Decisions, decisions...

I mentioned on another thread that I received a gift card at a local camera store which almost covers the 17/1.8 that I have been considering. Problem is they have no stock and have apparently dropped Olympus, as they will not order one. So looking at what they do have, my choices are: 20/1.7 for $400, used GX85+12-32 for $600, or a TG5 for $550 (CAD). The 17mm was $505 if I could get it.

One option is to buy one of these, sell it on eBay, then buy a used 17mm for about $350 CAD with the proceeds. The GX85 might make a nice replacement for my EPM2 but it is a fair bit larger (the EVF is a bonus though). The TG5 could be a nice travel cam. But in either case I will still long for a 17mm I suspect...

zuikowesty wrote:

I mentioned on another thread that I received a gift card at a local camera store which almost covers the 17/1.8 that I have been considering. Problem is they have no stock and have apparently dropped Olympus, as they will not order one. So looking at what they do have, my choices are: 20/1.7 for $400, used GX85+12-32 for $600, or a TG5 for $550 (CAD). The 17mm was $505 if I could get it.

One option is to buy one of these, sell it on eBay, then buy a used 17mm for about $350 CAD with the proceeds. The GX85 might make a nice replacement for my EPM2 but it is a fair bit larger (the EVF is a bonus though). The TG5 could be a nice travel cam. But in either case I will still long for a 17mm I suspect...

I have the gx85 with the 12-32mm. I love it. I would think you'd be able to sell it on eBay easy enough if you didn't like it / want to keep it. To bad they don't have the 17mm 1.8. It is s nice lens.

zuikowesty wrote:

I mentioned on another thread that I received a gift card at a local camera store which almost covers the 17/1.8 that I have been considering. Problem is they have no stock and have apparently dropped Olympus, as they will not order one. So looking at what they do have, my choices are: 20/1.7 for $400, used GX85+12-32 for $600, or a TG5 for $550 (CAD). The 17mm was $505 if I could get it.

One option is to buy one of these, sell it on eBay, then buy a used 17mm for about $350 CAD with the proceeds. The GX85 might make a nice replacement for my EPM2 but it is a fair bit larger (the EVF is a bonus though). The TG5 could be a nice travel cam. But in either case I will still long for a 17mm I suspect...

That’s sucky they don’t carry the 17mm. No 15mm, either? You’d probably be unhappy with the 20mm focus speed on the EPM2.

A GX85 is a big upgrade over the EPM2. I’d jump at that!

Will the store buy back the gift card (albeit at a reduced price)?

Is it possible to sell the gift card to someone via CraigsList or other method (again, at a reduced price)?

Camera / photography clubs in your area who have members who may be interested in buying the card?

Foto4x4 wrote:

jeffharris wrote:

zuikowesty wrote:

I mentioned on another thread that I received a gift card at a local camera store which almost covers the 17/1.8 that I have been considering. Problem is they have no stock and have apparently dropped Olympus, as they will not order one. So looking at what they do have, my choices are: 20/1.7 for $400, used GX85+12-32 for $600, or a TG5 for $550 (CAD). The 17mm was $505 if I could get it.

One option is to buy one of these, sell it on eBay, then buy a used 17mm for about $350 CAD with the proceeds. The GX85 might make a nice replacement for my EPM2 but it is a fair bit larger (the EVF is a bonus though). The TG5 could be a nice travel cam. But in either case I will still long for a 17mm I suspect...

That’s sucky they don’t carry the 17mm. No 15mm, either? You’d probably be unhappy with the 20mm focus speed on the EPM2.

A GX85 is a big upgrade over the EPM2. I’d jump at that!

But Jeff, has already has a EM5.2 and it’s about the same size as the GX85. And better IBIS in my view too.

The point is that the GX85 from 2016 is a big upgrade over the EPM2 from 2013. It doesn’t really matter what other cameras the OP has. The built-in EVF is a good feature, too, making it more functional, even though the GX85’s EVF isn’t exactly the greatest.

If the they have the PL15, it might be a good pick. It gets great reviews. Though a bit wider than the 17. As you say decisions, decisions.

The 15mm is a better lens than the 17mm, certainly. It’s on my list to replace the 20mm and 14mm f2.5 … once I sell them.

Foto4x4 wrote:

jeffharris wrote:

Foto4x4 wrote:

But Jeff, has already has a EM5.2 and it’s about the same size as the GX85. And better IBIS in my view too.

The point is that the GX85 from 2016 is a big upgrade over the EPM2 from 2013. It doesn’t really matter what other cameras the OP has. The built-in EVF is a good feature, too, making it more functional, even though the GX85’s EVF isn’t exactly the greatest.

Yeah, but I referred to his OM-D E-M5II not the EPM5 and I think that does matter. It would to me. The GX85 is too close in size and specs to the EM5.2 as I see it. YMMV.

A 5-year old entry level camera vs. a 2 year old mid-range? The Panny lacks the EVF hump, too, making it more streamlined.

I guess I’d rather have 2 good cameras than one good and one mediocre.

Alex Ethridge wrote:

Will the store buy back the gift card (albeit at a reduced price)?

Is it possible to sell the gift card to someone via CraigsList or other method (again, at a reduced price)?

Camera / photography clubs in your area who have members who may be interested in buying the card?

I had thought of something like this but hadn't considered Craigslist. Thanks, I will think it over.

jeffharris wrote:

Foto4x4 wrote:

jeffharris wrote:

Foto4x4 wrote:

But Jeff, has already has a EM5.2 and it’s about the same size as the GX85. And better IBIS in my view too.

The point is that the GX85 from 2016 is a big upgrade over the EPM2 from 2013. It doesn’t really matter what other cameras the OP has. The built-in EVF is a good feature, too, making it more functional, even though the GX85’s EVF isn’t exactly the greatest.

Yeah, but I referred to his OM-D E-M5II not the EPM5 and I think that does matter. It would to me. The GX85 is too close in size and specs to the EM5.2 as I see it. YMMV.

A 5-year old entry level camera vs. a 2 year old mid-range? The Panny lacks the EVF hump, too, making it more streamlined.

I guess I’d rather have 2 good cameras than one good and one mediocre.

No question the GX85 is an upgrade to the EPM2, but it's always a fair bit larger, and size in the main reason I have the EPM2 (it's actually my wife's, and she likes the size). I carry two E-M5s, a mk1 and mk2, so the GX85 makes less sense for me. Most likely, I'd sell it, unless my wife decides she likes it. Then I'm still out the 17mm that I want...

The shop also has a 15/1.7, but it was $900, and I prefer the 17mm FL.

I'm not in a rush, and I may try calling one of their other stores, in case I get a different answer on ordering a 17mm.

Alex Ethridge wrote:

Will the store buy back the gift card (albeit at a reduced price)?

Is it possible to sell the gift card to someone via CraigsList or other method (again, at a reduced price)?

Camera / photography clubs in your area who have members who may be interested in buying the card?

If the store doesn't stock anything that you actually want to buy, your best approach would be to monetize it by transferring it to someone who does want something that they sell.

The downside, of course, is that some of the inherent value of that card is going to be split with whomever acquires it from you.

Personally, I'd first try the local camera/photography club approach, and failing that, I'd scour their inventory for whatever seems to be most sellable on ebay that preserves as much of the value of the card as you can, and then use the proceeds to get whatever you want with them.

zuikowesty wrote:

jeffharris wrote:

Foto4x4 wrote:

jeffharris wrote:

Foto4x4 wrote:

But Jeff, has already has a EM5.2 and it’s about the same size as the GX85. And better IBIS in my view too.

The point is that the GX85 from 2016 is a big upgrade over the EPM2 from 2013. It doesn’t really matter what other cameras the OP has. The built-in EVF is a good feature, too, making it more functional, even though the GX85’s EVF isn’t exactly the greatest.

Yeah, but I referred to his OM-D E-M5II not the EPM5 and I think that does matter. It would to me. The GX85 is too close in size and specs to the EM5.2 as I see it. YMMV.

A 5-year old entry level camera vs. a 2 year old mid-range? The Panny lacks the EVF hump, too, making it more streamlined.

I guess I’d rather have 2 good cameras than one good and one mediocre.

No question the GX85 is an upgrade to the EPM2, but it's always a fair bit larger, and size in the main reason I have the EPM2 (it's actually my wife's, and she likes the size). I carry two E-M5s, a mk1 and mk2, so the GX85 makes less sense for me. Most likely, I'd sell it, unless my wife decides she likes it. Then I'm still out the 17mm that I want...

Yes, definitely don’t get rid of something your wife likes!

I made the mistake of deciding which lenses my girlfriend should like. After buying a bunch of things (small primes, 14-42mm kit lenses, 45-150mm) she really liked the 14-140mm II. It cost me a lot, but it was a good lesson. Now, I make suggestions, she tries and then decides.

The shop also has a 15/1.7, but it was $900, and I prefer the 17mm FL.

$900  CAD? W T F ? Even at the crappy exchange rate that’s a LOT! $684 US!

I'm not in a rush, and I may try calling one of their other stores, in case I get a different answer on ordering a 17mm.

Good idea.