Contax G35 Conversion Kit V2.0 |A Structural Evolution of a Proven System
The Origin of the G35 and G45 Conversion System
The Contax G system, introduced in the 1990s, remains one of the very few rangefinder platforms to have achieved autofocus. Developed jointly by Contax and Carl Zeiss, the system was accompanied by a series of compact T*-coated lenses known for their optical consistency and mechanical precision. Among them, the 35mm and 45mm focal lengths became the most widely used, offering a balanced combination of field of view, resolution, and portability.
Even after the Contax G camera bodies faded from mainstream use, these lenses continued to attract attention from photographers. The G35 in particular, with its natural perspective and stable rendering, has long been regarded as a strong match for the Leica M rangefinder system. However, early conversion methods often required irreversible modifications to the original lenses, compromising their integrity and long-term value.
In response to this, the Mr Ding development team, in collaboration with Funleader, introduced the first non-destructive Contax G35 conversion system in 2019. Using a dedicated conversion helicoid, the original optical block could be installed without any permanent alteration, enabling full Leica M rangefinder coupling and a shooting experience comparable to native M-mount lenses.
In 2021, the same engineering approach was extended to the G45, with further refinement of exterior design to better match the visual language of Leica M cameras.
Why G35 V2.0 Was Developed
After the first-generation G35 conversion kit was released, it accumulated several years of real-world use across a wide user base. The feedback was not focused on optical performance—which remained unchanged—but on mechanical behavior: focus damping, long-term stability, and how naturally the converted lens integrated into the Leica M system, both mechanically and visually.
Based on this accumulated experience, the Mr Ding team initiated the G35 V2.0 project in 2024. The goal was not to change the original non-destructive concept, but to refine it through a more robust mechanical structure and improved manufacturing detail.
Mechanical Refinement and Focusing Feel
The most important update in V2.0 lies in the internal focusing mechanism.
The transmission system and damping curve have been redesigned to provide smoother, more consistent resistance throughout the entire focus range. This improves control, especially when fine-tuning focus at wide apertures or close distances.
Rather than being a specification-driven upgrade, this change is felt directly during use: focus movement is more fluid, more predictable, and more stable, contributing to greater confidence in real-world shooting.
Exterior Design and Visual Integration
The V2.0 version also introduces a series of subtle exterior refinements designed to improve visual coherence when mounted on Leica M cameras, including:
- Repositioning of the 35mm focal-length marking
- Updated typeface on the lens barrel
- A redesigned focusing lever
- Modified grip pattern on the barrel
These changes are not intended to make the lens look “new,” but to allow it to blend more naturally into the Leica M system rather than appearing as a separate conversion component.
About the Aperture Behavior
During the mechanical redesign of V2.0, the internal structure was optimized to achieve improved focus damping and long-term mechanical stability. As a result of this redesign, one compromise was introduced due to the structural limits of the original Contax G optical unit.
When the aperture is set to f/16, the effective aperture is approximately f/13. When rotating back from f/16 toward f/11, the aperture remains at f/13 until the ring is returned from f/8 to f/11.
This behavior is inherent to the optical and mechanical constraints of the original G35 lens design. Given that f/16 is rarely used in practical photography, the development team chose to prioritize focus feel and mechanical reliability over maintaining the full aperture travel.
Conclusion
The Contax G35 Conversion Kit V2.0 does not represent a change in direction, but rather a refinement of a proven system. By preserving the original optical structure while improving mechanical precision and exterior integration, V2.0 allows this classic Zeiss lens to function more consistently and confidently within the modern Leica M environment.
It remains faithful to the original non-destructive philosophy, while delivering a more mature and coherent user experience.