The Contax G1 is a 35mm film camera first introduced in 1994 and replaced in 1996 with the more advanced G2. Though technically a rangefinder, it operates more like an auto focus camera. It is constructed of titanium metal and the series of Zeiss lenses specifically made for the Contax G series cameras are reportedly some of the best ever made. The camera has a very small viewfinder and is noisy and hard to focus sometimes, yet it is still my favourite. It is beautiful to look at and a pleasure to use despite its minor faults.

My daughter Marie-Michelle, shares the same love I have for this camera, often asking to borrow it on her trips abroad. I recall that when I was young, I used to lust after my father’s Mamiya Z-EX camera, but was never allowed to use it. The camera came into my possession after my father passed away, but by then I lost the desire I once had for the camera. Recently, Marie-Michelle moved away from home for work. I thought about my experience with that Mamiya and didn’t want her to lose her passion for the Contax, so I gifted her the G1 and Zeiss lenses. We both cried, happy tears – honest.