Pen-F Experiences and Future

ahaslett said:

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/

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...

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.

Click to expand...

ahaslett said:

A

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ahaslett said:

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/

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...

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

Click to expand...

cba_melbourne said:

ahaslett said:

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.

Click to expand...

I have been considering keeping just my 4 GM bodies and some smaller lenses, and selling everything else. But I am not that unhappy with what I have, that there would be any urgency to act on such a mount change. As you say, the 9 year old Pen-F still does all I want.

Click to expand...

cba_melbourne said:

cba_melbourne said:

A

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Skeeterbytes said:

ahaslett said:

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/

Skeeterbytes 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

Click to expand...

Fun fact: BLX-1 and Pen F battery door opening match in size and shape. One would need to move the card elsewhere to accommodate the cell, and it's also a little taller than the BLN.

Also the last camera to spec the BLN. Of the opinion it's high time to replace the BLS with something having more capacity. Something with, say, 70% of the BLX capacity could serve all smaller bodies with more life. Or resurrect the BLH.

Click to expand...

Trankster said:

gary0319 said:

sx-70 said:

For those who either own a Pen-F or used to own one;

What are your thoughts on the camera? Good vs bad experiences and whether you would recommend one?

What types of lenses did you use? Were they mainly Olympus/OM System or did you also utilise Lumix/Leica lenses also?

Do you think OM Systems will release a new Pen-F in the future? What kinds of features and updates would you like to see in the new Pen-F?

Click to expand...

I owned a Pen F for a couple of years, great looking camera that always got some comments on the street. I loved the creative dial for JPEGS, particularly the color and Mono profiles. But…. any thought of using continuous autofocus was a daydream and it ate batteries like candy. So, for short trips using S-AF it’s great.

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...

I agree with Gary. The OM-3 has all the desired improvements for the Pen-F II with only a slightly larger form factor. I have both (for now) and find the weight of both with small lenses feels about the same in hand. I think fans of the Pen-F will be fans of the OM-3. By the way, I find the EVF to be quite acceptable and lovely.

I

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chipman02 said:

And then there is this -

https://petapixel.com/2025/03/07/the-om-3-isnt-a-successor-to-the-pen-f-a-new-pen-is-still-coming/

This might be a good time to write to OM and tell them what you want.

Click to expand...

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...

acfo said:

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.

Click to expand...

gary0319 said:

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.

Click to expand...

ahaslett said:

cba_melbourne said:

ahaslett said:

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/

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...

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.

Click to expand...

I have been considering keeping just my 4 GM bodies and some smaller lenses, and selling everything else. But I am not that unhappy with what I have, that there would be any urgency to act on such a mount change. As you say, the 9 year old Pen-F still does all I want.

Click to expand...

So you might not buy a Pen Fii, for example if too expensive?

Click to expand...

ahaslett said:

ahaslett said:

ahaslett said:

A

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Skeeterbytes said:

ahaslett said:

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/

Skeeterbytes 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

Click to expand...

Fun fact: BLX-1 and Pen F battery door opening match in size and shape. One would need to move the card elsewhere to accommodate the cell, and it's also a little taller than the BLN.

Also the last camera to spec the BLN. Of the opinion it's high time to replace the BLS with something having more capacity. Something with, say, 70% of the BLX capacity could serve all smaller bodies with more life. Or resurrect the BLH.

Click to expand...

cba_melbourne said:

I do not think a PenFii would have to have all the power and the frame rates, and the associated power consumption, of an OM3. A BLS-50 battery like in the OM5 would do just fine.

Click to expand...

fuesting said:

fuesting said:

I do not think a PenFii would have to have all the power and the frame rates, and the associated power consumption, of an OM3. A BLS-50 battery like in the OM5 would do just fine.

Click to expand...

I think if OM brought in a slightly higher resolution sensor without the high speed stuff, but with handheld hi-res, that would be a perfect fit for street shooting. Make it weather sealed. Try to move the power button to the right hand side, again for street. I see no need for a bigger battery or dual card slots. Same basic aesthetic and size. Slide that in at $1599 and I'm in for it.

Click to expand...

Trankster said:

gary0319 said:

sx-70 said:

For those who either own a Pen-F or used to own one;

What are your thoughts on the camera? Good vs bad experiences and whether you would recommend one?

What types of lenses did you use? Were they mainly Olympus/OM System or did you also utilise Lumix/Leica lenses also?

Do you think OM Systems will release a new Pen-F in the future? What kinds of features and updates would you like to see in the new Pen-F?

Click to expand...

I owned a Pen F for a couple of years, great looking camera that always got some comments on the street. I loved the creative dial for JPEGS, particularly the color and Mono profiles. But…. any thought of using continuous autofocus was a daydream and it ate batteries like candy. So, for short trips using S-AF it’s great.

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...

I agree with Gary. The OM-3 has all the desired improvements for the Pen-F II with only a slightly larger form factor.

Click to expand...

Trankster said:

I have both (for now) and find the weight of both with small lenses feels about the same in hand. I think fans of the Pen-F will be fans of the OM-3.

Click to expand...

Trankster said:

By the way, I find the EVF to be quite acceptable and lovely.

Click to expand...

cba_melbourne said:

fuesting said:

cba_melbourne said:

I do not think a PenFii would have to have all the power and the frame rates, and the associated power consumption, of an OM3. A BLS-50 battery like in the OM5 would do just fine.

Click to expand...

I think if OM brought in a slightly higher resolution sensor without the high speed stuff, but with handheld hi-res, that would be a perfect fit for street shooting. Make it weather sealed. Try to move the power button to the right hand side, again for street. I see no need for a bigger battery or dual card slots. Same basic aesthetic and size. Slide that in at $1599 and I'm in for it.

Click to expand...

PenF was released in early 2016 for US$1,200. Corrected for inflation, that is already $1,607 today.

It surely needs PDAF. That means the innards of the OM5 need to be further miniaturized to fit into the smaller body. This, and the batch size will be much smaller than the old PenF, just a fraction of it, because the camera market overall has shrunk a lot, and because the m43 market share has halved. All this means a PenFii would cost at least $2k.

Plus now you want weather sealing for free too. I can't see this happen. For 2k its either the old premium metal build and no WS, or WS but it has to be made of plastic like the OM5. Or else the manufacturer will loose money and go broke.

Click to expand...

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...

radix1 said:

cba_melbourne said:

fuesting said:

radix1 said:

I do not think a PenFii would have to have all the power and the frame rates, and the associated power consumption, of an OM3. A BLS-50 battery like in the OM5 would do just fine.

Click to expand...

I think if OM brought in a slightly higher resolution sensor without the high speed stuff, but with handheld hi-res, that would be a perfect fit for street shooting. Make it weather sealed. Try to move the power button to the right hand side, again for street. I see no need for a bigger battery or dual card slots. Same basic aesthetic and size. Slide that in at $1599 and I'm in for it.

Click to expand...

PenF was released in early 2016 for US$1,200. Corrected for inflation, that is already $1,607 today.

It surely needs PDAF. That means the innards of the OM5 need to be further miniaturized to fit into the smaller body. This, and the batch size will be much smaller than the old PenF, just a fraction of it, because the camera market overall has shrunk a lot, and because the m43 market share has halved. All this means a PenFii would cost at least $2k.

Plus now you want weather sealing for free too. I can't see this happen. For 2k its either the old premium metal build and no WS, or WS but it has to be made of plastic like the OM5. Or else the manufacturer will loose money and go broke.

Click to expand...

and OM5 internal.

count me in.

Cheers

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radix1 said:

OM SYSTEM cameras are built to endure — with weather-sealed bodies and rugged designs that stand up to the elements. Trust your equipment and focus on capturing the moments that matter, knowing your gear is ready when it counts most.

Click to expand...

sx-70 said:

acfo said:

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.

Click to expand...

I have looked around briefly. So far what I have seen it seems to be quite an expensive part, so I will need to look at some alternatives.

Click to expand...

cba_melbourne said:

fuesting said:

cba_melbourne said:

I do not think a PenFii would have to have all the power and the frame rates, and the associated power consumption, of an OM3. A BLS-50 battery like in the OM5 would do just fine.

Click to expand...

I think if OM brought in a slightly higher resolution sensor without the high speed stuff, but with handheld hi-res, that would be a perfect fit for street shooting. Make it weather sealed. Try to move the power button to the right hand side, again for street. I see no need for a bigger battery or dual card slots. Same basic aesthetic and size. Slide that in at $1599 and I'm in for it.

Click to expand...

PenF was released in early 2016 for US$1,200. Corrected for inflation, that is already $1,607 today.

It surely needs PDAF. That means the innards of the OM5 need to be further miniaturized to fit into the smaller body. This, and the batch size will be much smaller than the old PenF, just a fraction of it, because the camera market overall has shrunk a lot, and because the m43 market share has halved. All this means a PenFii would cost at least $2k.

Plus now you want weather sealing for free too. I can't see this happen. For 2k its either the old premium metal build and no WS, or WS but it has to be made of plastic like the OM5. Or else the manufacturer will loose money and go broke.

Click to expand...