Picked up my new camera today....a GF1

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AndyElliott said:
If you want AF and a 50/2 or faster, the ZD 50/2 with the mFT/FT adapter would seem to be the way to go. The 50/2 can be had for 300 ish pounds second-hand. It's one of the sharpest lenses around bar none - check out the DPReview review of it. It is extremely sharp wide open.
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And yet another option! :eek: Thinking along those lines, another would be the Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM and adaptor. Hmmmmm.

Plus you get a great macro lens.
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I see those words, but all I read is "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah." :D

Macro is dull as a dull gull on a dull day in Hull.
 
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NorthernNikon said:
And yet another option! :eek: Thinking along those lines, another would be the Sigma 50mm f1.4 EX DG HSM and adaptor. Hmmmmm.



I see those words, but all I read is "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah." :D

Macro is dull as a dull gull on a dull day in Hull.
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The ZD 50/2 is sharper than the sigma, but then the sigma ain't a bad lens if you get a good copy. Once you have the adapter, you then have the option of using any of the excellent standard fourthirds lenses too.

Andy
 
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I have a good copy.

I have a nice little collection of Sigma lenses and I've never had a bad copy. Either I'm very lucky or reports of Sigma woes are exaggerated.
 
woof woof said:
I have a good copy.

I have a nice little collection of Sigma lenses and I've never had a bad copy. Either I'm very lucky or reports of Sigma woes are exaggerated.
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I've had a very bad Sigma!
 
Well DPR haven't really solve the conundrum either:

We expect many potential buyers will be interested in comparing the 50mm F2 Macro to the Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM, which has been recently announced in Four Thirds mount. Our recent review of this lens (albeit in Canon EF mount) should give a good idea of what to expect; the Sigma is likely to be no slouch on Four Thirds, but unsurprisingly for a lens designed for a format with four times the area, won't quite achieve the same stellar levels of sharpness we see from the Olympus macro. The faster maximum aperture and more refined ring-type USM focusing will surely make the Sigma a compelling option for portrait shooters, but in all other regards the Zuiko is likely to be the better all-round option.

So in summary we have a lens which, despite its design flaws, offers a winning combination of optical quality and solid build in a compact package. The greatest strength of the Four Thirds system undoubtedly lies in the optics, and the 50mm F2.0 macro ranks alongside the likes of the Zuiko Digital ED 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD as one of the finest lenses of its type currently available from any manufacturer. With its relatively fast maximum aperture, it also offers Four Thirds users the opportunity to use true selective focus effects. Quite simply, every E-system user should own one.
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So more compact design, sharp, but slouchy AF, compared to not so sharp, better AF and f:1.4 max aperture. Unfortunately, it looks like the Oly is out of stock in both Jessops and Jacobs or I'd pop in to have a look at one when I'm in Holborn this week.
 
NorthernNikon said:
Well DPR haven't really solve the conundrum either:



So more compact design, sharp, but slouchy AF, compared to not so sharp, better AF and f:1.4 max aperture. Unfortunately, it looks like the Oly is out of stock in both Jessops and Jacobs or I'd pop in to have a look at one when I'm in Holborn this week.
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The ZD 50/2 is very compact - but being a compact macro lens, this means the lens barrel extends in focussing (although it doesn't rotate). It also has the plus of being weather sealed - even if the GF1 isn't, at least you won't be worried by a few drops of rain.

I've just noticed this problem with AF on the GF1 and fourthirds lenses though. Unlike the E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1 which can AF with all fourthirds lenses, the Panasonic bodies cannot, only those which have support for contrast AF in the lens. The compatibility chart is here: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/connect/g1.html. In all other respects (aperture control), the electronic coupling works.

So no AF on the GF1 with the ZD or the Sigma...

Andy
 
Been having a look at Senco from a CCTV perspective. The lens experts here have the following to say...
Senko (note spelling) is a Japanese manufacturer relatively new to the CCTV industry. Widely recognised as low-mid end products in comparison to Pentax and Fujinon which are the flag waving high end manufacturers in the industry (note, CCTV industry).
We can find no record of Senco at all within the CCTV industry.
Further, to add my own thoughts, looking at the image Brian posted, I cannot see this as a modern CCTV lens. There are very few 1/2" and 1" CCD cameras out there now, most are 1/3" or 1/4" CCD based products in analogue format. For IP cameras, most manufacturers are now using CMOS. CCTV cameras tend to us C or CS mounts for standard body cameras and board-mount for smaller format lenses, which the image does not seem to have. Also, there are very few manual iris lenses in the market these days - most are either DC or AI drive lenses.

ADDED : Further thoughts on the lens image posted by Brian. It could be a lens that pre-dates modern CCD cameras in the CCTV market - something from around the time of the changover from tube cameras to 1" CCD products. The aperture ring looks to be "toothed", and is different in style from the focus ring. Could well be that this lens may have been made to mount inside a housing, and attach to a crude motor drive to adjust the aperture externally (they are all built-in these days, if not fully manual).

We can't find any 50mm CCTV lenses on the market at present, aside from specialist lenses used with machine vision equipment (process control).

Cheers, Bradders.
 
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NorthernNikon said:
Oh buggery b****x! :bang:

Back to square one then! Thanks for the heads up though, think I'll withdraw my ad in the wanted section now!
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Indeed!

In the future Panasonic might have something in their firmware to do this like Olympus have. I suspect it is Panasonic not being that bothered as its own classic fourthirds portfolio is not huge. All of their FT lenses will work except the 2.8-3.5 version of the 14-50 (a shame, it's a great lens). Their effort would be entirely focussed on making Olympus FT lenses work - not something they must think is that much of a priority, as they might assume Olympus owners would buy an Olympus mFT body and stay brand-loyal.

The 25/1.4 is stellar, but a bit short on working distance for portrait (you may need stronger mouthwash to get close enough :D).

Andy
 
Thanks Andy. I'm more than happy with the 20mm f:1.7, I just need something fast in the 45-50mm range. I played around with the 50mm f:1.4 at lunchtime and it, along with my 45mm f:2.8 will do until some fast with AF comes along. I'm certainly not going to worry about getting the Leica 50mm f:2.8.
 
Dunno if this went under our radars, but Sony had a Micro 4/3rds camera at PMA. Much like the 900 viral with the camera in a glass box, this was the same.

Only a matter of time before NikCan start making them / releasing them.

Furthermore, the word is that Olympus are ceasing all DSLR production/sales this year to focus solely on EVIL / Compact cameras.
 
Diego Garcia said:
Dunno if this went under our radars, but Sony had a Micro 4/3rds camera at PMA. Much like the 900 viral with the camera in a glass box, this was the same.

Only a matter of time before NikCan start making them / releasing them.

Furthermore, the word is that Olympus are ceasing all DSLR production/sales this year to focus solely on EVIL / Compact cameras.
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No and No!

Sony had a mock-up of their own version of a mirrorless interchangeable body. This was definitely NOT a microfourthirds camera.

Olympus have said they will continue to produce the E-series and mFT cameras in parallel. What they have said is that E-series cameras may end up being mirrorless in 'a few years time' when the EVF and AF technologies are sufficient to be as good as OVF and current phase-detection AF technologies. That is a good thing - potentially more useful and flexible finders, quieter and faster shutters too. Also the potential to have lenses that recess further into the body (particularly useful for wide-angle lenses without the need for heavily retrofocal lens designs).

Their big selling point is their superior lenses - they have emphasized this and have said that want to continue develop DSLRs to make use of these lenses. The mFT lenses are always going to be a compromise between compactness and optical performance, whereas the classic fourthirds lenses are more all-out optical performers. The wrong stories about the imminent end of their DSLRs is entirely based on a misinterpretation of comments made by their US DSLR product manager recently - and then subsequently clarified by a further press release.

Their goal is to ensure the camera try to become more feature and performance rich without becoming too large or heavy. They have also stated that there will still be a need for heavier and larger pro models to be mated with the super-high grade lenses. The E-5 is apparently in production, but its roll-out has been delayed for undisclosed reasons - possibly marketing, firmware or production issues - no firm news as yet.

Andy
 
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AndyElliott said:
I've just noticed this problem with AF on the GF1 and fourthirds lenses though. Unlike the E-P1, E-P2 and E-PL1 which can AF with all fourthirds lenses, the Panasonic bodies cannot, only those which have support for contrast AF in the lens.
Andy
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Just to confirm I have this right Andy, which could sway my decision on whether to go for one of the Olympus Pens, or the GF1, the Olympus Pen cameras can autofocus with all fourthirds lenses, so this would include all the Panasonic lenses, plus all the Olympus lenses with the correct adaptor where necessary. Whereas the GF1 is limited in the lenses that can be used with AF.
The reason I ask is that my husband is a long time Olympus E series user so has a fair selection of lenses. I thought I would be able to AF with them on either of the above models which could come in useful, but judging by the link to Panasonic I am rather restricted. I can't find a similar compatability chart on the Olympus site so wanted to confirm with you that the Pens were in fact much more compatible.
Hope this makes sense
Many thanks
Marcia
 
wellyboot said:
Just to confirm I have this right Andy, which could sway my decision on whether to go for one of the Olympus Pens, or the GF1, the Olympus Pen cameras can autofocus with all fourthirds lenses, so this would include all the Panasonic lenses, plus all the Olympus lenses with the correct adaptor where necessary. Whereas the GF1 is limited in the lenses that can be used with AF.
The reason I ask is that my husband is a long time Olympus E series user so has a fair selection of lenses. I thought I would be able to AF with them on either of the above models which could come in useful, but judging by the link to Panasonic I am rather restricted. I can't find a similar compatability chart on the Olympus site so wanted to confirm with you that the Pens were in fact much more compatible.
Hope this makes sense
Many thanks
Marcia
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The Oly cameras will work with all lenses, but the AF performance will be fastest of all on the ones that work with the Panasonic cameras only. This is because the lens mechanics and firmware have been optimised for contrast-AF (which all non-mirror cameras use). Olympus cameras have a method that allows them to contrast AF with all lenses, but it is slower on the non-optimised lenses and can be less accurate in some circumstances. The practise would seem to be that they work just fine. If you have a number of non-panasonic-compatible lenses, get the E-P2 or the E-PL1. Actually, the E-PL1 is smaller, has a built in flash and is meant to be better in image quality by virtue of a weaker anti-alias filter than the E-P2.

Andy
 
Hi guys

I think such as the Novaflex Andy it does say Yashica/ Contax. As far as I know the two are compatible except for the latest Cont-ax re auto exposure. Anyway at £25 it's worth agamble.

Mac is here.
 
AndyElliott said:
The Oly cameras will work with all lenses, but the AF performance will be fastest of all on the ones that work with the Panasonic cameras only. This is because the lens mechanics and firmware have been optimised for contrast-AF (which all non-mirror cameras use). Olympus cameras have a method that allows them to contrast AF with all lenses, but it is slower on the non-optimised lenses and can be less accurate in some circumstances. The practise would seem to be that they work just fine. If you have a number of non-panasonic-compatible lenses, get the E-P2 or the E-PL1. Actually, the E-PL1 is smaller, has a built in flash and is meant to be better in image quality by virtue of a weaker anti-alias filter than the E-P2.

Andy
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Thank you very much for the information Andy. Much appreciated!
Marcia
 
Not lens related, but spotted this place on the way to work, so thought I would take a snap. It's Heckmondwike Cemetery - could well make a decent project to shoot, if I can get there when the light is good...



 
Certainly were. 20mm pancake, F8, Aperture Priority, IOS 100. Top one at 1/125 and bottom one at 1/250 if I recall - resized in Photoshop.
 
Blast - you've immortalised my goof - meant to say ISO, not IOS!!

Certainly is a cracking lens - will post the full set on the picture thread.

Cheers, Mark
 
braddersmd said:
Blast - you've immortalised my goof - meant to say ISO, not IOS!!

Certainly is a cracking lens - will post the full set on the picture thread.

Cheers, Mark
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Blast and I never noticed just read it automaticly as ISO

Looking forward to seeing rest of the pics.

Dave
 
Been lovely up here in the last few days

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Just spotted your other two pics ...very good too, loved the scenery one
 
Ooooh Grum, they are superb mate!!!!!!!
 
A bit of GF1 strobist action from this afternoon. 2nd curtain flash as previously mentioned.

 
Nice pics Grum, they all look like familar spots to me ;)

Not had much chance to get out this week, bad pain and totally shattered at the end of the day.
 
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Cheers Andy and Zoidberg. :)

Zoidberg - you think you will be ok for sat? Only thinking of doing something very easy but don't worry if not.

Marcia - I think I posted earlier in this thread about the clearviewer. It works very well imo - I did get stung for a £13 customs charge on top of the price though. I got the upgraded lens version.
 
grum said:
Cheers Andy and Zoidberg. :)

Zoidberg - you think you will be ok for sat? Only thinking of doing something very easy but don't worry if not.

Marcia - I think I posted earlier in this thread about the clearviewer. It works very well imo - I did get stung for a £13 customs charge on top of the price though. I got the upgraded lens version.
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Thank you and sorry Graham - I had a feeling I'd seen mention of it somewhere but searching didn't turn anything up. I may pick your brains about it sometime in the future when I have made my decision whether to go Panasonic or Olympus.
Absolutely stunning images by the way!:) Looks like you live in a beautiful area!
Marcia
 
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grum said:
Cheers Andy and Zoidberg. :)

Zoidberg - you think you will be ok for sat? Only thinking of doing something very easy but don't worry if not.
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Daft as it sounds, probably do me a world of good to get out on the bike.

Back in the MRI scanner on monday, what joy.
 
wellyboot said:
Thank you and sorry Graham - I had a feeling I'd seen mention of it somewhere but searching didn't turn anything up. I may pick your brains about it sometime in the future when I have made my decision whether to go Panasonic or Olympus.
Absolutely stunning images by the way!:) Looks like you live in a beautiful area!
Marcia
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No worries - haven't used it extensively yet but it seems to work a treat.

Thanks for the comments on the pics - I am very lucky in that respect I suppose. All these photos were taken within a few miles of my house. :)

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By the way, as I understand it - the Olympus m4/3rds cameras are sort of poor value compared to the Panasonic ones at UK prices - ie the US prices of the GF1 etc are fairly similar to ours, but the Olympus ones are about £150 more over here than in the US. The EPL1 looks like a great deal to me at the US price, but not so much at the UK price.

Apparently the build quality isn't amazing, and it has no adjustment dial, but otherwise looks pretty damn good - they've nicked a few features off the GF1. :LOL:

zoidberg said:
Daft as it sounds, probably do me a world of good to get out on the bike.

Back in the MRI scanner on monday, what joy.
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Doesn't sound daft at all - I'm sure it will be good for you mentally anyway! Just PMed you some route ideas.
 
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Apparently the build quality isn't amazing, and it has no adjustment dial, but otherwise looks pretty damn good
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From what I see, it's more that they've used more plastic in the construction to keep the weight down, rather than the 'fit and finish' being below par.

Andy
 
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