Purhase the Olympus Pen-F.... or no?

[Bill from Oregon]

I’m considering buying the Olympus Pen-F but I’m having trouble “pulling the trigger” to make the purchase. That’s because I own the Olympus EM-1 (the earlier one at 16MP). I’m concerned that the two cameras are so alike in capability that it would be redundant to own both. And I always shoot in RAW so I’m unlikely to make use of the Pen-F’s creative film effects.

So why am I thinking about the purchase of the Pen-F? Because I love both the old retro, rangefinder styling and shooting street photography. And the Pen-F scores high in both categories.

I wonder if there might be other factors, for or against the purchase, which I should consider. I’d appreciate any thoughts that you might offer.

Thank you,

Bill

 

[Miss tilly]

Well, I think it is a very fine camera, based on feedback as I have no personal experience. However, at the price point I would definitely be looking elsewhere.

 

[rsmithgi]

I’m considering buying the Olympus Pen-F but I’m having trouble “pulling the trigger” to make the purchase. That’s because I own the Olympus EM-1 (the earlier one at 16MP). I’m concerned that the two cameras are so alike in capability that it would be redundant to own both. And I always shoot in RAW so I’m unlikely to make use of the Pen-F’s creative film effects.

So why am I thinking about the purchase of the Pen-F? Because I love both the old retro, rangefinder styling and shooting street photography. And the Pen-F scores high in both categories.

I wonder if there might be other factors, for or against the purchase, which I should consider. I’d appreciate any thoughts that you might offer.

Thank you,

Bill

I find the handling of the E-M1 and E-P5 different enough that they complement each other. The Pen F with your 17mm or 15mm will be a different experience than the same lens on your E-M1. I bring the E-P5 to places I would be less likely to bring a larger camera. Also, the E-M1 is a good fit in cases where the Pen F would not do as well.

In short, I think it makes perfect sense. The only downside is cost. The Pen F is available on the Olympus reconditioned store for $700.

 

[Reybabes]

I have a Pen and have shot extensively with the EM1. I won't try to put words to the DSLR-shape vs rangefinder-shape as only poetry will do. Mere narrative doesn't do that debate justice as it's entirely subjective. I myself prefer the rangefinder style even though I am left eye dominant and smudge the LCD like crazy with my honker. That said, there is just a je ne sais quoi for me when shooting with that style of camera. Oops, poetry.

Turning the LCD inward and adjusting JPGs on the fly is fun and a different experience than with the EM1/5 series. BUT... if weathersealing is important to you, stick with the DSLR style body. Also, if you shoot the bigger/longer zooms, stick with EM. You can bolt on a grip to the Pen but that kind of defeats the purpose. I recently posted here (on dpreview) on my Pen experiences. See here.

Beware the 2.0 firmware for the Pen, though. Don't install until Oly sorts out a problem. Search the forum for more info.

Rey

 

[larsbc]

So why am I thinking about the purchase of the Pen-F? Because I love both the old retro, rangefinder styling and shooting street photography. And the Pen-F scores high in both categories.

Why does it score high in street photography? Viewed face-on, it doesn't appear that much smaller or less discreet than an E-M1. If it turned on faster, or had its power switch on the right side where it could be turned on as you're bring it up to your face, I could see it being better for street than the E-M1. Or if it's rear screen was a single-axis unit that flipped up, that would help, too.

Aside from evoking a style reminiscent of rangefinder film cameras that were used for street photography, I don't see anything about it that makes it particularly suited for the task over other similarly sized cameras.
If you like the style then that's fine and certainly a good enough reason for some people to make a buying decision. But if you're buying because you think it'll improve or make your street photography more enjoyable, I don't think it will. Unless, of course, you factor in the possible psychological effect where the props/make-up help the actor perform better? There's nothing wrong with that, either, as long as it actually has that effect.

 

[Norm Bates]

It's just bad of G.A.S.? Yes, G.A.S. stinks but so much fun. If you lust for it, go for it. It's only money, and you might die tomorrow, and never enjoy the toys you desire. It does not have to be a rational decision.
Good luck. Enjoy your new camera. I enjoy my Pen F. For me, it is a joy to use, and usually all I need for most holiday trips. I like no lens switching. I do not shoot sports or flying birds.
Regards,
Hung

 

[gphome]

Watch out for the poor AF-C (probably the worst of all m43 cameras released in the last two years), especially if you're used to the M1

 

[Okapi001]

Why does it score high in street photography?

Mostly because of the effect a camera has on people on the other side of the lens. Nowadays a lot of people out there on the street don't like to be photographed (I guess it's something about photos stealing their souls), especially by a pro photographer (if you have a pro looking camera you are a pro), but can tolerate a hipster with a film camera (most people think Pen F is a vintage film camera).

 

[gary0319]

I had both the Pen F and the E-M1 (now the Mark II). I can only tell you that when I shoot with the Pen F my head is in an entirely different place. Maybe it's the style, maybe it's the ergonomics, maybe it's the better IQ, maybe it's the different look of the raw image coming off the Sony sensor instead of the Panasonic, maybe, maybe maybe....

This is not something you can noodle out with specs or a spread sheet, at least I could not. I made an emotional decision and have not regretted it.

I bought my F as a refurb from the Olympus site and it's been perfect. I would have had a hard time with the original list price, but the savings on the refurb made it fairly risk free.

 

[SpinOne]

I wonder if there might be other factors, for or against the purchase, which I should consider. I’d appreciate any thoughts that you might offer.

I have both. I concur that they are largely interchangeable.

E-M1 has better ergonomics, is weather-sealed, and can take a real battery grip.

Pen-F has the JPEG dial, the EVF is a little smaller and sharper, nicer build quality, FAS. Oly grip is Arca compatible.

If you need a backup camera anyway, Pen-F is fine, so is E-M1 Mk ii. It takes the same batteries as the E-M1, so that's a plus. IMO ergonomics on the Pen-F are a little nicer, at least once you add the grip.

 

[larsbc]

Why does it score high in street photography?

Mostly because of the effect a camera has on people on the other side of the lens. Nowadays a lot of people out there on the street don't like to be photographed (I guess it's something about photos stealing their souls), especially by a pro photographer (if you have a pro looking camera you are a pro), but can tolerate a hipster with a film camera (most people think Pen F is a vintage film camera).

Considering the similar sizes of the two cameras, I suspect the main advantage is that the photographer _thinks_ he is less visible when using the PEN-F. IMO the E-M1 is not a pro-looking camera; it's simply too small. Plus it doesn't have NIKON or CANON emblazoned on it.

 

[CelticOdyssey]

Oh for Pete's sake- this has been beaten to death in this forum!

You know you want it, so just buy the damn thing. ;-)

 

[Bill from Oregon]

Oh for Pete's sake- this has been beaten to death in this forum!

You know you want it, so just buy the damn thing. ;-)

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to help with my decision to purchase (or not purchase) the Olympus Pen-F.

Regarding your insightful comment, CelticOdyssey, just ten minutes ago, I wrote this same message to a photo-friend -- I want the camera. Yes, you're right. I do want the camera. And I suppose I'm asking for input from others hoping to collect a mid-sized pile of encouraging responses. I think that you've "hit the nail on the heard." Thank you, Bill

 

[RSSrsvp]

Oh for Pete's sake- this has been beaten to death in this forum!

You know you want it, so just buy the damn thing. ;-)

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to help with my decision to purchase (or not purchase) the Olympus Pen-F.

Regarding your insightful comment, CelticOdyssey, just ten minutes ago, I wrote this same message to a photo-friend -- I want the camera. Yes, you're right. I do want the camera. And I suppose I'm asking for input from others hoping to collect a mid-sized pile of encouraging responses. I think that you've "hit the nail on the heard." Thank you, Bill

Sign up for the flash sale email and text alerts from the Oly Outlet Store and with that additional 20% discount when thy have their sale on top of their already low prices for reconditioned cameras that will help you rationalize the purchase! ;-)

http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/outlet

 

[PentaxNick]

I have both and as someone else has said, you think differently about your photography when using each. The EM-1 is my go to for long lenses or extreme macro, while the Pen-F is for primes and creative relaxing photography. I used to take just RAW, but when using the Pen-F the creative dial gets constant use, especially for mono and using the colour filters. I wish the EM-1 had this feature, or conversely that the Pen-F had focus stacking.

I see you have the X30. If it's for street or travel have you thought about getting an X100T or F? It's even more retro than the Pen-F and gets you in a different mindset. IQ is probably a bit better than the Pen-F, although it's a less flexible with the fixed focal length.

 

[Jim Salvas]

I have both. Since buying the Pen-F, it has become my preferred body for everything but video (no external mic input), focus stacking in-camera and fast action (which I rarely do, anyway). It handles beautifully with the 17/1.8, but it is even good with the 12-40 zoom.

The hi-res feature, for me, more than makes up for its minor shortcomings in other areas.

I enjoy using this camera and I've made money with it. For me, it well justifies its price.

 

[Norm Bates]

Oh for Pete's sake- this has been beaten to death in this forum!

You know you want it, so just buy the damn thing. ;-)

What a helpful comment. I agree.

 

[Pete_W]

Why does it score high in street photography?

Mostly because of the effect a camera has on people on the other side of the lens. Nowadays a lot of people out there on the street don't like to be photographed (I guess it's something about photos stealing their souls), especially by a pro photographer (if you have a pro looking camera you are a pro), but can tolerate a hipster with a film camera (most people think Pen F is a vintage film camera).

Considering the similar sizes of the two cameras, I suspect the main advantage is that the photographer _thinks_ he is less visible when using the PEN-F. IMO the E-M1 is not a pro-looking camera; it's simply too small. Plus it doesn't have NIKON or CANON emblazoned on it.

I have to agree with @Okapi001. It's not so much the size, it's the shape. Cameras with a hump look professional and serious. Rangefinder style cameras look much less so and in my experience people pay less attention to those using them.

 

[CelticOdyssey]

Oh for Pete's sake- this has been beaten to death in this forum!

You know you want it, so just buy the damn thing. ;-)

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to help with my decision to purchase (or not purchase) the Olympus Pen-F.

Regarding your insightful comment, CelticOdyssey, just ten minutes ago, I wrote this same message to a photo-friend -- I want the camera. Yes, you're right. I do want the camera. And I suppose I'm asking for input from others hoping to collect a mid-sized pile of encouraging responses. I think that you've "hit the nail on the heard." Thank you, Bill

Hey Bill,

Way to go- I'm happy that you took my remarks in exactly the way I intended!

you are going to love this camera- I hardly ever use my E-M5ii anymore.

-Richard

 

[spencerda]

I say you want it get it!

Am kinda in the same boat, coming from a fuji XT1, wanting to upgrade can't see paying so much for XT2 so been looking at X T20, had a chance to hold side by side with Pen F.

Something about the feel of the Pen just grabs me. Think it would bring back the joy I use to have with equipment, just feels right.

Also although both claim to have same size EVF X T20 feels like a tunnel view, the Pen feels much more connected with the subject?

Dave

--
take it slow