I have the 12mm and the 20mm but the lens that is most of the time on my GX80 is the 14mm/2.5. This is also a nice middle ground and it's even smaller than the 20mm.
Got a GX80 with the 20mm 1.7 lens just a few weeks ago. And the 20mm is currently my main and only lens, as I tried to get most versatile set up on a (somewhat) tight budget - and I am very much enjoying the combo. As you say, MFT and these lenses are really underrated. Wanted to get into EDC/street photo and worked all my way from the hyped and high-priced Fujis to discover the world of MFT cameras - was very pleasantly surprised to discover all of this goodness.
Although I have and love my G9, I find more and more that I prefer the little GX9. I bought the Panasonic eyepiece and it makes a huge difference to the viewing experience through the viewfinder. I also prefer the tilt screen rather than the flip out on the G9. I recently bought the Leica 9/1.7 and paired with the 15/1.7 and 25/1.4 I have a very small light weight versatile setup that covers most of my needs. For times when I need a longer setup, I recommend the 35-100/4.0-5.6. Slow maximum aperture, but very, very sharp throughout the focal range and you can get some nice background separation at 100mm even at f/5.6. Great video and keep showing the love for the GX9.
Another ‘gotta love’ video, thank you. I use the GX9 more than my G9 these days for stills / every day casual shooting and I agree with everything you say about the camera, I hope Lumix don’t drop this line. I’ve been using the Oly 17 1.8, that’s a great combo too, I find that little extra works for both street and wider opportune shots if you’re will to move around on your feet, as you mention. However, i’ve been carrying around the 42.5 1.7 for longer shots but more so for that close up compressed look too, she’s such a sharp lens, and the auto focus just snaps in. Using the live view touch screen to focus and shoot with one touch is so effective and reactive. I would say that I do take 4 batteries out with me for this live view style though, for more casual shot I prefer the tradional view finder way where ever possible. I also set live view to B&W, I find it helps with tonal range when manually exposing with a quick exp -comp dialled in on the fly. It all so easy, that way I keep ISO on auto, fast primes just work so well for me with this setup, never have a problem with noise. Love using the GX9!
The Olympus 17mm lens 35mm in full frame great lens combo I have the 20mm but prefer the Olympus great street combo, also manual focus is brilliant to use, worth trying out Grant.
Hi Grant, loving your videos. I really enjoy using my GX9 for all the reasons you mention and more. It's the only camera I own which I bought second hand as just the body. The lenses I have (Second hand again) are Lumix G 1.7 / 20mm, Lumix G Vario 3.5 - 5.6 / 14 - 42mm and Olympus M.Zuiko 4 - 5.6 / 40 -150mm. I always take all three lenses in my small bag when I'm out and about. It's so light to carry. The 20mm stays on the camera in the bag and is my go-to lens unless the circumstances dictate to use one of the others. Keep up the great content. ❤ Mike (UK)
The 20/1.7 is truly a great lens. It has beautiful, beautiful rendering. For the money and the size you can't beat it. Sometimes the images could be mistaken for a vintage Leica.
Hey Grant, Thank you for these amazing videos, can you do a video about street people portraits photography ? or at least portrait photography with a Gx9 ? I would be so thankful !!!!
Hello - Firstly, thank you very much for watching my video, it’s very much appreciated… If you’re enjoying my content please consider leaving a comment below and liking the video as It’s very helpful to me and helps my video reach more like-minded people :) Also if you haven’t already be sure to follow me on Instagram for more regular daily content and updates. instagram.com/grantrobertdavies/ Many Thanks GRD
Thank you! Lumix GX9 is an excellent camera. With kit lens 12-32, 20mm, 25mm and 30mm macro and 12-60mm. Affordable and great results. I try to save for 15mm. If you ever get one I’d appreciate the review. Keep up the good work.
Great and detailed video as always. I recently purchased a 20mm 1.7 also for the gx9 and I am amazed by the quality of such a compact lens. I was thinking this focal lens before trying the Ricoh griiix. I think this combo as a good alternative, almost the same package size. Definitely the camera and lens I will take with in my next trip.
I was previously using long lenses on my GX9, such as the Sigma 16mm F1.4, which gave incredible pictures, and was a dream to use in low light settings, but yeah, it is a little top heavy, even with an extended camera grip attached. So I came to the same conclusion that a Lumix 20mm F1.7 is more practical for street photography, EDC and especially travel, even though I've found the AF needs a bit of a kick start to get it working. I still carry around the kit lens the GX9 came with, Lumix 12mm-36mm F3.5 - F5.6, in case I want a wider angle.
Grant, can you talk about the AF differences between the version 1 vs version 2 of the 20/1.7 lens? Also, how about the GF1 paired with the 20/1.7, it’s an even smaller package. Thanks
Great video, Grant. You're preaching to the choir on this one! The Lumix 20 mm f/1.7 lives on my GX9. It's my everyday carry for most of the reasons that you outline. (I do find it a little slow to hit focus in low light... but it's still a great combo.) And for travel, I've done multiple trips with that and the 42.5 mm f/1.2 (for portraiture) to handle everything that I'm likely to encounter in urban environments, far from home. With my GX9, those lenses, a Halo Compact Diflector, and a compact flash, I feel like I've got most of a whole studio in my carry-on bag. 😍
Have you tried the Leica 15mm 1.7 as an in-betweener? I am playing with that on my Gx9 at the moment - and the nuts Leica rectilinear 9mm 1.7 super-wide. Fun stuff!
Absolutely terrible that they discontinued the GX9. I didn't buy it but instead bought a G9 to upgrade from my GX7. The G9 is awesome, but it's definitely not a street camera, too bulky, and a swivel screen.
Grant … Thank you a lot of street photography popular opportunities here in NYC . I have a dilemma. I transitioned to M43 Mirrorless due to size , price and quality . My question .. Can AI programs such as TOPAZ LAB software compensate that a Micro 43 sensor can approach the photo quality of cropped ( Nikon DX ) and or Full Frame ( Side note TOPAZ Labs has a offer in USA for their AI software at $ 159 v $200 Your thoughts greatly appreciated! 👍
I’ve used Topaz Photo AI to enhance shots from an old Olympus EPL-3 (12 megapixels). I was more than happy with the result. So much so that it easily printed a 22”x16” for hanging in a recent exhibition.
Greetings Grant! Really enjoyed this post. I was very blessed to recently travel to Europe and brought along my GX9 (purchased based on your enthusiastic recommendations) along with the OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 lens. I do own the 20mm 1.7 but wanted a zoom lens for more versatility but also wanted to keep the lens ‘pancake’ sized. I prefer the build quality of the Olympus to the LUMIX 12-32. I’m just a ‘beginner’ as a recently retired college professor just getting restarted in serious photography and with the help of your inspiring TH-cam shorts and full videos, I hope to eventually transition from ‘automatic mode’ to manual this Summer! Much thanks Mate from Las Vegas! KO6GUY
@@grantrobertdavies I just checked my order it’s actually the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens. I also have pentax lenses do you know if I can use full frame lenses that have focus and aperture rings with an adapter?
@@streetnegative you can definitely use Pentax k mount lenses on a m43 camera with an adapter. Some of the old Pentax lenses are so amazing with Panny and Oly cams.
The more I use my GX9 the more I enjoy using it. GX9 is truly a great camera. I am so glad I have mine. Tend to use it more than my G9 nowadays. Just because I have more opportunites to go out with a smaller and stealthy camera than the G9. I absoluteloy have to correct this :)
got to go with what the others are saying. The Pan 15mm is soo much better then the 20mm. Find the 20mm a bit too soft. Think the 15mm is a way better lens all the way around.
Hi Grant, you are the only person I found on TH-cam that gives this camera the attention it deserves. Also the reason for me I keep following you.
Thanks :)
I know you are liking the 20mm F1.7 but once you taste the 15mm F1.7 there is no way back 😅 it’s just amazing. Great video
That’s true. I have an Olympus body currently, so the aperture ring doesn’t work - that’s the only reason I don’t have the 15mm right now.
I like the GX8 and the Panasonic Leica 15MM F/1.7 combo.😊😊
Agreed. I absolutely love it with my G100.
I sometimes shoot my Fuji X-E1 and 27mm f2.8 thats 40.5mm in full frame I enjoyed it.
I have the 12mm and the 20mm but the lens that is most of the time on my GX80 is the 14mm/2.5. This is also a nice middle ground and it's even smaller than the 20mm.
Got a GX80 with the 20mm 1.7 lens just a few weeks ago. And the 20mm is currently my main and only lens, as I tried to get most versatile set up on a (somewhat) tight budget - and I am very much enjoying the combo. As you say, MFT and these lenses are really underrated.
Wanted to get into EDC/street photo and worked all my way from the hyped and high-priced Fujis to discover the world of MFT cameras - was very pleasantly surprised to discover all of this goodness.
Although I have and love my G9, I find more and more that I prefer the little GX9. I bought the Panasonic eyepiece and it makes a huge difference to the viewing experience through the viewfinder. I also prefer the tilt screen rather than the flip out on the G9. I recently bought the Leica 9/1.7 and paired with the 15/1.7 and 25/1.4 I have a very small light weight versatile setup that covers most of my needs. For times when I need a longer setup, I recommend the 35-100/4.0-5.6. Slow maximum aperture, but very, very sharp throughout the focal range and you can get some nice background separation at 100mm even at f/5.6. Great video and keep showing the love for the GX9.
Yes - I agree with you on everthing!!! :) Thank You :)
Another ‘gotta love’ video, thank you. I use the GX9 more than my G9 these days for stills / every day casual shooting and I agree with everything you say about the camera, I hope Lumix don’t drop this line. I’ve been using the Oly 17 1.8, that’s a great combo too, I find that little extra works for both street and wider opportune shots if you’re will to move around on your feet, as you mention. However, i’ve been carrying around the 42.5 1.7 for longer shots but more so for that close up compressed look too, she’s such a sharp lens, and the auto focus just snaps in. Using the live view touch screen to focus and shoot with one touch is so effective and reactive. I would say that I do take 4 batteries out with me for this live view style though, for more casual shot I prefer the tradional view finder way where ever possible. I also set live view to B&W, I find it helps with tonal range when manually exposing with a quick exp -comp dialled in on the fly. It all so easy, that way I keep ISO on auto, fast primes just work so well for me with this setup, never have a problem with noise. Love using the GX9!
thank you :) Yes - great camera
The Olympus 17mm lens 35mm in full frame great lens combo I have the 20mm but prefer the Olympus great street combo, also manual focus is brilliant to use, worth trying out Grant.
Hi Grant, loving your videos.
I really enjoy using my GX9 for all the reasons you mention and more. It's the only camera I own which I bought second hand as just the body. The lenses I have (Second hand again) are Lumix G 1.7 / 20mm, Lumix G Vario 3.5 - 5.6 / 14 - 42mm and Olympus M.Zuiko 4 - 5.6 / 40 -150mm. I always take all three lenses in my small bag when I'm out and about. It's so light to carry. The 20mm stays on the camera in the bag and is my go-to lens unless the circumstances dictate to use one of the others. Keep up the great content. ❤ Mike (UK)
fantastic stuff - Thanks Mike :) that’s awesome
The 20/1.7 is truly a great lens. It has beautiful, beautiful rendering. For the money and the size you can't beat it. Sometimes the images could be mistaken for a vintage Leica.
Totally agree! :)
Hey Grant, Thank you for these amazing videos, can you do a video about street people portraits photography ? or at least portrait photography with a Gx9 ? I would be so thankful !!!!
Hello - Firstly, thank you very much for watching my video, it’s very much appreciated…
If you’re enjoying my content please consider leaving a comment below and liking the video as It’s very helpful to me and helps my video reach more like-minded people :)
Also if you haven’t already be sure to follow me on Instagram for more regular daily content and updates. instagram.com/grantrobertdavies/
Many Thanks
GRD
This exact combo dropped in my mail today - so looking forward to taking it out for a spin!!!
Thank you! Lumix GX9 is an excellent camera. With kit lens 12-32, 20mm, 25mm and 30mm macro and 12-60mm. Affordable and great results. I try to save for 15mm. If you ever get one I’d appreciate the review. Keep up the good work.
Thank you :)
Great and detailed video as always. I recently purchased a 20mm 1.7 also for the gx9 and I am amazed by the quality of such a compact lens. I was thinking this focal lens before trying the Ricoh griiix. I think this combo as a good alternative, almost the same package size. Definitely the camera and lens I will take with in my next trip.
I was previously using long lenses on my GX9, such as the Sigma 16mm F1.4, which gave incredible pictures, and was a dream to use in low light settings, but yeah, it is a little top heavy, even with an extended camera grip attached. So I came to the same conclusion that a Lumix 20mm F1.7 is more practical for street photography, EDC and especially travel, even though I've found the AF needs a bit of a kick start to get it working. I still carry around the kit lens the GX9 came with, Lumix 12mm-36mm F3.5 - F5.6, in case I want a wider angle.
Sigma isn't really better!
Grant, can you talk about the AF differences between the version 1 vs version 2 of the 20/1.7 lens? Also, how about the GF1 paired with the 20/1.7, it’s an even smaller package. Thanks
I’m afraid I don’t know sorry - and I’ve never used the GF1 :) but yes that would be a small package :)
I have the GX9 and use it with the Olympus 17mm f1.8 as my EDC camera.
Awesome :)
Great video, Grant. You're preaching to the choir on this one!
The Lumix 20 mm f/1.7 lives on my GX9. It's my everyday carry for most of the reasons that you outline. (I do find it a little slow to hit focus in low light... but it's still a great combo.) And for travel, I've done multiple trips with that and the 42.5 mm f/1.2 (for portraiture) to handle everything that I'm likely to encounter in urban environments, far from home.
With my GX9, those lenses, a Halo Compact Diflector, and a compact flash, I feel like I've got most of a whole studio in my carry-on bag. 😍
yeah man … Awesome stuff :)
Have you tried the Leica 15mm 1.7 as an in-betweener? I am playing with that on my Gx9 at the moment - and the nuts Leica rectilinear 9mm 1.7 super-wide. Fun stuff!
Yeah - both lenses I’d like to give a go :)
I love the pictures!
I use my GX9 with Leica 15mm and just play around with K&F filters. Hopefully, I could 12-35mm soon.
I use a 1966 Zorki 4. It doubles as a weapon.
Absolutely terrible that they discontinued the GX9. I didn't buy it but instead bought a G9 to upgrade from my GX7. The G9 is awesome, but it's definitely not a street camera, too bulky, and a swivel screen.
that is my combo!! super compact and great quality !!
Awesome 👏
I really enjoy my G100 with leica 9mm, 15mm, 25mm and 42.5mm
Grant … Thank you a lot of street photography popular opportunities here in NYC . I have a dilemma. I transitioned to M43 Mirrorless due to size , price and quality . My question .. Can AI programs such as TOPAZ LAB software compensate that a Micro 43 sensor can approach the photo quality of cropped ( Nikon DX ) and or Full Frame ( Side note TOPAZ Labs has a offer in USA for their AI software at $ 159 v $200 Your thoughts greatly appreciated! 👍
thanks man :) it’s not really a topic I’ve looked into that much - so I can’t really comment :)
I’ve used Topaz Photo AI to enhance shots from an old Olympus EPL-3 (12 megapixels). I was more than happy with the result. So much so that it easily printed a 22”x16” for hanging in a recent exhibition.
Greetings Grant! Really enjoyed this post. I was very blessed to recently travel to Europe and brought along my GX9 (purchased based on your enthusiastic recommendations) along with the OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 lens. I do own the 20mm 1.7 but wanted a zoom lens for more versatility but also wanted to keep the lens ‘pancake’ sized. I prefer the build quality of the Olympus to the LUMIX 12-32. I’m just a ‘beginner’ as a recently retired college professor just getting restarted in serious photography and with the help of your inspiring TH-cam shorts and full videos, I hope to eventually transition from ‘automatic mode’ to manual this Summer! Much thanks Mate from Las Vegas! KO6GUY
Awesome :)
I glued 20mm on my gx1, permanently
Awww man lol I bought the Leica 12mm yesterday, it arrives tomorrow. I also got the pen f from mpb.
Awesome - love the 12mm, I’d be lost without it… will be great with the pen-f :)
I was going to get the Zuiko 12mm f2, I don’t remember if you made a video on that lens?
@@grantrobertdavies I just checked my order it’s actually the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens. I also have pentax lenses do you know if I can use full frame lenses that have focus and aperture rings with an adapter?
@@streetnegative you can definitely use Pentax k mount lenses on a m43 camera with an adapter. Some of the old Pentax lenses are so amazing with Panny and Oly cams.
@@corykphotography thank you Cory I’ll pick up an adapter today.
The more I use my GX9 the more I enjoy using it. GX9 is truly a great camera. I am so glad I have mine. Tend to use it more than my G9 nowadays. Just because I have more opportunites to go out with a smaller and stealthy camera than the G9. I absoluteloy have to correct this :)
got to go with what the others are saying. The Pan 15mm is soo much better then the 20mm. Find the 20mm a bit too soft. Think the 15mm is a way better lens all the way around.
never used the 15mm - can’t comment :)
20mm is very sharp but it can be slow to focus in dim light. Not so good for video (focus plus noise) but for photography is excellent.