Contax G2
Ask even a casual photographer what makes a rangefinder camera a rangefinder and you'll get an answer along the lines of having a focusing system that is separate from looking through the lens. What most photographers - casual or otherwise - will not generally think of are rangefinders with auto-focus capabilities. Starting in 1994 with the G1, Contax introduced the world to a true auto-focus rangefinder. After making some improvements on its original design, the G2 was rolled out in 1996.
These cameras are entirely electronic, which means that the exposure controls are outstanding. In addition to Aperture Priority mode, the Contax G2 allows for full manual control and through-the-lens metering when using the appropriate Contax flash. With this advancement, nailing exposure became as easy as nailing focus. The newer electronics allowed the G2 to increase the fastest shutter speeds from 1/2000th of a second to 1/6000th in aperture priority mode.
With all this new technology and capability, you'd expect the Contax G2 to be bulky and have controls like the inside of an Apollo capsule, but the ergonomics on the outside of the G2 are as groundbreaking as the electronics on the inside. With the focus control on the front of the camera body and shutter speed controls on top, making changes in either is almost effortless. And, at under 6" wide and less than 4" tall, the G2 is smaller than some point and shoots.
Even the best-designed camera is useless without the lens, though. The lenses for the G2 are a line of Carl Zeiss primes that range from 16mm to 90mm focal lengths. The 45mm f/2 is the "standard" lens for the G2, but the entire range offers great results and images that stand up to any other lens system. The G2's viewfinder could easily accommodate all but two of the framelines. The 16mm Hologon and 21mm Biogon each came with an external viewfinder. In 2000, Contax added to their range of prime lenses with a zoom lens - the 35-70mm Vario Sonnar, making the line of lenses complete.
Even though the G2 is a fairly modern camera, there is a lack of parts on the secondary market and qualified service technicians are difficult to find. Fortunately, even if your G2 develops issues, there are lens adapters that will make use of those Carl Zeiss lenses. Find a good working example of the G2 and see and feel what the epitome of rangefinder engineering is.
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