The Olympus PEN-F, would I buy this again?

[@Ridgeback65]

Pro photog here. Bought Pen F when it first came out back in my pro DSLR work camera days to use as a lightweight travel camera. When I switched my pro camera to mirrorless I sold the Pen F thinking the mirrorless (R5) could serve as both working cam and travel cam. Major regret. The Pen F is just so much lighter and fun to travel with. It is inspiring to shoot with. Yeah, it’s 1/2 the file size but who cares and the images are incredible. Just re-purchased Pen with the 17mm prime. Will get the 12-100 Pro at some point. Will never sell again.

[@RVroom9000]

I wish OM would bring out a Pen-F II ❤

[@3dmiller]

I bought one when they first came out. Sold it about a year ago after switching to full frame (Sony). I love my Sony setup, but I regret selling the Pen F. I think this is the perfect street photography camera.

[@Katira-KR7]

My only camera since 5 years, people love it so much, that a friend recently bought also a penF , lucky her with 4 lenses for 1100 euros

[@pancake4425]

As a happy M1 markll owner i rececntly purchased a Pen F from MPB for €520 in exellent condition (about 13000 shutter counts). I like the dial layout very much. Don't have to dive into the menu all the time. Discovering youtube ran into a Rob Trek video about how to dial in the Kodachrome 25 colors into the Pen F. I did put them in C2 custom settings. Amazing.

[@johnstephen2869]

Very good advice mate. I will look into that, I loved the Kodak colours. Take care.

[@jaimesilva3934]

I think it's better to have direct access to the controls and functions, than have a minimal camera that one have to dive in the menu to get into the functions and risk to loose the moment and the photo.

[@bartjanverhoef]

I would agree! Not fond of diving in menu’s while shooting either. My perfect PEN (or camera in general) would simply have less controls and functions alltogether. Just good manual control over shutter, aperture and iso. And a power button I can reach with one hand. I’d be thrilled with something like that in the body of the PEN-F.

[@svvancouver3307]

I have both a black and silver Pen F…and I just bought another silver one. Yes I love this camera!

[@1957PLATO]

I found one last year after looking on the used market for 3 years. It keeps its value to say the least It’s more of a collector’s item than anything if you ask me. However, I do like the monochrome profiles a lot and the fact that you can add grain or filters in camera. When I take it out for a few hours of shooting I add the grip too. Contrary to you I would buy it again for a reasonable price.

[@bartjanverhoef]

Seeing as these are offered for more than $1000 these days, I’d pass. But like you say, for a reasonable price, sure, it’s still a great camera to have and use. I paid quite a bit less a few years ago, but I should add that the same goes for other older models - You could find a used E-P1 with a lens for no more than $100 and those go for almost double now.

[@alexekawano]

@@bartjanverhoef r

[@nochillkowa9493]

I feel like the sudden popularity of Fujifilm to tiktokers and Instagram caused the price pen f to skyrocket 😢

[@JP-ud6ez]

I bought one back in 2017. I have since got a Sony A7C in 2020 and a compact G5Xii. I use either the Sony ff or Pen F for hiking everywhere in Canada, and the compact Canon or sometimes Pen F for travel in and out of the country. I've thought about getting rid of the Pen F so many times but I can't get myself to do it. There is just something special about it that makes me feel good when I take it out and use it despite its being inferior to the ff in overall image quality. I know now that I will probably never let it go even if I move on to other cameras by replacing the Sony and Canon. I have the grip attached to mine and will be taking it with me again in a few days to Japan and the Phil.

[@Kodachrome40]

I bought this camera almost 4 years ago. I was debating getting it or the Fujifilm X100F, but this had an adjustable screen and interchangeable lenses. I think the controls/buttons on the camera are designed for people like myself who used to operate film cameras. Anyway, I think it’s going to be a collectible camera in the future.

[@mariusgodeanu5069]

I think you've missed the point of this camera.This was a "flagship" Pen camera with a different target buyer than the "regular" line which was "for everybody". It was more aimed at the pro photographer that already owned other "serious" camera(s) and took this as a lighter version for street, travel etc or just as it follows the original Pen-F cult "coolness". Hence the top materials, controls, included evf etc. You want clean - you have like 20 other PEN models :) Complaining the Pen-F has too many controls is like buying a Ferrari and complaining it has a small cargo space.

[@bartjanverhoef]

I don’t know if I’d go as far as comparing the PEN-F to a Ferrari, but I get what you’re saying :). I bought the PEN-F for about the reasons you mentioned, but I don’t think that means the controls couldn’t be be cleaner or better organized. On the contrary I’d say. That control wheel on the back for example feels nothing ‘Ferrari-like’ at all, something more like the OMD’s have, even the versions in earlier ones, would have felt more premium. Either way, it’s still a great camera and I wouldn’t want to argue that.

[@martonjuhasz6569]

One interesting thing about EVF, generally. I began to be an Olympus shooter by an E-PL6. It have only the back LCD. Than I moved to E-M10 II. For about a year, I didn't understand, why I loved more the pictures was taken with the Pen. Than I realized that I check my photos with two eye. In this "mode" the photos taken with two eye (using the LCD) have more chance to be loveable for myself, bacause I watch them as I took them. For me, composing with only one eye make slightly more difficult for the results to satisfy my normal, two eye inspection. (Of course, there are many situations when I have to use my EVF.)

[@bentaylor3984]

I'm Sorry Bart but I own 2, one black body with the "L" bracket, and one silver body which I purposely outfitted with a leather 1/2 case (almost as good as the bracket for improved ergonomics) for looks and a wooden shutter release. I also would mention that the Pen-F is the only camera in the "Pen" series that will allow you to use an old fashion "screw-in" remote shutter release. I love the "monochrome" settings available on the front dial, and mostly shoot in that mode as a back-up. None of the negative characteristics you mention, except for weather sealing, is a "deal breaker" for me.., you get used to these things. It takes just a split second to power up or down. All in all, I think it is a beautiful camera and I hope OM Systems doesn't come out with a MkII version.., I love mine just the way it is. My advice is to use it more often to really appreciate it.

[@bartjanverhoef]

Hi Ben, it really comes down to personal preference ofcourse. I agree it is (in many ways anyway) a beautiful capable camera. I do occasionally come back to it and while I don’t hate it, I don’t love it either. It sort of falls in between categories for me I guess; I prefer my OMD’s for more ‘serious’ stuff, and something a bit simpler as an everyday carry (I do love that monochrome setting too btw, also on the newer E-P7 which I use a lot as an EDC these days. B&W JPG’s through the front dials and RAW’s next to it for archiving).

[@bentaylor3984]

Thanks for the reply Bart, but as for the E-P7, I can't get along without an EVF, especially in bright sunlight. The Pen-F is just destined to be a classic.@@bartjanverhoef

[@GlennVanderbeke]

Nice videos Bart-Jan! Greetz from Belgium :)

[@nhahoanle]

I finally got one, same case, I found one in a mint condition with box and everything for a decent price. Can't wait to use it. I wanted to try the Fujifilm Z100 F but the price is insane. Plus, with the Olympus, I can reuse my old lenses from the OMD EM5 🙂

[@protestagain]

Yes, I have the same camera (of course in black), and I was lucky with my used very mint buy. I think it was in 2018 that I purchased it for € 850 with the 12-40/2.8 and a Pana 45-100/4.0-5,6 and a memory card. After I sold the lenses, the remaining price for the camera was just € 300. A real bargain with just 1000 shots on it. I don't think I will ever sell, and it's the perfect camera with the Pana/Leica 15mm f1.7.

[@bartjanverhoef]

Sounds like a very good deal! I paid slightly more than you did and it only came with 17mm f/1.8. I don’t think I’ve ever shot mine with that Pana/Leica 15mm, do have and love that lens so that sounds like a great combo to try (even though that manual aperture ring won’t work I guess?).

[@protestagain]

​@@bartjanverhoef The Pana/Leica 15mm f:1.7 is the perfect companion with the Pen-F, and it's smaller than the Oly 17mm f:1.8. I also have the Pana 12-32 and 45-100, if needed, as light travelling gear.

[@dhanil7470]

@@bartjanverhoef Hi Bart-Jan, you're right, the aperture ring works only with the Lumix bodies, anyway the results with Pen-F are excellent.

[@AmbercoolPhotography]

This is the best camera for all-purpose shooting. If it had the blazing fast and accurate Sony autofocus, I would never use anything else.

[@video-carl]

thanks for your personal overview of the Pen-F. It's an interesting Olympus product that many feel just missed being a big seller. That may explain the demand in the used market - not many new units were sold so people are buying from a small pool. The Pen-F would have lost sales to photographers who didn't get along with "flippy screens" and to vloggers who didn't get with this camera's poor focus tracking. Perhaps it was a little late to market with the tech inside? I have a GX9 and, for me, it too requires an add-on grip to make it comfortable to hold. Its buttons take some time to get used to. It too takes great pictures and its focus tracking too has low limits. But for M43 they are both cameras that encourage more photos to be taken than larger bodies. While I'd like to see a GX10 kitted out with Panasonic's latest sensor-tech I'm in no hurry to get on. Panasonic probably has the funds to build a GX10. OM-S may be tempted to reuse the Pen-F body cast with a modern sensor but is a non-stacked phase-detect sensor on M43 enough to charge for a Pen-F flagship?

[@abchappell01]

I absolutely love that camera. I will never smell it. 😊

[@OutRAjious]

Wish there was a version with a flip up and down screen, like the epl9

[@bartjanverhoef]

Me too, if there ever is a PEN-F mark II, I hope it’s get a flip and down screen!

[@caskraker]

Bought a third PEN-F for 600 euro with only electronic shutter uses. It is ridiculously cheap for such a great camera. My girl and me both use one and we will never find a better cam. If you dislike the sturdy buttons you just don’t understand the concept behind this gem.

[@eppietimisela7118]

I like the retro form factor and of course the Olympus brand. Nice review and maybe I will get myself one too....

[@PaulPadoan]

I have no issues with the buttons at all, on the contrary. I would like to have it weather sealed. A bit pricey perhaps, but a keeper for sure.

[@yellowkamper84]

Retired Pro Photographer I have the OM-1 with lots of lenses and also have a Pen f so I can use all the lenses, L love using it I carry it all the time with the 25mm lens and my Iphone for wide shots

[@joeprete7424]

I have it in Black, but still want a Silver one to match my 1963 Pen F!

[@ThePhotographersStone]

They are basically collectors items now. I picked up a second Pen F not too long ago just in case OM systems never come out with a mark 2.

[@neilcousineau4956]

I lost out on buying this camera x 3 times so I gave up and bought the original EM-1 silver edition. Another great looking & performing Olympus camera, and for me the EM-1 is probably better because I prefer the flip up screen. 1975Plato is right, the Pen F does keep good value at least in Canada. The Pen F is usually over a $ 900.00 - I paid $ 350 for teh EM-1.

[@InvincibleViolinist]

I paid almost 2K for an EM-1 II. I was shocked not that many months later to find them selling for around $500. Still, I'm not unhappy. It is rock solid and the most trustworthy camera I own

[@protestagain]

The ever best value m43 camera is the Panasonic Lumix GM5. I have that one and the GM1. The GM1 is almost the same camera, but you can get those for, maybe € 100, and pay € 5-600 for a GM5, if you find one for sale. I also have the original E-M1 and Pen-F.

[@timzegstroo]

Heb hem al 3 x in mijn mandje gehad op MPB met inruil van mn EM1 mark2 en mn EM10 mark 2... Na deze video gaat dat niet meer gebeuren denk ik. Hooguit ter vervanging van de EM10. Thanks voor de duidelijke video Bart!

[@bartjanverhoef]

Graag gedaan! Ik weet niet wat ze er nu precies voor vragen bij MPB, en het ligt er natuurlijk helemaal aan waar je ‘em voor wil gebruiken (of dat het vooral ook om de looks gaat natuurlijk), maar ik zou zeggen dat je met een E-M1 mark ii al een hele capabele camera hebt!

[@timzegstroo]

@@bartjanverhoef Een goede gaat bij MPB voor 775 ongeveer. De EM1 doet zijn werk ook fantastisch maar ziet er niet zo mooi uit als de Pen F helaas..

[@enochchan8036]

interesting you don’t like the way the top looks… all the additional dials is actually what makes it feel like an old rangefinder for me. it’s like an old leica iiif or a fed 2… it also really appreciate that i have so much manual control at my fingertips. appreciate the video though :).

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Awesome video, I want one!!!!!! , but I have 2 EM1Xs, EM1.2, Air, EPL8 converted to full spectrum and the very beautiful EP-1. Cheers!

[@bartjanverhoef]

Thanks Randy! Yeah, I get that - I’ve got way too many camera’s too and yet, sometimes you just run into one that you somehow really seem to need... :D

[@TimothyGalles]

Bart-Jan. Thank you for the great video. I couldn’t help but be attracted to your room. May I ask, what is the white typewriter???

[@domenicoavizzano8841]

Hi Sir! Please, could you tell me if the Olympus PEN EP7 is compatible with the Olympus Mini Flash LM3?! Thank you indeed! PS : I do think this new camera is a best have for a beginner!! It's absolutely sweet!!! D.

[@bartjanverhoef]

I am not sure, but my guess is it doesn’t tbh. The EP7 does have a built-in flash (pop-up) btw.

[@domenicoavizzano8841]

@@bartjanverhoef ok! But what kind of external flash could support? Thanks! D.

[@bartjanverhoef]

@domenicoavizzano8841 OM System has a list on their website: explore.omsystem.com/hu/en/accessories/camera-accessories?specs_acc_type=22045&specs_compatible_camera=21646

[@earlfenwick]

MPB is selling them for 6-700 euro. Thats not bad. I think I have a couple of old lenses lying around....

[@terrywbreedlove]

I have owned the Pen F since about a year after it was introduced. It is starting to have issues so I need to move on. Maybe a new Nikon zfc or the Olympus ep7. If OM improved the Pen F with better AF and a larger brighter EV I would be very tempted. I will not buy another used Pen F because the prices are too high right now. Oh and I hate the front color dial I am always hitting that accidentally.

[@housemusic325]

Get an Olympus EM5 MK2 instead. Same guts with weather sealing in addition. Half the price.

[@masonette25]

MK is 16mp

[@redneckrosey8221]

I have 2 Pen F, they’re that good.

[@MrVara411]

Hmm... sounds like dollar-for-dollar, the ep-5 is the way to go out of these options.

[@miguelmiguel1946]

I LOVE MY PEN F.

[@earlfenwick]

I sold mine a few years back after just a few weeks. I was having a bad G.A.S. attack! I got frustrated with some of the ergonomic problems. Now I am thinking aout doing it all over again. I'm getting a bit bored with the X100 line and don't like the OVF getting in the way. I miss the Oly stabilizaion and like the small lenses. I dunno. Maybe I'm crazy.

[@earlfenwick]

Subbed!

[@martingreenberg870]

@@earlfenwick Maybe sign up for a GAS 12 step program. Mask On Nurse Marty

[@BillAlpert]

That's so funny, I have the Pen F which I'm fitting and configuring to mimic the features and lens of the X100V. But somehow I still have GAS for the Fuji unless someone talks me down! The ND filter, the 46MB croppable sensor, the optical viewfinder... will I really miss stabilization? LOL

[@oldtechie6834]

Could you do a show and tell on your typewriter?

[@bartjanverhoef]

I’ve got several questions about it already, I’ll see if I can share a bit about it!😊

[@stalkernewidrisakin]

But ı cant find in stock

[@AmedeeBoulette]

Awww man!!! Not a single photo!! :(

[@bartjanverhoef]

I hear you! Didn’t have them in some of my first videos unfortunately.

[@OutRAjious]

suspicious number in fairly mint condition…. as if the menu was so hard original consumers couldn’t use it!

[@uncatila]

Like a dog in the manger he wont use it but growls if someone tries to buy it.

[@petepictures]

the look is nice and retro, but practically Lumix GX8 is better.

[@JimIBobIJones]

Its very expensive given how dated the specs are.

[@OutRAjious]

to much is adjustable … who cares which way your wheels go … just wast front to be speed and back aperture … ie always accessible

[@joeprete7424]

35

[@greenbrightly]

Totally agree on the negatives, far too many buttons on this camera, quite ridiculous actually.

[@voss.vision5893]

I still live my PEN-F for street photography and just buyed a second one. 😊 @voss_vision

[@stalkernewidrisakin]

From where did you buy

[@voss.vision5893]

@@stalkernewidrisakin I bought it scd Hand private in Switzerland

[@stalkernewidrisakin]

@@voss.vision5893 ı think we sould better if we insist olympus product more pen model