You knew how it would end

Alf

Top Veteran
I've been seriously thinking of a new GX1, and as prices online seemed little better, I decided to enjoy a walk into town for the full shopping experience in a brick-and-mortar authentic camera shop - they are almost extinct, but there are a few, historical of course this being Tuscany.

So here I am, stepping out of the train into Florence and its art.
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kitty in Florence di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL1 with 20/1.7 Lumix - snapseed edit

Florence is full of light, the sky is clean, and the town is in full Pitti mode: the beautiful people of the fashion sistem, tens of thousands of buyers from the whole planet, and an indeterminate amount of innocent bystanders all head to the Fortezza and the nearby squares, mixing with the constant stream of tourist and the crowd heading in for the sales. Impromptu events litter the streets and squares, usually together.

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just in di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL1 with 20/1.7 Lumix - snapseed edit

Then I enter this little room full of Leicas new and old, marvel at old glass and at its prices looking like serial numbers, and get to play with many a camera. On to the GX1, play, touch, play again with my 20/1.7, hmm. It seems difficult to get the pics I like, more than with my E-PL1. Maybe it's the IBIS, maybe it's the different controls, and maybe it's me. Not so sure anymore.

While I think on this I spot a little black duck in the back of the display, and ask for a test. Again, on the 20mm, good. Kit lens, yes. And it's tiny but not so much, and damn fast.

And I exit the shop much poorer, and the proud owner of a matt black E-PL3 and Olympus 45mm and head to the street to play with my new toy.

Shoppers and protesters take a moment of rest and chat.
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Politics. di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - snapseed edit

Onlookers or plainclothes police taking notice of me.
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Fashion,Politics di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - OOC jpeg

And the works. Love this highlights.
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Firenze di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - snapseed edit

You know where I'm heading, the famous black hole of world tourism, around which all orbits.
They all head there.
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see di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - snapseed edit

From the direction she is looking, she just spotted where the Chanel shop is.
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over there di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - snapseed edit

He is lost in the forms, drawing statues.
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Drawing di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - OOC jpeg

He looks at a girl, at many naked statues together, and thinks. It shows.
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what is he seeing? di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - snapseed edit

Meanwhile I head on to the calm place over there, Santa Croce.
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Santa Croce di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - OOC jpeg

Not alone, of course. Here's that fast autofocus they were talking about.
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Running in Santa Croce di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - OOC jpeg

Then, an alley out. "Icché c'è c'è" is Tuscan for "you're getting what we have".
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trattoria di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - snapseed edit

After all that beauty, they walk and shop. Quite well dressed to be normal tourists, maybe they are here for Pitti. Or maybe they are just like this everyday.
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Shopping di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - OOC jpeg

Meanwhile life in town goes on as usual, more or less. A wedding photo session I bumped into here and there. Meet Serious Wedding Photographer.
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A Pro, wedding shooting di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - OOC jpeg

And the bride, just near the Duomo. Don't know if they flied half the world to get married here, or belong to the growing Chinese community in nearby Prato. But it seems they enjoy the place.
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Wedding shoot di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - OOC jpeg

And he enjoys the sight too, +1 for cultural integration, it seems.
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Very happy di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - OOC jpeg

Over there, someone is lost and asks his way out.
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Crime never sleeps di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - OOC jpeg

Someone is on duty, as always.
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on duty di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - snapseed edit

They head to their afternoon out and a cup or two,
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One, two, three di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - OOC jpeg

And I head home a happy duck.
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Sit di alfrjw, su Flickr
E-PL3 with 45/1,8 - snapseed edit
 
Congratulations Alf. The epl3 is a great little camera, the 45 is a great little lens, and you're off to a great start with the combination! Oh, to have such easy access to a place like Florence. For me, it's been twice in a lifetime. OTOH, I can get to New York City within a couple of hours, so I can't complain too much!

Have fun with the new camera!

-Ray
 
I knew it would end with you short of funds Alf, but not that you'd go down the EPL3 road...I would have had my money on the GX1. Congratulations mate. I can see you even enjoyed day 1...happy duck indeed (y)
 
Congratulations Alf - both for that new camera (seems as though it had to be an Olympus:D), you wonderful new lens and the way you've told us all about it by showing just what the combination can do. My only wish is that I could have been there with you!

Wonderfully crisp, clear, colorful images with a lovely feeling of Florence. I hope to make it there myself sometime. You've given us a real taste of the city's life - and your new gear!:friends:
 
Great write up and photos. Enjoyable as always. And congrats on the EPL3 and 45/1.8. Speaking of fast AF, I undusted the EP2 yesterday, and was reminded of what a non-fast AF is like! Made me thankful of the X100's AF!
 
great images Alf - I feel like taking a trip there

the 45mm f1.8 looks like a great performer and at that price is almost a steal compared with the PL 45mm f2.8, (I know this is a macro lens) ..... but still


are there any problems using this lens with the original EP1?
 
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