I even posted it on the rumor site before it went live! Lol! The part where you mounted the PEN-F on the 150-600mm showed at the same time both what once was perfect and now longer is that great with M43s!
I enormously agree with this video. Just this year I did the ‘bucket-list’ Africa safari trip of my dreams, and my rig (noting that we were heavily weight-limited as flying light aircraft between camps) was a PEN-F with the two Olympus f/4.0 zooms. Such quality and versatility for its size… and the images I was able to get blew me away. So, I agree. This is not a 2016 camera in 2024. This was a 2024 camera in 2016.
I totally agree. My local camera store has an used Pen-F in excellent condition for €999 right now. I don't know if I can resist the temptation any longer or if I should wait and see what camera OMDS will release this year... A weather sealed Pen-F II with better High ISO performance would be a no-brainer.
I would wait for what they announce next. Soon is their third (?) anniversary maybe they let us know what's next. They always launch their new products in February/March. If I would be you, I would definitely wait.
The PEN F was my dream camera around the time when I got my first good camera (with the money I had I settled for the GX80). Some two years ago I finally had more money and even though I still use and live the GX80, I got myself a PEN F. What can I say except what a camera this is. It brings me so much joy and I wouldn’t trade it in for the world.
Thanks dear my photo-friend! I own M240 Q116 and SL - and just bougt the PEN-F (pre owned) some weeks ago and I am so lucky, take it with me every day, is so quite shutter, best handling - mono-color dial and compact. Best cam Olympus ever made
Can’t agree more with you Jimmy. If OMDS comes out with a Mk II I’ll buy two: one silver and one black! I almost sold my original silver version which I got in London back when it was released in 2016. I’m so very glad I didn’t. It’s a collectors item I’ll treasure forever. It pairs so well with my small lens collection, of which the 75mm f1.8 has produced quite a few faves for me. I hope the Mk II version has the same features of the OM-1 Mk II without the huge buffer in a weathersealed body that shares the same form factor of the original.
Many OM ambassadors start to publish video for PENF. From you Jimmy I expected that because you always express your love for this camera, but when I saw the video from Emily Talpin I thought that... NEW PENF is COMING!
Simply the best! It feels so natural to hold and use, I own the Pen F along with a 12mm, 40mm and an adapted D-Vario-Elmar 14-50mm from my old four thirds Lumix ...as a wheelchair bound photographer the size of body and three lenses is all important ....yes it would be a dream come true if there were a Mk2 but I shall not lose sleep as I have total satisfaction from the current Pen F.....one love
I agree with you, the PEN-F is also one of my favorite cameras, and I have created several color profiles that mirror the old Fujifilm and Kodak film looks. It's magical!
I agree with you, and I got my Pwn F in 2016, and have no regrets. I,owned the original files Pwn F back in the 60’s and loved that camera. I still use my digital Pen F and after trying the Niko. z 6, I sold Nikon and went back to my Pen F. Great camera, and gray photos. Cheers
I just took my Pen F on a 2 week trip to Japan with the 17mm prime and that was all I needed. Light, compact and beautiful. I wouldn't give it up for any other camera. Like you said it's my one and done! Great video as always :) Keep being awesome!
Although I was too late to the M4/3 party to fully appreciate the PEN F. At the time they went out of production I was just using my first EM5 mkii and loving it (truth be told I still have it as it became a very used and old friend who had been through so much with me it earned a place in my heart. I now have multiple cameras from Nikon both F and Z mount, Leica, OM and EM versions of the flagship. But since I found my first PEN F in all black it quickly became the only thing I would reach for as a daily driver. In fact I love it so much I had to buy another one (Silver Edition) just in case they became harder to acquire or heaven forbid my first broke down in any way. I have to admit if I ever see another minty black one I will buy a third to ensure my future passion is secure. If there is a New version with the same metal body as the old one and not a polycarbonate cheap rip off of an icon I will be first in line to hand over the cash. Fingers crossed for OM to see sense and they don't mess up what to me is an ICON.
A Pen-F mkii would be great. Imagine it with the TruePix 10 processor and weather-sealing. Paired with the 20mm f/1.4 ... one can dream. And ya, to your point, even at a $1800-$2000 price point, it's be a a hot seller.
Just grabbed mine for 600$, it has @ 20k shutter count and the thumb grip rubber is missing but managed to buy from ebay. I m happy that i found it and i will plan to enjoy many years from now.
Like you Jimmy absolutely love my PEN_F. I use it as my everyday camera, for example of my mile walk to work, just in case......... Keep up the good work.
I bought mine new 6 or 7 years ago. Before long it became my go-to camera for everything. I eventually sold my Nikon D850 and all its lenses because I no longer used it. I've used the Pen-f for street, nature, and travel photography and for family events. I love it's compact perfection and its beautiful retro style. I maintain a tract of conservation land. The Pen-f with a short zoom lens and a macro lens fit into a small weather-proof messenger style camera bag I can have with me or nearby when I'm working. I borrow my wife's OMD EM1with its bigger buffer on the rare occasion I want to do the kind of high-speed burst photography the Nikon was good at.
Great video Jimmy!...I love my black PenF...(great street camera)...Cheers Note: I understand the Pen f was still in production up until 2020...So its not as old as we think...
I just had to have one, why? Don't know, can't answer why, but it is such a joy to use. It makes me want to go out and use it. I've got OM 1 Mk2 etc, but this is the one that makes me smile when I use it. Tactile, beautiful. Thanks for the video Jimmy
My first camera was the EM5 and loved it until the PENF came out. I remember visiting the camera store every couple days to look at it and dreaming about owning one. In the last 8 years I’ve had Leica, Canon, SIGMA, and multiple SONYs, but I still couldn’t stop thinking about the PENF. Finally sold the Leica and bought a PENF in mint condition early this year. It’s going to be buried with me.
As an Industrial Designer I had to get one when they had been out for a while. Mine is silver, it looks spectacular but feels just as good in the hands. I probably use it more than any other, exclusively with small or medium size primes. I'll never sell it, its brilliant. Pen F II with weather sealing, please! OM Systems will be asleep at the wheel if they don't see the opportunity, there are only so many bird and macro photographers. Travel and lifestyle, OM Systems! And Design!
Hi Jimmy, you know how much I love mine. Weather sealing would be nice otherwise it does exactly what I require and I love the retro styling of course and the 20MP sensor is still adequate. :) Cheers Leigh
Jimmy, the music at 0:28 omg.... what is the song name!?!? PLEASE SHARE, it's sooooooo goood!! NMV, found it! Easy to Love by Saggie & Steven Beddall...... OMG... NIIIIICE CHOICE.
You're absolutely right Jimmy. The PEN-F is a masterpiece. I've never owned it but rented it for a couple of times for some trips. I made a black & white custom profile that I liked and I used it to shoot b&w all the time. I was shooting RAW+JPEG to have the RAW files if I wanted to develop them, but I couldn't match the b+w profile from the camera on the computer. There is some amazing film-like grain that I love. I wished to have phase detect AF mostly and then the weather sealing, but I don't know why they didn't continue the series, probably it was not profitable enough. Now the OM System probably does not have enough potential for a new RD but they can use the existing body, just put the OM-1 sensor and processor and it will still be an amazing camera. If we can think about improvements I wish for better EVF, at least 3.69m dots, a bigger capacity battery, integrated storage will be great and then the weather sealing of course. I think the main issue with the camera and people not believing in it is the sensor size. I hear this all the time - but the sensor is too small, it's not good enough and they go buy a Fuji or Leica...
I bought my silver one on release. Love it! Love the color dial to switch to mono shooting. I now pair it with the 20mm 1.4 Pro. Lovely lens. Also have the other tiny primes. Wishes for a PEN-F II would also be weather sealing, PDAF, AND change the articulating screen to a tilt screen. Much prefer that to swinging it out.
Buy an original 16 MP Olympus EM1, which has rugged tilt screen and very sophisticated controls, plus is better at IR photography (less ghosting) than the PEN F. A gorgeous camera in black.
Too right, Jimmy. I bought a silver one used two years ago, and liked it so much I bought another in black. I own other Olympus cameras, including the OM-1, but the Pen-F is my go-to for almost everything. BTW, in another review you covered the M.Zuiko 12mm f2. It was mounted on your PEN-F, and the combination is a match made in heaven.
I've had my Pen F since Jan 2019... more than 5 years!! I can't believe it! I'd like to give it a new look and am curious where you got the cool shutter release button?
mine is the Lumix 20mm 1.7, not as compact as the 14mm, and the AF motor is loud and slow, but it's more versatile IMHO. Panasonic need to update that lens.
Perhaps the only “will buy right away” for a version II. I love mine and use it regularly. Any of the small primes work great for me - the 20mm panny pancake sits on it mostly, I find the combo has a nice feel and I happily grab it as I walk out the door.
I really like your POV on this. Great stuff here. I also didn't know half of what the Pen-F offered. I now have a few marked to follow on mpb and ebay both. Thank you!
Hi Jimmy, I agree with you, it’s very good en nice and still up to date. I have my (zilver😉) version always with me as I am out and about, the results are top. Ton
Thanks a lot. I have a PEN-F and it is gorgeous. A modern Leica M. High iso are not a problem with DxO PureRaw4 and processing raw with a linear profile just make magic pictures. I like to use old screw mount Leica lenses on it.
Hi Jimmy I am lucky to have both the all black which I brought new and the silver and black which I bought secondhand and converted to infrared. Love them both and will never sell either of them.
I admit I got pen-f because of its outlook, but since then I get more and more in love with this tiny yet capable camera. I had absolutely zero complaint to this camera. Honestly i don't understand why it was not a success when the camera was launched.
The biggest weak point of PEN-F is not the lack of weather sealing (evethough it wouldn't hurt), but the side flipping screen. This is a photographer's camera and as such it's screaming for dual tilting screen (DC-S1/1R, X-T2/3/5).
I gave a Pen F to my daughter-in-law as a Ph. D. graduation gift. She wanted it for its monochrome and color control. I've used many rangefinder film cameras over the years: Leica M-3, Canon P, Olympus 35RC and XA, and Zeiss Super Ikonta-B. If OMDS were to bring out a new Pen F, it should have to internals of the OM-5 with its super quiet shutter, PDAF, and weather sealing. It should not be a version of the OM-1, which would make it too expensive.
I love mine, bought 2nd hand around 2018 at a good price compared to buying new. I guess its probably increased in value looking at current prices but I certainly wont be selling; in fact like you, I wouldnt mind getting another!
I couldn't stretch to one of these when they were released, and stuck with my E-M10, however I was VERY lucky to get hold of one in minty condition and boxed early last year, after a short go with FujiFilm. I'm SO glad I managed to get one, it was and still is my dream camera. It's a work of art and an amazing camera. I do hope OM Systems bring out a new version, however, they will need to be very careful to make sure it hits the mark, the look and feel of this kind of camera are as important as everything inside it!
I want it (Pen-F2) to be expensive. 😮 Because I want it to be a legend when it comes out. And I want the first version to be a true B/W camera. No colour sensor. And it should have non stacked sensor, about 25-30 mp, weatherseal, limited edition series (not only one), little better dynamic range, today top IBIS, all possible street photography subject detection, best AF that OMDS can offer. And all those different LOT profiles. A year later, the colour sensor version comes out, still top of the line quality and functions. Then I also want a budget line of the Pen-F. For regular people. Like a E-PL but with EVF and weather seal. Presented half a year after the top end BW Pen-F. Same sensor to save money, but more budget in manufacturing with visible screws. And different fashon, colours and so on. Make cooperation with high end companies like Ferrari, Apple (god forbidd 😅), Vouge, Gucci, Aston Martin. Alfa Romeo, Saab Aerospace, Bond, Taylor Swift, and so on. Their own versions by design. Make people screem to get a copy. But the first expensive BW version, should be sold limited at least half a year before next versions are presented. I would love to buy a Ferrari version... Or a military version of the expensive one... 😅😊 Why, only one version in one colour? Make a hype, make dreams. ❤
I have bought and sold Four pen F cameras. And regretted the selling every one. I have just bought pen f five. I will keep it for my life time. If Pen f 11 arrives well that would change the plan.
Every time I go out with the Pen-f I feel a little special. I think that the monochrome files from the Pen-f look different from those of the Leica Monochrome, but they look just as good. I would buy a weather sealed Pen-f II blind, whatever the price.
The PenF mark II should aim for even more future tech to be ahead of it’s time again, right? And I don’t know if OMS is capable to deliver. I’d think about computational, but street photography oriented innovations. Like special focus modes for street or setting focus distance from a dial. Or hyperfocal distance. Or taking a picture from an old reference picture and the camera is generating color/bw setting from that sample shot. Maybe based on a color chart card included somewhere in the camera body. Or auto keystone comp based on a 3d sensor.
I had one was frustrated by the slow focus, it took nice pictures, I have wonderful colorful fall pictures with the 17mm 1.8 lens. Sold it to Buy the OM-1 Mark II
I have a Pen-F which I use with the full set of Olympus 1.8 primes from 12mm to 75mm (ok the 12mm is a 2.0). I also have the tiny EZ zoom for situations where I don't want to change lenses. I love the weight and size of this setup, the results are sharp and noise free (everything goes through DXO PureRAW) the only negative is action shots due to the contrast AF. For that I used to take my OM1 and big 2.8 zooms, but that was like 5% of my output. So I swapped the OM1 for a ZF with f4 zooms (have always loved my Nikons and your videos on it convinced me) just for the sake of having a FF but I am surprised how dated the Nikon tech feels vs the OM1 viewfinder, IBIS and computational stuff (it does nothing in camera and doesn't shoot very quickly in RAW). But if I could only keep 1 of the two cameras, it's the Pen F it covers 95% of what I do. If they released a mk2 with OM1 mk1 guts I'd be all over it, even at OM1 mk1 launch price...
Yeah, the missing weather sealing is its biggest downside (in my opinion). What makes it stand out from most other digital cameras: A simple, old-style cable release thread in the shutter button, so that I only need to carry one cable release with me for all my analog and digital cameras …
It's nice to see high praises for the Pen-F. I was lucky enough to purchase one earlier this year, and in terms of looks and specs, is quite possibly my favourite camera so far. It is so much fun to use as a street shooter, and the choice of lenses for MFT is insane. Compared to something like the X100 series, I would much rather the Pen-F as it is still a much cheaper option than the X100VI, and coupled with the 17mm f1.8 it is a good alternative with plenty left over for other lenses. Whether or not I would like to see a Pen-F II? In some ways I am content if it didn't occur because it is nice when a particular model is a one off, but then again with the tech advancement available, I think OM Systems could make something that would absolutely smash Fuji's offerings. Great video.
Got mine back in July this year for 575 euros from a local camera store in mint condition ( very low shutter count ) with everything and an extra original Olympus battery. for 600 euros, I also manage to get a mint 17mm, 25mm and 45mm. Entire set is in mint condition that it eliminates any of my desire to buy a Fujifilm X100V / VI and even Leica CL. I already tried Kodacrhome 25, Porta 400 and Classic Negative film recipe on this camera. Very happy happy to have this camera. I am also hoping for an improve version.
I still use mine with the two small primes, in a ThinkTank small case as a go-everywhere camera. Love it. The only thing I’d improve is the AF system. I don’t use the art filters or colour profiles, but often set the front dial to Mono, which gives me a striking sidecar B&W jpeg alongside a regular raw file.
I think that there is pent up demand for a second Pen-F - the prices seem to have been either stable or increasing lately and this clearly means that there is a demand for such a camera. I would like to have one, but really can't afford it. I have the Lumix GX-7 which is no Pen-F, but comes close enough to filling that digital range-finder style camera role that I am genuinely happy with it. At a third to a quarter of the price, it is hard to argue against.
Where did you get the hot shoe cover and shutter release from!? They're beautiful! I've had a love hate relationship with mine, but I find myself using it more and more recently. I bought the 75mm 1.8 and it's been glued to it, along with the panny 12-32
I've just bought a silver F, got lucky and found one for less than GBP 800 like new in Zurich. Waiting for it to arrive anxiously: it's been my dream camera since 2016 but I couldn't afford it back then.
I have 3. 1 silver and 2 black. Yes, I love this camera. To my surprise, I use the silver one more. It’s more classic looking. I bought them used and have been enjoying using them and not thought about selling the second black one. Recently I saw someone on UA-cam who mentioned the recent prices and astounded that selling that second body, I’d recoup what I paid for the remaining bodies I keep. Some sellers were asking above the original MSRP of $1195.00! Astounding. There has been a rise in small form factor cameras.
Agree 101% Jimmy a great camera I love mine and it would be great if they brought out a new version same format size weather sealing would he nice will they I sadly don't think so but here is hoping. Mine is black as well and don't use as much as I would like you said.
I inherited a silver one 5 years ago from my dad and it is my favorite tech thing I own. Sometimes I would like to have a black one to be even more stealthy. The shininess of the silver one draws a little bit to much attention from time to time.
Still have my Pen-F. None of the Olympus/OMS cameras since the Pen-F have tempted me, and related to that I haven’t bought an OMS lens for many years. Maybe the release of a Pen-F II would make me look at lenses too.
The PEN-F is indeed a Marmite beast and I enjoy using it. The sensor is unique to that camera, that sensor was never used on another model. And Live-MOS means it is a Panasonic design even if made by Sony after Panasonic managed to burn down their sensor factory, Oops! Olympus didn't make their own sensors; Kodak (actually Chinon but hey) then Panasonic (Olympus batteries are Panasonic, don't worry they're the best anyway). LMOS is different to CMOS, the Live-MOS is biassed to sweep stray electrons off the sensor. I find ISO 3200 is as high as I like to go, but the default NR is OTT as usual and wants dropping a notch. At, meh, ISO 8000 I might de-noise, or not; the noise can look pleasantly grainy. You can keep weather sealing, I never had any problem with film cameras in horrendous weather. The grease can dry up on weather seal O-rings and seals, there's a special Olympus grease for servicing them. Besides, water vapour is a gas and goes straight through weather seals. Gripe - it wanted a tilt monitor not a flip out for video; if you flip the monitor out try getting your eye on the LVF. It can't really shoot video; well it can but it's limited. Audio quality is good, Olympus are leaders in PCM recording, but no mic-in. The LVF is good but the eyecup can't take any rubber eyecup. Gripe - no finger grip. A good leather half case with a bulge sorted that.
I had a choice of a brand new X100V immediately upon its release and a used PEN F in mint condition for $775. Because it wasn’t weather sealed and I live in The Capital of Drizzling Gloom, the Fujifilm won out. Add weather sealing, a Live GND, and the updated sensor/processor and I’d be in.
Love my Pen F. A version II upgrade with better AF and EVF would be a Pre Order for me. Add a new 17mm F1.8 and I am in photo heaven. People see my silver Pen F with the 12mm and the fall in love.
I just bought one 2 weeks ago, the condition was not perfect and the EVF sensor doesn’t work so I have to use the Function 2 button. I bought a Em1-mk2 in 2016 which I should have bought the Pen F instead. Great little gem!
Still using time to time my PenF, it's fun little camera. Leica Q3 would be cool if it adopts PenF color dial for Leica Looks, that would be really fun.
I really liked the design, but was put off by the lack of weather sealing. As for the dial on the front, thats what my pentax Qs have and i use it often. In the end I brought a GX9 on sale (i know with its lack of weather sealing, and its maybe slightly less capable ibis, poorer evf and interesting af, but it was still much cheaper than a used pan-F).
Man-o-man, I either want a Pen f or S9: I would totally get the S9, but after the new 18-40 lens I can’t see many more lenses I would want to get for the system to match that camera size. However with micro 4/3 there are tons of lenses that match perfectly with a Pen f, and I already have a bunch of micro 4/3 lenses
I think that UA-camrs should demand control over what ads are shown during their videos. i just watched a horrific ad of killing/guns/monsters during this video.
That's spooky Henry. Do you have kids at home or other people who may use one of your devices that linked to your login on social media? UA-cam ads are often linked to something that the end user who previously interacted or watched or visited websites. I found my UA-cam filled with online games and kiddy stuff as my kids used my Apple TV UA-cam app to watch their stuff.
I own 2. I also own 2 Sony's A7R5's. Guess which cameras I walk with everyday? Yes, the Pen Fs. I only use the Sony's when those massive 61mps are needed.
Spread the words and make this video viral so OM System can see it hahahaha
I even posted it on the rumor site before it went live! Lol! The part where you mounted the PEN-F on the 150-600mm showed at the same time both what once was perfect and now longer is that great with M43s!
There is no need to make it viral 😊
Jimmy if OM haven’t got the message to make a Mk2 by now they never will
Are you suggesting their marketing team is incompetent? 🙂🙂Nothing can help OM
@@maheshg212 😁😂
I enormously agree with this video. Just this year I did the ‘bucket-list’ Africa safari trip of my dreams, and my rig (noting that we were heavily weight-limited as flying light aircraft between camps) was a PEN-F with the two Olympus f/4.0 zooms. Such quality and versatility for its size… and the images I was able to get blew me away. So, I agree. This is not a 2016 camera in 2024. This was a 2024 camera in 2016.
Olympus was cooking in 2016. The PEN-F and the EM-1 Mark II in the same year. Pound for pound, two hall of fame cameras regardless of format.
Yes, I have an Olympus PEN-F and you are right that it is an industrial design aesthetic, a work of art.
Pen-F with the 9-18mm, 20mm f1.4 Pro and the 75mm f1.8 is my current EDC setup, absolutely love it.
That is a killer kit. I would add the 40-150 f4 Pro to it to cover everything.
I sold my Pen F & have regretted it ever since. Long story short I bought another used one for way more than I sold my original & I am very happy!
I totally agree. My local camera store has an used Pen-F in excellent condition for €999 right now. I don't know if I can resist the temptation any longer or if I should wait and see what camera OMDS will release this year... A weather sealed Pen-F II with better High ISO performance would be a no-brainer.
I would wait for what they announce next.
Soon is their third (?) anniversary maybe they let us know what's next. They always launch their new products in February/March.
If I would be you, I would definitely wait.
The PEN F was my dream camera around the time when I got my first good camera (with the money I had I settled for the GX80). Some two years ago I finally had more money and even though I still use and live the GX80, I got myself a PEN F. What can I say except what a camera this is. It brings me so much joy and I wouldn’t trade it in for the world.
Thanks dear my photo-friend! I own M240 Q116 and SL - and just bougt the PEN-F (pre owned) some weeks ago and I am so lucky, take it with me every day, is so quite shutter, best handling - mono-color dial and compact. Best cam Olympus ever made
Can’t agree more with you Jimmy. If OMDS comes out with a Mk II I’ll buy two: one silver and one black! I almost sold my original silver version which I got in London back when it was released in 2016. I’m so very glad I didn’t. It’s a collectors item I’ll treasure forever.
It pairs so well with my small lens collection, of which the 75mm f1.8 has produced quite a few faves for me.
I hope the Mk II version has the same features of the OM-1 Mk II without the huge buffer in a weathersealed body that shares the same form factor of the original.
Many OM ambassadors start to publish video for PENF. From you Jimmy I expected that because you always express your love for this camera, but when I saw the video from Emily Talpin I thought that... NEW PENF is COMING!
I so hope you are correct!
Simply the best! It feels so natural to hold and use, I own the Pen F along with a 12mm, 40mm and an adapted D-Vario-Elmar 14-50mm from my old four thirds Lumix ...as a wheelchair bound photographer the size of body and three lenses is all important ....yes it would be a dream come true if there were a Mk2 but I shall not lose sleep as I have total satisfaction from the current Pen F.....one love
I have one and I love it! Yes I would buy a mark ii in a heartbeat!!
I agree with you, the PEN-F is also one of my favorite cameras, and I have created several color profiles that mirror the old Fujifilm and Kodak film looks. It's magical!
Hi. Have you shared those settings somewhere online?
I would be interested in those profiles if you could share them somewhere.
I agree with you, and I got my Pwn F in 2016, and have no regrets. I,owned the original files Pwn F back in the 60’s and loved that camera. I still use my digital Pen F and after trying the Niko. z 6, I sold Nikon and went back to my Pen F. Great camera, and gray photos.
Cheers
I just took my Pen F on a 2 week trip to Japan with the 17mm prime and that was all I needed. Light, compact and beautiful. I wouldn't give it up for any other camera. Like you said it's my one and done! Great video as always :) Keep being awesome!
Although I was too late to the M4/3 party to fully appreciate the PEN F. At the time they went out of production I was just using my first EM5 mkii and loving it (truth be told I still have it as it became a very used and old friend who had been through so much with me it earned a place in my heart. I now have multiple cameras from Nikon both F and Z mount, Leica, OM and EM versions of the flagship. But since I found my first PEN F in all black it quickly became the only thing I would reach for as a daily driver. In fact I love it so much I had to buy another one (Silver Edition) just in case they became harder to acquire or heaven forbid my first broke down in any way. I have to admit if I ever see another minty black one I will buy a third to ensure my future passion is secure. If there is a New version with the same metal body as the old one and not a polycarbonate cheap rip off of an icon I will be first in line to hand over the cash. Fingers crossed for OM to see sense and they don't mess up what to me is an ICON.
I absolutely love my Pen-F, it's my baby. You can have my other MFT cameras, but I'm keeping this until I die.
Rumour has it OM still has one camera to release before end of year…Jimmy is this you giving us a strong hint of what it will be? All great points!
A Pen-F mkii would be great. Imagine it with the TruePix 10 processor and weather-sealing. Paired with the 20mm f/1.4 ... one can dream. And ya, to your point, even at a $1800-$2000 price point, it's be a a hot seller.
Absolutely a classic. I could also watch you talk about it for two hours. Looking forward to more in your new series
Just grabbed mine for 600$, it has @ 20k shutter count and the thumb grip rubber is missing but managed to buy from ebay. I m happy that i found it and i will plan to enjoy many years from now.
Love it! Recently bought the Leica D-Lux 8 but my sentiment lays with Pen-f. For street I will always grap the Pen-f either with the 17mm or 25mm
Like you Jimmy absolutely love my PEN_F. I use it as my everyday camera, for example of my mile walk to work, just in case.........
Keep up the good work.
I bought mine new 6 or 7 years ago. Before long it became my go-to camera for everything. I eventually sold my Nikon D850 and all its lenses because I no longer used it. I've used the Pen-f for street, nature, and travel photography and for family events. I love it's compact perfection and its beautiful retro style. I maintain a tract of conservation land. The Pen-f with a short zoom lens and a macro lens fit into a small weather-proof messenger style camera bag I can have with me or nearby when I'm working. I borrow my wife's OMD EM1with its bigger buffer on the rare occasion I want to do the kind of high-speed burst photography the Nikon was good at.
Treated myself to a silver one this year and wow what a joy it is to own - and it don't take a bad photo either!
Great video Jimmy!...I love my black PenF...(great street camera)...Cheers
Note: I understand the Pen f was still in production up until 2020...So its not as old as we think...
I just had to have one, why? Don't know, can't answer why, but it is such a joy to use. It makes me want to go out and use it. I've got OM 1 Mk2 etc, but this is the one that makes me smile when I use it. Tactile, beautiful. Thanks for the video Jimmy
Just bought a used one and its coming this week.
Finally pulled the trigger.
私もPEN-Fを愛しているし、PEN-FⅡの登場を心待ちにしています！ そしてあなたのPEN-F、とても綺麗！大切に使われている証拠です！！👏
My first camera was the EM5 and loved it until the PENF came out. I remember visiting the camera store every couple days to look at it and dreaming about owning one. In the last 8 years I’ve had Leica, Canon, SIGMA, and multiple SONYs, but I still couldn’t stop thinking about the PENF. Finally sold the Leica and bought a PENF in mint condition early this year. It’s going to be buried with me.
Just hope the next version is weather-sealed. Everything else will be icing on the cake.
As an Industrial Designer I had to get one when they had been out for a while. Mine is silver, it looks spectacular but feels just as good in the hands. I probably use it more than any other, exclusively with small or medium size primes. I'll never sell it, its brilliant. Pen F II with weather sealing, please! OM Systems will be asleep at the wheel if they don't see the opportunity, there are only so many bird and macro photographers. Travel and lifestyle, OM Systems! And Design!
Bought it new, it stays in my collection.
I bought a black version 3 years ago for used 700 when no one wanted it. I love the beauty of this camera.
The om-F is coming to town.......thanks omds. Its Christmas time
Hi Jimmy, you know how much I love mine. Weather sealing would be nice otherwise it does exactly what I require and I love the retro styling of course and the 20MP sensor is still adequate. :) Cheers Leigh
Jimmy, the music at 0:28 omg.... what is the song name!?!? PLEASE SHARE, it's sooooooo goood!! NMV, found it! Easy to Love by Saggie & Steven Beddall...... OMG... NIIIIICE CHOICE.
You're absolutely right Jimmy. The PEN-F is a masterpiece. I've never owned it but rented it for a couple of times for some trips. I made a black & white custom profile that I liked and I used it to shoot b&w all the time. I was shooting RAW+JPEG to have the RAW files if I wanted to develop them, but I couldn't match the b+w profile from the camera on the computer. There is some amazing film-like grain that I love. I wished to have phase detect AF mostly and then the weather sealing, but I don't know why they didn't continue the series, probably it was not profitable enough. Now the OM System probably does not have enough potential for a new RD but they can use the existing body, just put the OM-1 sensor and processor and it will still be an amazing camera.
If we can think about improvements I wish for better EVF, at least 3.69m dots, a bigger capacity battery, integrated storage will be great and then the weather sealing of course.
I think the main issue with the camera and people not believing in it is the sensor size. I hear this all the time - but the sensor is too small, it's not good enough and they go buy a Fuji or Leica...
I bought my silver one on release. Love it! Love the color dial to switch to mono shooting. I now pair it with the 20mm 1.4 Pro. Lovely lens. Also have the other tiny primes. Wishes for a PEN-F II would also be weather sealing, PDAF, AND change the articulating screen to a tilt screen. Much prefer that to swinging it out.
Buy an original 16 MP Olympus EM1, which has rugged tilt screen and very sophisticated controls, plus is better at IR photography (less ghosting) than the PEN F. A gorgeous camera in black.
Black and white photos from the Pen-f are the best.
Please please please make a new Pen F! I will buy one!!!!
I have a pen-f, just love it.
Too right, Jimmy. I bought a silver one used two years ago, and liked it so much I bought another in black. I own other Olympus cameras, including the OM-1, but the Pen-F is my go-to for almost everything. BTW, in another review you covered the M.Zuiko 12mm f2. It was mounted on your PEN-F, and the combination is a match made in heaven.
I've had my Pen F since Jan 2019... more than 5 years!! I can't believe it! I'd like to give it a new look and am curious where you got the cool shutter release button?
Time for a weathersealed OM Pen F2. I agree, this form factor is retro perfect.
At the moment the Panasonic 14mm 2.5 II is almost glued to my Pen F and I really enjoy this compact and tactile setup.
mine is the Lumix 20mm 1.7, not as compact as the 14mm, and the AF motor is loud and slow, but it's more versatile IMHO. Panasonic need to update that lens.
Perhaps the only “will buy right away” for a version II. I love mine and use it regularly. Any of the small primes work great for me - the 20mm panny pancake sits on it mostly, I find the combo has a nice feel and I happily grab it as I walk out the door.
I really like your POV on this. Great stuff here. I also didn't know half of what the Pen-F offered. I now have a few marked to follow on mpb and ebay both. Thank you!
Hi Jimmy,
I agree with you, it’s very good en nice and still up to date.
I have my (zilver😉) version always with me as I am out and about, the results are top.
Ton
Thanks a lot. I have a PEN-F and it is gorgeous. A modern Leica M. High iso are not a problem with DxO PureRaw4 and processing raw with a linear profile just make magic pictures. I like to use old screw mount Leica lenses on it.
Hi Jimmy
I am lucky to have both the all black which I brought new and the silver and black which I bought secondhand and converted to infrared. Love them both and will never sell either of them.
I admit I got pen-f because of its outlook, but since then I get more and more in love with this tiny yet capable camera. I had absolutely zero complaint to this camera. Honestly i don't understand why it was not a success when the camera was launched.
The biggest weak point of PEN-F is not the lack of weather sealing (evethough it wouldn't hurt), but the side flipping screen. This is a photographer's camera and as such it's screaming for dual tilting screen (DC-S1/1R, X-T2/3/5).
Loving my Pen. Bought new from Park. I now use it exclusively with prime 1.8’s. I use my OMD with the big stuff but love the camera.
Two major tricks of the PEN-F are the color filters and the midtone curve adjustment. This is unique and essential when shooting in B&W.
I gave a Pen F to my daughter-in-law as a Ph. D. graduation gift. She wanted it for its monochrome and color control. I've used many rangefinder film cameras over the years: Leica M-3, Canon P, Olympus 35RC and XA, and Zeiss Super Ikonta-B. If OMDS were to bring out a new Pen F, it should have to internals of the OM-5 with its super quiet shutter, PDAF, and weather sealing. It should not be a version of the OM-1, which would make it too expensive.
I love mine, bought 2nd hand around 2018 at a good price compared to buying new. I guess its probably increased in value looking at current prices but I certainly wont be selling; in fact like you, I wouldnt mind getting another!
Love my Pen-F and Leica Q2
I couldn't stretch to one of these when they were released, and stuck with my E-M10, however I was VERY lucky to get hold of one in minty condition and boxed early last year, after a short go with FujiFilm. I'm SO glad I managed to get one, it was and still is my dream camera.
It's a work of art and an amazing camera. I do hope OM Systems bring out a new version, however, they will need to be very careful to make sure it hits the mark, the look and feel of this kind of camera are as important as everything inside it!
I want it (Pen-F2) to be expensive. 😮 Because I want it to be a legend when it comes out. And I want the first version to be a true B/W camera. No colour sensor. And it should have non stacked sensor, about 25-30 mp, weatherseal, limited edition series (not only one), little better dynamic range, today top IBIS, all possible street photography subject detection, best AF that OMDS can offer. And all those different LOT profiles. A year later, the colour sensor version comes out, still top of the line quality and functions.
Then I also want a budget line of the Pen-F. For regular people. Like a E-PL but with EVF and weather seal. Presented half a year after the top end BW Pen-F. Same sensor to save money, but more budget in manufacturing with visible screws. And different fashon, colours and so on. Make cooperation with high end companies like Ferrari, Apple (god forbidd 😅), Vouge, Gucci, Aston Martin. Alfa Romeo, Saab Aerospace, Bond, Taylor Swift, and so on. Their own versions by design. Make people screem to get a copy. But the first expensive BW version, should be sold limited at least half a year before next versions are presented.
I would love to buy a Ferrari version... Or a military version of the expensive one... 😅😊
Why, only one version in one colour? Make a hype, make dreams. ❤
I have bought and sold Four pen F cameras.
And regretted the selling every one.
I have just bought pen f five.
I will keep it for my life time.
If Pen f 11 arrives well that would change the plan.
Every time I go out with the Pen-f I feel a little special. I think that the monochrome files from the Pen-f look different from those of the Leica Monochrome, but they look just as good.
I would buy a weather sealed Pen-f II blind, whatever the price.
The PenF mark II should aim for even more future tech to be ahead of it’s time again, right? And I don’t know if OMS is capable to deliver. I’d think about computational, but street photography oriented innovations. Like special focus modes for street or setting focus distance from a dial. Or hyperfocal distance. Or taking a picture from an old reference picture and the camera is generating color/bw setting from that sample shot. Maybe based on a color chart card included somewhere in the camera body. Or auto keystone comp based on a 3d sensor.
I had one was frustrated by the slow focus, it took nice pictures, I have wonderful colorful fall pictures with the 17mm 1.8 lens. Sold it to Buy the OM-1 Mark II
I have a Pen-F which I use with the full set of Olympus 1.8 primes from 12mm to 75mm (ok the 12mm is a 2.0). I also have the tiny EZ zoom for situations where I don't want to change lenses.
I love the weight and size of this setup, the results are sharp and noise free (everything goes through DXO PureRAW) the only negative is action shots due to the contrast AF.
For that I used to take my OM1 and big 2.8 zooms, but that was like 5% of my output. So I swapped the OM1 for a ZF with f4 zooms (have always loved my Nikons and your videos on it convinced me) just for the sake of having a FF but I am surprised how dated the Nikon tech feels vs the OM1 viewfinder, IBIS and computational stuff (it does nothing in camera and doesn't shoot very quickly in RAW).
But if I could only keep 1 of the two cameras, it's the Pen F it covers 95% of what I do.
If they released a mk2 with OM1 mk1 guts I'd be all over it, even at OM1 mk1 launch price...
Yeah, the missing weather sealing is its biggest downside (in my opinion). What makes it stand out from most other digital cameras: A simple, old-style cable release thread in the shutter button, so that I only need to carry one cable release with me for all my analog and digital cameras …
It's nice to see high praises for the Pen-F. I was lucky enough to purchase one earlier this year, and in terms of looks and specs, is quite possibly my favourite camera so far. It is so much fun to use as a street shooter, and the choice of lenses for MFT is insane.
Compared to something like the X100 series, I would much rather the Pen-F as it is still a much cheaper option than the X100VI, and coupled with the 17mm f1.8 it is a good alternative with plenty left over for other lenses.
Whether or not I would like to see a Pen-F II? In some ways I am content if it didn't occur because it is nice when a particular model is a one off, but then again with the tech advancement available, I think OM Systems could make something that would absolutely smash Fuji's offerings.
Great video.
Got mine back in July this year for 575 euros from a local camera store in mint condition ( very low shutter count ) with everything and an extra original Olympus battery. for 600 euros, I also manage to get a mint 17mm, 25mm and 45mm. Entire set is in mint condition that it eliminates any of my desire to buy a Fujifilm X100V / VI and even Leica CL.
I already tried Kodacrhome 25, Porta 400 and Classic Negative film recipe on this camera. Very happy happy to have this camera. I am also hoping for an improve version.
I own one ... and would buy and updated version w/ same iconic styling and add upgraded sensor and water seal and I am all in!
The day OM Sytem announces the Pen-F II I will put my Sony gear on sale to reserve it 😍🤩
I still use mine with the two small primes, in a ThinkTank small case as a go-everywhere camera. Love it. The only thing I’d improve is the AF system. I don’t use the art filters or colour profiles, but often set the front dial to Mono, which gives me a striking sidecar B&W jpeg alongside a regular raw file.
The Olympus E-P7 got better specs but without the viewfinder. It is also truer to the style of the original film Pen-F.
I think that there is pent up demand for a second Pen-F - the prices seem to have been either stable or increasing lately and this clearly means that there is a demand for such a camera. I would like to have one, but really can't afford it. I have the Lumix GX-7 which is no Pen-F, but comes close enough to filling that digital range-finder style camera role that I am genuinely happy with it. At a third to a quarter of the price, it is hard to argue against.
Telling truth 👍🏻
Love my pen f. Great to use. Where do I get one of those lens hoods ?
It came with my lens, which was the first limited edition 12mm Olympus did a while back. But you can still buy it from OM System I think.
Where did you get the hot shoe cover and shutter release from!? They're beautiful!
I've had a love hate relationship with mine, but I find myself using it more and more recently. I bought the 75mm 1.8 and it's been glued to it, along with the panny 12-32
They were accessories from Olympus for the PEN cameras.
A search with "Olympus PEN-F Decoration Kit Wooden" can give more details.
I've just bought a silver F, got lucky and found one for less than GBP 800 like new in Zurich. Waiting for it to arrive anxiously: it's been my dream camera since 2016 but I couldn't afford it back then.
I have 3. 1 silver and 2 black. Yes, I love this camera. To my surprise, I use the silver one more. It’s more classic looking. I bought them used and have been enjoying using them and not thought about selling the second black one. Recently I saw someone on UA-cam who mentioned the recent prices and astounded that selling that second body, I’d recoup what I paid for the remaining bodies I keep. Some sellers were asking above the original MSRP of $1195.00! Astounding. There has been a rise in small form factor cameras.
After this video, prices in the marketplace have gone up another $200, LOL. Thanks for exacerbating my GAS, Jimmy!
Agree 101% Jimmy a great camera I love mine and it would be great if they brought out a new version same format size weather sealing would he nice will they I sadly don't think so but here is hoping. Mine is black as well and don't use as much as I would like you said.
I inherited a silver one 5 years ago from my dad and it is my favorite tech thing I own. Sometimes I would like to have a black one to be even more stealthy. The shininess of the silver one draws a little bit to much attention from time to time.
Yes. I have the black version too. How long will it keep the high used price ?
I always wanted the Pen-F but never had the chance or money to hand, closest I got was a Lumix GX80 which I loved. I since then moved to Fujifilm.
I got really lucky on ebay and bought an exceptionally good condition Silver one with original box, manual and everything for under £650
Still have my Pen-F. None of the Olympus/OMS cameras since the Pen-F have tempted me, and related to that I haven’t bought an OMS lens for many years. Maybe the release of a Pen-F II would make me look at lenses too.
The PEN-F is indeed a Marmite beast and I enjoy using it.
The sensor is unique to that camera, that sensor was never used on another model. And Live-MOS means it is a Panasonic design even if made by Sony after Panasonic managed to burn down their sensor factory, Oops! Olympus didn't make their own sensors; Kodak (actually Chinon but hey) then Panasonic (Olympus batteries are Panasonic, don't worry they're the best anyway).
LMOS is different to CMOS, the Live-MOS is biassed to sweep stray electrons off the sensor. I find ISO 3200 is as high as I like to go, but the default NR is OTT as usual and wants dropping a notch. At, meh, ISO 8000 I might de-noise, or not; the noise can look pleasantly grainy.
You can keep weather sealing, I never had any problem with film cameras in horrendous weather. The grease can dry up on weather seal O-rings and seals, there's a special Olympus grease for servicing them. Besides, water vapour is a gas and goes straight through weather seals.
Gripe - it wanted a tilt monitor not a flip out for video; if you flip the monitor out try getting your eye on the LVF. It can't really shoot video; well it can but it's limited. Audio quality is good, Olympus are leaders in PCM recording, but no mic-in. The LVF is good but the eyecup can't take any rubber eyecup.
Gripe - no finger grip. A good leather half case with a bulge sorted that.
I had a choice of a brand new X100V immediately upon its release and a used PEN F in mint condition for $775. Because it wasn’t weather sealed and I live in The Capital of Drizzling Gloom, the Fujifilm won out.
Add weather sealing, a Live GND, and the updated sensor/processor and I’d be in.
Love my Pen F. A version II upgrade with better AF and EVF would be a Pre Order for me. Add a new 17mm F1.8 and I am in photo heaven. People see my silver Pen F with the 12mm and the fall in love.
I just bought one 2 weeks ago, the condition was not perfect and the EVF sensor doesn’t work so I have to use the Function 2 button. I bought a Em1-mk2 in 2016 which I should have bought the Pen F instead. Great little gem!
Still using time to time my PenF, it's fun little camera. Leica Q3 would be cool if it adopts PenF color dial for Leica Looks, that would be really fun.
Right, I own both colour.
I really liked the design, but was put off by the lack of weather sealing. As for the dial on the front, thats what my pentax Qs have and i use it often. In the end I brought a GX9 on sale (i know with its lack of weather sealing, and its maybe slightly less capable ibis, poorer evf and interesting af, but it was still much cheaper than a used pan-F).
dude, pls make a 2 hour video about the pen-f
Man-o-man, I either want a Pen f or S9: I would totally get the S9, but after the new 18-40 lens I can’t see many more lenses I would want to get for the system to match that camera size. However with micro 4/3 there are tons of lenses that match perfectly with a Pen f, and I already have a bunch of micro 4/3 lenses
I think that UA-camrs should demand control over what ads are shown during their videos. i just watched a horrific ad of killing/guns/monsters during this video.
That's spooky Henry. Do you have kids at home or other people who may use one of your devices that linked to your login on social media? UA-cam ads are often linked to something that the end user who previously interacted or watched or visited websites. I found my UA-cam filled with online games and kiddy stuff as my kids used my Apple TV UA-cam app to watch their stuff.
I own 2. I also own 2 Sony's A7R5's. Guess which cameras I walk with everyday? Yes, the Pen Fs. I only use the Sony's when those massive 61mps are needed.
What is the Pen F focusing like when using a larger lens.
Max sensor size available to micro four thirds? Om/olympus 20m Panasonic 25m how many pixels could be possible?
I also hope they will do a mark ii