Contax G1 lens retrofits?
Oct 5, 2021 18:33:52 GMT
on Oct 5, 2021 18:33:52 GMT
Last Edit: Oct 5, 2021 18:36:04 GMT by lumiworx
I've come across several mentions in for-sale descriptions over the last month that have me puzzled. There are bits and pieces that I'm trying to put together, and I'm unsure if they 'belong' together or not, so I'll just toss them out and see what sticks.
Most of the comments elude to a change in a silver label G1, as being modified in some way to accommodate the lens(es) later offered as updated models intended for the green label G1 (and presumably the G2). I'll assume that means at least the 35-70mm zoom, if not others like the 21mm Biogon. No mention is made about who did what, so there's no indication that the modification was done as a factory option, a retrofit by authorised service centers, or even some retrofit kit that any repair shop could buy to make the changes with. There are never any details on anything else surrounding the modification for warranty status, or exactly what was modified.
Is it possible that over the course of several interim owners, the modification made at some point just doesn't get passed along to another owner, and s/he isn't aware it's been modified when it's sold again? Is there anything to look for to see if it's been done and clearly identify it... or is it internal only and not visible and identifiable?
I've noticed lots of G1 bodies - unidentified by label colors - that have a secondary set of numbers printed onto a white label, and pasted over the original serial number on the base plate. Is this somehow an indicator of something, and does it have anything to do with these lens modification being done?
I have no idea if these retrofits were brought about by Yashica/Kyocera either. They may very well be some type of aftermarket retrofit that's not really an official fix at all, but would I know it if I saw it? Before I start looking in earnest at the possibility of buying a body, I'd hope to be able to distinguish the retrofitted ones from the originals. I'd prefer a green label anyway, but I don't want to dismiss a deal on a silver one if the price is right, and it's in great shape otherwise.
Most of the comments elude to a change in a silver label G1, as being modified in some way to accommodate the lens(es) later offered as updated models intended for the green label G1 (and presumably the G2). I'll assume that means at least the 35-70mm zoom, if not others like the 21mm Biogon. No mention is made about who did what, so there's no indication that the modification was done as a factory option, a retrofit by authorised service centers, or even some retrofit kit that any repair shop could buy to make the changes with. There are never any details on anything else surrounding the modification for warranty status, or exactly what was modified.
Is it possible that over the course of several interim owners, the modification made at some point just doesn't get passed along to another owner, and s/he isn't aware it's been modified when it's sold again? Is there anything to look for to see if it's been done and clearly identify it... or is it internal only and not visible and identifiable?
I've noticed lots of G1 bodies - unidentified by label colors - that have a secondary set of numbers printed onto a white label, and pasted over the original serial number on the base plate. Is this somehow an indicator of something, and does it have anything to do with these lens modification being done?
I have no idea if these retrofits were brought about by Yashica/Kyocera either. They may very well be some type of aftermarket retrofit that's not really an official fix at all, but would I know it if I saw it? Before I start looking in earnest at the possibility of buying a body, I'd hope to be able to distinguish the retrofitted ones from the originals. I'd prefer a green label anyway, but I don't want to dismiss a deal on a silver one if the price is right, and it's in great shape otherwise.