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It does everything faster and a bit better, but is the G2 still an instant classic like the G1?
When Contax announced the landmark G1, the first new interchangeable-lens rangefinder 35 in decades, and the first ever with autofocus, back in late 1994, few would have expected them to come up with a significantly improved and upgraded companion model a scant 25 months later. But that is precisely what they have done. Not surprisingly, the new Contax G2 bears a close family resemblance to the G1, is also built on a cast-alloy chassis with stylish titanium outer body, uses the same breech-bayonet G mount, and is a serious enthusiast's camera that incorporates many of the conveniences built into the latest SLRs and sophisticated point-andshoots. These include autofocus, through-the-lens (TIL) aperturepriority autoexposure, built-in two-speed motor drive, power rewind, and TTL autoflash via a dedicated hot shoe.
In its own way, the G2 is just as attractive as its posh, elegant, and pricey predecessor, but it's bigger-1/4 inch wider and 1/8 inch taller, as well as a tad over 31/4 ounces heavier than the Gl. And with a list price of $2,250, it's also $40 more expensive than the G1, which continues in production. Despite these moderate increases in size and cost, we predict that most G-series Contax buyers will opt for the G2 and many will be tempted to trade in their G1's to acquire the new model. No, the G2 doesn't blow the G1 out of the water, either in picture-taking ability or convenience, and taken individually none of its enhancements may seem to strike a decisive blow, but when you add them all up, the inescapable conclusion is that the G2 is a much improved machine.
Let's begin our comparison by looking through the G2's finder. While it's still not as big and bright as today's best SLR finders, it is a bit larger, brighter, and contrastier than the G1's finder, and affords better eye relief as well. Even more important, its parallax-compensation system has been improved. It now shifts the bottom and right-hand borders of the frame outward and downward, as well as moving the left and top edges inward as you focus closer (the G1 only does the latter), and this...