Nice story! Last time I visited HK was 2-3 years ago, and like you I went to Sim City for headphones and iems (bought a pair of ath-msr7's that I still use for commutes today). Sadly this was before I had any interest in photography so didn't pay any attention to the camera shops there, but your experience kinda makes me want to go back soon and check it out.
Just last week I was also choosing between the GX85 and the EM10ii for my first m43 camera. I ended up with the EM10ii+14-42 ez lens because it was a better deal, and your findings about the GX85 EVF made me glad I chose it. Sucks to hear about the Pana 12-32 lens having compatibility issues though, I was thinking of getting that and a used 35-100mm f4-5.6 for a really compact 2 lens kit.
I have both the Panasonic 12-32 and the 35-100 f/4-5.6 and have used both on multiple Olympus bodies with no problems whatsoever. I have an Olympus refurbished E-M10 II with 14-42 EZ on its way to me right now, and plan on mixing and matching those little Panny lenses on it as well.
Nice story! Last time I visited HK was 2-3 years ago, and like you I went to Sim City for headphones and iems (bought a pair of ath-msr7's that I still use for commutes today). Sadly this was before I had any interest in photography so didn't pay any attention to the camera shops there, but your experience kinda makes me want to go back soon and check it out.
Just last week I was also choosing between the GX85 and the EM10ii for my first m43 camera. I ended up with the EM10ii+14-42 ez lens because it was a better deal, and your findings about the GX85 EVF made me glad I chose it. Sucks to hear about the Pana 12-32 lens having compatibility issues though, I was thinking of getting that and a used 35-100mm f4-5.6 for a really compact 2 lens kit.
I have both the Panasonic 12-32 and the 35-100 f/4-5.6 and have used both on multiple Olympus bodies with no problems whatsoever. I have an Olympus refurbished E-M10 II with 14-42 EZ on its way to me right now, and plan on mixing and matching those little Panny lenses on it as well.
Nice story! Last time I visited HK was 2-3 years ago, and like you I went to Sim City for headphones and iems (bought a pair of ath-msr7's that I still use for commutes today). Sadly this was before I had any interest in photography so didn't pay any attention to the camera shops there, but your experience kinda makes me want to go back soon and check it out.
Just last week I was also choosing between the GX85 and the EM10ii for my first m43 camera. I ended up with the EM10ii+14-42 ez lens because it was a better deal, and your findings about the GX85 EVF made me glad I chose it. Sucks to hear about the Pana 12-32 lens having compatibility issues though, I was thinking of getting that and a used 35-100mm f4-5.6 for a really compact 2 lens kit.
I have both the Panasonic 12-32 and the 35-100 f/4-5.6 and have used both on multiple Olympus bodies with no problems whatsoever. I have an Olympus refurbished E-M10 II with 14-42 EZ on its way to me right now, and plan on mixing and matching those little Panny lenses on it as well.
"I tested it with my three Pana lenses, 25 and 14-45 works fine, but there is one strange thing when using with 12-32. While it's focusing, the image is like distorted, turn grey, lines everywhere. Photos from it looks slightly better than from 14-42EZ, but I decided I will keep that with GF9 and for the most portable set up I will be pairing EM10 with 14-42 EZ."
Sounds like (and I'm hoping) it might be an isolated issue though, since others are saying they haven't experienced any problems.
But unlike you, I went for a new camera with the dual lens kit that was on sale for 450 USD some weeks ago when the newer model was about to arrive at the stores.
I almost bought a used EM5II instead for about the same price, but I was afraid to get a defective camera and I needed some lenses.
You have made a very wise choice. This camera is a bit underrated.
I would urge you to use RAW and choose a good software if you use higher ISOs.
DXOLab and Affinity + Nik plugins are very nice combined with RAWs from this camera.
For my needs I have reduced it to 4 MySets and assigned them to the Mode dial, now only a dial twiddle is needed for 95% of what I do. Occasionally only do I get into the SCP and only very rarely into menus and custom menus. I made the E-P5 easier to use than an average point 'n' shoot. That allows me to spend time worrying about the picture and less time fussing with the camera.
Just one update on this. I spend 4 days in Tokyo and visited few camera shops, that all had GX7 mk2 and mk3 on display. And I must say, every single of them had this problem with EVF, with kind of blurry image. Just horrible compared to my Olympus EM10ii.
It could be the nature of the field sequential EVF disturbing the eye. Many people cannot handle it. "Rainbows" and "tearing" are the common descriptors when individuals have problems. Olympus uses a regular EVF so no such issue for those same folks.
Nice story! Last time I visited HK was 2-3 years ago, and like you I went to Sim City for headphones and iems (bought a pair of ath-msr7's that I still use for commutes today). Sadly this was before I had any interest in photography so didn't pay any attention to the camera shops there, but your experience kinda makes me want to go back soon and check it out.
Just last week I was also choosing between the GX85 and the EM10ii for my first m43 camera. I ended up with the EM10ii+14-42 ez lens because it was a better deal, and your findings about the GX85 EVF made me glad I chose it. Sucks to hear about the Pana 12-32 lens having compatibility issues though, I was thinking of getting that and a used 35-100mm f4-5.6 for a really compact 2 lens kit.
I have both the Panasonic 12-32 and the 35-100 f/4-5.6 and have used both on multiple Olympus bodies with no problems whatsoever. I have an Olympus refurbished E-M10 II with 14-42 EZ on its way to me right now, and plan on mixing and matching those little Panny lenses on it as well.
"I tested it with my three Pana lenses, 25 and 14-45 works fine, but there is one strange thing when using with 12-32. While it's focusing, the image is like distorted, turn grey, lines everywhere. Photos from it looks slightly better than from 14-42EZ, but I decided I will keep that with GF9 and for the most portable set up I will be pairing EM10 with 14-42 EZ."
Sounds like (and I'm hoping) it might be an isolated issue though, since others are saying they haven't experienced any problems.
I think you can rest assured that using those Panny lenses on Oly bodies is not a problem at all. Just look at all the recommendations on this forum for those lenses - the 12-32 in particular.
Folks tell me that the Panny 20mm f1.7 is a problem on Oly bodies. Since I find it works perfectly OK on my E-M1, I will continue, in my ignorance, to use it.
...of girlfriend, since since she must be very patient and understanding to do all that walking around while you researched and price checked!
Good camera choice too, I have that camera and it is good. Looks very nice, nice features. Having both Olympus and Panasonic I find is a good combination since each has different strengths.
Did your girlfriend try the GX85's viewfinder too? That would been another way to see if only you saw a problem or not. Maybe the next step is for her to try a GX85 and upgrade to it. I think it has some nice new video features.
Managed to found 4 used GX85, priced from 330 to 420 USD. Cheapest one was sold before I even returned back to that store. I tried other three and with each of them, I had huge problem with EVF, looking through it with my Pana 25 1.7, everything looked horribly “blurred”? While on screen it was fine. I tried to play around with the focus wheel, but nothing was helping.
Just one update on this. I spend 4 days in Tokyo and visited few camera shops, that all had GX7 mk2 and mk3 on display. And I must say, every single of them had this problem with EVF, with kind of blurry image. Just horrible compared to my Olympus EM10ii.
Frankie.... It has become internet folklore that Olympus menus are "overly complicated and hard to master."
And there is some truth in this.
Their menus are much more complicated than any other brands are. They take a while to learn because Olympus cameras offer so much customization. Olympus pretty much has the LEAST intuitive menu system. Without a doubt, it could be redesigned to make it simpler. But even that would be quite a task considering the hundreds of settings available for you.
What's the Customize and Reset mean? What's the use of Keep Warm Color, or IS ON when Shutter Half Press. What's the Battery Indicator setting mean? What's the EVF behaviors? <GROAN>
There're some websites that list all these settings and explain what should be set to what. Forget the url, too lazy to search.
Yeah, first set up took little bit of googling and one afternoon, but since then managed few days trip in Tokyo and if I needed to change anything, it was easy to find once you get idea of the menu structure.
Managed to found 4 used GX85, priced from 330 to 420 USD. Cheapest one was sold before I even returned back to that store. I tried other three and with each of them, I had huge problem with EVF, looking through it with my Pana 25 1.7, everything looked horribly “blurred”? While on screen it was fine. I tried to play around with the focus wheel, but nothing was helping.
Just one update on this. I spend 4 days in Tokyo and visited few camera shops, that all had GX7 mk2 and mk3 on display. And I must say, every single of them had this problem with EVF, with kind of blurry image. Just horrible compared to my Olympus EM10ii.
Nice story! Last time I visited HK was 2-3 years ago, and like you I went to Sim City for headphones and iems (bought a pair of ath-msr7's that I still use for commutes today). Sadly this was before I had any interest in photography so didn't pay any attention to the camera shops there, but your experience kinda makes me want to go back soon and check it out.
Just last week I was also choosing between the GX85 and the EM10ii for my first m43 camera. I ended up with the EM10ii+14-42 ez lens because it was a better deal, and your findings about the GX85 EVF made me glad I chose it. Sucks to hear about the Pana 12-32 lens having compatibility issues though, I was thinking of getting that and a used 35-100mm f4-5.6 for a really compact 2 lens kit.
I have both the Panasonic 12-32 and the 35-100 f/4-5.6 and have used both on multiple Olympus bodies with no problems whatsoever. I have an Olympus refurbished E-M10 II with 14-42 EZ on its way to me right now, and plan on mixing and matching those little Panny lenses on it as well.
"I tested it with my three Pana lenses, 25 and 14-45 works fine, but there is one strange thing when using with 12-32. While it's focusing, the image is like distorted, turn grey, lines everywhere. Photos from it looks slightly better than from 14-42EZ, but I decided I will keep that with GF9 and for the most portable set up I will be pairing EM10 with 14-42 EZ."
Sounds like (and I'm hoping) it might be an isolated issue though, since others are saying they haven't experienced any problems.
I think you can rest assured that using those Panny lenses on Oly bodies is not a problem at all. Just look at all the recommendations on this forum for those lenses - the 12-32 in particular.
Folks tell me that the Panny 20mm f1.7 is a problem on Oly bodies. Since I find it works perfectly OK on my E-M1, I will continue, in my ignorance, to use it.
Ok, so to the issue of Pana 12-32. When it tries to focus on my camera, image gets kind of grey and rough/pixelated looking, but just for the moment of focusing. Otherwise it works just fine. I only noticed this problem because Pana 12-32 on my EM10ii hunts for focus more often than any other of my lenses.
Managed to found 4 used GX85, priced from 330 to 420 USD. Cheapest one was sold before I even returned back to that store. I tried other three and with each of them, I had huge problem with EVF, looking through it with my Pana 25 1.7, everything looked horribly “blurred”? While on screen it was fine. I tried to play around with the focus wheel, but nothing was helping.
Just one update on this. I spend 4 days in Tokyo and visited few camera shops, that all had GX7 mk2 and mk3 on display. And I must say, every single of them had this problem with EVF, with kind of blurry image. Just horrible compared to my Olympus EM10ii.
Ahh, you didn't adjust the GX85 diopter. I suspected so. It makes perfect sense that the GX85 EVF appeared blurred. If you change the diopter of the E-M10II then you can make the EVF appear blurred too. If you do this though I suggest you do not throw your E-M10II away. You can readjust the diopter to make the EVF sharp again.
I have the E-M10II and it is a really nice camera. You ended up making a good choice, but the GX85 was also a good choice.
Ahh, you didn't adjust the GX85 diopter. I suspected so. It makes perfect sense that the GX85 EVF appeared blurred. If you change the diopter of the E-M10II then you can make the EVF appear blurred too. If you do this though I suggest you do not throw your E-M10II away. You can readjust the diopter to make the EVF sharp again.
I have the E-M10II and it is a really nice camera. You ended up making a good choice, but the GX85 was also a good choice.
Ok, apparently you kind of missed meaning behind my response to your little silly question. So to be clear, yes, of course I did adjuster diopter on GX85.
Ahh, you didn't adjust the GX85 diopter. I suspected so. It makes perfect sense that the GX85 EVF appeared blurred. If you change the diopter of the E-M10II then you can make the EVF appear blurred too. If you do this though I suggest you do not throw your E-M10II away. You can readjust the diopter to make the EVF sharp again.
I have the E-M10II and it is a really nice camera. You ended up making a good choice, but the GX85 was also a good choice.
Ok, apparently you kind of missed meaning behind my response to your little silly question. So to be clear, yes, of course I did adjuster diopter on GX85.
I realize English is not your native language so I do not criticize you for it. But, your smiling yellow face thing does NOT say that you adjusted the diopter. It wasn't clear, but seemed to indicate that you didn't and didn't even know you could until I asked you. From now on, if you want to say something then just say it.
And why is asking about the diopter silly? You over and over said the EVF was blurry and never mentioned that you adjusted the diopter or even mentioned the diopter control. You are the one who acted silly.
This has been quite helpful! I have the same exact concern as yours. I have a Panasonic GF1 with 20mm pancake lens and considering to upgrade to a GF7 or GF8 or GF9 within that price range too. I'm flying to HK this early August - any stores in particular I should visit? And also how do you know what exactly to look out for when buying a used camera?
The EVF is easily the worst thing about the GX85/80/GX9/GX7
It’s not just the sequential LCD it’s also the crummy optical assembly in front of it, like looking through a jam jar bottom where it’s only possible to get one area in focus at a time.
I can live with it on my GX9 but it really is time that Panasonic improved this wanting EVF assembly, it just cheapens the whole experiance with this camera and I am sure it has cost them many many sales, so just maybe it’s not worth them putting a crummy EVF in there in the first place?
This has been quite helpful! I have the same exact concern as yours. I have a Panasonic GF1 with 20mm pancake lens and considering to upgrade to a GF7 or GF8 or GF9 within that price range too. I'm flying to HK this early August - any stores in particular I should visit? And also how do you know what exactly to look out for when buying a used camera?
Well, I didn't explore that much around different parts in Hong Kong for M43, but so far I found biggest choice in Sim City in Mong Kok.
What to look for, you can read online multiple articles, how you should check all buttons, shutter count, autofocus with your lens, dirt on sensor and of course whole body condition. Also when buying, keep in mind you might need to buy new battery and charger to go with it.
This has been quite helpful! I have the same exact concern as yours. I have a Panasonic GF1 with 20mm pancake lens and considering to upgrade to a GF7 or GF8 or GF9 within that price range too. I'm flying to HK this early August - any stores in particular I should visit? And also how do you know what exactly to look out for when buying a used camera?
Well, I didn't explore that much around different parts in Hong Kong for M43, but so far I found biggest choice in Sim City in Mong Kok.
What to look for, you can read online multiple articles, how you should check all buttons, shutter count, autofocus with your lens, dirt on sensor and of course whole body condition. Also when buying, keep in mind you might need to buy new battery and charger to go with it.
I'm based about 1 hour south of Manila in Tagaytay City, Cavite. There is no Olympus Distributor here, although for the past 5 years I have purchased all my Olympus gear locally and still saved over US prices but no warranty at all. During the past 15 - 18 months prices have jumped - UP. Here in the Philippines it is mostly Canon/Nikon/Fuji and Panasonic.
My wife (Margaret) and I had the opportunity to HK the first week of Feb 2018 so Margaret and I could meet up with her 2 sisters and their husbands that were flying in from Chicago and So. California to SHOP for clothes, shoes, bargains and visit Macao. We all met up at and stayed 4 nights at the Ramada Hotel - Chatham Rd S Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
It was VERY COLD and just before the Chinese New Year. My Primary Goal was Camera Gear (EM-1 Mk ii body, +,+,+) in and around Tsim Sha Tsui / Mong Kok and based on this great local link that I found during my research.
Note - In Jan. I was able to get a New Oly 50-200mm SWD along with a new MMF-3 for my EM1.1 from a local seller in Manila for $ 630. Thus in HK - I was looking for a used or new Oly EC-14 for my 50-200mm. Lucky Me, my 1st stop in HK was Zhao Xiang Guan (Aka Camera Workshop) 12th Floor, Kimberley House 35 Kimberley Road (3 blocks from Ramada Hotel. I was very lucky to be assisted by Mister Sun where I was able to find a slightly used EC-14 for $ 100 US. Zhao Xiang Guan is mostly Canon/ Nikon gear and a little 4/3 rds plus studio gear.
Next stop - Cam2 Mongkok Store -Mong Kok Yau Shing Commercial Centre (9th Floor) 51 Sai Yeung Choi Street South. With assistance of Nick Tam, I purchased a New EM-1 Mk2, 2 spare OlyBLH-1 Batteries, 2 B & H 62mm CPL & 67mm UV, 2 - Godox TT-350's & 1 - X1T-O Trigger all for $ 1,801 US or 93,600 Philippine Pesos. In Manila a New EM1-Mk 2 Body was 85,300 pesos. Additionally, Nick mounted a LCD Protector on the Mk 2 and referred me to Olympus HK Headquarters - Olympus CS Center - Argyle St, Unit L4207 Langham Place Office/ Langham Place, Mong Kok, for registering my new camera and also receive free gift = a SanDisk Extreme Pro - 300 MB/s - 64 GB SDXC Card.
HK is great for the Buses and MRT - if you visit get the Sim for your phone as Goggle Maps really help with the compression / density of streets/ businesses.
SIM City was a blast - Yes basically Nikon/ Canon plus odd stuff but I was looking for a SunwayFoto T120D-T Table Top Tripod, used metal screw in lens hoods in 37mm, 46mm, 62mm and 67mm, and any Oly/ Panasonic gear. The Olympus place on the back wall had just opened and they were still loading the shelves with a few 4/3 rds items and more micro 4/3rds - but no bargains at the time I was there. I did find all my hoods, picked up some 100mm filters but no Sunway at all (I even had a picture ) and no one in HK had heard of or seen. So purchased a Fotopro X-Go Mini Carbon TT Tripod (2 Section) with Ball Head & Plate and also some Peak Design Clips along with Cuff Wrist Strap. Saved over $ 130 US based on Ebay/ Amazon prices then would have issues getting anything shipped to the Philippines.
FYI - www.price.com/hk just click on the registered companies and you will also see addresses that you can map out on your phone when there.
Hope this assists other users that see this thread when planning a future vist. Do consider staying 2-3 days or longer as there is so much to see/ buy/ eat and photograph. Margaret and I will return in November for 5 nights. I have not completed my Photographic Bucket List. Regards, Chris
Looking for Dave Hester
Senior Shopping
Side Street Food Stall
Night Streaks 1
Real Street Parking in Hong Kong
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Chris Rea - BIOEP = "Blind In One Eye Photography"
It depends, and very often there will have more older Panys there like G1, G3, GFs and GX1 etc, or quite many Oly like Em10 1& 2, Em5 1&2 or even Em1 M1.
But it is a good place for used lenses. Be aware the used prices, if in mint condition, will be very close to a new dekit or grey market one.
