The G1 established an entirely new camera class as an AF rangefinder with interchangeable lenses. Combining much of the flexibility of an SLR with the portability of a rangefinder, it uses four exceptional Carl Zeiss lenses. A zooming viewfinder provides an appropriate view for the installed lens.
| Type | 35mm AF Rangefinder with interchangeable lenses |
| Lens Mount | Contax G |
| Focus Modes | Single shot AF, Continuous AF(only in continuous film drive mode) & Manual |
| Focus Type | Passive AF with assistance beam |
| Focusing Sensitivity Range | EV 3-19 @ ISO 100 with all lenses |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture priority & Manual |
| Exposure Metering | TTL Centerweighted averaged(also possible to meter from outside of the lens) |
| Metering Range | EV 1-19 @ ISO 100 with all lenses |
| Shutter Speed | 1/2000th to 16 Seconds + Bulb with flash sync at 1/100th second |
| Exposure Compensation | ±2 EV in 1/3rd EV increments |
| Exposure Bracketing | +/- 0.5 or 1.0 EV in three-frame sequences |
| ISO Range |
25-5000 (DX) 6-6400 in Manual setting |
| Built-in Flash | No |
| Film Wind | Auto single mode & Continuous at 2 frames per second |
| Focusing Screen | Not applicable |
| Diopter Correction | Yes (-2 to +0.3) |
| Self Timer | 10-Second delay |
| Remote Control | Optional cable release switch F |
| PC Terminal | Yes |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | Not applicable |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Not applicable |
| Multiple Exposure | Yes |
| Viewfinder Info | Image area frame(parallax corrected), Focus frame, Focus display, Shutter speed, Exposure mark, Exposure compensation & Flash readiness |
| LCD Information | Shooting distance, ISO Speed, Drive mode, Custom functions & Battery power |
| Color | Champagne |
| Power Source | Two CR2 3-Volt lithium batteries |
| Dimensions | 5.3 x 3.1 x 1.7" (133 x 78 x 43mm) WxHxD |
| Weight |
Body: 1.01 lb (458 g) Lens: 0.42 lb (191 g) |