GAS GAS: Please Share your Latest Acquisitions Big and Small

Well I already had the O17mm f/1.8 and P12-32 f/3.5-5.6 but......

I suspect I'll keep 2 of the 4 and I think I know which two, but time will tell.

I got the P14 because I really enjoyed my X70, so it gives me something very similar. A fixed 28mm eq that can focus pretty close. It's bigger and heavier (and can be more complicated); but has faster AF and IBIS. And while the Pen F + 12-32 fit into my little NG1153 bag it's not as enjoyable. Yes it's convenient, but not as fun. This will probably be my new EDC, the NG1153 fits in the center console in my car so it's handy.

The PL15 I've owned it before, but always sold it on. In the past I've tended to prefer the 17mm focal length, but again I've enjoyed the X70. I've also been using the PL25 more and enjoying the way it renders on the Pen F. Maybe the third time will be the charm.

View attachment 218968

Congrats on getting it - and it will be interesting to see which 2 (out of the 4 mentioned) you wind up keeping.
I honestly don't think I will ever give up my P12-32 - it's tiny but it's such a wonderful small lens with such great optical qualities.
The PL25 is on my list of lenses-I'd-really-like-to-get-some-day-but-haven't-gotten-around-to-it.
Good luck deciding :)
 
Some years ago I bought the first APS-C generation of the GR Digital, and used it on and off for a year or two. It gave me some fantastic photos but I don't think I ever quite totally bonded with it - in the sense of feeling that I could use it easily (and sometimes quickly) as an extension of my eye. Which I think I had been hoping for. So...I sold it and haven't had many regrets. But the other compact - not-quite-pocketable-but-almost - camera which I used for many years and still definitely miss....was my small sensor Lumix, the LX7. There were so many things it seemed to do well and easily - and though it couldn't come close to matching the optical quality either of my APS-C Ricoh or some of my other cameras, it was really a camera I wanted to take everywhere.

I'm hoping my newly acquired Ricoh GRDiii may combine some of the better features of both my late, lamented LX7 - it's got the same small sensor that the LX7 did - and also some of the theoretical reasons why I wanted to like my APS-C GR - especially it's pocketability. Compared to its modern APS-C sibling, it's a shockingly small camera, verging on tiny - definitely will fit into any pocket and there is something about its diminutive shape and the way it fits into my hand, that clearly call out for one-handed shooting.

Here it is---

GRDiii.jpg
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I hope to put it through its paces over the next few weeks and months ... and see if it measures up.

Oh, and, yes, a confession: two of my favorite photographers every - Wouter Brandsma and J.T. White - both use and used the GR Digital iii aka GRD3 - for years - and both sung its praises - which probably has something to do with me wanting to get one. And (surprise, suprise!) they are almost affordable these days.
 
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Some years ago I bought the first APS-C generation of the GR Digital, and used it on and off for a year or two. It gave me some fantastic photos but I don't think I ever quite totally bonded with it - in the sense of feeling that I could use it easily (and sometimes quickly) as an extension of my eye. Which I think I had been hoping for. So...I sold it and haven't had many regrets. But the other compact - not-quite-pocketable-but-almost - camera which I used for many years and still definitely miss....was my small sensor Lumix, the LX7. There were so many things it seemed to do well and easily - and though it couldn't come close to matching the optical quality either of my APS-C Ricoh or some of my other cameras, it was really a camera I wanted to take everywhere.

I'm hoping my newly acquired Ricoh GRDiii may combine some of the better features of both my late, lamented LX7 - it's got the same small sensor that the LX7 did - and also some of the theoretical reasons why I wanted to like my APS-C GR - especially it's pocketability. Compared to its modern APS-C sibling, it's a shockingly small camera, verging on tiny - definitely will fit into any pocket and there is something about its diminutive shape and the way it fits into my hand, that clearly call out for one-handed shooting.

Here it is---

View attachment 218980

I hope to put it through its paces over the next few weeks and months ... and see if it measures up.

Oh, and, yes, a confession: two of my favorite photographers every - Wouter Brandsma and J.T. White - both use and used the GR Digital iii aka GRD3 - for years - and both sung its praises - which probably has something to do with me wanting to get one. And (surprise, suprise!) they are almost affordable these days.
Never used it but you know there are quite a few Ricoh users that won’t go above your newly acquired model to the apsc versions purely down to its rendering. I look forward to seeing your images.
 
Congrats on getting it - and it will be interesting to see which 2 (out of the 4 mentioned) you wind up keeping.
I honestly don't think I will ever give up my P12-32 - it's tiny but it's such a wonderful small lens with such great optical qualities.
The PL25 is on my list of lenses-I'd-really-like-to-get-some-day-but-haven't-gotten-around-to-it.
Good luck deciding :)
How often do you use the GX8 instead of the Pen F?

I switched from the O25 f/1.8 to PL25 during the time I was shooting the E-M1.2 and X-E3. I liked the size, weight, and handing on the E-M1.2; if I had the Pen F at the time would I have switched? I'm not sure. The size of the PL25 isn't "bad" on the Pen F, but the O25 would probably be better (using the PL15 to compare now). I do like the rendering and micro contrast on the PL25 is better, but I think the O25 had slightly faster and quieter AF.
 
How often do you use the GX8 instead of the Pen F?

I switched from the O25 f/1.8 to PL25 during the time I was shooting the E-M1.2 and X-E3. I liked the size, weight, and handing on the E-M1.2; if I had the Pen F at the time would I have switched? I'm not sure. The size of the PL25 isn't "bad" on the Pen F, but the O25 would probably be better (using the PL15 to compare now). I do like the rendering and micro contrast on the PL25 is better, but I think the O25 had slightly faster and quieter AF.
There's a mark II version of the 25mm f/1.4 out that I saw a very impressive review of; got me thinking ... The new version is weather sealed - and thus would make a very nice combo with the E-M5 III. Now I'm considering getting that over the 12-45mm f/4 - totally different lens, of course, but it would make the E-M5 III at least as portable and allow me to sell one or two other lenses: the Olympus 25mm f/1.8 and the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 C - though I *really* dig the latter; if it was sealed, I wouldn't even begin to think about letting it go ...

M.
 
There is a popular thread over at our sister forum where folks share what photography gear (and related) they have brought in the past week. I find it great or not so great depending on the state of my credit card and thought something similar here might be good. My quick and dirty search didn't find anything but if I missed a thread please let me know.

To get the ball rolling this arrived at my door yesterday ...

View attachment 127403
Mindshift Gear Trailscape 18L Backpack by Andrew Priest (Aushiker), on Flickr

Received my Mindshift Gear Trailscape 18L backpack yesterday from B&H. Initial impressions are very positive: nice and light (1.3 kg); heaps of room for my kit; light the zippers with their large pulls, and the pockets for small things. On the downside would have like the raincover to be attached to the bag aka LowePro and for some reason I thought this was a rear opening bag, it is not. Not the end of the world but a lesson in research properly. It turns out the Mindshift Gear Backlight 26L is the one with rear opening. It is much bigger but at 26L and 1.8 kg.

Now seriously considering a Mindshift Rotation 180 Horizon 34L or a Rotation 180 Panorama 22L as looking to complete Wainright's Coast to Coast walk in the UK and will need a way to carry my camera gear and walking gear.
Small acquisition, a repurposed vintage camera strap for my CL found the strap with an Olympus O-M1 and the rings were donated by a Kodak EasyShare

L1005286.jpg
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Oh, and, yes, a confession: two of my favorite photographers every - Wouter Brandsma and J.T. White - both use and used the GR Digital iii aka GRD3 - for years - and both sung its praises - which probably has something to do with me wanting to get one. And (surprise, suprise!) they are almost affordable these days.

I remember Wouter really got into the smaller sensor look and preferred that over the APS-C version. The latest images on his blog were even from his phone. And still he could make it sing through his vision.
 
My excellent Lumix GX85 was getting lonely so I found an "excellent+" GX9 to keep it company. Really liking the slightly better ergos and extra features of the GX9 :2thumbs:
The better thumb rest "bump" on the GX9 is a good ergonomic feature over the GX85.

In related news, I just got the JJC add-on grip for the GX9. It's not bad, well-made and they somehow matched the grip material and texture almost exactly. The grip is a little short, though, I'd prefer if it matched the height of the camera's grip. It's better than nothing for carrying in the hand for extended sessions. We'll see if it grows on me.
 
How often do you use the GX8 instead of the Pen F?

I switched from the O25 f/1.8 to PL25 during the time I was shooting the E-M1.2 and X-E3. I liked the size, weight, and handing on the E-M1.2; if I had the Pen F at the time would I have switched? I'm not sure. The size of the PL25 isn't "bad" on the Pen F, but the O25 would probably be better (using the PL15 to compare now). I do like the rendering and micro contrast on the PL25 is better, but I think the O25 had slightly faster and quieter AF.

I've only had my Pen F for several months - as opposed to the GX8 which I've owned (and enjoyed and appreciated) for several years - and due to the novelty of the Pen F - and its quirky-but-brilliant (IMHO) abilities to shoot jpeg's, I've been playing around with it quite a bit, and leaving the GX8 virtually unused.

But the GX8 does a number of things significantly better than the Pen F - including its blindingly quick AF (autofocusing) capabilities. Near the end of last year, I bought a relatively compact but quite remarkable zoom lens for use with the GX8 - the Lumix 12-35mm with a fixed f/2.8 aperture - and though the lens itself is an 8 year old design, I honestly think it's one of the best mu43 lenses ever made (or maybe I just have a superb copy). It also comes with what Panasonic calls Power O.I.S., i.e. the lens has its own internal stabilization system - which, when coupled with or added to the GX8's already excellent IBIS - means that the GX8 + 12-35 zoom ... is actually capable of very sharp available-light handheld shots and inconceivably low shutter speeds. I bought the lens specifically to use with my GX8 during a trip to Mexico City, to document nocturnal Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) festivities - and it proved to be a brilliant photographic solution.

Sorry for the long-winded circuitous answer - but what it boils down to is that, for serious documentary shooting, under difficult or rapidly changing conditions, I would pick the GX8 over the Pen F 9 times out of 10 - and, now that I have this remarkable compact Lumix zoom that works so well with it, 10 times out of 10. It's simply a much better 'tool' for all kinds of photography.

But both cameras obviously are capable of producing great images. (Possibly in part because they both share the relatively recently developed Sony 20mp sensor, which Bill Johnson at TheOnlinePhotographer spent quite a bit of time raving about.)

A side note on lenses. The tiny pancake 12-32 was my favorite micro four thirds zoom ever until relatively recently acquiring a great copy of the 12-35 Lumix. Now the 12-32 is permanently attached to my tiny GX1 infrared-converted body, but it's been basically replaced witih, supplanted by and superseded by the 12-35 f/2.8. I remember many years ago DXOmark did bench tests and said that at the time the 12-35 was the highest scoring mu43 lens they had ever tested, though they qualified that by adding that most micro four thirds zooms simply weren't all that stellar, optically speaking. The recent issues of Olympus Pro zooms, and Lumix's PanaLeica line of high-end zooms, has partially changed all that. In spite of the ongoing debates, many people insist that the PanaLeica 12-60 was the best standard zoom available, though now folks are claiming Olympus's new 12-45 Pro may supplant it. But apart from its stellar IQ, its power O.I.S. and its relatively fast fixed aperture, my 12-35 has the advantage of being compact to the point of true smallness: on the GX8 body it makes a tidy little package...which makes it seem less cumbersome (and possibly less intimidating, in street shooting as well).
 
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There's a mark II version of the 25mm f/1.4 out that I saw a very impressive review of; got me thinking ... The new version is weather sealed - and thus would make a very nice combo with the E-M5 III. Now I'm considering getting that over the 12-45mm f/4 - totally different lens, of course, but it would make the E-M5 III at least as portable and allow me to sell one or two other lenses: the Olympus 25mm f/1.8 and the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 C - though I *really* dig the latter; if it was sealed, I wouldn't even begin to think about letting it go ...

M.
I don't often shoot anything with primes where sealing would REALLY be needed so I'm still focused ( :sleep: ) on the 12-45 PRO. If I were looking to buy today would I bother with the II? Not sure I'd spend the extra $200-$300.

Interesting that the Sigma 30 f/1.4 isn't sealed, the Sigma 56 f/1.4 is sealed.
 
The better thumb rest "bump" on the GX9 is a good ergonomic feature over the GX85.

In related news, I just got the JJC add-on grip for the GX9. It's not bad, well-made and they somehow matched the grip material and texture almost exactly. The grip is a little short, though, I'd prefer if it matched the height of the camera's grip. It's better than nothing for carrying in the hand for extended sessions. We'll see if it grows on me.
I have the same grip and find the height perfect for my middle finger to straddle the top of it. Yes, the thumb rest "bump" is better, along with having a dedicated EC dial and relocated O/I switch. Guess my GX85 will be my "backup" body now.
 
I don't often shoot anything with primes where sealing would REALLY be needed so I'm still focused ( :sleep: ) on the 12-45 PRO. If I were looking to buy today would I bother with the II? Not sure I'd spend the extra $200-$300.

Interesting that the Sigma 30 f/1.4 isn't sealed, the Sigma 56 f/1.4 is sealed.
I'm not entirely sure I won't swing back to the 12-45mm - it's small, optically well received (which does count for something with the 12-40mm being considered stellar by the same reviewers) and packs the essentials. And since I have the 30mm f/1.4, the 25mm f/1.4 II is by no means an essential upgrade. We'll see - possibly tomorrow (I have an offer for the Panasonic that I have to take or walk away from tomorrow - no pressure, though, it's just an interesting thought).

M.
 
Dipping back into m43:

Olympus E-P5
Oly 40-150/4-5.6R
Panny 12-32
VF-3

I think the E-P5 has to be one of the most interesting - the best - and the most underrated mu43 bodies ever made.
Combined with the VF-3 viewfinder, it should be a potent little camera. And speaking of 'underrated', the 12-32 pancake zoom is all of that...it's a true gem.
Have fun with it!
 
I'm not entirely sure I won't swing back to the 12-45mm - it's small, optically well received (which does count for something with the 12-40mm being considered stellar by the same reviewers) and packs the essentials. And since I have the 30mm f/1.4, the 25mm f/1.4 II is by no means an essential upgrade. We'll see - possibly tomorrow (I have an offer for the Panasonic that I have to take or walk away from tomorrow - no pressure, though, it's just an interesting thought).

M.
Okay, it has happened: Pulled the trigger on the 12-45mm f/4 PRO. After handling the E-M5 III with the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO again, it became clear enough that I wish for something lighter and smaller for extended photo walks (I walk with camera in hand). The 12-40mm stays, too - it's a wonderful event lens. The 12-45mm will serve a different purpose - and see a lot of use.

(If I come back to the Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 II is uncertain at this point - not because I think it's not an interesting lens, but I wanted something smaller than the 12-40mm that was still weather-sealed - and the versatility of the 12-45mm simply beat the 25mm f/1.4 II for that; furthermore, after successfully hand-holding 1/3s with a 300mm equivalent lens yesterday, f/4 is certainly not an issue ...)

M.
 
Okay, it has happened: Pulled the trigger on the 12-45mm f/4 PRO. After handling the E-M5 III with the 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO again, it became clear enough that I wish for something lighter and smaller for extended photo walks (I walk with camera in hand). The 12-40mm stays, too - it's a wonderful event lens. The 12-45mm will serve a different purpose - and see a lot of use.

(If I come back to the Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 II is uncertain at this point - not because I think it's not an interesting lens, but I wanted something smaller than the 12-40mm that was still weather-sealed - and the versatility of the 12-45mm simply beat the 25mm f/1.4 II for that; furthermore, after successfully hand-holding 1/3s with a 300mm equivalent lens yesterday, f/4 is certainly not an issue ...)

M.

The 12-45 PRO is on my short list. But I'll wait until the health emergency eases a bit. On the other hand, I have had some idle thoughts about the Sony RX10 IV - which might make more sense during a period in which we really can't get close to a lot of people and things.
 
I have just taken delivery of a Fuji X100T to replace my Panasonic GX7 and Olympus 17mm lens. The GX7 was/is an awesome camera but it has a few issues now, the worse being the rear thumb wheel not working. I have worked around it for a couple of years now but it sure is annoying. I did contemplate getting another but decided to go for the X100T instead.
I am now sat here waiting for the battery to charge so I can set it up how I like and take it shooting :)
 
I have just taken delivery of a Fuji X100T to replace my Panasonic GX7 and Olympus 17mm lens. The GX7 was/is an awesome camera but it has a few issues now, the worse being the rear thumb wheel not working. I have worked around it for a couple of years now but it sure is annoying. I did contemplate getting another but decided to go for the X100T instead.
I am now sat here waiting for the battery to charge so I can set it up how I like and take it shooting :)
Olympus the f/1.8 one? X100T's lens surely beats it up in almost every aspect :D It's a beauty.
 
Yes Mike it's the f1.8, I think I must have a very good copy as it is really sharp but I am looking forward to what the Fuji can do with the bigger sensor :) I have the 23mm f2.0 for my ILC bodies and love that, if it is as good I will be a happy bunny ;)
 
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