Zeiss T* interchangeable lenses give you results so excellent that Joel Lacey, Technical Editor af Amateur Photographer commented in a recent test, "All in all, a wonderful ensemble performance."

G1

Contax G1 - the modern evolution of the classic camera concept

The new Contax G1, introduced at Photokina 1994, combines the best of modern SLR technology with the classic benefits of the rangefinder camera, to provide an instrument which is quiet and unobtrusive, fast and convenient like a modern compact. Its interchangeable Carl Zeiss lens system offers superb optical flexibility and performance.

During the years since Contax last produced rangefinder cameras, the world of photography has changed, thanks to the great advances in SLR camera technology. These advances include automatic TTL exposure control in ambient and flash light, motorised film handling, automatic film speed setting and perhaps the greatest impact has been accomplished by autofocusing.

Like its predecessors of earlier decades, such as the Contax IIa and IIIa, the Contax G1, by incorporating the latest technology, sets new standards for rangefinder cameras.

Four dedicated Carl Zeiss interchangeable lenses have been developed specially for the G1 and are the result of the application of latest optical technology and computer aided lens design. In addition, the Contax G1 is able to utilise Carl Zeiss lenses from the Contax SLR range, by means of an adaptor.

With the performance and versatility of an SLR, at a fraction of the size and weight, the Contax G1 can be expected to become a modern classic.

Available immediately from selected photographic dealers, the Contax G1 is expected to sell for around £1450 for the body and standard Carl Zeiss Planar T* 45mm f/2.0. More information about the camera and stockists is available from Kyocera Yashica UK Ltd., at 4 Bennet Court, Bennet Road, Reading RG2 0QX, telephone 01734 314141 or fax 01734 311240.

FEATURES OF THE CONTAX G1


The Camera Body
Immensely strong, elegantly styled and perfectly finished.
The camera chassis is formed in copper/silumin alloy, the body covers are manufactured in titanium alloy finished to a silver lustre colour and the lens mount is stainless steel.

The Viewfinder
Real image, linked to lens in use, with automatic parallax correction.
Unlike viewfinders of previous technologies, the G1 has no distracting bright lines. All essential data is shown on an LCD panel below the viewfinder image. Eyesight correction is built in and a clip on viewfinder is available for the Hologon 16mm f/8.

Exposure Metering
TTL, centre weighted average, for ambient and flash light.
Just like Contax's top SLRs, now TTL metering is available on an interchangeable lens rangefinder type camera. When the Hologon 16mm f/8 is fitted, the G1 switches to external metering, because the rear element is too close to the film plane to allow TTL metering.

Exposure Control
Choose from aperture priority automatic or manual metered exposure.
As you would expect from a Contax system camera, exposure compensation and automatic bracketing are standard features of the G1.

Focusing
External, passive auto focusing system or manual focus with electronic
sharp focus confirmation.
The stepless auto focus measurement has low light assistance, AF lock, and is extremely accurate, due to an extra-long base length.

CONTAX G1 ACCESSORIES


One of the greatest advantages of a rangefinder camera is the freedom given to optical designers to develop lenses which are not restricted by a reflex mirror, as in an SLR. The four new, high performance Carl Zeiss lenses for the Contax G1 are free from the compromises that are necessary in an SLR design. From the ultra wide 16mm Hologon f/8 to the classic Sonnar 90mm f/2.8, the optics offer ultimate image quality and compact size, to ensure that they will provide the professional with effective working characteristics.

Carl Zeiss HOLOGON T* 16mm F/8
Based on the traditional Hologon ultra wide angle lens, originally developed by Dr. Erhard Glatzel, the Hologon T* 16mm f/8 is an advanced, virtually distortion-free wide angle lens of outstanding performance, designed specially for the Contax G1. To compensate for fall-off of illumination towards the edges of the frame caused by the extreme angle of view, 106 degrees, a Contax centre filter is provided as standard equipment. Having such a short focal length and a fixed aperture of f/8, the extreme depth of field of the Hologon will allow use pre-focussed. Its ultra wide angle will be particularly attractive for architectural, advertising, fashion or scenic photography. Wherever they appear, Hologon images will command special attention.

Carl Zeiss BIOGON T* 28mm F/2.8
Originally developed by Dr. Ludwig Bertele, the Biogon design was regarded as a milestone in the history of photographic optics. The recomputation of this symmetrical lens for the G1 brings its performance right up-to-date and it will be particularly noteworthy for its extremely low distortion characteristics.

Carl Zeiss PLANAR T* 45mm F/2
Equivalent to the format diagonal, the focal length of the G1 standard lens gives a natural perspective. Like the other lenses, it has been recomputed for the G1 and its quality lives up to the famous tradition of the Carl Zeiss SLR standard lenses.

Carl Zeiss SONNAR T* 90mm F/2.8
This compact lens is noted for the razor sharp, brilliant images it produces, as well as uniform illumination across the frame, even at full aperture. The angle of view of 27o suits the Sonnar particularly for scenic and portrait photography.

Contax G1


Camera Specifications

Contax G1 Data Back GD-1 Specifications
Carl Zeiss HOLOGON T* 16mm F/8 Specifications
Carl Zeiss BIOGON T* 28mm F/2.8 Specifications

Carl Zeiss PLANAR T* 45mm F/2 Specifications
Carl Zeiss SONNAR T* 90mm F/2.8 Specifications
Special Lens Accessories

Further System Accessories

TLA Flash
GP-1 Power pack adaptor and P8 Power pack
Carrying case
Suggested Retail Prices Note that all specifications and prices are subject to change without prior notice.
E & OE




G1 Review in Photon June 95

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