October with Film - Notes on the Contax G1

October with Film

Notes on the Contax G1

It’s a beautiful and warm spring afternoon in Melbourne. Sitting in a cafe with my coffee by my right side and my laptop ready to face on my ferocious typing. I’m looking out the window and observing at the scene outside. Cars and people are going about their business in a slow, fuzzy yet steady pace. This is how I rediscover my friendship with time. Time has been my enemy these past months, but it’s about time I change that. With time on my hands, I can start to do the things I want to, like writing!

A couple of months ago, I finally plucked up the courage – and I didn’t even know I had to have this – and bought the coveted Contax G1 35 film camera as my main film camera. Set aside the luxurious status, the stunning lens, beautiful titanium satin finish, and overall appeal of it, it was a long and arduous journey to buy it but it was worth all the effort. Why did it take me so long to succumb to it? The main obstacle was justifying the hefty price tag and whether or not I could use a cheaper camera and achieve similar, same or better results. I also knew I had to be realistic with my skills and that I am and still am learning the quirks and perks of film photography, various film types and various camera bodies. My entry point was the disposable camera, which I covered in my previous blogs. Eventually, I wanted more quality photos and bought a cheap Pentax point-and-shoot camera. My little Pentax is a hidden gem and its results have impressed me very much. You don’t need an expensive camera to be able to take great photos. Ultimately, I found myself wanting more out of my point-and-shoot camera. That’s when I decided it was the right time to dive in and snap one up for myself.

A couple of months down the track, it’s been a curiously enjoyable journey. I’ve been able to take the camera with me to a few outings or events where I know I wouldn’t be too bummed out with not taking fabulous photos. Every time I’ve taken it out, I’ve learned something new about it. For one thing, I’ve found the light meter in the camera itself is really your friend. It won’t fire unless it knows it will be able to take in just enough light and isn’t too nose-close to your subject. Despite it being an expensive camera, I’m surprised to find it a cost-effective film camera. It won’t take the photo, but it’s only trying to help you. The last time I was at this cafe, I took a photo of my empty coffee cup. About a few weeks ago, I finally developed the film and the result is stunning:

See for yourself. This was literally just a quick close-up snap of my empty coffee cup. The tone, lighting, and softness of the photo sets the entire mood of the setting. Relaxing, cosy, and warm.

I needed this courage once again to bring the Contax G1 to PAX Australia, the biggest event my camera’s been to, and put its limits to the test. The biggest battle I faced was the indoor light and how well the photos would look. Composition was also another tricky aspect to put into practice due to the big crowds. However, I went in there and focused on shooting with a particular theme and that was capturing the lights, shadows, and neon-colours, anything that screamed cyberpunk. I’ll be sharing more of my thoughts and experience at PAX Australia in another blog entry, but the Contax G1 held itself really well. Although my camera didn’t really pick up much of the neon vibrancy that well nor were my compositions that great, I did manage to capture a few stand-out moments.

It’s been a great two months of learning with new camera and I’m thrilled that there’s still more learning to do with it. I haven’t reached any stage where I regretted buying the camera and am thankful that I have plenty yet to learn.

August With Film - Initial thoughts on the Contax G1

August With Film

Initial thoughts on the Contax G1

In small hands, this is a descent-sized film camera. Despite the weight, it’s a mighty beast of titanium build with a luminescent glow. It took me almost two years to give in to the Contax spell. This isn't a review yet so I'm going to say i’m already captivated by its beauty.

Minolta Maxxum 5000

MINOLTA MAXXUM 5000

As part of my new journey in analog photography, I’ve been on the hunt for the most reliable, all-rounder 35mm film camera to rely on for all my analog photography. A bit of research in to what other budding, profesional and hobbyist photographers had in common was one beautiful piece of champagne titanium coolness, the Contax G1 paired with the Carl Zeizz 45mm F/2 Planar lens. It isn’t the cheapest option on market - and for good reason - but I feel like this is the camera I want track down and buy to use as my film camera. A couple of weeks observing and watching Ebay, a mint-condition G1 model costs up to AUD $1000. However, other film cameras of cult statuses with lesser function cost double that amount. All in all, the hunt for the reliable film camera is exciting. I’m learning new things and reading more about models I’ve never heard about or ones that were exclusively released in certain parts of the world.

I did have my hopes up to avoid having to buy a 35mm film camera when I remembered my Dad had brought home a spontaneous camera purchase from the Op shop, an second-hand Minolta Maxxum 5000 camera. It is in mint condition but no one proactively sought to find out whether the camera actually worked. Sitting next to our insanely mouldy but operable and handy camera that’s captured a lot of my childhood pictures, I only realised a potentially usable 35mm film camera was there all along, next to my organised chaos of shoes. All hopes put aside, the camera doesn’t turn on when I load new AAA batteries. It did put a bit of damper on my spirits. My camera search continues!

My website will be a working progress in the next six months. I’m going to give myself plenty of time to experiment, practice, see what works and doesn’t work, and perfect what I want my website to showcase: my photographs of people, places, lights, and video games. Feel free to share your thoughts. The video gaming community is in the first stages of what is going to be an exciting few years ahead as the world of esports takes strides into competitive-level sporting tournaments and technological advances continue to reach the impossible and provide players with even bigger, better, and quality video games.