Panasonic Lumix DMC GF1

[@CJAnderson]

Just picked up a GF1 that also came attached to a 20mm 1.7 lens I wanted. I'm blown away by the great results this combo produces and there are actually a couple features I really like in the GF1. I love the click of the rear control wheel to toggle between your primary control and exposure compensation when in Aperture/Shutter priority modes. And I actually find the lack of touch screen to be a welcome limitation (other than occasionally missing the quick focus point selection). Since the camera was designed that way it feels like more thought was put into how to access key controls and features using the few available buttons.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Sounds like you got a great deal there CJ. The GF1 has quickly become my EDC because of its small size and (as you rightly say) the control layout. I haven't any experience of the 20mm but it is a well respected lens so I'm not surprised that you are blown away! Thanks so much for commenting.

[@aloyminimum]

Thank you for making this modern video for this “ancient” camera, I was looking into getting one

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks Aloysius, I have been out with the infra-red version just today, so there will be a video featuring it sometime in May. I hope you enjoy yours (if you get one!)

[@pdtech4524]

Nice little camera, I had the GF6 with the flip up LCD, I was always impressed with the images it produced.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

These were one of my first forays into owning Panasonic cameras and I was very impressed with the build quality.Thanks for watching!

[@pdtech4524]

​@@photographyforenjoymentI've always had good experiences with panasonic cameras. I've added your channel, always good to connect with other photography creators.

[@derekcoe9633]

Great, now there’s another camera I ‘need’ lol... have to say those monochrome images were superb, would never have imagined they emanated from something like the GF1.. looking forward to seeing more from this little camera.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thank you Derek, it's a great little camera (albeit lacking an EVF) and those images weren't edited a great deal except for cropping & the usual mono conversion with a little contrast/brightness tweaking.

[@AndyCombes]

Just got a GF1 for £47. I fell in love with it by the second day I'd had it.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Yes Andy, they are a great little camera, I haven't regretted buying my two at all.

[@log791]

The GF1 is simply a very well designed camera. Its size is just perfect, because an average sized hand can hold and balance it perfectly. I have the smaller GF2, which I also like, but grabbing the GF1 is simply a nicer feeling. The GF1 has a relatively good AF speed with good accuracy, and a button layout that is very intuitive. And the 12 MP sensor it houses gives very nice image with very good micro contrast, if you use it around its base ISO. So overall, the GF1 is a joy to use. I recommend it if you are looking for a small, cheap, capable little camera.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

I absolutely agree! The GF-1 was my first ever Panasonic camera and the build quality was a revelation. Thank you for commenting 👍

[@garmit61]

Thanks for this great review. I’ve owned lots of Panasonic and Olympus micro 4/3 cameras over the last decade and really enjoyed the GF1. I tried a GF5 recently but it’s nowhere near as tactile as the GF1. I settled with an EP3 for about 8 years paired with the 17mm f1.7 lens. I know what you mean about preference towards a wider angle but one thing that I think is great about the limitations is you need to take more time composing your shot. For me that makes you think faster after a while and improves your eye for selecting shots. One question I have is, what does the IR conversion give you? I look forwards to catching more of your channel now I’ve subscribed.thanks, Gareth.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hello Gareth and thanks for both the comment/question, and for subscribing! With regard to the IR conversion, it basically means removing the IR-cut filter from in front of the sensor and replacing it with an IR-pass filter. The pass filter can be of various wavelengths, depending on what end result you prefer. Mine is fitted with a 720Nm filter which gives monochrome results; other values allow more colours to be recorded. If you want to see some results check out my video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmG2mp56qd9jjrM

[@thehappyvintagesloth9676]

15:16 This! Loved the pics, btw. Inspired.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks! There's life in the older cameras yet...

[@RivieraUnivox]

The GF1 was the first mirrorless camera that I bought four years ago. I was very impressed with the mostly metal build quality, particularly the little metal door that covers the connection ports. I eventually "upgraded" to an Olympus OM-D EM10 for the focus peaking and IBIS but I still have my GF1 and take it out from time to time. Don't know if you're aware but a great lens for M4/3 cameras is the Russian Industar 69 28mm f2.8. The Industar is cheap and compact, originally designed for for the Chaika II half frame camera in M39 mount and when attached to the camera makes it even more "pocketable" than your 20mm. It needs a slight adjustment to achieve infinity but that's easy to do.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Yes indeed I have toyed with the idea of various m/f lenses, and own quite a few. The lack of a viewfinder on the GF-1 is the only limiting factor for me personally, although the wider angle lenses are much more useable becuase of the greater DOF. Thanks for commenting, much appreciated!

[@sclogse1]

I slid past the infrared, so I may have missed some info. Does the black GF1 have IBIS? Thanks. Although I shoot Fuji X I have had much success with my old Canon Elph 310 and its IBIS. Even the zoom in video to its 8x optical is really smooth. I was even able to use it for B roll when making a short film noir with a Canon 5D Mark II.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

No the GF-1 does not have IBIS at all. You have some interesting work on your channel and video is an area I am exploring at the moment. I certainly won't pretend to teach anything, but there will be an introductory video in December to show the rig I am using. Thank you for commenting!

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

Always a pleasure to see you Alan, this is a very good subject and advice, you don’t need (as you say) “the latest and greatest” gear to enjoy photography, you got excellent images with that “old” camera. By the way, good catch of the store front (cinema?) sign at 15:25 “EVERYMAN” (minus the first E). On a separate note, Leo Sayer will be appearing in Miami Beach the 16th of March. Be well, stay safe and I’m definitely looking forward to your next video.

[@TC_Conner]

Leo Sayer is still around? Isn’t he like 80-years old??

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

@@TC_Conner I just Googled it, he's 74.

[@TC_Conner]

@@Enrique-the-photographer I was awful close! Lol!

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

is it an official tour or is Leo moonlighting… I'll get my coat

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

@@duringthemeanwhilst I’m sorry Nick, but that’s “More than I can say” (you started it).

[@derekcoe9633]

Bought a GF1 last week (mint ++ and boxed) and delivered today.. really quite impressed tbh, quite a hefty little thing isn’t it? Build quality is very good and have it paired with a 20mm f1.7 pancake lens which is great for carrying around in a coat pocket. So thanks for putting onto this little gem Alan 👍

[@photographyforenjoyment]

A convert to the little GF1, that's great Derek. Yes, when I received my infra-red converted one the build quality is what struck me most. So when I was looking for a 14mm pancake lens, one fitted to another GF1 was an easy choice. I'm sure you'll get lots of enjoyment out of yours with that lovely 20mm lens. As always, thanks for commenting!

[@johnbailey4664]

It’s a great camera. Had one from launch date and since purchased a second . I’ve used old zuiko lens with converter but mainly 20mm 1.7. All for street photography shooting black and white RAW.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Yes John I couldn't agree more, much underrated and overlooked little camera ideal for street shooters.

[@alang253]

I have recently dug my GF1 up and, like vinyl records, it's so old now that is is good again! I have had a lot of the m43 bodies and pro lenses over the years (currently em1mkiii) but there is something about how the older 12mp sensors and how they render! I love the images that come out of it. Also, try the monochromatic jpeg setting, and nostalgia! I no longer have Fujifilm envy and the jpegs are a new feature for me because back in the day I used to only shoot raw on the GF1. If you can splurge on any of the 1.7 primes the IQ is amazing. Gf1 is my 'new' EDC camera

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hi Alan, thanks for watching and commenting. I am a little envious of your EM-1 Mk.3, but I totally agree with you about the way the 12Mp sensor in the GF-1 renders images. I will definitely try the 'nostalgia' setting as (like you) the GF-1 is also my EDC, usually with the 14mm pancake.

[@alex-reay]

Great little camera with surprisingly quick AF and lovely BW images. I find the metal build a bit slippy so I put a strip of rubberised Gorilla tape on the front over the raised 'grip' and also on the thumb-rest, it helps a lot.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks for the comment Alex, that is a really useful tip!

[@achaycock]

Oooh this has me thinking. I bought a GF1 for the 20mm pancake lens to use on my GX7, which is a great camera. However, I might hang on to the GF1 a smidge longer and see how it works for street photography. If it is a good combo for me and I'm not getting the same feel from the GX7 (it's all about feel here, using the tool as an extension of yourself rather than technical specs), I may find it worth keeping. I understand that the subsequent GF series lost a lot of the more advanced controls which the GX series was brought on to rectify.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Yes Andrew it is all about feel when using a camera for street shooting. It may not be to everyone's taste but it suits me perfectly.

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

what an absolute bargain you got there Alan :-) it's amazing what you can get for sub £150 and with all the original packaging too. that for me is a bit of a "must" when buying used, as it's a good sign that the owner cared for their camera / lens. I get quite annoyed when trawling (e.g.) MPB to find something listed as "as new" but there's no original packaging. I've got a couple of shelves in my loft with the boxes, etc of every piece of kit I own. I think that when you do come to sell it's nice to give the buyer that new camera experience :-) can't wait to see what it is you've got for us next!

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks Nick. I agree with your point about having the original packaging, it does give confidence when looking to buy used gear. As for the next video, I'm struggling with weather right now but I do have contingency plans 😆

[@TC_Conner]

@@photographyforenjoyment Struggling with winter weather here is the bane of my photography existence! 🥶🥶

[@alangamble3236]

Hi Alan. My first MFT camera was an Olympus EP1 followed a few months after by the Lumix GF1. I coupled the GF1 with the Olympus 17 mm 2.8f pancake lens. Took this combo on a trip to Amsterdam back in 2017 and the images I got were fantastic ( to my eye …I am a hobbyist!). I still have both cameras but they get little use now and my EDC is the Olympus EPL8. Just also like to say how much I enjoy your videos. Older cameras are still able to get great images.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Very kind of you to comment! The EPL8 is a terrific camera. Keep on using it 👌

[@LL-oc1xw]

Greatly enjoyed this. Thank you! Warning - long pointless nostalgic ramble coming. At one time, I had a collection of seriously vintage German film cameras, 35 and medium format, that I regularly used. They were all so much fun. (Had to laugh when you mentioned the GF1 being antiquated in comparison to modern cameras. Also had to laugh that some folks complain about not having a viewfinder, or about your method of not bothering to use any finder at times. I guess it's all perspective! (Accidental pun!)) Anyway, had to give up all my gear. About 2017 or so, I picked up a GF1 for about US $75. I'd always appreciated the aesthetics of the design and its compactness, but when it was new I couldn't afford one. So I was thrilled to find it. But ...I never got a lens for it. (Budget!) The GF1 has sat as my little reminder that I'm not out of photography forever. It has such a lovely heft - like some of the old gear I was shooting - and such a lovely design. It's oddly nice to see it setting there on the counter. Your video is highly encouraging. I'm thinking of the Meike 35mm F1.4 just so I can shoot something! (It's more my focal length style.) Maybe it'll be my Christmas present to myself this year. :-) Enjoyed your video very much. One suggestion? Put your Flickr link in all your video descriptions. I hunted it down in your ABOUT page, but it's a pity folks don't find it straight from each video. Great stuff in it!

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Well "LL" I am delighted that you enjoyed the video so much! If it does indeed spur you on to getting a lens (and the Meike 35mm f1.4 should be a cracker) then I feel the video has served its purpose. As for Flickr? I must admit to neglecting it of late, it seems to have suffered with the growth in popularity of IG and FB - although here again I am guilty of not uploading much to my IG account either! Getting ideas and producing the YT videos takes up much of my time! Thank you so much for watching and commenting.

[@stevek.456]

HI, Alan, I have Panasonic G2, when using contactless manual legacy lens the camera doesn't have focus peaking, but I can bring up a magnified view by pressing the aperture wheel on the rear of camera, the view can the be further magnified by rotating the wheel, the aperture wheel has a toggle action. Once focus is set the view returns to normal on a half press of the shutter button. This feature isn't mentioned in any Panasonic literature and only works with a manual no contacts lens. Maybe your GF1 has the same feature? I was alerted to this by a third party guide on the G2 published by Rocky Nook, by Brian Matsumoto. Cheers..

[@photographyforenjoyment]

See? THAT'S why I love doing these videos, helpful advice in the comments! I have just tried that on the little GF1 Steve and it works like a dream. As you say it isn't mentioned in the blurb, but it really makes a big difference! Thanks so much for commenting.

[@tebogdanescu1353]

Great video! Keep up the style!

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks for the encouragement!

[@brownnutter]

Had this camera with the 20mm pancake lens back in 2011, but sold it after a year later after getting the Fuji X-Pro 1 (still using). Recently I’ve been going through my photos and the GF1 picture quality and the colours still stand out, so I’ve been contemplating whether to buy it again given how cheap these are now going.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

I too owned an X-Pro1, a fantastic camera and one that I regret selling. The little GF1 was a real surprise to me and is definitely a 'keeper'. Thanks for commenting 👍

[@grantrobertdavies]

Great Video Mate :) I’ve got mine (White) coming later this week :)

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hello Grant, hello Oz! Great to have you comment on my humble little channel and good to know you're getting a GF1 as well. I don't need to tell you what to expect, you'll love it!

[@grantrobertdavies]

@@photographyforenjoyment I'll let you know how I go with it :)

[@peter-muller]

Highly enjoyable as always and some nice insights. Also do agree that for most of the mere mortals 12mp should suffice. On the advice of some very young German boy on youtube I recently purchased a Nikon D2X. I think it is a brilliant camera with also "only" 12mp.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Oh I bet you enjoy the D2X Peter, a true Pro grade camera and that crop-sensor should deliver excellent images.

[@alkaeliades8857]

I recently thrifted one for $20 so I'm excited to try it out!

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Alka, I am delighted for you and I am sure you will enjoy using it!

[@andrewharvey8638]

Great video , I was curious to see what you was going to say about the gf1 I got mine last year to take abroad, just for holidays, but ive been using it for street photography because it is so inconspicuous no looking into a view finder, I've got mine with the zoom kit lens then after invested in the Panasonic 25mm f1.7 what a perfect combination for my taste. Completely agree with you on all counts. Keep on snapping

[@photographyforenjoyment]

A kindred spirit Andrew! I have been using both GF-1 bodies and it is such a great little camera it is my EDC now. Thanks for your kind words!

[@jonlouis2582]

This is the only camera I've bought twice, so I would have a backup. (Not needed yet.)

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hello Jon, good to hear from another GF1 lover! Yes I don't blame you for getting a back-up as they really are great little work-horses. Thank you for commenting 👍

[@TC_Conner]

How do you know if your image is in useable focus if you shoot “from the hip” without looking at the display screen Alan? And what kind of SD card does it use? From seeing your images from the street, it looks like a great camera for that use. You mentioned (I think) that it wasn’t for video, yet the video I saw looked fine. Another enjoyable watch! 👍🏻👍🏻💜👍🏻👍🏻

[@photographyforenjoyment]

I'll admit that it can be a "hit-n-miss" approach TC, but with autofocus and a 28mm equivalent lens on a M43 sensor the depth of field is usually big enough not to worry unduly (but there were some losses! - Shh that's a secret between me n you). The SD card I use in it right now is just a class 10 8Gb that I've had kicking around for years. The video was shot on my GoPro, so don't think that is what you can get out of the GF1 sadly.

[@TC_Conner]

@@photographyforenjoyment Gotcha. You and Nick are so much more knowledgeable than I am on all the techie things about lenses, sensors, and the like. I have a very basic understanding of a few things and that's about it!

[@photographyforenjoyment]

You're getting there already TC 👍

[@TC_Conner]

@@photographyforenjoyment I need to start jotting down camera questions I have that I want more understanding about. 💜💜

[@lagufavoritmu]

Pakde buat bikin video masih bagus ngga di 2024 ?

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hi and I hope you can understand my reply! The Lumix GF-1 offers HD video at 30fps, so that is 1280 x 720 resolution. It is useable but I would not suggest buying one for video use in 2024.

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Very interesting video!

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thank you Ulf, I hope you continue to enjoy the channel!

[@jldwoodworking]

thanks for the video. I love my little GF1. I honestly purchased the 20mm 1.7 lens and the seller included the camera with the lens for free. Got both for less than 80 bucks :). Funny thing is I like the camera better than the lens. I was looking for 20mm for video on my g7. Not very good for that but a nice stills lens....

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hi and thanks for commenting. Yes the GF1 is a little gem that took me completely by surprise. Sounds like you got a real bargain getting yours with a 20mm f1.7! Although that's not a lens I've used, I'm sure it'll give good results.

[@thevalleywalker]

To ber honest that looks a great walkabout combination and as ytou say 12megapixels is fine. The images you showed sure back up your comments. (love the image at 14:00) I boughta GF5 a good few years ago with the intention of getting it converted for IR but it sat on my shelf for ages and one day I shipped it back to mpb in exchange for something I wanted at the time. atb Al

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks as always Alan 👍

[@sbcwinn]

Enjoy your new camera and lens! I find that Olympus Pen cameras are better built, less expensive, and much smaller. Just my 2 cents.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks Sheldon!

[@Cali62825]

Explain to us HOW TO disable the LCD screen! I want to do this as well! Thanks.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Hello Adolfo, assuming you have a GF1 like mine all you have to do is press the "display" button (located on the bottom right of the LCD beneath the quick menu button) twice and it will switch it off. One press will clear ancillary info from the top and bottom of the screen. Press it a third time and you are back to full display. Hope that helps?

[@Cali62825]

@@photographyforenjoyment thanks so much for your prompt response!

[@thegroove2000]

I took some decent shots with this camera before I sold it with the seperate viewfinder.

[@thegroove2000]

I like the build quality. Shame that it didnt have a tilting screen.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

I have been pleasantly surprised with Panasonics build quality, they were the last manufacturer for me to buy into as I have owned every other mainstream offerings over the past 50 years.

[@andresubri]

Nice video, also the gm1 is smaller

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Yes it is definitely smaller and it seems to sell for a lot more money, especially the coloured versions. Thanks for commenting Carlos!

[@petepictures]

I got one the other day, myself , they are actually higher class than my GF2

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Just a lovely little camera. Thanks for watching.

[@damarisbb4526]

I like lumix camaras. O bought that one today from eBay. I have gh3 gh 9, g9, x85

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thanks for commenting Damaris, I must agree with you as I have been pleasantly surprised with the build quality. Your GH9 of course is much newer than my ageing GF1 and now GH1, but they are great cameras.

[@rkymjk3186]

i had gf1 ,+20mm II， jpg very nice

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@yetidodger6650]

just got one for £35 on eBay, body, battery and charger.

[@photographyforenjoyment]

Absolute bargain!