Thanks to the previous owner! (and my LCS too) [pana 14mm F2.5]

Saw on their web site that my LCS got in a used Panasonic 14mm F2.5, so popped in on my way to work to check it out.  It's the v1 version of the lens, and it appears to be like new.  Seemed sharp on my camera, so I snapped it up!

Questions:

1. I see in older threads the statement that the v1 and v2 vary only in cosmetics.  Is that correct?

2. Anything I should watch out for using it on my E-M10ii? it's my first non-Oly lens.

3. How much distortion does the GWC1 wide converter add?  I'd like to get one and use the combo for astro if possible.

Thanks in advance for any advice given.

Also thanks to the previous owner of this lens for taking such good care of it and then trading it in. 

I bought my 14mf2.5 used too.  It's on my GM1 most of the time because together they form a stealth P&S street camera.  I also own a EM10.

As for wide converter, I bought a FujiFilm (see attached photo) which is 0.75x.  I believe the GWC1 is 0.76x.  In any case, from most reviews, they are comparable with a slight advantage towards the GWC1.  I also read the Sony wide converter works too - search dpreview.

Either one would give you a ~21mm equiv on top of the 'native' 28mm equiv.  I really like the combo.

GM1 + 14mmf2.5 + FujiFilm 0.75x converter = 10.5mmf2.5

Photo taken with above combo:

Levi's Stadium - GM1 + 14mm + FujiFilm converter

Martian Flatcat wrote:

3. How much distortion does the GWC1 wide converter add? I'd like to get one and use the combo for astro if possible.

Thanks in advance for any advice given.

Also thanks to the previous owner of this lens for taking such good care of it and then trading it in.

It doesn't add much distortion at all, even at short range. For astro, you'd never see it. I'm planning to use the combination in a week or two for some Milky Way shots, and will compare them to the 7.5mm fisheye - which will have some distortion for sure, but I don't expect it to be very noticeable. First I have to find the Milky Way .....

Maggie

With and without GWC1.

In the USA, I note that the GWC1 is no longer carried by the big online retailers, so it's only available at prices much higher than what it cost new. That's a shame. It works well.

I have the v. 1 of the 14/2.5 and it is awesome...a superior copy I guess. Use it on my E-M10 and E-PM1.  I also have the wide adapter, and absolutely no problems there, either.

But for better quality yet, I prefer to use my .75X Sony wide adapter which was made for the crappy 16/2.8 NEX lens. The adapter is much more solid, larger and of very high optical quality. It just snaps onto the front of the 14/2.5.  Believe it or not!