Olympus OMD EM-1 as a complement

[stickan1]

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I spend a lot of time photographing outdoors and sometimes in bad weather. I don't trust the weather sealing on the M240. I have tested it in bad weather, it survived, but I got humidity in the rangefinder. I would also like to have macro and tele availabilities.

 

I had a Nikon D800E for two years but I didn't like the weight that I had to carry with me. So I am considering the Olympus Em-1 with the two pro lenses 12-40/2.8 and 40-150/2.8 Has anybody else walked this path? Any experiences?

[k-hawinkler]

I spend a lot of time photographing outdoors and sometimes in bad weather. I don't trust the weather sealing on the M240. I have tested it in bad weather, it survived, but I got humidity in the rangefinder. I would also like to have macro and tele availabilities.

 

I had a Nikon D800E for two years but I didn't like the weight that I had to carry with me. So I am considering the Olympus Em-1 with the two pro lenses 12-40/2.8 and 40-150/2.8 Has anybody else walked this path? Any experiences?

 

Stig,

 

Excellent choice.

I have the E-M1 and 12-40/2.8. Really great combination.

Jono Slack just started a thread on getdpi with images from the 40-150/2.8 lens. Very impressive indeed.

Fun with the Zuiko 40-150 f2.8 - The GetDPI Photography Forums

Also, the 5-axis IBIS works miracles, including with your Leica lenses, including the WATE.

Edited December 8, 2014 by k-hawinkler

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[sanyasi]

I own it. I am not a huge fan, but the files are excellent and the build quality is excellent. My objections are typical. I don't like the button positions and the menu system is too complicated and involved for me. Specifically, I find the buttons that set the focus point on the grid are difficult to find by touch. I don't have that problem with my DSLR.

 

My other major objection is file size. I do crop and find on occasion that my ability to print photos at my desired size is problematic.

 

I should say, I did buy the adapter that permits me to use Leica lenses. I used it a couple of times, but focusing just wasn't working for me.

 

My long-term plan: When we start to see full-frame/larger pixel cameras in this category, I will probably buy one. I'll then convert the OMD into an infrared camera.

[k-hawinkler]

Sony A7 II?

[250swb]

I don't think you would be disappointed with the Olympus. Both Olympus and Panasonic produce some astonishing lenses of their own, plus the Leica designed lenses made by Panasonic. Image quality is great and if you feel the need to crop buy a longer lens instead. Weather sealing is often demonstrated in You Tube clips showing the camera being drenched in beer or held under the shower.

 

But regarding your M240 steaming up, it should only happen if you use your warm hand to cover it after it gets wet, or putting it under your coat. Try keeping it cold and wet by putting it into a cold camera bag, keep your camera in the boot of the car etc. and carry a small bar towel to give it a quick rub dry every now and again.

 

Steve

[xalo]

Hi Stig,

 

Earlier this year, a local store borrowed me an OM-D E-1 for a weekend through the Olympus trial programme. I tried none of the recent zooms because only the older 12-50 was available, but the quite good 17mm ƒ1,8 came along; no adapter for my 4/3 swd zooms 12-60 and 50-200, either, unfortunately. I like 4/3 since I started with an E-330 and the E-3 remains also one of my current digitial "R-solutions". It has been totally reliable in every wheather, with the exception of a very cold day and a half empty, third party battery, when it froze.

While the form factor of the OM-D E-1 is great and the screen is superb, I'm with sanyasi on the buttons: I find the ergonomics terrible. Perhaps I could get used to it, but I cannot (or do not want to) get over the electronic viewfinder, which certainly is good for what it is. Image quality was very good for the small sensor (no surprise), but I felt that the OOC jpegs were over processed; the native lens seemed to receive a lot of electronic support, erasing any personality (for lack of a better word). Surely this can be tweaked; also, I had no software to treat the raws.

In the end, I find the concept less inspiring than RF or SLR, but if the EVF does not bother you and raw it your way, it may well be what you are looking for.

 

Alexander

[k-hawinkler]

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Did you try to switch off some of the in camera processing?

[xalo]

No, I did not but am quite certain that the output can be improved to become very good even straight from jpeg. It is more that the camera did not make me want to try.

I found that it lacked the appeal of simplicity, from buttons to menu to the frills of the EVF and down to the most sophisticated (and quite successful) attempt to crank the ultimate image quality out of the tiny chip... If I were in the market for a highly efficient and portable all-options camera, it could well be this one. As it stands, I just bought a bargain Summilux 25mm for my E-3...

Alexander

[250swb]

I'm not sure about the confusing buttons, it seems like there has been a logical progression since the original E-1 in that anybody transported by a time machine from that era could recognise an Olympus button layout and menu and find their way around it. But I have no idea how to find my way around a Fuji camera and find it illogical and baffling. In any case I'm not the best person to ask because I like to keep a camera simple and would rarely use some of the amazing functions so never look in those menu's or press those buttons.

 

Steve

[stickan1]

I am on my way home with an Omd E-1, grip, extra battery, 12-40/2,8, 17/1,8, 40-150/2,8. I hope it was the right decision! We'll see in a couple of days. I only use RAW and manual mode so the buttons is no problem for me.

[k-hawinkler]

Congratulations!

 

I am looking forward to also see your images with a Leica lens on this camera.

 

Here is one of mine on E-M5. Handheld, 1/3s, OOC JPG, shot with Leica WATE 16-18-21/4 M lens. With E-M1 will be similar.

[sanyasi]

Congratulations on your purchase. Hope you enjoy it.

 

Just to clarify the buttons. The button I am referring to is the one that you use to set the focus point on the grid. I don't have large hands, but I find it difficult to hit the button and then move the focus point without actually looking at the back of the camera. If you are shooting with Leica lenses rather than Olympus ones, this won't be an issue.

 

The lever system for switching between iso/white balance and aperture/shutter speed is clever. I prefer a simpler approach, however. Just my opinion based on my use. By the way, I shoot only in manual mode--no aperture or shutter priority.

[250swb]

A review of the 40-150 here

 

 

The Olympus 40 - 150mm Lens

 

 

Steve

[xalo]

Stig,

wish that this set up at least meets your expectations! I know that the SWD zooms some years back were quite a revelation to me (coming from Canon mid-range SLR gear).

 

 

As to the Olympus button layout, I find it cumbersome already on the E-3: the two-button combinations in particular; positioning of AE lock as well; and certainly in comparison with the Eos 5D.

 

Perhaps I was just unwilling to learn, as well, because I really miss the optical viewfinder on the OM-D series (also briefly tried the E-M5). Had hoped that Olympus would come up with a downsized SLR with better IQ (dynamic range and high iso) and a big prism — a 'true' digital OM. Will see if I get into the current line one day.

 

FWIW, the venerable D Summilux 25mm has arrived and is quite what I expected. Chunky, bright, smooth and sharp. Will post when I got something worthwhile.

 

Alexander

Edited December 11, 2014 by xalo

[stickan1]

I think it was the right choice for me. I have been out a couple of hours today and has set up the camera but there are things that I will fine tune later. One thing that impressed me was the IBIS. It is very effective. I got fine results at shutter speeds as low as 1/13 with the 40-150 lens. The files are fine but they lack the richness from Leica, but it was a very grey day so it is not easy to judge. But I did not expect it to be on the same level as Leica anyway. My idea was to have a light second system that is truly weather sealed that give ok files. I think it delivers that and it also gives shorter focus distance and longer lenses.

 

I don't plan to buy an adapter for my M lenses as I have both the MM and M240. This will continue to be my main tools and I like the manual handling of the Leica. But A mode and autofocus simplifies and there are situations when it is the better choice. But it is less of a challenge and in the long run less fun I think.

[Londonmember]

My wife has a OMD EM-5 with 12,17,45 lenses. Nice.

I like the small camera and the small light primes.

I tried an EM-1 for a bit but didn't get on with the files.

Hard to describe, but they just seemed a little 'flat' compared with FF. I also use a 35mm most of the time, and the 17.5 isn't good enough IMHO.

I've just got a used Sony RX1. Output is great. Not a lot to choose between it and the M240 with 35 Lux, although obviously its AF with a slot on EVF rather than a RF.

[stickan1]

I agree about the "flatness", I have made some comparisons with my MM with the same scene. But that was expected. The EM-1 is not an alternative to my Leicas, only a complement sometimes when I want more rugged gear or traveling light or macro or longer lenses. But I have had Leicas for four years and learned to live within its limits but now I wanted to have the chance to go outside these limits sometimes. I decided to go for the PRO zooms and they are really good, I haven't used zooms for many years but I can't deny that they make life easier.

Edited December 13, 2014 by stickan1

[jdlaing]

I agree about the "flatness", I have made some comparisons with my MM with the same scene. But that was expected. The EM-1 is not an alternative to my Leicas, only a complement sometimes when I want more rugged gear or traveling light or macro or longer lenses. But I have had Leicas for four years and learned to live within its limits but now I wanted to have the chance to go outside these limits sometimes. I decided to go for the PRO zooms and they are really good, I haven't used zooms for many years but I can't deny that they make life easier.

 

A wise choice. I'm sure you'll like it.

[01af]

So I am considering the Olympus OM-D E-M1 with the two Pro lenses 12-40/2.8 and 40-150/2.8 Has anybody else walked this path?

I have. Highly recommended. 'nuff said.

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Hallo,

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