Maybe for some definitely for me I am in love with my Pen F I am going to hold on to it I will never sell it! There is nothing out there quiet like like the Pen F for me that makes it well worthy of the m43 crown in my opinion. The Pen F makes me want to go out and take more photographs, is it perfect? No but I love the look the feel of it the design and how it makes me feel.📷
It's definitely the best looking M43 camera ever made. I do also have a Pen F (I also succumbed to its looks ;) ) but I decided to give it to my girlfriend, who's very happy with it. I prefer my trusty Panasonic GX8. It's not a looker, but ergonomically (nice grip and large EVF) and functionally (weather-sealed and easy to follow menu and buttons), it is one step above the Pen F.
The demand is there, but I think OM/Olympus doesn't know which part of the market to slot this into. I think if OM System released a Pen-F M.II with all rhe features of OM-5, they would have a winner on their hands.
The E-M5ii was sibling to the PEN-F. Tbh they have not improved the IQ since, it's still up there with the E-M1iii, OM-1 and G9. The PEN-F has features still lacking in the OM-5. The PEN-F is CDAF only which makes the AF a bit slower. PDAF would let it AF more quickly but CDAF is used to finalise and lock focus because it is most accurate. Recognition, as it does on any camera, slows the AF down, they have to think about recognition before they can lock focus. The PEN-F is not plastic, this is actually quite important, it's haptics. And it wants a tilt screen because it is a stills camera. I'd welcome a PEN-F mark.2 but they'd have to keep what it has and improve it slightly, bring it up to date, not dumb it down and cheapen it as is their wont (cf. what they did to the Pen-Lite and Pen)
The OM-5 was a real disappointment for me. Everyone was predicting it would be a slightly cut-down OM-1, and if it was, I'd have bought it. Instead, I grabbed a Pen-F. Don't regret that for a moment.
I have been shooting on an E-OM 10 and an E-OM2ii. Both great cameras in their different categories. I am completely mystified by OM System’s marketing strategy. If you’re not a wildlife photographer, you don’t exist. Nothing against wildlife photography, but why lock yourself into a smaller market niche. Oly and OM cameras are such great tools with amazing glass at a very fair price…. Sad.
@@12qwas12as MFT has a number of major advantages for wildlife, the longest lenses, lightweight system. Their big flagships may get the glory but they are not the money earners. The smaller cameras are the bread and butter. The best selling Olympus in Japan, their big market, is currently the E-PL10. I believe both companies are neglecting and cheapening their small cameras when they should be making them higher quality.
Look at Fuji - their X-Pro# series generally aligns with the concurrent X-T# model. I seriously doubt that the rangefinder style body is outselling the SLR style body. Does the Olympus rangefinder style body outsell the SLR style bodies? Don’t get me wrong, I love the rangefinder style bodies. I own and XPro2 and XT2, but I enjoy using the rangefinder a lot more.
Give me an updated AF with PDAF, weather sealing, flush tilting (not flippy) screen, and give us updated weather sealed 1.8 primes and I would be all over it!
for me, the best MFT is the Oly EM-10. Why? Because it focuses on the best of MFT and delivers good image quality in the smallest enjoyable package. Tiny camera, great ergonomics, joy to use, and the photos are pretty darn good too. To me, MFT is about size and low price. EM-10 wins at both of those categories. Problem with the Pen F is that Fuji exists.
I just found you today as it were and low and behold you are extolling the virtues of the, Pen-F. over tthe years I have had and sold 4 of them. I have recently been getting withdrawal symptoms not having one. I have been a digital Olympus fan since 2000 and have had many, still have and will never sell the E-1. You are one hundred per cent correct, this is the micro four thirds camera of all time and nothing will beat it unless its a Mk2 with weather sealing. I have been off around APS-C and Full Frame but today I have just received a mint silver version Pen-F which I paid £687 for a fortune but love isn't cheap. So at 74 I am starting another MFT collection again and not to be sold. I agreed with all you said on your channel and some. You are right it deserves the MFT crown, quirky as it is it's character!
Loved your photography throughout the video! I like the PEN-F and wouldn’t sell mine, but although it is one of the best looking m43 camera’s I wouldn’t say its worthy of the crown. However, a mark ii with some of the stuff you mentioned; good video capabilities, weather sealing etc (and that on/off switch integrated somewhere on the right because that’s bugging me too) could be a serious contender!
I agree. Despite having an EM5 and EM1 Mii I am more of a Panasonic fan. GX80/85 or GX9 with the Panasonic 15mm lens I would argue is the best M43 camera. The looks aren’t quite as appealing as the Pen-F. Looks aren’t everything. It’s what is inside that counts. Also super duper glass to put on the body. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
YEAH... nah. My heart still belongs to the *Lumix GX8!* These two cameras ate up each other's market share when they were new, & now neither manufacturer seems very willing to do an update despite loads of us rangefinder fans drooling over such a possibility. If you're listening, Lumix, I'd gladly do a preorder at up to $1700USD for a nice new GX10 with some added autofocus capability, a few upgraded video features & a little boost in EVF resolution.
I'm going to go completely against the crowd and say that I never liked the look of the Pen F. OK, from the front, agreed, it's gorgeous. But the dials on the top plate are random sizes in asymmetrical places and they all overhang the lip like dinner plates on a waiter's arm. And the back is just ugly with the EVF circle chopped off for the flippy screen and that awkward squared off grip indent. Antisocial rant aside, it's by far the best Pen ever made and I wish they'd make a Mark II (preferably with a tilt screen). Unfortunately, if even the OM-5 is plastic I doubt we'll ever see a metal-bodied Pen again.
This year marks my 40th year as a photographer. Over the years, I have owned many cameras/camera systems. A few years back, I got rid of my bulky Nikon DSLR’s, and bought an Olympus Pen-F black body. I loved it so much that I bought a second one. Coincidentally, I bought the second Pen-F from MPB and had an excellent experience. I enjoy your work and have learned a great deal from you!
Amazing!! Another annoyance for me is the one I stupidly sold a few years ago was the black one, which is my faveeeee and so hard to find now! You keep hold of those cameras! 😁
I’m a relative new comer to the m43 scene, but hands down this is my personal favourite stills camera I’ve ever used. 2 months ago now I managed to get a fully boxed black Pen-F in immaculate condition with an extra battery, Leica 25mm 1.4 (boxed aswell) for £750 all in. Money well spent in my eyes.
PL 25mm 1.4 has been my most used lens for the past +10 years. Compact lightweight perfect for street photography while travelling (or in your own town).
the pen-f is an om-d in the clothing of an olympus pen, so it's very feature-packed. i own a pen-f and like using mine for street and zone focusing (the Ricoh GR just edges it out there since you can do that one-handed), but i think i'd give the crown of favorite MFT photo camera to the e-m1x. great weather sealing, helluva grip, great features. weight isn't a bother, and the natural profile is probably my favorite out of all my Olympus mirrorless cameras. i feel like i can do anything with it. the vertical grip feels good and surprisingly is useful for vertical video.
Olympus made a huge mistake by not going after the same audience as Fuji did! Look at Fuji now, and look at om System who had more success? Olympus was a god given name however there marketing was awful. Fuji has become what Olympus should have been. Btw that om System name not work for me. Btw the pen f is such a gorgeous camera and my favorite with the Olympus em5 mark ii
I didn’t realise you cant get them anymore. The new pen cameras are no way as cool as pen f. I don’t know what has happened to cameras the last few years, there is no new ground breaking tech or more retro stuff which is what people want. Camera manufacturers are slowing down at the same rate phone cameras are getting better. If main stream camera manufacturers would have improved at the same rate as the iPhone pros in the last 5 years then there would be dome amazing kit I think. I wish there was an Olympus or lumix camera as good and same size as Ricoh gr 3. Or a weather sealed gr3. The massive take up of second hand stuff just shows that manufacturers are missing the mark with new stuff.
I agree. All cameras are now better than the human eye can discern, so the point now is to make then look nicer and better ergonomics for the users, like you said.
I felt the same way about the e-m10 markii. I loved that camera but then I sold it and got the e-m1 markiii. Then my husband surprised me on my birthday with a used e-m10 markii. I shoot more with that camera than any of my cameras I have. 😂
Thanks for the video! This is my favorite camera of all time. The day mine arrived I held it, I used it around the house and inmidiately bought another one in mint condition (As a collective item). I quickly realized what I had been missing. This is the most beautiful mirrorless camera ever made, but that's not it, it is the best micro 4/3 camera ever made to date for stills as well. The image quality is second to none, including the latest micro 4/3 cameras, which use the same sensor. I have tried them all and this is as good as micro 4/3 gets, thus far. I use it with any lenses, but the Leica 15mm 1.7 works and looks great with it. If it was weather sealed and the EVF was a bit bigger (Which is ok) it would be the best all around portable camera ever made. OM-5 is the best for that, but not as beautiful. Don't forget that with the superb image stabilization this gets better pictures in low light than any other cameras, APC or full frame, that don't have image stabilization. Get one while you can!
I have the Pen F and love it, especially for monochrome. I also have the OMD E-M1 Mark II and love it for its auto focus and weather sealing. Best of both worlds.
I also sold mine many years ago when I went to Fuji and I have to agree with you. It's a very nice camera along the lines of the Fuji X100 series... I now shoot Leica M's and don't miss any of the other cameras I have used...
We all need to sell cameras from time to time. Usually to fund an expensive new camera. Some of those cameras never mattered, but some of them we spend the rest of our life regretting the sale. We lie to ourself and say "I'll get another one one day when I have some spare cash" but we know that there will always be something more important whenever we have anything approaching the idea of extra cash, and we will never get another one. Once it is gone, it is gone, and that is why it hurts not having it anymore.
My vote would be for the GX7 as I feel Panasonic found a great sweet spot with that camera - It has some very high end photography features - 1/8000th mechanical shutter, 1/320th flash sync and ibis - but without the overload of options you get in later Lumix bodies which makes it fast and easy to use. It's small, light, has great ergonomics and is very good looking (which is rare for a lumix). Granted the Pen F is more feature rich but it's still over double, if not triple the price of the GX7. I know most people will go for the Pen F but the GX7 is gorgeous, practical and so, so cheap (I got mine for £169 from mpb). Long live the GX7 lol
Very good choice! I’ve always coveted the Gx8, which I believe is similar but has an audio input for a bit of video. I love the design on that range so much
@@MicroFourNerds well originally I had the GX80 but I sold it when I mistakenly decided that full frame was for me. I've only just come back to micro 4/3s and I didn't have a lot to spend so I went for an older body but I couldn't be happier - 10 years since it was released but it still feels really fast and capable.
@@MicroFourNerds I'm not familiar with the Pen F, but my first thought when you listed some of its limitations regarding weather-sealing and mic in was of the GX8, which was my first foray into a digital ILC camera in 2019. For me it seemed to be the sweet spot in terms of size vs function, but I'm not sure it would give you much new if you own a GH5 (and now I think a 6?) plus a selection of smaller Lumix cameras.
@@MicroFourNerds I purchased a GX8 used 5 years ago. When it came out, I was put off by the size compared to my GX7. That was a mistake. With a small prime it still causes people to ask if I’m shooting film. When I did an engagement shoot with another photographer, it made a good impression on his wife, who was his assistant, carrying a bag with a Canon 5 series body and lens.
I dont understand why people hype the PEN F? Okay, I never used one. But I love the GX80 or GX85 what its called in US. And I love my EP7. Yes, it doesn't have the ev but other than that it's a great camera. I use it in moments where I'm too lazy or have not enough space for my EM1X 😄
I have to agree with your assessment and thoughts on the Olympus PEN-F camera. Like you, I bought mine in the early days of 2017, after it reached the US shores. I use it still today for a great street and travel camera. I don’t think OMS will re-introduce it again but might make a more powerful sensor version to complete it’s mission with lite carry capability. No it won’t compete with the Leica Q3, but then again why should it? Great design and execution with vast numbers of lenses for M43 seems like a no-brainer. ❤
I love my Pen-F. But, the EVF is dated. That's the one big complaint I have. I can live without the weather sealing, and I can live with the jpeg dial, and the on-off button, the poor video, and even the auto-focus, but wouldn't it be nice if it had the viewfinder of the OM-1? The EVF was not even great by 2016 standards. I would forgive it everything else if it had a better EVF.
I bought my Pen F a few years ago, and they will have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. Or, I accidentally drop it in a lake. Then I'll sell the cats and buy another one. The stunning image quality, RAW and out of the box; the build quality; the size and shape; the amazing looks (I used to deal in and collect antique cameras, this is the aesthetic I love); the range of quality and useful lenses I have and which are available if I want them; the fine built in EVF which is there if I need it; high FPS; fast focussing; low light capabilities; the high def feature for up to 80mp images; and enough optional features to always have something interesting to learn and play with. But one of the things I like most of all is the ability of M3/4 cameras to accept almost ANY classic lens, with an adapter, due to the additional focusing distance. I have adapters so I can use all my Exakta, Leica M, 42mm, Canon, Nikon, and other Olympus lenses. Yes other M4/3 cameras can do this, but put a 1930's whatever on the Pen F, and it looks like it belongs, too. IMHO nothing comes close to this camera. It was like they designed it for me. One point I want to make: I often hear that this is supposedly styled after the early Olympus Pen series. I don't think so. The others of this newer Pen line clearly were, looking like the vintage 35mm film Pen F, with elements of the Pen EE and others. But if you put this next to, say, a Leica IIIc, it is practically a dead ringer. I think they were going after the antique Leica look, not their own Olympus offerings.
The price was far too high at release, which probably cost it a lot of sales. Too much emphasis went into the presentation and the styling. Not enough going towards it being a tool to use. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great camera, but for the price, it should’ve had weather sealing. OM Systems could release something similar with weather sealing and a weather sealed 17mm f1.8. For street photography, a tilt screen would be better. That would then tick a lot of boxes for me. I guess it would be a cross between a pen f, gx8 and gx9.
Great pictures of my birthplace, Madeira. I also enjoy street photography with Olympus cameras - OMD emMkii, Stylus1s and Pen L9. Would like to get my hands on a Pen F... but i think they’re overpriced...
I have to say you are absolutely amazing! I have an interesting task for you.. :) I NEEEED an Olympus MFT or Pana MFT (~200 euros without lens) that you would super recommend to me. I love great colors straight from the jpegs. It would be so great to hear from you here!! :)
@@MicroFourNerds Oh yeah! Just watched it. I came to my following favourites: GX800, M-5 and... Fujifilm X-E1! How about this Fujifilm? How would you rate it next tot your favourites? This would help me finally
I love the look of the PEN-F 😊 But is there really room for it, when you have the OM-5, which has so many advantages over it and also have most of the features of the PEN-F, such as looks and size? I normally shoot with an OM-1, but I have had the E-M5 (predecessor to the OM-5), and I have NO plans of getting rid of it…
that was one of the factors for me to sell when I originally had it. I was photographing more people and animals and it was Not Good in the focus department! It's much more forgiving for travel and street photography I think
EM5.3 is the same width, the same thickness on one side, and only 1.3cm taller in the middle. Plus it’s actually lighter (wooo, 6g!) has better focusing, evf, and is weather sealed. Same infuriating menus, though. It’s like PEN-F was a warm-up to EM5.3.
It is a very good photo camera, provided you upgrade it to the last firmware. Build quality is much better then any X100V, to the point I sold mine as I saw not reason to have both. I agree about Weather sealing and possibly I wish it had a better grip. I bought a leather jacket just to hold it more comfortably. There is also the nasty construction of the thumb grip that degrades and fall of: you can't just glue it back because the plastic deforms and does not fit any more. Fortunately I found 4 spare replacement on line that should keep my Pen F running for a long time. It became my go to m43, over my GX9 and my Em5mkII and I see no reason to upgrade for what the market offers. Video is bad but it's not what the Pen-F was made for.
How do you compare Olympus Pen F vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX9? Both rangefinder style M43 camera and 20 megapixel sensor, roughly the same dimension and weight.
My favorite camera is Panasonic GX9. Though I have a Canon full frame, Panasonic puts a smile on my face. Together with 25mm 1.4 and 15mm 1.7 they bring me joy. Thank you for your channel!
@@TheGreenEggFarm I still have the Olympus omd 5 and it works perfectly. I’ve sold my first Panasonic Gx9 and I regreted it almost immediately. This year I’ve purchased it again and I’m happy. It almost disappeared from the market.
I'm a GH5 user and whilst I work primarily in video now, I'm real keen to get back to just enjoying photography by having a smaller camera (that's still M43 so that I can make uses of my lenses!). Hoping to find something that I can get for a pretty limited budget of £500 or less and this seems like a potential option - particularly love how it seems like a tactile piece of kit that almost makes you feel like you're shooting analogue (definitely don't get that vibe with a GH5). Would you recommend anything in particular, any help massively appreciated!
My dream travel mft camera : Body of Lumix GX/LX Sensor of GH6 Screen of GH6 EVF = 2.63 dot or above 5-axis IBIS Live Composite / High Res Mode 4K60P, 1080.240P 3.5 mm TRRS Microphone Input USB C Transfer / Charge UHS-II SD card
It really is a beautiful camera with all that Olympus m43 goodness. The fact it has an OVF, unlike the other Pens, makes it a near-perfect (street) camera. I frequently window-shop for used Pen-Fs. One day she will be mine!
I adore the Pen F, but I wouldn't reccomend it for street. It's just too slow for that instant street photo. It's frustratingly close to being quick enough as well. You'll always be about a millisecond off the moment. Definitely a lovely and brilliant camera. Don't let me put you off. Just be aware of its very few drawbacks.
I've been a fan of Olympus cameras ever since I picked up my first OM-1 (the film version), and grabbed a Pen-F last year. Love it. My one real annoyance is that I'm left-eyed, and if the screen is visible (not turned inside) with the camera to my eye, bumping my nose up against it pulls up the focus point selector. Since I pretty much always shoot through the EVF, I just keep the screen turned in. Still, this seems like an obvious oversight.
I have a silver Pen-F and experience the same frustrations over the focusing at times. I'm almost at the point of selling but then you watch films like this which reminds you of why you got it originally so the prospect of sellers remorse hangs at the back of my mind a lot! Especially when I always remind myself of why did I ever sell the Panasonic DMC-L1 four thirds camera I had - now that is also a camera like the Pen-F that needs to be done as an updated version in either micro four thirds (or even as a full frame beastie! :) )
It’s a beautiful camera but the AF is probably the worst I ever experienced - not only in sport. And front selector could be used for something more useful than what’s it’s used for now. It’s nowhere near to be the best. Unfortunately. I really love the look.
3 pen F's. 1st one wouldn't turn on. About the 10th time trying it would come on. In 5 minutes I could fry eggs on it. Sent it back. 2nd one only warms up a little after 25 minutes of stills. 3rd one worked perfectly. Until a shoot couple of weeks ago. The lcd/eye sensor died. I can still switch manually. & yet I love them.
My Pen-F locks up about once a year when out shooting. I learned to turn it off and remove the batt. Then all is ok for many more trips. I have 4 Olympus bodies, the Pen-F I cannot part with. 3 other prior bodies I no longer have.
I wanted to get away from all my Fuji gear. Yes something even smaller and lighter. This model is just too big and too much going on. I just want like a “cheap Leica” .. Love the smaller, slimmer, simpler Pen E-PL7. 45mm 1.8 and the Panasonic 20mm 1.7. 💁🏻♀️
I agree with everything you say about this amazing stills camera. Oddly, though there are focus problems, as you note, I use one of my Pen Fs for nature, usually with a Panasonic-Leica 100-400mm lens. It works surprisingly well, niggling focus issues aside. With both my Pen Fs I've added a hand-grip. This makes the camera surprisingly more comfortable to hold. In one case it's a Meike; in the other an RRS. One feature you didn't mention is the viewfinder. It's superb, much better than its modest specs would indicate. I'd emphasize, further, that the black and white film simulation is remarkable, my favorite, rivaling in my affection by only the Fuji Acros or the Fuji straight black and white with the red filter. Thank you for memorializing this classic for us.
I rhink the Pen-F plus the Lumic 20 f1.7 is a dangerous combo. I love the pen and the lens, but both are notorious for being slow to focus. So when you pair them...yikes! Lol I just realized: the color modes on this camera are something like a proto-LUT profile, say a precursor to the profiles you can upload on new Panasonics
For me the pen-f is the best (good) looking Microfour thirds camera but... not the best in performance. Also the ergonomy is not very good. I prefer lumix gx8 or omd EM5 mkII
My guess is that the PEN-F is at least on par with the GM1, personnally I like the GM1 more because of the size en about 1/2 the weight of the pen-f! I like the img stabilisation of the pen-f though.
If OM systems were brave enough they would focus Pen f mk 2 on a photo centric audience and ditch the video part completely . Focus all efforts into improving the af and pack it into the same body which does not need improving. In this way they could keep the price low, satisfy the great trenche of people who don’t want the video tech stuff and leave the cinematography to their other offerings. I would be happy anyway.
Really enjoyed this - and great photography. Over the years I've owned several M43 cameras, starting with the original Pen mk1 then an OM-D E-M5. Sold them all, missed them, bought an E-M5 II... sold that, then missed it again and finally went for the Pen-F which was one I'd wanted for years but shied away from that price. Happy to say, this camera and a handful of my fave m43 lenses are keepers now! As you say, it has qualities that make it far more than the sum of its stats - flaws and all it's unique and I use it as you do, largely for it's wonderful monochrome jpegs straight from camera. Olympus colours are also wonderful to boot! Thanks for sharing and I hope you enjoy yours for many years!
I have the camera too, it's a very nice camera except for the on/off switch. Which designer, being a complete idiot, designed the switch on the left? I throw up every time I take the camera out of my pocket. Kind regards
To be honest I don't believe in M43 system and to be honest too I should admit that I haven't tried using that system so far...I don't believe in it because I firmly believe that the APS-C sensor size is the sweet spot BUT I should also admit that I highly love the design of the PEN F among other Olympus/Panasonic cameras and that if a M43 camera is coupled with the right lens it could give beautiful result especially when it comes to shooting portraits... thanks for always sharing good stuff ... oh and there is something else I should add: I love your photos and the presets you use :-) so I sincerely wishing you all the best!
I bought a silver Pen F in 2016 when it came out, still have it, probably among my top three favorite cameras ever. I love it so much, I bought a mint condition, used black Pen F not too long ago. I use it almost exclusively with the m.Zuiko 12mm f2. Emily, the focus issues are mostly down to what lens you use - no issue with m.Zuiko and m.Zuiko Pro lenses. Also, a very underrated feature on the Pen F: you can use the display for setting the focus point with your finger sliding over it while looking through the viewfinder, this works very well for me in situations where I don't or can't focus and re-compose. Two other very cool features the Pen F has: 50MP high-res mode (tripod required); and keystone compensation in camera. It's funny how everyone is overpaying those blown up prices for older X100 models when the Pen F is a much better camera than any of the older X100 models. And it looks better too!
Any camera, even high end small sensor compact cameras, are good enough in specifications. I think it is a matter of subjective tastes. I have a X100s because I am not much into cameras with interchangeable lenses, the optical viewfinder and the jpeg recipes make me forget I am using an electronic device, is it a better camera? for my goals, yes. Certainly black and white in this Olympus I think is quite nicer, and the 4:3 aspect ratio to me is better than 2:3 ratio, specially in vertical orientation, but honestly for my photography the simpler in specifications a device, the better, and Olympus I think takes that approach to have many useful features for a broad range of users, which to me would be overkill. The only thing maybe I sometimes would wish for my Fujifilm X100s is an ISO dial but even that isn't that necessary for me.
The best model is in fact the forgotten PEN E-P5, which is smaller and lighter than the trendy PEN F, has better front and rear control dials, plus the lever that gives you direct access to two more modes. So the ergonomics are far better. Better yet, you can attach the VF-4 viewfinder which tilts to 90 degrees... my favoured mode of shooting. Looks like the total cost is about €420 as I write... so cheaper than a PEN F.
I only have a very small pool of cameras to relate to and they are all Panasonic the best of which are my GH6 and G9. Would you suggest I maybe cast my sights further afield and not stick to one brand. And putting talent, or lack of, what non Panasonic cameras produce better stills images than a Panasonic please? Ain’t no way I’m switching horses for video work. It’s taken me all these years just to grasp the basics.😅
OM Systems has a golden opportunity with Taylor Swift to market a new Pen-F; re-release it with a proper pancake lens (either 14mm, 17mm or 20mm @ f/1.8) with IBIS and Lens IS for sync-IS, add in PROPER vintage film simulations, one from each decade of the last 60 years and call them ERAS and name one of them "Swift" and you've got an instant buy from a LOT of Taylor Swift fans. If OM Systems wants to make money, they're gonna have to SPEND some money. Especially considering that way too many of OM Systems users are old geezers. Not reaching out to the younger audience to ensure they keep buying into the M43 system will be an inevitable death of the brand cuz all those old bums are basically on life support right now. Fuji X100 series cameras have every influencer foaming at the mouth because of it's vintage package and sales are through the roof. The PEN-F is every bit as retro..... but if you dont give proper vintage photos, nobodys gonna care.
They should have paid Taylor Swift to market a new PEN-F... she already uses Olympus cameras and her fans KNOW this. OM Systems is squandering a golden opportunity to get some GOOD marketing at the younger generation that can actually buy into the system.
I really love the rangefinder style so I hope something new comes out like that. Right now our Lumix GX85 seems to be the best available (GX9 isn't compelling for the extra cost). PLEASE OM Systems produce a modern PEN F, or if we can get a renewal of the Lumix GF1. I really hope that the last compact MFT camera wasn't produced 6 years ago!! I suppose I can always buy two more GX85 bodies to last me the rest of my life.
In 2014, when my APS-C SLR suffered from an excess of cider, I needed something else to accompany me on the rest of my trip around England and continental Europe, so I bought a Nikon 1. For all its faults, it became my go-to camera. With two lenses, it covered roughly 28mm-300mm equivalent, and fitted in a jacket pocket, with the zoom telephoto and flash in the other. It had a fixed rear screen, which I didn't like, and an EVF, which I did. It was a bit under-provisioned at 10 MP, but that was tolerable. It took OK 1080p video. It was solid. But it succumbed to lens faults and flash faults, which were very typical of the model. I came looking at MFT, sure that there would be something which replaced and went a bit further than the Nikon. I have been shocked that most of the cameras are not much smaller than the original SLR -- for example the Lumix G7 or GX 8 etc. Yes, there are a few small cameras, which lack EVF or articulated screens or both, but I find it really baffling that no one is making something around EPL or Pen F size with what you might now consider a "full range of features". To me, the LX100 doesn't quite seem to make the grade. May the Pen F II come soon!
The biggest three negatives for me about the Pen F are the position where you put a tripod plate, C-Af is useless and the battery life. It's definitely the best looking camera I've ever used but the drawbacks outweighed the negatives for me. We can only dream they will bring out a Pen-f II with phase detect af, bigger battery, better video, better positions for on/off switch and where you attach the tripod plates. Now that would be a camera I would want and love :)
I'm sure if they DID make a Pen 2.0, it might give the current "chou-chou" Fuji XV-1 a run for its money. If someone at Olympus is watching (or there's a nice young U.K woman with the ear of camera makers [HINT!] that might suggest it to Olympus...) they might see the same opportunity..? Edison, Salk, Barnard, Musk and many others have shown that one person *can* change the world! (of photography, of course. Do any other worlds really matter?) ;-)>
Being a rangefinder style, one may compare it to the Lumix GX-9. The GX-9 beats the PEN F with its tilt-down only screen and faster focusing. Excellent results when used with a Leica 15mm or the Olympus 25mm, or any other MFT mount lens. PEN F is screw-less look. It's all good, Loren !
I REALLY (15 more "reallys") wanted one of these, but I was watching Peter Forsgard while he reviewed the PEN-F--and realized that Olympus doesn't believe in either left handedness or left eye dominance. So...unless OM changes it, no PEN-F for me... Thanks for your material and all your work, Emily. You're always a treat to watch.
Great video...I have owned the Pen F several times ...but I like the Panasonic GX9 better ( I have two of them).. main reason is the GX9 screen is flip down and the PenF is side flip...I do not care for side flip lcd screens...Of course my Eos RP is side flip...go figure...LOL
Totally agree! It ticks a lot of boxes for "the perfect camera". I used it for some time a my main camera, but the exposure compensation dial drove me crazy, because I use that for almost every photo. Unfortunately, the Pen-F offers lesser option for button and dial configuration as other Olympus models. So I went back to OM-D models with better ergonomics, but somehow still miss the Pen-F. A Pen-F II with up-to-date sensor and electronics and improved firmware would be highly appreciated!
🎶 Don’t it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got until it's gone🎶" The dearth of new, exciting m4/3 cameras leaves us pining for the "classics". Come on OM & Panasonic! Give us new m4/3 cameras that will make us salivate!👍😄
How come TH-cam didn't push this video to me? I have to leave my story with PenF here. It's the 4th Oly camera that I have after E520, EP1 & EP5. I have it for 7 years and oh man it doesn't look good. The leather part has peeling off here and there, the rubber thumb has fell off and glued back and off again. Now I like it better without it to have a deeper grip for my thumb. When it turned 1 year old, I was holding a lot of thing on my hands and I put it on top of my father's car and forgot it. It fell off onto the highway ground and got a deep scratch at the bottom but both PenF and the 17f1.8 worked perfectly well till today. The creative dial is a very useful gimmick which allows me to set the style even before I turn on the camera. Yes I don't use it for video at all, I use iPhone instead. AF is super fast compared to the older cameras. And I agree 100% that the power switch should be on the left side. I think the whole OM community is crying for a Pen-F2. People are talking about it on Oly Reddit forum. There is a huge retro style market, see the success of Fujifilm and Ricoh but I don't understand why Oly can't get its share here. It will be interesting if it's a PenF design with no interchangeable lens body like x100v, too.
Great video. Thank you for reminding me why I love my Pen-F. That said, I LOVE the power button being on the left. It's such a binary thing. I don't like the power switch on the X-T5 for example, as it too small and hidden. Just do it like Olympus!
Why not discuss why this camera was a failure? When Fuji is very succesfull in the same market. First issue is the price/ feature balance. Second the ergonomics as a small camera is difficult to hold. Third, other small cameras in the Olympus lineup with better spec like EM-10 and EM-5 where better buys.
Loved the look. Loved the wheel for quick BnW. But AF not quite there for street photography. Also not weathersealed. Was also hard to find good pancake lens. The lumix 20mm not good af in low light. The 17mm f2.8 not bright enough. Putting my 12-100 made it so unbalanced. I took it on a trip and I had so many out of focus so I sold it too. Kept my M1.
"wishi whashi" hi hi hi... I thought this would be an only german expression. Thank you for this lovely video of my best M43 camera. I own a lot of systems and cameras. But holding a PEN F is very special every time. Your video is well made with nice images and a special kind of emotion. I enjoy your videos. Nice greetings from deep west germany
Puting the guts of an OM-5 into a Pen-F body would check most of your perfect camera boxes. I love my OM-5 but it will never win a medal for industrial design. My Pen E-P5 is still my most gorgeous camera.
It’s a nice looking camera, but I would rather have my OM5 that has better focussing, weather sealing, better video, etc. I don’t think OM could get the volume of sales to justify this camera and it would split OM5 and OM1 sales?
I really love how Pen F looks and feels in hand, but I absolutely hate its fully articulating screen which is more for video vlogers which this camera is definitely not made for. I wonder about Pen F AF. My GX9 has les AF points and there is no issue in AF if you shoot stills. Is the Pen F AF really worse?
i just got one by luck, almost new, in a box, only 250 pics taken. and i love it. used to shot on nikon d500 and fuji s5pro dslr. but thats nothing you carry around all day long. so i needed something small - real cool - stylish -.. and the pen f looked like my dream camera i missed for a decade. and i really hate taking pics with a dumbphone :D
I also sold my Pen F & have regretted it. I have looked at the used & they are pricey. I keep waiting for the Pen F II but like you I am sure it isn't going to happen. I think it could be a good seller for OMD Systems.
So what do you reckon! Is the Pen F worthy of the m43 crown??? 📸
No,but buy it anyways!
Like I told Rob Trek. If I could have only one camera this one would be it.
Maybe for some definitely for me I am in love with my Pen F I am going to hold on to it I will never sell it! There is nothing out there quiet like like the Pen F for me that makes it well worthy of the m43 crown in my opinion. The Pen F makes me want to go out and take more photographs, is it perfect? No but I love the look the feel of it the design and how it makes me feel.📷
It's definitely the best looking M43 camera ever made. I do also have a Pen F (I also succumbed to its looks ;) ) but I decided to give it to my girlfriend, who's very happy with it. I prefer my trusty Panasonic GX8. It's not a looker, but ergonomically (nice grip and large EVF) and functionally (weather-sealed and easy to follow menu and buttons), it is one step above the Pen F.
Couldn’t agree more. With all that Ricoh GR iii going on I just lve the Pen F for street photography and people love to see the camera.
The demand is there, but I think OM/Olympus doesn't know which part of the market to slot this into. I think if OM System released a Pen-F M.II with all rhe features of OM-5, they would have a winner on their hands.
The E-M5ii was sibling to the PEN-F. Tbh they have not improved the IQ since, it's still up there with the E-M1iii, OM-1 and G9. The PEN-F has features still lacking in the OM-5. The PEN-F is CDAF only which makes the AF a bit slower. PDAF would let it AF more quickly but CDAF is used to finalise and lock focus because it is most accurate. Recognition, as it does on any camera, slows the AF down, they have to think about recognition before they can lock focus. The PEN-F is not plastic, this is actually quite important, it's haptics. And it wants a tilt screen because it is a stills camera. I'd welcome a PEN-F mark.2 but they'd have to keep what it has and improve it slightly, bring it up to date, not dumb it down and cheapen it as is their wont (cf. what they did to the Pen-Lite and Pen)
The OM-5 was a real disappointment for me. Everyone was predicting it would be a slightly cut-down OM-1, and if it was, I'd have bought it. Instead, I grabbed a Pen-F. Don't regret that for a moment.
I have been shooting on an E-OM 10 and an E-OM2ii. Both great cameras in their different categories.
I am completely mystified by OM System’s marketing strategy. If you’re not a wildlife photographer, you don’t exist. Nothing against wildlife photography, but why lock yourself into a smaller market niche. Oly and OM cameras are such great tools with amazing glass at a very fair price…. Sad.
@@12qwas12as MFT has a number of major advantages for wildlife, the longest lenses, lightweight system. Their big flagships may get the glory but they are not the money earners. The smaller cameras are the bread and butter. The best selling Olympus in Japan, their big market, is currently the E-PL10. I believe both companies are neglecting and cheapening their small cameras when they should be making them higher quality.
Look at Fuji - their X-Pro# series generally aligns with the concurrent X-T# model.
I seriously doubt that the rangefinder style body is outselling the SLR style body.
Does the Olympus rangefinder style body outsell the SLR style bodies?
Don’t get me wrong, I love the rangefinder style bodies.
I own and XPro2 and XT2, but I enjoy using the rangefinder a lot more.
Give me an updated AF with PDAF, weather sealing, flush tilting (not flippy) screen, and give us updated weather sealed 1.8 primes and I would be all over it!
for me, the best MFT is the Oly EM-10. Why? Because it focuses on the best of MFT and delivers good image quality in the smallest enjoyable package. Tiny camera, great ergonomics, joy to use, and the photos are pretty darn good too. To me, MFT is about size and low price. EM-10 wins at both of those categories. Problem with the Pen F is that Fuji exists.
I have that one too and never regretted buying it and it’s just dear to my heart.
Agree, EM-10 is always one of my most joyful camera to use❤
I just found you today as it were and low and behold you are extolling the virtues of the, Pen-F. over tthe years I have had and sold 4 of them. I have recently been getting withdrawal symptoms not having one. I have been a digital Olympus fan since 2000 and have had many, still have and will never sell the E-1. You are one hundred per cent correct, this is the micro four thirds camera of all time and nothing will beat it unless its a Mk2 with weather sealing. I have been off around APS-C and Full Frame but today I have just received a mint silver version Pen-F which I paid £687 for a fortune but love isn't cheap. So at 74 I am starting another MFT collection again and not to be sold. I agreed with all you said on your channel and some. You are right it deserves the MFT crown, quirky as it is it's character!
Loved your photography throughout the video! I like the PEN-F and wouldn’t sell mine, but although it is one of the best looking m43 camera’s I wouldn’t say its worthy of the crown. However, a mark ii with some of the stuff you mentioned; good video capabilities, weather sealing etc (and that on/off switch integrated somewhere on the right because that’s bugging me too) could be a serious contender!
I agree.
Despite having an EM5 and EM1 Mii I am more of a Panasonic fan. GX80/85 or GX9 with the Panasonic 15mm lens I would argue is the best M43 camera. The looks aren’t quite as appealing as the Pen-F. Looks aren’t everything. It’s what is inside that counts. Also super duper glass to put on the body.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
YEAH... nah.
My heart still belongs to the *Lumix GX8!* These two cameras ate up each other's market share when they were new, & now neither manufacturer seems very willing to do an update despite loads of us rangefinder fans drooling over such a possibility. If you're listening, Lumix, I'd gladly do a preorder at up to $1700USD for a nice new GX10 with some added autofocus capability, a few upgraded video features & a little boost in EVF resolution.
Same here. I’ll keep my GX8 u til Panasonic gives us a proper update.
I'm going to go completely against the crowd and say that I never liked the look of the Pen F. OK, from the front, agreed, it's gorgeous. But the dials on the top plate are random sizes in asymmetrical places and they all overhang the lip like dinner plates on a waiter's arm. And the back is just ugly with the EVF circle chopped off for the flippy screen and that awkward squared off grip indent. Antisocial rant aside, it's by far the best Pen ever made and I wish they'd make a Mark II (preferably with a tilt screen). Unfortunately, if even the OM-5 is plastic I doubt we'll ever see a metal-bodied Pen again.
This year marks my 40th year as a photographer. Over the years, I have owned many cameras/camera systems. A few years back, I got rid of my bulky Nikon DSLR’s, and bought an Olympus Pen-F black body. I loved it so much that I bought a second one. Coincidentally, I bought the second Pen-F from MPB and had an excellent experience. I enjoy your work and have learned a great deal from you!
Amazing!! Another annoyance for me is the one I stupidly sold a few years ago was the black one, which is my faveeeee and so hard to find now! You keep hold of those cameras! 😁
Same here! :)
all black pen f is nice! same as the all black nikon zfc
I’m a relative new comer to the m43 scene, but hands down this is my personal favourite stills camera I’ve ever used. 2 months ago now I managed to get a fully boxed black Pen-F in immaculate condition with an extra battery, Leica 25mm 1.4 (boxed aswell) for £750 all in. Money well spent in my eyes.
Well done! A steal.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
PL 25mm 1.4 has been my most used lens for the past +10 years. Compact lightweight perfect for street photography while travelling (or in your own town).
the pen-f is an om-d in the clothing of an olympus pen, so it's very feature-packed. i own a pen-f and like using mine for street and zone focusing (the Ricoh GR just edges it out there since you can do that one-handed), but i think i'd give the crown of favorite MFT photo camera to the e-m1x. great weather sealing, helluva grip, great features. weight isn't a bother, and the natural profile is probably my favorite out of all my Olympus mirrorless cameras. i feel like i can do anything with it. the vertical grip feels good and surprisingly is useful for vertical video.
Olympus made a huge mistake by not going after the same audience as Fuji did! Look at Fuji now, and look at om System who had more success? Olympus was a god given name however there marketing was awful. Fuji has become what Olympus should have been. Btw that om System name not work for me. Btw the pen f is such a gorgeous camera and my favorite with the Olympus em5 mark ii
I didn’t realise you cant get them anymore. The new pen cameras are no way as cool as pen f. I don’t know what has happened to cameras the last few years, there is no new ground breaking tech or more retro stuff which is what people want. Camera manufacturers are slowing down at the same rate phone cameras are getting better. If main stream camera manufacturers would have improved at the same rate as the iPhone pros in the last 5 years then there would be dome amazing kit I think. I wish there was an Olympus or lumix camera as good and same size as Ricoh gr 3. Or a weather sealed gr3. The massive take up of second hand stuff just shows that manufacturers are missing the mark with new stuff.
I agree. All cameras are now better than the human eye can discern, so the point now is to make then look nicer and better ergonomics for the users, like you said.
I'm a fan of Olympus, but the menus (em5 mk3 anyway), are atrocious.
They’re about $1000 US Dollars now, I don’t exactly call that a bargain. Was “Helluva” the word of the day?
I still love the Pen-F. It's super unassuming. I love it more than my A7RV. If it had the Sony's fast focusing, I don't think I'd need another camera.
I felt the same way about the e-m10 markii. I loved that camera but then I sold it and got the e-m1 markiii. Then my husband surprised me on my birthday with a used e-m10 markii. I shoot more with that camera than any of my cameras I have. 😂
Do you recommend em10 Mark iv?
Many people are posting on Olympus Pen F in a short time not sure if this is to create a hype or just coincidence
Thanks for the video! This is my favorite camera of all time. The day mine arrived I held it, I used it around the house and inmidiately bought another one in mint condition (As a collective item). I quickly realized what I had been missing. This is the most beautiful mirrorless camera ever made, but that's not it, it is the best micro 4/3 camera ever made to date for stills as well. The image quality is second to none, including the latest micro 4/3 cameras, which use the same sensor. I have tried them all and this is as good as micro 4/3 gets, thus far. I use it with any lenses, but the Leica 15mm 1.7 works and looks great with it. If it was weather sealed and the EVF was a bit bigger (Which is ok) it would be the best all around portable camera ever made. OM-5 is the best for that, but not as beautiful. Don't forget that with the superb image stabilization this gets better pictures in low light than any other cameras, APC or full frame, that don't have image stabilization. Get one while you can!
Check the lumix GX80/85
I have the Pen F and love it, especially for monochrome. I also have the OMD E-M1 Mark II and love it for its auto focus and weather sealing. Best of both worlds.
I also sold mine many years ago when I went to Fuji and I have to agree with you. It's a very nice camera along the lines of the Fuji X100 series... I now shoot Leica M's and don't miss any of the other cameras I have used...
We all need to sell cameras from time to time. Usually to fund an expensive new camera. Some of those cameras never mattered, but some of them we spend the rest of our life regretting the sale. We lie to ourself and say "I'll get another one one day when I have some spare cash" but we know that there will always be something more important whenever we have anything approaching the idea of extra cash, and we will never get another one. Once it is gone, it is gone, and that is why it hurts not having it anymore.
Amazing video as always! A camera that's long been on my personal wishlist
My vote would be for the GX7 as I feel Panasonic found a great sweet spot with that camera - It has some very high end photography features - 1/8000th mechanical shutter, 1/320th flash sync and ibis - but without the overload of options you get in later Lumix bodies which makes it fast and easy to use. It's small, light, has great ergonomics and is very good looking (which is rare for a lumix). Granted the Pen F is more feature rich but it's still over double, if not triple the price of the GX7. I know most people will go for the Pen F but the GX7 is gorgeous, practical and so, so cheap (I got mine for £169 from mpb). Long live the GX7 lol
Very good choice! I’ve always coveted the Gx8, which I believe is similar but has an audio input for a bit of video. I love the design on that range so much
@@MicroFourNerds well originally I had the GX80 but I sold it when I mistakenly decided that full frame was for me. I've only just come back to micro 4/3s and I didn't have a lot to spend so I went for an older body but I couldn't be happier - 10 years since it was released but it still feels really fast and capable.
@@MicroFourNerds I'm not familiar with the Pen F, but my first thought when you listed some of its limitations regarding weather-sealing and mic in was of the GX8, which was my first foray into a digital ILC camera in 2019. For me it seemed to be the sweet spot in terms of size vs function, but I'm not sure it would give you much new if you own a GH5 (and now I think a 6?) plus a selection of smaller Lumix cameras.
@@MicroFourNerds I purchased a GX8 used 5 years ago. When it came out, I was put off by the size compared to my GX7. That was a mistake. With a small prime it still causes people to ask if I’m shooting film. When I did an engagement shoot with another photographer, it made a good impression on his wife, who was his assistant, carrying a bag with a Canon 5 series body and lens.
I dont understand why people hype the PEN F? Okay, I never used one. But I love the GX80 or GX85 what its called in US. And I love my EP7. Yes, it doesn't have the ev but other than that it's a great camera. I use it in moments where I'm too lazy or have not enough space for my EM1X 😄
I have to agree with your assessment and thoughts on the Olympus PEN-F camera. Like you, I bought mine in the early days of 2017, after it reached the US shores. I use it still today for a great street and travel camera. I don’t think OMS will re-introduce it again but might make a more powerful sensor version to complete it’s mission with lite carry capability. No it won’t compete with the Leica Q3, but then again why should it? Great design and execution with vast numbers of lenses for M43 seems like a no-brainer. ❤
I love my Pen-F. But, the EVF is dated. That's the one big complaint I have. I can live without the weather sealing, and I can live with the jpeg dial, and the on-off button, the poor video, and even the auto-focus, but wouldn't it be nice if it had the viewfinder of the OM-1? The EVF was not even great by 2016 standards. I would forgive it everything else if it had a better EVF.
I bought my Pen F a few years ago, and they will have to pry it from my cold, dead hands. Or, I accidentally drop it in a lake. Then I'll sell the cats and buy another one.
The stunning image quality, RAW and out of the box; the build quality; the size and shape; the amazing looks (I used to deal in and collect antique cameras, this is the aesthetic I love); the range of quality and useful lenses I have and which are available if I want them; the fine built in EVF which is there if I need it; high FPS; fast focussing; low light capabilities; the high def feature for up to 80mp images; and enough optional features to always have something interesting to learn and play with.
But one of the things I like most of all is the ability of M3/4 cameras to accept almost ANY classic lens, with an adapter, due to the additional focusing distance. I have adapters so I can use all my Exakta, Leica M, 42mm, Canon, Nikon, and other Olympus lenses. Yes other M4/3 cameras can do this, but put a 1930's whatever on the Pen F, and it looks like it belongs, too.
IMHO nothing comes close to this camera. It was like they designed it for me.
One point I want to make: I often hear that this is supposedly styled after the early Olympus Pen series. I don't think so. The others of this newer Pen line clearly were, looking like the vintage 35mm film Pen F, with elements of the Pen EE and others. But if you put this next to, say, a Leica IIIc, it is practically a dead ringer. I think they were going after the antique Leica look, not their own Olympus offerings.
But pen f was a commerical failure. That is and was the problem.
The price was far too high at release, which probably cost it a lot of sales. Too much emphasis went into the presentation and the styling. Not enough going towards it being a tool to use. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great camera, but for the price, it should’ve had weather sealing. OM Systems could release something similar with weather sealing and a weather sealed 17mm f1.8. For street photography, a tilt screen would be better. That would then tick a lot of boxes for me. I guess it would be a cross between a pen f, gx8 and gx9.
Great pictures of my birthplace, Madeira. I also enjoy street photography with Olympus cameras - OMD emMkii, Stylus1s and Pen L9. Would like to get my hands on a Pen F... but i think they’re overpriced...
They really are over priced! Madeira is one of my favourite places. So calm and beautiful!
I have to say you are absolutely amazing! I have an interesting task for you.. :) I NEEEED an Olympus MFT or Pana MFT (~200 euros without lens) that you would super recommend to me. I love great colors straight from the jpegs. It would be so great to hear from you here!! :)
Hi! My latest video might help - a run down of my top ten tiny cameras 😄
@@MicroFourNerds Oh yeah! Just watched it. I came to my following favourites: GX800, M-5 and... Fujifilm X-E1! How about this Fujifilm? How would you rate it next tot your favourites? This would help me finally
I love the look of the PEN-F 😊 But is there really room for it, when you have the OM-5, which has so many advantages over it and also have most of the features of the PEN-F, such as looks and size? I normally shoot with an OM-1, but I have had the E-M5 (predecessor to the OM-5), and I have NO plans of getting rid of it…
X100V is the modern alternative.
I sold mine and I honestly don't miss it. The CDAF drove me crazy.
that was one of the factors for me to sell when I originally had it. I was photographing more people and animals and it was Not Good in the focus department! It's much more forgiving for travel and street photography I think
For all those amazing photos in this video, did you take most of them with the 17mm 1.8 lens?
EM5.3 is the same width, the same thickness on one side, and only 1.3cm taller in the middle. Plus it’s actually lighter (wooo, 6g!) has better focusing, evf, and is weather sealed. Same infuriating menus, though. It’s like PEN-F was a warm-up to EM5.3.
It is a very good photo camera, provided you upgrade it to the last firmware. Build quality is much better then any X100V, to the point I sold mine as I saw not reason to have both.
I agree about Weather sealing and possibly I wish it had a better grip. I bought a leather jacket just to hold it more comfortably. There is also the nasty construction of the thumb grip that degrades and fall of: you can't just glue it back because the plastic deforms and does not fit any more.
Fortunately I found 4 spare replacement on line that should keep my Pen F running for a long time. It became my go to m43, over my GX9 and my Em5mkII and I see no reason to upgrade for what the market offers. Video is bad but it's not what the Pen-F was made for.
How do you compare Olympus Pen F vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX9? Both rangefinder style M43 camera and 20 megapixel sensor, roughly the same dimension and weight.
My favorite camera is Panasonic GX9. Though I have a Canon full frame, Panasonic puts a smile on my face. Together with 25mm 1.4 and 15mm 1.7 they bring me joy. Thank you for your channel!
If you like the GX9, you would love the Pen F or the OM-5. Trust me, I have all 3 of them.
@@TheGreenEggFarm I still have the Olympus omd 5 and it works perfectly. I’ve sold my first Panasonic Gx9 and I regreted it almost immediately. This year I’ve purchased it again and I’m happy. It almost disappeared from the market.
@@michaelajoseph6856 I like my GX9, but the view finder is really bad. I don't know if it is my copy but I find myself not using it due to this.
You edit your photos so freaking well! Mine always end up looking HDR-y.
compact, stylish, ergonomic, more than enough pixels, and has phase detect... for a walk-about camera, what's not to like?
I'm a GH5 user and whilst I work primarily in video now, I'm real keen to get back to just enjoying photography by having a smaller camera (that's still M43 so that I can make uses of my lenses!). Hoping to find something that I can get for a pretty limited budget of £500 or less and this seems like a potential option - particularly love how it seems like a tactile piece of kit that almost makes you feel like you're shooting analogue (definitely don't get that vibe with a GH5). Would you recommend anything in particular, any help massively appreciated!
My dream travel mft camera :
Body of Lumix GX/LX
Sensor of GH6
Screen of GH6
EVF = 2.63 dot or above
5-axis IBIS
Live Composite / High Res Mode
4K60P, 1080.240P
3.5 mm TRRS Microphone Input
USB C Transfer / Charge
UHS-II SD card
It really is a beautiful camera with all that Olympus m43 goodness. The fact it has an OVF, unlike the other Pens, makes it a near-perfect (street) camera. I frequently window-shop for used Pen-Fs. One day she will be mine!
I adore the Pen F, but I wouldn't reccomend it for street. It's just too slow for that instant street photo. It's frustratingly close to being quick enough as well. You'll always be about a millisecond off the moment.
Definitely a lovely and brilliant camera. Don't let me put you off. Just be aware of its very few drawbacks.
Absolutely agree. I have one and it is gorgeous. I was surprised by the quality of the small lenses. They have an incredible range of features.
I've been a fan of Olympus cameras ever since I picked up my first OM-1 (the film version), and grabbed a Pen-F last year. Love it. My one real annoyance is that I'm left-eyed, and if the screen is visible (not turned inside) with the camera to my eye, bumping my nose up against it pulls up the focus point selector. Since I pretty much always shoot through the EVF, I just keep the screen turned in. Still, this seems like an obvious oversight.
"If you do look around, you can find bargins" *
*Sponsored by MPB 😅
MPB is a great place to look around 😂
I have a silver Pen-F and experience the same frustrations over the focusing at times. I'm almost at the point of selling but then you watch films like this which reminds you of why you got it originally so the prospect of sellers remorse hangs at the back of my mind a lot! Especially when I always remind myself of why did I ever sell the Panasonic DMC-L1 four thirds camera I had - now that is also a camera like the Pen-F that needs to be done as an updated version in either micro four thirds (or even as a full frame beastie! :) )
Can you get such JPEGs with the e-m10 ? 🤔 they look great
It’s a beautiful camera but the AF is probably the worst I ever experienced - not only in sport. And front selector could be used for something more useful than what’s it’s used for now. It’s nowhere near to be the best. Unfortunately. I really love the look.
3 pen F's. 1st one wouldn't turn on. About the 10th time trying it would come on. In 5 minutes I could fry eggs on it. Sent it back. 2nd one only warms up a little after 25 minutes of stills. 3rd one worked perfectly. Until a shoot couple of weeks ago. The lcd/eye sensor died. I can still switch manually. & yet I love them.
My Pen-F locks up about once a year when out shooting. I learned to turn it off and remove the batt. Then all is ok for many more trips. I have 4 Olympus bodies, the Pen-F I cannot part with. 3 other prior bodies I no longer have.
@James Huddle I tried that, but no joy. I have many other Olympus cams, too & they have continued to work flawlessly.
I wanted to get away from all my Fuji gear. Yes something even smaller and lighter.
This model is just too big and too much going on. I just want like a “cheap Leica” ..
Love the smaller, slimmer, simpler Pen E-PL7. 45mm 1.8 and the Panasonic 20mm 1.7. 💁🏻♀️
I agree with everything you say about this amazing stills camera. Oddly, though there are focus problems, as you note, I use one of my Pen Fs for nature, usually with a Panasonic-Leica 100-400mm lens. It works surprisingly well, niggling focus issues aside. With both my Pen Fs I've added a hand-grip. This makes the camera surprisingly more comfortable to hold. In one case it's a Meike; in the other an RRS. One feature you didn't mention is the viewfinder. It's superb, much better than its modest specs would indicate. I'd emphasize, further, that the black and white film simulation is remarkable, my favorite, rivaling in my affection by only the Fuji Acros or the Fuji straight black and white with the red filter. Thank you for memorializing this classic for us.
I rhink the Pen-F plus the Lumic 20 f1.7 is a dangerous combo. I love the pen and the lens, but both are notorious for being slow to focus. So when you pair them...yikes! Lol
I just realized: the color modes on this camera are something like a proto-LUT profile, say a precursor to the profiles you can upload on new Panasonics
It's a great camera for sure. Definitely a classic.
For me the pen-f is the best (good) looking Microfour thirds camera but... not the best in performance. Also the ergonomy is not very good. I prefer lumix gx8 or omd EM5 mkII
My guess is that the PEN-F is at least on par with the GM1, personnally I like the GM1 more because of the size en about 1/2 the weight of the pen-f! I like the img stabilisation of the pen-f though.
If OM systems were brave enough they would focus Pen f mk 2 on a photo centric audience and ditch the video part completely . Focus all efforts into improving the af and pack it into the same body which does not need improving. In this way they could keep the price low, satisfy the great trenche of people who don’t want the video tech stuff and leave the cinematography to their other offerings. I would be happy anyway.
My pen F can do it all! I'm so happy with it. I got an ex-demo for 1/3 the price
GX9 😉
Really enjoyed this - and great photography.
Over the years I've owned several M43 cameras, starting with the original Pen mk1 then an OM-D E-M5. Sold them all, missed them, bought an E-M5 II... sold that, then missed it again and finally went for the Pen-F which was one I'd wanted for years but shied away from that price. Happy to say, this camera and a handful of my fave m43 lenses are keepers now! As you say, it has qualities that make it far more than the sum of its stats - flaws and all it's unique and I use it as you do, largely for it's wonderful monochrome jpegs straight from camera. Olympus colours are also wonderful to boot!
Thanks for sharing and I hope you enjoy yours for many years!
I have the camera too, it's a very nice camera except for the on/off switch. Which designer, being a complete idiot, designed the switch on the left? I throw up every time I take the camera out of my pocket.
Kind regards
Another great video, how does the PEN EP7 (which i have and love) compare to the PEN F?
To be honest I don't believe in M43 system and to be honest too I should admit that I haven't tried using that system so far...I don't believe in it because I firmly believe that the APS-C sensor size is the sweet spot BUT I should also admit that I highly love the design of the PEN F among other Olympus/Panasonic cameras and that if a M43 camera is coupled with the right lens it could give beautiful result especially when it comes to shooting portraits... thanks for always sharing good stuff ... oh and there is something else I should add: I love your photos and the presets you use :-) so I sincerely wishing you all the best!
I'm half n half. Love my Pen F. But oh,,,, if only Canon had made the m6mk2 with a built-in evf. Dump the flash & I would have been a happy camper.
Btw: Rob Trek had a video about how to dial in Kodachrome colors into the Pen-F. That's retro!
Olympus could take some demand away from Fuji and cement new shooters into the m43 ecosystem if they make a few improvements to this .
Perfect? Not by a mile. Difficult to hold, silly color dial and too precious for a EDC.
It seems that OM-System is no longer producing it (?)
Not the best but a niche camera. It has many faults. Much like the Fuji 100v
I bought a silver Pen F in 2016 when it came out, still have it, probably among my top three favorite cameras ever. I love it so much, I bought a mint condition, used black Pen F not too long ago. I use it almost exclusively with the m.Zuiko 12mm f2.
Emily, the focus issues are mostly down to what lens you use - no issue with m.Zuiko and m.Zuiko Pro lenses. Also, a very underrated feature on the Pen F: you can use the display for setting the focus point with your finger sliding over it while looking through the viewfinder, this works very well for me in situations where I don't or can't focus and re-compose.
Two other very cool features the Pen F has: 50MP high-res mode (tripod required); and keystone compensation in camera.
It's funny how everyone is overpaying those blown up prices for older X100 models when the Pen F is a much better camera than any of the older X100 models. And it looks better too!
Any camera, even high end small sensor compact cameras, are good enough in specifications. I think it is a matter of subjective tastes. I have a X100s because I am not much into cameras with interchangeable lenses, the optical viewfinder and the jpeg recipes make me forget I am using an electronic device, is it a better camera? for my goals, yes. Certainly black and white in this Olympus I think is quite nicer, and the 4:3 aspect ratio to me is better than 2:3 ratio, specially in vertical orientation, but honestly for my photography the simpler in specifications a device, the better, and Olympus I think takes that approach to have many useful features for a broad range of users, which to me would be overkill. The only thing maybe I sometimes would wish for my Fujifilm X100s is an ISO dial but even that isn't that necessary for me.
The best model is in fact the forgotten PEN E-P5, which is smaller and lighter than the trendy PEN F, has better front and rear control dials, plus the lever that gives you direct access to two more modes. So the ergonomics are far better. Better yet, you can attach the VF-4 viewfinder which tilts to 90 degrees... my favoured mode of shooting. Looks like the total cost is about €420 as I write... so cheaper than a PEN F.
I only have a very small pool of cameras to relate to and they are all Panasonic the best of which are my GH6 and G9. Would you suggest I maybe cast my sights further afield and not stick to one brand. And putting talent, or lack of, what non Panasonic cameras produce better stills images than a Panasonic please?
Ain’t no way I’m switching horses for video work. It’s taken me all these years just to grasp the basics.😅
OM Systems has a golden opportunity with Taylor Swift to market a new Pen-F; re-release it with a proper pancake lens (either 14mm, 17mm or 20mm @ f/1.8) with IBIS and Lens IS for sync-IS, add in PROPER vintage film simulations, one from each decade of the last 60 years and call them ERAS and name one of them "Swift" and you've got an instant buy from a LOT of Taylor Swift fans. If OM Systems wants to make money, they're gonna have to SPEND some money. Especially considering that way too many of OM Systems users are old geezers. Not reaching out to the younger audience to ensure they keep buying into the M43 system will be an inevitable death of the brand cuz all those old bums are basically on life support right now.
Fuji X100 series cameras have every influencer foaming at the mouth because of it's vintage package and sales are through the roof. The PEN-F is every bit as retro..... but if you dont give proper vintage photos, nobodys gonna care.
They should have paid Taylor Swift to market a new PEN-F... she already uses Olympus cameras and her fans KNOW this. OM Systems is squandering a golden opportunity to get some GOOD marketing at the younger generation that can actually buy into the system.
Ich habe auch schon viele Dummheiten gemacht... Zum Beispiel eine HEXAR AF verkauft!!!!
Looks like an early Leica or the Zorki immigrations. Very nice
If I want to get one now, would it be this or E-P7?
I really love the rangefinder style so I hope something new comes out like that. Right now our Lumix GX85 seems to be the best available (GX9 isn't compelling for the extra cost). PLEASE OM Systems produce a modern PEN F, or if we can get a renewal of the Lumix GF1. I really hope that the last compact MFT camera wasn't produced 6 years ago!! I suppose I can always buy two more GX85 bodies to last me the rest of my life.
In 2014, when my APS-C SLR suffered from an excess of cider, I needed something else to accompany me on the rest of my trip around England and continental Europe, so I bought a Nikon 1.
For all its faults, it became my go-to camera. With two lenses, it covered roughly 28mm-300mm equivalent, and fitted in a jacket pocket, with the zoom telephoto and flash in the other. It had a fixed rear screen, which I didn't like, and an EVF, which I did. It was a bit under-provisioned at 10 MP, but that was tolerable. It took OK 1080p video. It was solid.
But it succumbed to lens faults and flash faults, which were very typical of the model.
I came looking at MFT, sure that there would be something which replaced and went a bit further than the Nikon.
I have been shocked that most of the cameras are not much smaller than the original SLR -- for example the Lumix G7 or GX 8 etc. Yes, there are a few small cameras, which lack EVF or articulated screens or both, but I find it really baffling that no one is making something around EPL or Pen F size with what you might now consider a "full range of features". To me, the LX100 doesn't quite seem to make the grade.
May the Pen F II come soon!
The biggest three negatives for me about the Pen F are the position where you put a tripod plate, C-Af is useless and the battery life. It's definitely the best looking camera I've ever used but the drawbacks outweighed the negatives for me. We can only dream they will bring out a Pen-f II with phase detect af, bigger battery, better video, better positions for on/off switch and where you attach the tripod plates. Now that would be a camera I would want and love :)
I'm sure if they DID make a Pen 2.0, it might give the current "chou-chou" Fuji XV-1 a run for its money. If someone at Olympus is watching (or there's a nice young U.K woman with the ear of camera makers [HINT!] that might suggest it to Olympus...) they might see the same opportunity..?
Edison, Salk, Barnard, Musk and many others have shown that one person *can* change the world! (of photography, of course. Do any other worlds really matter?) ;-)>
Being a rangefinder style, one may compare it to the Lumix GX-9. The GX-9 beats the PEN F with its tilt-down only screen and faster focusing. Excellent results when used with a Leica 15mm or the Olympus 25mm, or any other MFT mount lens. PEN F is screw-less look. It's all good, Loren !
So did I....and now I'm trying to get another......
I REALLY (15 more "reallys") wanted one of these, but I was watching Peter Forsgard while he reviewed the PEN-F--and realized that Olympus doesn't believe in either left handedness or left eye dominance. So...unless OM changes it, no PEN-F for me...
Thanks for your material and all your work, Emily. You're always a treat to watch.
Great video...I have owned the Pen F several times ...but I like the Panasonic GX9 better ( I have two of them).. main reason is the GX9 screen is flip down and the PenF is side flip...I do not care for side flip lcd screens...Of course my Eos RP is side flip...go figure...LOL
Totally agree! It ticks a lot of boxes for "the perfect camera". I used it for some time a my main camera, but the exposure compensation dial drove me crazy, because I use that for almost every photo. Unfortunately, the Pen-F offers lesser option for button and dial configuration as other Olympus models. So I went back to OM-D models with better ergonomics, but somehow still miss the Pen-F. A Pen-F II with up-to-date sensor and electronics and improved firmware would be highly appreciated!
🎶 Don’t it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got until it's gone🎶" The dearth of new, exciting m4/3 cameras leaves us pining for the "classics". Come on OM & Panasonic! Give us new m4/3 cameras that will make us salivate!👍😄
How come TH-cam didn't push this video to me? I have to leave my story with PenF here. It's the 4th Oly camera that I have after E520, EP1 & EP5. I have it for 7 years and oh man it doesn't look good. The leather part has peeling off here and there, the rubber thumb has fell off and glued back and off again. Now I like it better without it to have a deeper grip for my thumb. When it turned 1 year old, I was holding a lot of thing on my hands and I put it on top of my father's car and forgot it. It fell off onto the highway ground and got a deep scratch at the bottom but both PenF and the 17f1.8 worked perfectly well till today. The creative dial is a very useful gimmick which allows me to set the style even before I turn on the camera. Yes I don't use it for video at all, I use iPhone instead. AF is super fast compared to the older cameras. And I agree 100% that the power switch should be on the left side.
I think the whole OM community is crying for a Pen-F2. People are talking about it on Oly Reddit forum. There is a huge retro style market, see the success of Fujifilm and Ricoh but I don't understand why Oly can't get its share here. It will be interesting if it's a PenF design with no interchangeable lens body like x100v, too.
Great video. Thank you for reminding me why I love my Pen-F. That said, I LOVE the power button being on the left. It's such a binary thing. I don't like the power switch on the X-T5 for example, as it too small and hidden. Just do it like Olympus!
Why not discuss why this camera was a failure? When Fuji is very succesfull in the same market. First issue is the price/ feature balance. Second the ergonomics as a small camera is difficult to hold. Third, other small cameras in the Olympus lineup with better spec like EM-10 and EM-5 where better buys.
Loved the look. Loved the wheel for quick BnW. But AF not quite there for street photography. Also not weathersealed. Was also hard to find good pancake lens. The lumix 20mm not good af in low light. The 17mm f2.8 not bright enough. Putting my 12-100 made it so unbalanced. I took it on a trip and I had so many out of focus so I sold it too. Kept my M1.
"wishi whashi" hi hi hi... I thought this would be an only german expression. Thank you for this lovely video of my best M43 camera. I own a lot of systems and cameras. But holding a PEN F is very special every time. Your video is well made with nice images and a special kind of emotion. I enjoy your videos. Nice greetings from deep west germany
Puting the guts of an OM-5 into a Pen-F body would check most of your perfect camera boxes. I love my OM-5 but it will never win a medal for industrial design. My Pen E-P5 is still my most gorgeous camera.
It’s a nice looking camera, but I would rather have my OM5 that has better focussing, weather sealing, better video, etc. I don’t think OM could get the volume of sales to justify this camera and it would split OM5 and OM1 sales?
Got this for me - Fujifilm shooter - because X100v is not available. Expensive is relative, if you compare X100v prices.
I really love how Pen F looks and feels in hand, but I absolutely hate its fully articulating screen which is more for video vlogers which this camera is definitely not made for. I wonder about Pen F AF. My GX9 has les AF points and there is no issue in AF if you shoot stills. Is the Pen F AF really worse?
OM needs a PEN-F II with the old English calligraphic "F" on the front face! Long live the PEN-F!
i just got one by luck, almost new, in a box, only 250 pics taken. and i love it. used to shot on nikon d500 and fuji s5pro dslr. but thats nothing you carry around all day long. so i needed something small - real cool - stylish -.. and the pen f looked like my dream camera i missed for a decade. and i really hate taking pics with a dumbphone :D
I also sold my Pen F & have regretted it. I have looked at the used & they are pricey. I keep waiting for the Pen F II but like you I am sure it isn't going to happen. I think it could be a good seller for OMD Systems.