I acquired a couple of Contax G lenses (45mm and 90mm) and am interested in trying them out on my original Sony A7. Being that this is the original A7, I can't really use the autofocus adapters (unfortunately).
In reading reviews of some of the manual focus adapters, it seems like they're all pretty bad in some way. Is there any one that is better than the rest? I'd love to get smooth manual focus action if possible, otherwise I can't see them being enjoyable to use.
If there is, I never found one (after going through six of them). I kept the Metabones because it was the most reliable, but it still skips a little, particularly when it's warmer and I've been outside with it. The best way to go is a conversion. There used to be M-mount conversion kits available from Hawk's Factory, which were pricey, but I don't see them on eBay anymore. Some of our more adventurous members have done conversions themselves.
My recommendation is buy a cheap adapter, like a Fotodiox, and see if you like the lenses. If they prove to be keepers, then consider investing in a better adapter or going the conversion route.
Hi, I hv use Fotodiox and cheap adapter. Both perform well. My suggestion buy the cheap one.
And my experience on 90mm is the best for its low price and performance.
I liked the Ulata adapter. It was much smoother and nicer to use than the cheaper Fotasy and Fotodiox adapters I was using before. And unlike the Metabones dumb adapter that it copied, you can swap lenses without removing the adapter from the camera. If you dedicate an adapter
I tried the Fotodiox Pro adapter for Fuji - it's an even more faithful copy of the original Metabones adapter. I didn't like it as much, it caught a lot more than the Ulata did on my A7. That said, I haven't use it a ton, it might need some more wear-in time.
One of the most important things to remember about all of these Contax G adapters is that they require some break in. If the adapter feels a bit catchy, keep using it.
I used the G 45 and G 90 along with the Sony FE 28/2 for years as my main kit on the Sony A7. I shot a ton of concerts with this kit. Contax G aren't the ideal lens for adapting to newer cameras, but anyone who says they're unusable doesn't know what they're talking about.
These are exceptional lenses. I wouldn't do anything to improve the G 45 or 90 optically, but I wouldn't mind a rangefinder style aperture, with many more blades. I would have loved a 90/2, but the 90/2.8 is one of the better 90/2.8 lenses around, especially if size and cost are important.
If you're in love with these lenses and think they offer something more than what you'd find what's available in M mount, sure convert them. I don't think it's worth the cost. Just buy a Zeiss 50/2 in M mount to replace the G 45. There wasn't a good alternative to the G 90 a few years ago that could outperform it without spending a ton more, but now a days the Voigtlander 90/2.8 might be worth checking out. I was disappointed in the alternatives I've tried, the Leica 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit and Voigtlander 75/2.5 LTM.
IMHO 90/2.8 Elmarit, 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit, and 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit-M aren't as good as the G 90/2.8. The newest two comparable Leica lenses, the 90/2.8 Elmarit-M and newest 90/2.5 Summarit-M might compete with the G 90/2.8 but at a cost so high I'd be considering a used 90/2 Summicron of some kind instead. Of course "as good" is a matter of taste, so YMMV.
@sebboh's DIY conversion would be worth it if you are willing to put in the time.
I totally agree with @freaklikeme - buy a cheap adapter first and see how you like the lenses.
KKHA wrote:
Hi, I hv use Fotodiox and cheap adapter. Both perform well. My suggestion buy the cheap one.
And my experience on 90mm is the best for its low price and performance.
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arduluth wrote:
I liked the Ulata adapter. It was much smoother and nicer to use than the cheaper Fotasy and Fotodiox adapters I was using before. And unlike the Metabones dumb adapter that it copied, you can swap lenses without removing the adapter from the camera. If you dedicate an adapter
I tried the Fotodiox Pro adapter for Fuji - it's an even more faithful copy of the original Metabones adapter. I didn't like it as much, it caught a lot more than the Ulata did on my A7. That said, I haven't use it a ton, it might need some more wear-in time.
One of the most important things to remember about all of these Contax G adapters is that they require some break in. If the adapter feels a bit catchy, keep using it.
I used the G 45 and G 90 along with the Sony FE 28/2 for years as my main kit on the Sony A7. I shot a ton of concerts with this kit. Contax G aren't the ideal lens for adapting to newer cameras, but anyone who says they're unusable doesn't know what they're talking about.
These are exceptional lenses. I wouldn't do anything to improve the G 45 or 90 optically, but I wouldn't mind a rangefinder style aperture, with many more blades. I would have loved a 90/2, but the 90/2.8 is one of the better 90/2.8 lenses around, especially if size and cost are important.
If you're in love with these lenses and think they offer something more than what you'd find what's available in M mount, sure convert them. I don't think it's worth the cost. Just buy a Zeiss 50/2 in M mount to replace the G 45. There wasn't a good alternative to the G 90 a few years ago that could outperform it without spending a ton more, but now a days the Voigtlander 90/2.8 might be worth checking out. I was disappointed in the alternatives I've tried, the Leica 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit and Voigtlander 75/2.5 LTM.
IMHO 90/2.8 Elmarit, 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit, and 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit-M aren't as good as the G 90/2.8. The newest two comparable Leica lenses, the 90/2.8 Elmarit-M and newest 90/2.5 Summarit-M might compete with the G 90/2.8 but at a cost so high I'd be considering a used 90/2 Summicron of some kind instead. Of course "as good" is a matter of taste, so YMMV.
@sebboh@'s DIY conversion would be worth it if you are willing to put in the time.
I totally agree with @freaklikeme@ - buy a cheap adapter first and see how you like the lenses. ...Show more →
Thank you to both, that is extremely helpful.
It looks like the Ulata adapter (which I had never heard of before now) is not that much more expensive than the cheapest Fotodiox adapter. I'm inclined to just go with that if you have had good experiences with it. If only shipping from Hong Kong didn't take so long! Any stateside place to buy it?
I'm happy to hear about your experiences with the Contax lenses on your Sony. I'm excited to use the 45mm especially as I don't really have any use for a 90mm/2.8, even though I've heard it is very good.
No problem! I love these lenses, love the 28/2.8 on film and APS-C. They're exceptional lenses for what they cost, and I love to see people carrying on the torch.
Any stateside place to buy it?