Contax G1 auto-focus light question

[peter_kim2]

I had a question about the Contax G1. I am trying to decide on

getting the G1 or G2 but I was curious about the autofocus light. I

like to do candid and street photography, Im not any good! I just

like to try.

 

Does the G1 always emit a focus light that is visable to the

subject? Or does it only emit a visable focus light under dark

condidtions? For instance if I'm in the subway or inside somewhere

where its kinda dark and want to take a candid shot, am I gonna spot-

light someone up with the focus light?

 

Its my understanding that the G2 also has a focus light but that its

infrared so its invisable?

 

I dont really need all the advanced features of the G2, and stupid

as it may seem this may seem, its the only major point of decision I

am stuck on.

 

Pete

[andrew_hall1]

You answers at http://www.contaxcameras.com/index2.html

 

A significant advantage of the G2 is the 1/200 maximum flash sync, indispensible in daylight fill flash.

[peter_kim2]

Actually Andrew, I already looked at that site earlier. I may be missing it but I didnt find an answer to my specific question about focus assit lights in the daytime...The specification and faq section is quite brief.

[sk_arts]

peter- lets hope that the AF is not as unreliable as the RX's DFI, fo if it is, it will only work 40% of the time :\

[andrew_hall1]

Look again, Peter. Put your cursor on the G1's focus window in Features. Also check the G2's specs and features page. They are there.

[peter_kim2]

Hi Andrew, I checked it out again and found some information on the clickable pciture you pointed out. I didnt even notice that the first time I went. However I was looking for a little more information than it provided.

 

Such as, does the camera (The G1, the site answered my questions about the G2) 'always' emit a visable light to focus...or only under low light conditions? If only under low light conditions then around what EV level? And is it completely automatic and turn on without warning?

 

I have a Canon digital camera and when the focus assit light comes on it is very distracting to the subject, its like a searchlight!...I mean for candid situations it draws attention.

[andrew_hall1]

See http://contaxg.com/contaxuser/

 

"The G1's very bright focus assist beam is effective, but can startle skittish subjects; the G2 system emits no visible light" Another plus for the G2.

 

If you need more details, there are several sites and mailing lists dedicated to these cameras. Just use Google.

[markus_ehrenfried]

Hi Peter,

 

I use a G1 for quite some time now. It emits the focus assist light ONLY under dim light conditions. It's a pattern of red vertical strips which will be projected into the general direction of your subject. The AF CCD is sensitive to this sort of structure. And yes, it is clearly visible to the subject. The G2s focusing assist light is infrared and therefore invisible, but the principle is the same.

 

Cheers, M.