Olympus Pen F - My First Impression

I am writing this in English as it is easier for me, for those Olympus user or would be, it is my honor to share with all of you my impression. For those who cannot read English, my sincere apology.

I came over, despite years of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) from Leica M. I am currently using a M240 with about 5 different prime lens of various focal length. I had Olympus EM1 before but I sold them. I re-acquire Olympus because I like to have gears that can allow airplane shooting. The m4/3 focal length advantage, despite sensor shortcomings, is a trade-off I am willing to take. I was debating between Pen F and EM1 and EM5 m2. I eventually choose the EM5 mk2, and despite trying it out (without the handgrip) in Japan during my business trip, I soon regret. Even with HLD-8, the camera was not comfortable in my hand. I was very attracted to the classical lines and look of EM5 m2. I bought it with 14-150mk II kit zoom which surprisingly is not that bad as people want to say. I of course, reacquire back the 40-150 F2.8 Pro zoom. To me, this is the best zoom available given internal zooming (Length does not change) and its compact size. The price is reasonable, I got mine under 32K NTD with EC14.

I sold my EM5 m2, at a loss, after 2 weeks of usage. First, it does not fit well in my hands, even with grip, secondly, the IQ was so so. Reminds me of why I sold my EM1. I think the reason I decide to take a hit and sold EM5 was I want to invest a line of gear that will complement my Leica - as I do mostly street shooting of sorts, during my numerous annual business trip oversea. Yes, I averaged over 10 business trip on a yearly basis. I decide to take on Pen F as it can support this role. I was worried that if the Pen F can suppor the 40-150 zoom well, given its rangefinder form factor. Yes, it did. It exceeeded my expectation even without the grip - which I ordered (cheap Chinese TaoBao) and will arrive soon.

What is striking about the Pen F is not just the look. Coming from Leica, I think the look while retro, is very disturbingly 'busy' - I mean it is not bad looking but just too many control buttons etc. Boy, was I wrong on this. Those control really makes this camera something to mention! I am not a technical photo gear guy, I don't describe my experience based on dynamic range,ISO noise etc. I based on simply JPEG image quality. I trust my eyes. Even on M240, I use JPEG. I don't have the patience or time or skill to do RAW. Personally, I shy away from that.

IQ wise, the new sensor (20M vs previous 16M) gives image a deeper meaning. Images taken, even at JPEG level immediately shows the difference than EM5 m2. To my eyes, it seems cleaner, and tonality was better. I was surprised frankly, thinking that 20M was simply a market game! I think I was wrong again. Coupled with 17mm f1.7 and 45mm f1.8, my test shots blew me away with images that I am more accustom to, like my Leica, not 100% but fairly close, and definitely, a step up from EM5 m2.

Pen f is perhaps the best integrated camera in my humble opinion of Olympus camera line. When I say integrated, I means there is perhaps not much new features added but somehow, Oly engineers finally figured out a way to allow the user some smooth control to use them. The 'magic' button at the front allows you to do a lot of control on colors and you can actually see them, pretty clear in the EVF or LCD of changes made. It is amazing to me how easy to adjust and control adds confidence and satisfaction to camera user and instantly win the heart of me. The camera feels solid but since I got the silver version, I already are worrying about the ease of making scratches or dents. Handling wise, surprisingly, even without the grip, it is quite easy to hold. I am sure with grips, it will be a lot better. I find it not difficult to handhold Pen F with 40-150/2.8 Pro zoom - I was pleasantly surprised at that!

It is my personal opinion that after years of no progress that Oly had taken the next step at improving the core of their IQ and sensor forward. It is also encouraging that Oly had done so, especially at the body level, not to make the size of camera being too big. The spirit of m4/3 is about being compact. Too bad for both Oly and Fuji, some of their latest lens offerings are over-sized! The Pen f looks good and it is good to use. The ease of various color adjustment allows user to explore their creativity further. The key word, as applied to Penf is EASE. Not that these features not existed in EM1 or 5, but they are just not that easy to be used.

Thanks for reading. Should you have any further question about PENF - more than happy to share my thoughts or answer your question. I am not a professional photographer just a 'boring' busy professional manager who travelled a lot. You can PM me. Will try best to answer.
Once again, thanks. I am currently using PENF with 17mm, 45mm, maybe soon to add 25mm, and 12mm and definitely looking at 300/4 as price becomes more reasonable!