Pen-F Experiences and Future

I've been buying cameras since 1970. After a Pentax and two 4-3 DSLR's, i happily went smaller with M43 in 2010 with the EPL1. Always a fan of smaller cameras. I was a follower of the Cult of the Rangefinder
.
Always wanted a RF style body with integrated EVF. Should have bought the GX7, but got a refurbed PEN-F in 2020, I paired the PEN with the Lumix 12-35, also bought used. It performs great.
.
I regret not buying the Lumix zoom earlier, such a nice lens, but am happy I waited on the PEN-F. The articulated EVF was harder to use. I wished I had bought a silver one,
.
And now the thumb grip is missing, Gotta be somewhere in my study, Well, I'll have to fashion one out of an leather glove,

baxters said:

I've been buying cameras since 1970. After a Pentax and two 4-3 DSLR's, i happily went smaller with M43 in 2010 with the EPL1. Always a fan of smaller cameras. I was a follower of the Cult of the Rangefinder
.
Always wanted a RF style body with integrated EVF. Should have bought the GX7, but got a refurbed PEN-F in 2020, I paired the PEN with the Lumix 12-35, also bought used. It performs great.

Click to expand...

Good to hear. I have always been curious about the 12-35, and may consider one somewhere down the road.

I do own a GX9 which I use less these days. I do enjoy using it but the battery life is not that great. I feel the Pen-F battery lasts a while especially when I shoot EVF only.

baxters said:

.
I regret not buying the Lumix zoom earlier, such a nice lens, but am happy I waited on the PEN-F. The articulated EVF was harder to use. I wished I had bought a silver one,
.
And now the thumb grip is missing, Gotta be somewhere in my study, Well, I'll have to fashion one out of an leather glove,

Click to expand...

My thumb grip decided to drop off after a while. I am going to look at some DIY options.

I am glad you enjoy your Pen-F . It is one of my favourite smaller cameras to use in my collection. Great features and definitely looks the part.

The rangefinder style camera I like can be put in my Jacket pocket. It is sleek because it doesn't have the hump on top. It is also nice to have the nose on the left side of the camera, so it won't smudge fat on the screen. So what I like is basically a Pen camera with a viewfinder, to take everywhere.

I have both the OM-3 and Pen-F and I would say they are sufficiently different to keep both.

The Pen-F is a sleeker shape and more transportable, the OM-3 feels heavier and is larger. Yes they are both 'vintage' style but that's about the only common thing.

I wish there would be a Pen-F II - I'm sure a even a minor update would sell.

I saw an old Olympus Trip in a charity shop yesterday and thought what a great body it was. Maybe a digital Trip?

Mike.

Tomasch said:

The rangefinder style camera I like can be put in my Jacket pocket. It is sleek because it doesn't have the hump on top. It is also nice to have the nose on the left side of the camera, so it won't smudge fat on the screen. So what I like is basically a Pen camera with a viewfinder, to take everywhere.

Click to expand...

However, if you are a left eye dominant shooter, that left position of the EVF puts your nose right in the middle of the screen. That’s a lot of fun if the touch focusing is turned on…. trust me on that.

I've seen and hold the OM3, I bought the OM1.2. in the meanwhile I like to have a small camera next to it.

gary0319 said:

However having the OM-3 now, I fail to see any reason why OMDS would ever resurrect the Pen F. The OM-3 IS the new Pen F. It keeps all the good stuff from the Pen F, completely erases the shortcomings, and adds top of the line performance and features.

Click to expand...

Ditto, ditto, ditto....

Mike Micro 43 said:

I have both the OM-3 and Pen-F and I would say they are sufficiently different to keep both.

The Pen-F is a sleeker shape and more transportable, the OM-3 feels heavier and is larger. Yes they are both 'vintage' style but that's about the only common thing.

I wish there would be a Pen-F II - I'm sure a even a minor update would sell.

I saw an old Olympus Trip in a charity shop yesterday and thought what a great body it was. Maybe a digital Trip?

Mike.

Click to expand...

I am not convinced it would sell and OM Systems can't afford a camera that is re-introduced with it being 'suspect in selling' to begin with.

If OM updated the Pen F, what would people want to see? Most likely weather resistant but apparently by doing so, you would lose the 'size' and that would be the deal killer.

yes, I can see the OM3 being larger but the intent was not to make it the same size as the Pen F but more to be the same size as the OM1, 2 film series of cameras. And they hit upon that just nicely.

Jaime100 said:

gary0319 said:

However having the OM-3 now, I fail to see any reason why OMDS would ever resurrect the Pen F. The OM-3 IS the new Pen F. It keeps all the good stuff from the Pen F, completely erases the shortcomings, and adds top of the line performance and features.

Click to expand...

Ditto, ditto, ditto....

Click to expand...

what exactly do the Pen F and the OM3 have in common, other than the mount and the creative dial?

RF style vs SLR style

one is compact, the other is the widest current m43 camera body. it's also taller and thicker

one is available in black, the other is not

they couldn't be much more different. in fact, build quality aside, the EM10 is closer to the Pen F than the OM3 is

unfortunately, the closest thing to a Pen F upgrade is the new Fuji X-E5, and even with the new 23mm pancake lens it's still cheaper than the OM3, and it's practically the same size as the Pen F (i.e. much more compact than the OM3)

plus it has a flip screen, which arguably is what the Pen F should have had in the first place

Jaime100 said:

Mike Micro 43 said:

I have both the OM-3 and Pen-F and I would say they are sufficiently different to keep both.

The Pen-F is a sleeker shape and more transportable, the OM-3 feels heavier and is larger. Yes they are both 'vintage' style but that's about the only common thing.

I wish there would be a Pen-F II - I'm sure a even a minor update would sell.

I saw an old Olympus Trip in a charity shop yesterday and thought what a great body it was. Maybe a digital Trip?

Mike.

Click to expand...

I am not convinced it would sell and OM Systems can't afford a camera that is re-introduced with it being 'suspect in selling' to begin with.

Click to expand...

well while OMS, you and others like you ponder that, Fuji is releasing a slew of highly desirable compact premium cameras, and has become the go to for small and stylish

a shame really as Olympus/OMS/Lumix m43 was born with that purpose but got totally lost along the way and handed that USP to competitors

Jaime100 said:

If OM updated the Pen F, what would people want to see? Most likely weather resistant but apparently by doing so, you would lose the 'size' and that would be the deal killer.

yes, I can see the OM3 being larger but the intent was not to make it the same size as the Pen F but more to be the same size as the OM1, 2 film series of cameras. And they hit upon that just nicely.

Click to expand...

not really a Pen F successor then is it?

pipituni said:

Jaime100 said:

gary0319 said:

However having the OM-3 now, I fail to see any reason why OMDS would ever resurrect the Pen F. The OM-3 IS the new Pen F. It keeps all the good stuff from the Pen F, completely erases the shortcomings, and adds top of the line performance and features.

Click to expand...

Ditto, ditto, ditto....

Click to expand...

what exactly do the Pen F and the OM3 have in common, other than the mount and the creative dial?

RF style vs SLR style

one is compact, the other is the widest current m43 camera body. it's also taller and thicker

one is available in black, the other is not

they couldn't be much more different. in fact, build quality aside, the EM10 is closer to the Pen F than the OM3 is

unfortunately, the closest thing to a Pen F upgrade is the new Fuji X-E5, and even with the new 23mm pancake lens it's still cheaper than the OM3, and it's practically the same size as the Pen F (i.e. much more compact than the OM3)

plus it has a flip screen, which arguably is what the Pen F should have had in the first place

Click to expand...

I've had 2X OM3's in my possession since release. I returned both for various reasons. I just didn't warm up to it. It was 20% larger than I wanted it to be. The creative dial is cool but I just couldn't fall in love with the camera. Image quality was indiscernible from my E-M1.2. I did a slew of side-by-side tests for the way I shoot. That's really fine with me as I love the quality. It just wasn't an easily measurable upgrade.

I pivoted to the Fuji X100VI. I thought the fixed lens would help my photography and it did. The camera itself is awesome. Probably 10% bigger than what I've preferred. Dials are great except the on-off switch does not have enough resistance. The exposure dial doesn't either. Flippy screen for the win. Recipes for the win. Shooting fixed lens + jpeg only, really makes you think about your shots. The sensor was a PITA. Honestly, I felt like I got more resolution and fine detail out of my E-M1.2 w/ 17mm f1.7 than the X100VI. I know that sounds crazy. Also, 80MB RAWs are a PITA.

Well, I just sold my X100VI. That camera is awesome and I sold it only because i found the 35mm lens not my preferred focal length. If it was 50mm, I would still have it. Plus, college is expensive and trying to pinch a few pennies here and there. The XE-5 looks great. I don't understand how it's not weather sealed.

I decided to give the PEN-F a try. 10 years old. High shutter count. Beat to hell. Got a really good price. Yes its not weather sealed but I feel way more comfortable with that getting a little wet than a brand new XE-5. For me, this camera is for B&W and maybe some color film imitation jpegs only. Single focus, street photography, taking it with me everywhere and not caring about bumps and bruises. I really hope it works out.

I will say this. If a PEN-F II dropped today, I would be the first in line if it was weather sealed with an EVF. My son can get a job at college.

sx-70 said:

baxters said:

I've been buying cameras since 1970. After a Pentax and two 4-3 DSLR's, i happily went smaller with M43 in 2010 with the EPL1. Always a fan of smaller cameras. I was a follower of the Cult of the Rangefinder
.
Always wanted a RF style body with integrated EVF. Should have bought the GX7, but got a refurbed PEN-F in 2020, I paired the PEN with the Lumix 12-35, also bought used. It performs great.

Click to expand...

Good to hear. I have always been curious about the 12-35, and may consider one somewhere down the road.

I do own a GX9 which I use less these days. I do enjoy using it but the battery life is not that great. I feel the Pen-F battery lasts a while especially when I shoot EVF only.

sx-70 said:

.
I regret not buying the Lumix zoom earlier, such a nice lens, but am happy I waited on the PEN-F. The articulated EVF was harder to use. I wished I had bought a silver one,
.
And now the thumb grip is missing, Gotta be somewhere in my study, Well, I'll have to fashion one out of an leather glove,

Click to expand...

My thumb grip decided to drop off after a while. I am going to look at some DIY options.

I am glad you enjoy your Pen-F . It is one of my favourite smaller cameras to use in my collection. Great features and definitely looks the part.

Click to expand...

Isn’t it possible restore the original thumb grip?

Clean it then glue again with double sided tape?

kelly15 said:

sx-70 said:

baxters said:

I've been buying cameras since 1970. After a Pentax and two 4-3 DSLR's, i happily went smaller with M43 in 2010 with the EPL1. Always a fan of smaller cameras. I was a follower of the Cult of the Rangefinder
.
Always wanted a RF style body with integrated EVF. Should have bought the GX7, but got a refurbed PEN-F in 2020, I paired the PEN with the Lumix 12-35, also bought used. It performs great.

Click to expand...

Good to hear. I have always been curious about the 12-35, and may consider one somewhere down the road.

I do own a GX9 which I use less these days. I do enjoy using it but the battery life is not that great. I feel the Pen-F battery lasts a while especially when I shoot EVF only.

kelly15 said:

.
I regret not buying the Lumix zoom earlier, such a nice lens, but am happy I waited on the PEN-F. The articulated EVF was harder to use. I wished I had bought a silver one,
.
And now the thumb grip is missing, Gotta be somewhere in my study, Well, I'll have to fashion one out of an leather glove,

Click to expand...

My thumb grip decided to drop off after a while. I am going to look at some DIY options.

I am glad you enjoy your Pen-F . It is one of my favourite smaller cameras to use in my collection. Great features and definitely looks the part.

Click to expand...

Isn’t it possible restore the original thumb grip?

Clean it then glue again with double sided tape?

Click to expand...

Me personally, I'm buying mine without the piece. But yes, you could if you noticed when it falls off. Most people apparently don't notice.

sx-70 said:

My thumb grip decided to drop off after a while. I am going to look at some DIY options.

Click to expand...

You should be able to still get that as a spare part.

pipituni said:

Jaime100 said:

gary0319 said:

However having the OM-3 now, I fail to see any reason why OMDS would ever resurrect the Pen F. The OM-3 IS the new Pen F. It keeps all the good stuff from the Pen F, completely erases the shortcomings, and adds top of the line performance and features.

Click to expand...

Ditto, ditto, ditto....

Click to expand...

what exactly do the Pen F and the OM3 have in common, other than the mount and the creative dial?

RF style vs SLR style

one is compact, the other is the widest current m43 camera body. it's also taller and thicker

one is available in black, the other is not

they couldn't be much more different. in fact, build quality aside, the EM10 is closer to the Pen F than the OM3 is

unfortunately, the closest thing to a Pen F upgrade is the new Fuji X-E5, and even with the new 23mm pancake lens it's still cheaper than the OM3, and it's practically the same size as the Pen F (i.e. much more compact than the OM3)

plus it has a flip screen, which arguably is what the Pen F should have had in the first place

Click to expand...

I have to agree. Pen-F and X-E5 are same size. Same price too, if you correct Pen-F release price for inflation since 2016.

Imagine if the 40MP X-E5 had an m43 mount, it would be the new Pen-Fii people dream of:


X-E5 is a Pen-F with 40MP sensor


Quite a size difference with OM3, and it's not only the width: 14mm wider, 16mm taller, 7mm thicker, 51g heavier.

I can see you have a number of MFT lenses. Given that the probability that there will be a Pen-F ii seems rather small, I’m wondering why you don’t buy a Fuji?

I accepted a long time ago that MFT would likely never have higher resolution sensors. Buying Sony meant I didn’t have to agonise over every new MFT release.

Having a GM1 and OM5 mk i means I don’t have to worry about body size either. I find the OM5 comfortable to use with middle sized lenses. For some reason the shape just works for me.

Andrew

cba_melbourne said:

pipituni said:

Jaime100 said:

gary0319 said:

However having the OM-3 now, I fail to see any reason why OMDS would ever resurrect the Pen F. The OM-3 IS the new Pen F. It keeps all the good stuff from the Pen F, completely erases the shortcomings, and adds top of the line performance and features.

Click to expand...

Ditto, ditto, ditto....

Click to expand...

what exactly do the Pen F and the OM3 have in common, other than the mount and the creative dial?

RF style vs SLR style

one is compact, the other is the widest current m43 camera body. it's also taller and thicker

one is available in black, the other is not

they couldn't be much more different. in fact, build quality aside, the EM10 is closer to the Pen F than the OM3 is

unfortunately, the closest thing to a Pen F upgrade is the new Fuji X-E5, and even with the new 23mm pancake lens it's still cheaper than the OM3, and it's practically the same size as the Pen F (i.e. much more compact than the OM3)

plus it has a flip screen, which arguably is what the Pen F should have had in the first place

Click to expand...

I have to agree. Pen-F and X-E5 are same size. Same price too, if you correct Pen-F release price for inflation since 2016.

Imagine if the 40MP X-E5 had an m43 mount, it would be the new Pen-Fii people dream of:


X-E5 is a Pen-F with 40MP sensor


Quite a size difference with OM3, and it's not only the width: 14mm wider, 16mm taller, 7mm thicker, 51g heavier.

Click to expand...

IS the fuji waterproof? No....which I know is an area that many want it to be. From what I understand, those same SIZES of the X-E5 and the PEN F and maintaining that size is one reason why waterproofing can't be had..

--
jim lehmann https://jimlehmann.squarespace.com

ahaslett said:

I can see you have a number of MFT lenses. Given that the probability that there will be a Pen-F ii seems rather small, I’m wondering why you don’t buy a Fuji?

Click to expand...

Unfortunately there is no adapter. Well, not an electronic adapter. There is this: https://www.eoshd.com/comments/topic/63904-micro-four-thirds-mount-lenses-on-fuji-cameras/

ahaslett said:

I accepted a long time ago that MFT would likely never have higher resolution sensors. Buying Sony meant I didn’t have to agonise over every new MFT release.

Having a GM1 and OM5 mk i means I don’t have to worry about body size either. I find the OM5 comfortable to use with middle sized lenses. For some reason the shape just works for me.

Andrew

Click to expand...

Jaime100 said:

cba_melbourne said:

pipituni said:

Jaime100 said:

gary0319 said:

However having the OM-3 now, I fail to see any reason why OMDS would ever resurrect the Pen F. The OM-3 IS the new Pen F. It keeps all the good stuff from the Pen F, completely erases the shortcomings, and adds top of the line performance and features.

Click to expand...

Ditto, ditto, ditto....

Click to expand...

what exactly do the Pen F and the OM3 have in common, other than the mount and the creative dial?

RF style vs SLR style

one is compact, the other is the widest current m43 camera body. it's also taller and thicker

one is available in black, the other is not

they couldn't be much more different. in fact, build quality aside, the EM10 is closer to the Pen F than the OM3 is

unfortunately, the closest thing to a Pen F upgrade is the new Fuji X-E5, and even with the new 23mm pancake lens it's still cheaper than the OM3, and it's practically the same size as the Pen F (i.e. much more compact than the OM3)

plus it has a flip screen, which arguably is what the Pen F should have had in the first place

Click to expand...

I have to agree. Pen-F and X-E5 are same size. Same price too, if you correct Pen-F release price for inflation since 2016.

Imagine if the 40MP X-E5 had an m43 mount, it would be the new Pen-Fii people dream of:


X-E5 is a Pen-F with 40MP sensor


Quite a size difference with OM3, and it's not only the width: 14mm wider, 16mm taller, 7mm thicker, 51g heavier.

Click to expand...

IS the fuji waterproof? No....which I know is an area that many want it to be. From what I understand, those same SIZES of the X-E5 and the PEN F and maintaining that size is one reason why waterproofing can't be had..

Click to expand...

Only diving cameras are waterproof, and there is no interchangeable lens camera that is waterproof. What you mean is Weather Resistant (WR).

I am confident that it is technically perfectly possible to make a Pen-F sized camera WR. However the cost of WR increases exponentially with the inverse of camera size. Not enough people would be willing to pay a $2 or 300 premium for a WR Pen-F.

cba_melbourne said:

ahaslett said:

I can see you have a number of MFT lenses. Given that the probability that there will be a Pen-F ii seems rather small, I’m wondering why you don’t buy a Fuji?

Click to expand...

Unfortunately there is no adapter. Well, not an electronic adapter. There is this: https://www.eoshd.com/comments/topic/63904-micro-four-thirds-mount-lenses-on-fuji-cameras/

cba_melbourne said:

I accepted a long time ago that MFT would likely never have higher resolution sensors. Buying Sony meant I didn’t have to agonise over every new MFT release.

Having a GM1 and OM5 mk i means I don’t have to worry about body size either. I find the OM5 comfortable to use with middle sized lenses. For some reason the shape just works for me.

Andrew

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

I meant that I can see lenses being a barrier to switching or adding a mount. The Pen F has 20Mpix and IBIS but only CDAF. A Pen Fii would have 20Mpix and PDAF, plus some extra computational and jpeg capability. Are those really such a big jump you would buy a Pen Fii?

If it had WR and the stacked QB sensor, it would be as heavy as the OM3 and bigger than the Pen F somewhere to hold the battery. I guess losing subject detection might keep the price and size down but then the appeal would be limited and it would struggle to compete with the OM3 on price.

Buy a Fuji - it’s the only answer that will work in the long run.





A

--
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