Contax G2 Lens "Infinity" Park?

[kc4fox]

I've FINALLY gotten another G2 (bad case of sellers remorse!) after

several years of intervening high quality cameras (and camera

deals/trades, &c.) and I'm having fun taking pictures with it- just as

I remembered.

 

There's something about the camera, though- as I re-read about it on

the Internet (not too much new information available since I had

mine!) I see constant reminders that the AF system parks the lens at

infinity between shots (unless the AF lock stays engaged).

 

Mine doesn't. It parks the lens slightly closer, and extends it a bit

(this is with the 45- I'll check the other lenses) when the shutter is

1/2 pressed- in other words, it doesn't park the lens at infinity, it

parks the lens CLOSER than infinity, and extends it to reach the

infinity mark.

 

As I said, I've not yet got a roll developed, and everything about the

camera purchased indicates that it wasn't used very much- all foam is

perfect, &c., and there are no marks on the body to indicate that it

was dropped or damaged.

 

Can someone fire up their G2, aim at something far away, and see if

the lens moves when the AF is activated? I'm curious. A trip to the

shop ain't cheap...

[kevin conville]

Jeff,

 

Yes, it parks the lens closer to the body than the point where the lens is at infinity. You are

right that the parked position is not actually infinity. No need to worry then.

[kc4fox]

Thanks for the prompt answer!

 

I went for a smoke with the camera today and noticed it, then asked about it in a couple forums- yours was the first answer, and my worries are gone.

 

It did make me think, then test, though.

 

I wanted to know the *exact shape and size* of the AF spot, so whilst contemplating the menthol I saw a stump and proceeded to find where the spot begins and ends.

 

It's an exercise I recommend for every G2 owner.

 

On this particular camera, much like the last one, is a line at the very top of the AF brackets- and is slightly less wide than the brackets. In other words, the AF "spot" isn't a spot at all, but a line that is centered on the very top of the AF "spot" indicators in the viewfinder. It's very sharply defined. It doesn't change for close-in or far away focus, either.

 

ANYWAY, again, thanks for the quick answer. More pictures. More pictures.