Transient-field g-factor measurements in inverse kinematics were performed for the first-excited states of the stable, even isotopes of Ge and Se. The g factors of 74 Ge and 74 Se were measured simultaneously using a cocktail beam, which eliminates most possible sources of systematic error in a relative g-factor measurement. The results are g( 74 Se)/g( 74 Ge) = 1.34 (7), g( 70 Ge)/g( 74 Ge) = 1.16(15), g( 72 Ge)/g( 74 Ge) = 0.92(13), g( 76 Ge)/g( 74 Ge) = 0.88(5), g( 76 Se)/g( 74 Se) = 0.96 (7), g( 78 Se)/g( 74 Se) = 0.82(5), g( 80 Se)/g( 74 Se) = 0.99(7) and g( 82 Se)/g( 74 Se) = 1.19(6). The measured g-factor ratios are in agreement with ratios from previous measurements, despite considerable variation in previous reported absolute values. The absolute values of the g factors remain uncertain, however the Rutgers parametrization was used to set the transient-field strength and then compare the experimental g factors with shell-model calculations based on the JUN45 and jj44b interactions. Modest agreement was found between experiment and theory for both interactions. The shell model calculations indicate that the g(2 + 1 ) values and trends are determined largely by the balance of the spin carried by orbital motion of the protons.