😂 From 1969 until now, I have had plenty. I have today Pentax K3, Fuji xt1, xt10 and Olympus em5 and EM1. As an old formerly pro, I love my K3, When I travel I use it with 40mm ltd f2,8, Fuji xt1 with a Canon ef 24mm, f2,8 ois and an Olympus em1 with a Panasonic 45-150mm. Light, very convenient and the two first mentioned 90% of my time. And not to forget, my olympus 45mm f1,8 sure put a smile on my face😊
Hi Craig, I have my perfect camera now, the Nikon D7500. It's an upgrade from my Nikon D3100. I'm really enjoying my photography now. Thanks for this video. Keep on smiling Craig. Great Album 😊
That was fun. My first ever camera - in 1980 - was an OM-1N, with the first i bought new being a Minolta XD-7 (i'll be finding another one day). But i got into 4/3, and my E-1 still puts a smile on my face, while the E-300 makes me smile to look at, if not shoot. I shoot in a lot of harsh environments where my gear gets a hammering... my E-5s, battered as they are, just continue to click. But the camera that really works for me, and for my particular reasons, is the E-M1X. Weather-sealing is at the top of my list of requirements, and the beauty for me of the X is that it incorporates its portrait grip seamlessly. I have a shoulder injury that can prevent me from shooting portrait HH in the 'hand-over' conventional way - the X completely solves this by fully doubling the controls on the grip. So I guess i'm lucky - no dream camera, unless we start talking MF! Very pleasant vid - all the best from New Zealand. Cheers.
Agree on WR sealing - had the the E-1, and the E-M5 and 5MkII, E-M1 and M1 Mk2 currently , with the Pro glass. Up to seven years of saltwater splashes, 2 immersions, mangrove mud, sand, dirt, fish slime - and still shooting upwards of 10K frames per year. My Pentax K7 and WR lens both leaking within 13 months, no-one else does WR as good as Olympus.
@@markhoffman9655 Good to hear that (though not about the Pentax!, which is a shame). I have killed an E-M1 which got hit with a wave, but it took a few days to die so i can't be 100% sure it was water ingress. But yes, the feeling of security that allows you to attempt to get images that you'd otherwise pass up, of being able to continue shooting even when things are bleak, and of knowing that if the worst does happen it's not Leica money down the drain. Cheers.
I own a Leica Q3 and it challenges me al lot. You have to work hard to master the 28mm. But it's so much fun. I gave my x100v to my wife who enjoys it a lot. Than I haven a Nikon D750 with 8 fine lenses. A very nice set also which I will probably not trade in; doesn't bring al lot and it's very good.
The Olympus Em10 (the original one) was the camera that got me excited about photography again after a few years away. But I've only really had one camera that has put a smile on my face - and still does - and that's my Holga!
All I wanted was the perfect camera. . . And after years and years of tinkering and studying and experimenting and system-hopping, I have finally concluded it was all folly, and I might as well just stick with my old Pentax DSLRs.
Fuji intrigues me but I'm far too invested in m43 glass and remain very pleased with my results. My Panasonic G9 Mark II gives me spectacular images/video, and my gorgeous new (to me) Olympus PEN E-P5 is a fantastic just-for-fun camera for everyday shooting.
Acknowledging we are all different, I have taken a slightly different route than yours... I had an XPro2 but found it too much like a brick. I then tried the X100V for a couple of years, but I never enjoyed using it. I did a straight swap for an X-E4 and fell in love. Cheers
My favourite camera is the Olympus E-M1, the original version, with flip up screen because of the small form factor and the light weight. I’d love to see a weather sealed 25 and a 45 mm f1,8 though to keep the weight low.
Anothe rgreat video, Like you, i movd away form Olympous some time back and I find it hard to fault my Xt-5.. I just don't have anything about it that is bothering me at all, and it is just lovely to use
It's funny that you mention 'Dentists'. I sold cameras for 12 years as a part time job at the very advent ot the Digital age (2001-2013) and most of the industry refers to the advance hobbyists market (who spend FAR more money on kit than we working photographers) as 'The Dentists.' If you like a smaller camera like the X-T5 and like the rangefinder style body of the X-PRO2, I highly suggest an X-E4 if you can get your hands on one. The X-E5 (hopefully) will have the IBIS built in, but will give us all the same features that the X-E4 has (that flip LCD for instance) and a size slightly smaller than an original M body with not many more exterior dials and buttons than a traditional M. Just enough to control the exposure triangle and stay out of the say otherwise. I've an X-T3 as well, and have had 3 (and still have two) of the X-E4 bodies and they are so far, my favourite camera of all time (of hundreds that I've owned in nearly 40 years of shooting for dollars.) :) IF Fuji released an X-E5 next year with IBIS, that will make shooting with adapted vintage lenses (as well as the excellent early X mount glass that didn't have OIS built in) that much more enjoyable. I don't worry at all about Weather Resistance. The environments that I shoot in, it's mostly a marketing gimmick. I've never lost a piece of gear to the 'weather'. If I lived or photographed in actual jungles or very dusty deserts, maybe I'd feel differently, but for most other weather, I have an umbrella and/or stay out of dust storms. 😉
Sometimes it feels the search for the holy grail. Key comment you made. Get a camera that makes you want to go out and shoot. So true. Right now my OM-1 (with my old Pen Ep-5 pretty close) make me want to get out and shoot. Yes wish OM-1 had flip screen. Always enjoy your videos.
I use both Nikon and Olympus systems with some classic film cameras. The camera is a tool each one has a place to do a certain job. The one I am reallly enjoying is the Nikon ZF, I just love to use it.
Enjoy your kit. Please keep releasing your excellent RUclips content etc. The hypothetical decision process might just become a little more complicated if the camera rumour release from OM later in the year turns out to be the much requested Pen F Pro. One can understand the recent market concentration on the wildlife and adventure sectors because of the need for OM to establish market share, generate revenue and make profit and the margins will be higher on the pro bodies and longer telephoto lenses and the new macro lens. The risk I fear is that OM have been blindsided to some degree to the resurgence in interest in the range finder style compact camera. I understand the Q range is Leica’s most profitable and I have long argued that Olympus, now OM are ideally placed to leverage the advantages of the system to produce an interchangeable lens range finder style camera, based around 12, 17, 25, 45, 75 mm f1.8 or better still 1.4 weathered sealed primes. I personally think f1.4 would be the best option, even if it meant discarding the L-Fn button. Retaining the focus clutch would be great and would extend the appeal to the street photographers and help drive sales. Rumours and actual product announcements from other manufacturers about fixed lens range finder cameras just might get OM to launch such a camera with say a 17mm f1.4 to see how the market reacts? Until then, I’ll continue to use my OM-1 with the 20mm f1.4 with a simplified set up knowing full well that when I want to go out and try landscape or wildlife or sport or macro photography or join members of our club at the studio to do some portraits, I have one camera that I can use for it all. Best, SB
It might be in the eye of the beholder, but I think the OM-1 and the E-M1 series are gorgeous. Fujifilm X-T5, a lot less so. The design aesthetic of a Praktica.
I bought a GRIIIx, largely based on your enthusiasm for it, but I sold it. I missed having an EVF to look through and found that I really needed to be wearing my reading glasses to see the information on the back properly. It did have a cracking lens though.
First Buy of Leica Cameras + Lenses is really expensive, but they hold or increase their value. I just got my Dream-Camera, a Leica M10-D. I started taking pictures with a Canon A1 and I loved the shooting-experience, but I didn‘t like the handling and development of Film. I prefer the digital workflow. I like the simplicity of taking pictures with my camera. It‘s only aperture, shutterspeed, iso, focus and an optical Rangefinder. Everything is controlled manually by dedicated buttons or controllers. No more menues! I really love the experience. As a cheaper alternative you should try the Pixii Rangefinder Cameras.
I spent a lot of time looking for a new camera. Weight was the main issue and even looked at m 4/3 as it was my introduction to digital. But, I have two Fuji cameras already and it didn’t make sense to jump systems. I had already gone through shooting with Nikon for 40 years, Lumix for several years before Fuji Pro 2 and XT 20. After looking I decided I already had the perfect camera for me.
The camera that has helped (made) me improve my photography the most is the Nikon FM2. Started using it before I even had a battery for the light meter. I guess my ideal digital camera would be a Fujifilm X-E model with IBIS and weather resistance. Pocketable with a pancake lens and able to use longer or wider lens when needed.
I bought the x100f from MPB a few years ago, and this is my perfect camera (I would love the v or vi but can't justify the cost) because it means I don't heave to make a decision on what focal length should I shoot with today, 24mgp is plenty to allow for cropping, and the fuji jpegs ( I use a recipe and tweak to my liking if necessary) mean less time editing and PP.
I skipped the mark 1 of OM-1, but grabbed the mark 2 and I'm quite pleased. The stabilization improvements are noticeable even over the EM1-mark 3, the focus feedback is much improved, the viewfinder is a huge upgrade, and the higher ISO performance is improved as well. Even the multi-shot hi-res mode is improved (I found it pretty much useless in the EM1). Add to that the vastly superior auto-focus for birds, and it's a keeper for me.
There will always be compromises when selecting a camera. I currently have three cameras: a D850, a Z6II and a Z50. I prefer to stick to one system and since I mainly use my D850 and Z6II for landscape, I bought the Z50 as a travel / take anywhere camera. It enables me to share the lenses on both the Z6II and Z50. The Z50 is, although not perfect, a great little camera which I love very much. It is great on walks due to its small and lightweight features. Yet it offers great image quality and great ergonomics. I wish it would have more format selections; it currently only has 3:2, 1:1 and 16:9. It doesn't have IBIS. Both of those things are not deal breakers and can be overcome. Nothing is perfect and I'm sure that camera manufactures would be able to persuade us that we need yet a new feature that a newly released camera has. So I'm happy with the Z50 and will stick to it.
Thought provoking video as usual, thanks. Coming from Canon DSLR, Sony mirrorless to Olympus, Fuji X100V (plus some MF film}. I moved on to my lusted after dream cameras, Leica 240, M10, Q......Hasselblad X1D & GFX 50Sii. All Gone ! Nightmare prices. In my real world. Fuji X-T5, X-T1 & X-E1 challenge and inspire me to improve my photographic ability.
My current main camera is a Sony A7C with a couple of prime lenses is doing the job for me. When travelling though I prefer to take my MFT Lumix G9 with a zoom lens, convenient and relatively compact.
I started with a Canon AE1 Program back in about 1983. Then moved through Nikon to Leica M7 in film. Went professional just as it looked like Leica would never make a digital M so sold the lot and went back to Nikon. Then the original XPro. Then Olympus. Then Fujifilm GFX100. Then a back injury and early retirement took me back to Leica M11. Since I grew up with MF it’s no bother to me not to have AF and the M system suits me in its quiet simplicity. Whilst I’d never deliberately soak one, I have to say I have never babied any M lens or body and never had any issues.
I know: gear videos get the views...but more on *how* to get the images you want regardless of the gear would be more to my personal interests, for whatever that's worth. 😉
I have never had a problem with my M cameras in weather. The bodies have some weather sealing, however the lenses do not. The M lines are built to such tight tolerances that they really do not have the problem in weather. No sealing at the mount. I have been a photographer for 30+ years. I have the SL3 with extreme weather. The perfect camera will be the SL3 as a monochrom only. I love my monochrom Leica. the camera that you carry is the camera that will improve your photography.
Got an adequate ois upgrade, chunkier battery, deep grip, made xs20 looks so tempting for me. Especially when modern manual lenses took my curiosity to try.
Coming from the Canon EOS 350D, the Canon Eos 60D put a smile on my face, because of everything was just a little bit better than the 350D; viewfinder, grip, battery life, menu, controls.
The perfect camera is the one you love the most. Because it will make you get out and take pictures. Unpopular opinion gear does matter. If I have the choice to shoot with a potato or the trendy camera of the day, I’ll chose the one I prefer that day. Cheers !
In the old film days, I was smitten with my Mamiya C220 and the 80mm lens. It was a poor man's Hasselblad. I actually had a Hassy 500 CM at the same time, and always picked the Mamiya for weekend shooting. As for digital, I would love to see a modern version of the Nikon Coolpix 990 with a 24MP APS-C sensor. That was a fun camera, and great for street photography. In the meantime I'll just keep using my Canon M50 II. Yeah, boring camera but can't complain about the images it creates.
I never thought I’d like 28mm until I picked up a used copy of the old 18mm f2, so called “worst lens”. It has become the default for my XPro3. Nothing wrong with the image quality. Sometimes have to get closer but always wide enough for general shooting. Its clunkyness is endearing! As for camera it’ll be the XPro3 for now if only for the slightly higher resolution EVF plus the Eterna and Classic Neg film sims and titanium top plate of course. The auxiliary screen is superfluous and so is the flip down screen almost. Looking forwards to the version 4 which is likely to be expensive.
It is, as of being repaired by Fuji uk about 9 months ago. First of all the auxiliary screen packs up, then it’s only a matter of time before the main screen goes. Not sure what the issue is but I never use it for framing shots or open it more than 90 degrees. It’s very much an evf camera.
The camera that improved my photography? A Leica M6. Well, it started with a Voigtländer Bessa R (the modern version with LTM, and I now own this model again). It was the "rangefinder experience" that did it, not so much the Leica (even though I'm still a fan, having gone "back" to a Leica IIIf). The next one was going 4x5 and using a view camera - those movements were eye opening and are much more fun than doing it in post (being able to see the exact result on a 4x5 "screen" is completely different to a computer screen).
Was that was a Sony in your hands in the beginning? Has the GAS bug bit you? I feel Olympus is a great option for small compact bopping around …. But I’m also keen for an Xpro4
My dream camera is an X-T5 with OM's IBIS and weather sealing and Canon's menu system. I have broken a couple of cameras due to rain and accidents. The robustness is important but I can't justify paying $2000 more to just have those two features and a 20 megp less sensor. At this point I can only justify getting an X-T5 with two prime lenses or a Canon R7. Both are weather sealed have IBIS and high resolution sensors. Of course the X-T5 has nicer features for photography and I like the flip up screen for $500 more and more expensive lenses for what I would like to do.
My trusty E-M5 II ticks all the boxes. Nothing on the new models has tempted me even a little. Maybe a true sensor technology breakthrough would make me curious, but will we ever see that from OM Systems?? Honestly the only thing that could take my money now would be a Fuji X40 w/ a modern 1” sensor. Sign me up.
The demands of the Sony A7RIV Full Frame, 60 megapixel sensor density are rather unforgiving. Any camera shake, subject motion, depth of field, and exposure mistakes are significantly amplified. It forced me to practice, practice, practice, and become intimate with what it wanted from me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Am also hoping Fuji will give us an X-Pro 4 soon, and with the 26 MP sensor and IBIS…I know, I’m a complete outlier. ;-/ (Though it seems users aren’t finding the noise on the 40 mp sensor objectionable). Question if I may - What lens do you opt for, for a 35mm full frame equivalent field of view on your Fuji? The f2, or f1.4? Thanks, Craig
@@j16m02 Excellent choice dentist sir, having a Leica rangefinder camera could turn out like a patient that requires root canal therapy on several teeth and then coming back for the next eighteen month complaining to you that couple of teeth still hurts, not all the time but only now and then.
My dream camera would be Ricoh GRIIIx with articulating screen, and 2x battery life. Also, without this annoyting bug with writing photos to SD card, I have trust issues because of that, when will you fix it, Ricoh?
My Nikon FE with a 50mm lens was special, I thought when it died a FM2N bought brand new would replace it, it was nice but we never gelled. The GRiii fits me, but not for everything. The ideal camera is a myth, the pursuit of the camera for the job can be expensive but fun. 34.75 % of new Leicas are purchased by medical professionals, 17.2% by people in financial services as a good investment, but it is still on my dream list, no-idea why really. Have you considered the Pixii?
No dream lens (or camera) will give me more time or money to take more photos (I’m just a not very gifted amateur). So I try to use what I have, better. It’s only taken me 30 years to work this out, mind.
‘Weather Sealing’ is highly overrated imo. Most brands do not pursuit any IP rating nor do they guarantee anything. To my knowledge only Olympus and Leica have an IP-rating for some of their models and went through tests to obtain a proper rating. I’m a professional photographer and I’ve had all sorts of cameras break down on me. Some had so-called weather resistance and some had none. Even X-Pro2 and 3 have some notorious weak spots, like the on/off collar and the back dial. One of my friends is a photo journalist and was in Ukraine over the past two years. In cold, rain and snow a/o. His kit? Three M10s and a couple of M-lenses. Never had an issue… Common sense goes a long way.
I think we’ll see a X-Pro4 announced next year, it’ll have the same sensor and processor as the XT-5, with IBIS and more importantly (for me anyway) the same tilt screen. Weather sealed of course. That would be my dream camera and I would probably trade in my XT-5 for it.
There is no such thing as the perfect camera. That being said there are cameras that I have lusted after. I now have two of the cameras I have always wanted. I have the RB67 and it is just one I had always wanted but it is far from perfect. I also have a Hasselblad 500C and 503CX and they are as close to perfect as any camera will ever get.
I can understand you promoting your e6 subscription, unfortunately you seem to have downgraded these RUclips videos for us mere mortals to the point where they don't feel worth watching anymore 😢
o what a lot of cobblers . you can go out tomorrow and get a m2 or m3 and just shoot film .. the are plenty of Leica 50mms and 90mm for around 150- 500 quid or adapt ltm lens from whomever or even just get a new Voigtlander lens for 600-700 no more than you are paying now for fuji rubbish .. Enough of this cannot justify or afford a Leica garbage .e even a second m240 m262 or older m10 doesn't set you back more than a few grand ... certainly no more than any other camera , totally rubbish that people cannot afford a new Leica ... yes maybe not m11/d/p and a summerlux 35.14 but you can afford a Leica !!!!
I’m not a dentist but a surgeon and yes I own a Leica as a hobby camera. I apologize for that. Lovely video !
Hello Craig, the camera that makes me smile today is the Ricoh GR3X. I love this little beast of a camera. Thanks for your content😀👍
😂 From 1969 until now, I have had plenty. I have today Pentax K3, Fuji xt1, xt10 and Olympus em5 and EM1. As an old formerly pro, I love my K3, When I travel I use it with 40mm ltd f2,8, Fuji xt1 with a Canon ef 24mm, f2,8 ois and an Olympus em1 with a Panasonic 45-150mm. Light, very convenient and the two first mentioned 90% of my time. And not to forget, my olympus 45mm f1,8 sure put a smile on my face😊
Hi Craig, I have my perfect camera now, the Nikon D7500. It's an upgrade from my Nikon D3100. I'm really enjoying my photography now. Thanks for this video. Keep on smiling Craig. Great Album 😊
That was fun. My first ever camera - in 1980 - was an OM-1N, with the first i bought new being a Minolta XD-7 (i'll be finding another one day). But i got into 4/3, and my E-1 still puts a smile on my face, while the E-300 makes me smile to look at, if not shoot. I shoot in a lot of harsh environments where my gear gets a hammering... my E-5s, battered as they are, just continue to click. But the camera that really works for me, and for my particular reasons, is the E-M1X. Weather-sealing is at the top of my list of requirements, and the beauty for me of the X is that it incorporates its portrait grip seamlessly. I have a shoulder injury that can prevent me from shooting portrait HH in the 'hand-over' conventional way - the X completely solves this by fully doubling the controls on the grip. So I guess i'm lucky - no dream camera, unless we start talking MF! Very pleasant vid - all the best from New Zealand. Cheers.
Agree on WR sealing - had the the E-1, and the E-M5 and 5MkII, E-M1 and M1 Mk2 currently , with the Pro glass. Up to seven years of saltwater splashes, 2 immersions, mangrove mud, sand, dirt, fish slime - and still shooting upwards of 10K frames per year. My Pentax K7 and WR lens both leaking within 13 months, no-one else does WR as good as Olympus.
Are you sure you're not confusing your camera with a pair of wellingtons?!
@@markhoffman9655 Good to hear that (though not about the Pentax!, which is a shame). I have killed an E-M1 which got hit with a wave, but it took a few days to die so i can't be 100% sure it was water ingress. But yes, the feeling of security that allows you to attempt to get images that you'd otherwise pass up, of being able to continue shooting even when things are bleak, and of knowing that if the worst does happen it's not Leica money down the drain. Cheers.
I own a Leica Q3 and it challenges me al lot. You have to work hard to master the 28mm. But it's so much fun. I gave my x100v to my wife who enjoys it a lot. Than I haven a Nikon D750 with 8 fine lenses. A very nice set also which I will probably not trade in; doesn't bring al lot and it's very good.
The Olympus Em10 (the original one) was the camera that got me excited about photography again after a few years away. But I've only really had one camera that has put a smile on my face - and still does - and that's my Holga!
100% agree!
My EDC is a GFX 50R with the 50/3.5; fairly compact for „bigger than full frame“ + my favorite focal length. And that shutter sound!
All I wanted was the perfect camera. . . And after years and years of tinkering and studying and experimenting and system-hopping, I have finally concluded it was all folly, and I might as well just stick with my old Pentax DSLRs.
Fuji intrigues me but I'm far too invested in m43 glass and remain very pleased with my results. My Panasonic G9 Mark II gives me spectacular images/video, and my gorgeous new (to me) Olympus PEN E-P5 is a fantastic just-for-fun camera for everyday shooting.
I love the shutter sound of my EP-5.
Fuji's film-imitation hype doesnot appeal to me.
Acknowledging we are all different, I have taken a slightly different route than yours... I had an XPro2 but found it too much like a brick. I then tried the X100V for a couple of years, but I never enjoyed using it. I did a straight swap for an X-E4 and fell in love. Cheers
My favourite camera is the Olympus E-M1, the original version, with flip up screen because of the small form factor and the light weight.
I’d love to see a weather sealed 25 and a 45 mm f1,8 though to keep the weight low.
Anothe rgreat video, Like you, i movd away form Olympous some time back and I find it hard to fault my Xt-5.. I just don't have anything about it that is bothering me at all, and it is just lovely to use
It's funny that you mention 'Dentists'. I sold cameras for 12 years as a part time job at the very advent ot the Digital age (2001-2013) and most of the industry refers to the advance hobbyists market (who spend FAR more money on kit than we working photographers) as 'The Dentists.'
If you like a smaller camera like the X-T5 and like the rangefinder style body of the X-PRO2, I highly suggest an X-E4 if you can get your hands on one. The X-E5 (hopefully) will have the IBIS built in, but will give us all the same features that the X-E4 has (that flip LCD for instance) and a size slightly smaller than an original M body with not many more exterior dials and buttons than a traditional M. Just enough to control the exposure triangle and stay out of the say otherwise. I've an X-T3 as well, and have had 3 (and still have two) of the X-E4 bodies and they are so far, my favourite camera of all time (of hundreds that I've owned in nearly 40 years of shooting for dollars.) :) IF Fuji released an X-E5 next year with IBIS, that will make shooting with adapted vintage lenses (as well as the excellent early X mount glass that didn't have OIS built in) that much more enjoyable. I don't worry at all about Weather Resistance. The environments that I shoot in, it's mostly a marketing gimmick. I've never lost a piece of gear to the 'weather'. If I lived or photographed in actual jungles or very dusty deserts, maybe I'd feel differently, but for most other weather, I have an umbrella and/or stay out of dust storms. 😉
Sometimes it feels the search for the holy grail. Key comment you made. Get a camera that makes you want to go out and shoot. So true. Right now my OM-1 (with my old Pen Ep-5 pretty close) make me want to get out and shoot. Yes wish OM-1 had flip screen. Always enjoy your videos.
I use both Nikon and Olympus systems with some classic film cameras. The camera is a tool each one has a place to do a certain job. The one I am reallly enjoying is the Nikon ZF, I just love to use it.
Enjoy your kit. Please keep releasing your excellent RUclips content etc.
The hypothetical decision process might just become a little more complicated if the camera rumour release from OM later in the year turns out to be the much requested Pen F Pro.
One can understand the recent market concentration on the wildlife and adventure sectors because of the need for OM to establish market share, generate revenue and make profit and the margins will be higher on the pro bodies and longer telephoto lenses and the new macro lens.
The risk I fear is that OM have been blindsided to some degree to the resurgence in interest in the range finder style compact camera.
I understand the Q range is Leica’s most profitable and I have long argued that Olympus, now OM are ideally placed to leverage the advantages of the system to produce an interchangeable lens range finder style camera, based around 12, 17, 25, 45, 75 mm f1.8 or better still 1.4 weathered sealed primes. I personally think f1.4 would be the best option, even if it meant discarding the L-Fn button. Retaining the focus clutch would be great and would extend the appeal to the street photographers and help drive sales.
Rumours and actual product announcements from other manufacturers about fixed lens range finder cameras just might get OM to launch such a camera with say a 17mm f1.4 to see how the market reacts?
Until then, I’ll continue to use my OM-1 with the 20mm f1.4 with a simplified set up knowing full well that when I want to go out and try landscape or wildlife or sport or macro photography or join members of our club at the studio to do some portraits, I have one camera that I can use for it all.
Best,
SB
It might be in the eye of the beholder, but I think the OM-1 and the E-M1 series are gorgeous. Fujifilm X-T5, a lot less so. The design aesthetic of a Praktica.
Oooh that’s a bit harsh! But yeh, those Praktica’s were ugly.
I use an Olympus om-d e-m1 mark iii.. superb.. But it is buying cheap Chinese manual lenses that excites me and gets me out and creating..❤
I bought a GRIIIx, largely based on your enthusiasm for it, but I sold it. I missed having an EVF to look through and found that I really needed to be wearing my reading glasses to see the information on the back properly. It did have a cracking lens though.
Yes, Ricoh-branded reading glasses would be a useful accessory!
First Buy of Leica Cameras + Lenses is really expensive, but they hold or increase their value. I just got my Dream-Camera, a Leica M10-D. I started taking pictures with a Canon A1 and I loved the shooting-experience, but I didn‘t like the handling and development of Film. I prefer the digital workflow. I like the simplicity of taking pictures with my camera. It‘s only aperture, shutterspeed, iso, focus and an optical Rangefinder. Everything is controlled manually by dedicated buttons or controllers. No more menues! I really love the experience. As a cheaper alternative you should try the Pixii Rangefinder Cameras.
I spent a lot of time looking for a new camera. Weight was the main issue and even looked at m 4/3 as it was my introduction to digital. But, I have two Fuji cameras already and it didn’t make sense to jump systems. I had already gone through shooting with Nikon for 40 years, Lumix for several years before Fuji Pro 2 and XT 20. After looking I decided I already had the perfect camera for me.
The camera that has helped (made) me improve my photography the most is the Nikon FM2. Started using it before I even had a battery for the light meter. I guess my ideal digital camera would be a Fujifilm X-E model with IBIS and weather resistance. Pocketable with a pancake lens and able to use longer or wider lens when needed.
I bought the x100f from MPB a few years ago, and this is my perfect camera (I would love the v or vi but can't justify the cost) because it means I don't heave to make a decision on what focal length should I shoot with today, 24mgp is plenty to allow for cropping, and the fuji jpegs ( I use a recipe and tweak to my liking if necessary) mean less time editing and PP.
I skipped the mark 1 of OM-1, but grabbed the mark 2 and I'm quite pleased. The stabilization improvements are noticeable even over the EM1-mark 3, the focus feedback is much improved, the viewfinder is a huge upgrade, and the higher ISO performance is improved as well. Even the multi-shot hi-res mode is improved (I found it pretty much useless in the EM1). Add to that the vastly superior auto-focus for birds, and it's a keeper for me.
There will always be compromises when selecting a camera. I currently have three cameras: a D850, a Z6II and a Z50. I prefer to stick to one system and since I mainly use my D850 and Z6II for landscape, I bought the Z50 as a travel / take anywhere camera. It enables me to share the lenses on both the Z6II and Z50. The Z50 is, although not perfect, a great little camera which I love very much. It is great on walks due to its small and lightweight features. Yet it offers great image quality and great ergonomics. I wish it would have more format selections; it currently only has 3:2, 1:1 and 16:9. It doesn't have IBIS. Both of those things are not deal breakers and can be overcome. Nothing is perfect and I'm sure that camera manufactures would be able to persuade us that we need yet a new feature that a newly released camera has. So I'm happy with the Z50 and will stick to it.
Thought provoking video as usual, thanks. Coming from Canon DSLR, Sony mirrorless to Olympus, Fuji X100V (plus some MF film}. I moved on to my lusted after dream cameras, Leica 240, M10, Q......Hasselblad X1D & GFX 50Sii. All Gone ! Nightmare prices. In my real world. Fuji X-T5, X-T1 & X-E1 challenge and inspire me to improve my photographic ability.
My current main camera is a Sony A7C with a couple of prime lenses is doing the job for me. When travelling though I prefer to take my MFT Lumix G9 with a zoom lens, convenient and relatively compact.
Another shout out for the Pentax P30 loved using that.
:)
I started with a Canon AE1 Program back in about 1983. Then moved through Nikon to Leica M7 in film.
Went professional just as it looked like Leica would never make a digital M so sold the lot and went back to Nikon. Then the original XPro. Then Olympus. Then Fujifilm GFX100. Then a back injury and early retirement took me back to Leica M11. Since I grew up with MF it’s no bother to me not to have AF and the M system suits me in its quiet simplicity.
Whilst I’d never deliberately soak one, I have to say I have never babied any M lens or body and never had any issues.
I know: gear videos get the views...but more on *how* to get the images you want regardless of the gear would be more to my personal interests, for whatever that's worth. 😉
If only there was a place for those…
I have never had a problem with my M cameras in weather. The bodies have some weather sealing, however the lenses do not. The M lines are built to such tight tolerances that they really do not have the problem in weather. No sealing at the mount. I have been a photographer for 30+ years. I have the SL3 with extreme weather. The perfect camera will be the SL3 as a monochrom only. I love my monochrom Leica. the camera that you carry is the camera that will improve your photography.
The joy in doing something is when „the tools matter“ - great term „adequate“ , equals with boring
Got an adequate ois upgrade, chunkier battery, deep grip, made xs20 looks so tempting for me. Especially when modern manual lenses took my curiosity to try.
Good ergos, solid build, fast accurate AF and IBIS
I get the impression Leica is the biggest cause of buyers remorse so be careful
Coming from the Canon EOS 350D, the Canon Eos 60D put a smile on my face, because of everything was just a little bit better than the 350D; viewfinder, grip, battery life, menu, controls.
The perfect camera is the one you love the most. Because it will make you get out and take pictures. Unpopular opinion gear does matter. If I have the choice to shoot with a potato or the trendy camera of the day, I’ll chose the one I prefer that day. Cheers !
I must have missed the Pentax Potato P1000.
Snap! I may swap the XT5 for an XPRO4, but it's a maybe. The only other camera that interests me is Leica. Q or M, the SLs are too big.
In the old film days, I was smitten with my Mamiya C220 and the 80mm lens. It was a poor man's Hasselblad. I actually had a Hassy 500 CM at the same time, and always picked the Mamiya for weekend shooting. As for digital, I would love to see a modern version of the Nikon Coolpix 990 with a 24MP APS-C sensor. That was a fun camera, and great for street photography. In the meantime I'll just keep using my Canon M50 II. Yeah, boring camera but can't complain about the images it creates.
Despite the screen the Nikon ZF is an incredible camera, you might want to try. After you left the Fuji bandwagon. Sorry for that 😅
I never thought I’d like 28mm until I picked up a used copy of the old 18mm f2, so called “worst lens”. It has become the default for my XPro3. Nothing wrong with the image quality. Sometimes have to get closer but always wide enough for general shooting. Its clunkyness is endearing! As for camera it’ll be the XPro3 for now if only for the slightly higher resolution EVF plus the Eterna and Classic Neg film sims and titanium top plate of course. The auxiliary screen is superfluous and so is the flip down screen almost. Looking forwards to the version 4 which is likely to be expensive.
Is your film sim screen still working? I borrowed the camera for two weeks and that one died in that time!
It is, as of being repaired by Fuji uk about 9 months ago. First of all the auxiliary screen packs up, then it’s only a matter of time before the main screen goes. Not sure what the issue is but I never use it for framing shots or open it more than 90 degrees. It’s very much an evf camera.
The camera that improved my photography? A Leica M6. Well, it started with a Voigtländer Bessa R (the modern version with LTM, and I now own this model again). It was the "rangefinder experience" that did it, not so much the Leica (even though I'm still a fan, having gone "back" to a Leica IIIf). The next one was going 4x5 and using a view camera - those movements were eye opening and are much more fun than doing it in post (being able to see the exact result on a 4x5 "screen" is completely different to a computer screen).
I do love a purist.
I use a Linn Sondek LP12-50 to rotate objects 360 and film them with my Leica.. it's a hobby
Best way to listen to Pungent Stench and Cannibal Corpse!
Was that was a Sony in your hands in the beginning? Has the GAS bug bit you?
I feel Olympus is a great option for small compact bopping around …. But I’m also keen for an Xpro4
No, that was a Fuji too.
My dream camera is an X-T5 with OM's IBIS and weather sealing and Canon's menu system. I have broken a couple of cameras due to rain and accidents. The robustness is important but I can't justify paying $2000 more to just have those two features and a 20 megp less sensor. At this point I can only justify getting an X-T5 with two prime lenses or a Canon R7. Both are weather sealed have IBIS and high resolution sensors. Of course the X-T5 has nicer features for photography and I like the flip up screen for $500 more and more expensive lenses for what I would like to do.
My trusty E-M5 II ticks all the boxes. Nothing on the new models has tempted me even a little. Maybe a true sensor technology breakthrough would make me curious, but will we ever see that from OM Systems?? Honestly the only thing that could take my money now would be a Fuji X40 w/ a modern 1” sensor. Sign me up.
The demands of the Sony A7RIV Full Frame, 60 megapixel sensor density are rather unforgiving. Any camera shake, subject motion, depth of field, and exposure mistakes are significantly amplified. It forced me to practice, practice, practice, and become intimate with what it wanted from me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Hi Craig thanks for another interesting video just wondering did you ever give the Canon M6 Mk II a try? Regards Oliver
No I didn’t.
Am also hoping Fuji will give us an X-Pro 4 soon, and with the 26 MP sensor and IBIS…I know, I’m a complete outlier. ;-/ (Though it seems users aren’t finding the noise on the 40 mp sensor objectionable). Question if I may - What lens do you opt for, for a 35mm full frame equivalent field of view on your Fuji? The f2, or f1.4? Thanks, Craig
I have both! I hate the size of the f1.4, but hate softness that the f2 shows. Wish Fuji would make a MK2 of the f2.
@@e6Vlogs ok thanks, i appreciate your replying.
Would you make a video about film photography and metering?
One of those is already on the list.
I am not a dentist and really, would not want to be one, but I do have and have had Leica camera and lenses.
LOL, I am a dentist and have never owned nor wanted a Leica camera. I don't understand their appeal. I guess it's the "less is more" syndrome.
@@j16m02 Excellent choice dentist sir, having a Leica rangefinder camera could turn out like a patient that requires root canal therapy on several teeth and then coming back for the next eighteen month complaining to you that couple of teeth still hurts, not all the time but only now and then.
I own Olympus and Fuji. But if I was forced to pick one, it would be Olympus every time. Their pro lenses are phenomenal.
My dream camera would be Ricoh GRIIIx with articulating screen, and 2x battery life. Also, without this annoyting bug with writing photos to SD card, I have trust issues because of that, when will you fix it, Ricoh?
There are rumours of a fixed lens GFX. Fixed lens means range finder, a beast range finder mind.😮
I don't dream about cameras, but I do dream about photographs. Just saying, you know.
Craig with Leica sensor problems! save your money and don't buy the next camera buy the linn Sondek instead, it's worth every penny.
My Nikon FE with a 50mm lens was special, I thought when it died a FM2N bought brand new would replace it, it was nice but we never gelled. The GRiii fits me, but not for everything. The ideal camera is a myth, the pursuit of the camera for the job can be expensive but fun. 34.75 % of new Leicas are purchased by medical professionals, 17.2% by people in financial services as a good investment, but it is still on my dream list, no-idea why really. Have you considered the Pixii?
No dream lens (or camera) will give me more time or money to take more photos (I’m just a not very gifted amateur). So I try to use what I have, better. It’s only taken me 30 years to work this out, mind.
Yes, the dream is just having more time to take pictures.
‘Weather Sealing’ is highly overrated imo. Most brands do not pursuit any IP rating nor do they guarantee anything. To my knowledge only Olympus and Leica have an IP-rating for some of their models and went through tests to obtain a proper rating. I’m a professional photographer and I’ve had all sorts of cameras break down on me. Some had so-called weather resistance and some had none. Even X-Pro2 and 3 have some notorious weak spots, like the on/off collar and the back dial. One of my friends is a photo journalist and was in Ukraine over the past two years. In cold, rain and snow a/o. His kit? Three M10s and a couple of M-lenses. Never had an issue… Common sense goes a long way.
There's rumours of a GFX fixed lens camera which a lot of Fuji photographers are talking about. That may be even closer to your perfect camera!
A medium format camera? Surely that's got to be a less-than perfect camera?!
@@e6Vlogs Just wait and see!
I hope I never find my dream camera. I enjoy the pursuit of trying to find it too much.
If you want the perfect camera, then keep dreaming. The most useful camera is the one you're already taking pictures with.
Hi Craig,
The channel 'Camera Conspiracies ' is still on the watch for the perfect camera for us.
My perfect camera has Muck Boots and a tripod attached. And yes, I do know those aren't features you're concerned with.
Well, not so much the tripod, but agree that good shoes can make a difference!
I think we’ll see a X-Pro4 announced next year, it’ll have the same sensor and processor as the XT-5, with IBIS and more importantly (for me anyway) the same tilt screen. Weather sealed of course. That would be my dream camera and I would probably trade in my XT-5 for it.
Linn Sondeck LP12, i know.
There is no such thing as the perfect camera. That being said there are cameras that I have lusted after. I now have two of the cameras I have always wanted. I have the RB67 and it is just one I had always wanted but it is far from perfect. I also have a Hasselblad 500C and 503CX and they are as close to perfect as any camera will ever get.
I had the RZ67. For the format that was pretty much perfect…well, except for the size and weight!
Did I just see a Sony A7R IV?
Where?!
At 8.31.. a frame or 2 before the photo of the Leica
I can understand you promoting your e6 subscription, unfortunately you seem to have downgraded these RUclips videos for us mere mortals to the point where they don't feel worth watching anymore 😢
Sorry you feel that way, but otherwise I’d be trying to flog you a website host in every video. That’s worse in my opinion.
o what a lot of cobblers . you can go out tomorrow and get a m2 or m3 and just shoot film .. the are plenty of Leica 50mms and 90mm for around 150- 500 quid or adapt ltm lens from whomever or even just get a new Voigtlander lens for 600-700 no more than you are paying now for fuji rubbish .. Enough of this cannot justify or afford a Leica garbage .e even a second m240 m262 or older m10 doesn't set you back more than a few grand ... certainly no more than any other camera , totally rubbish that people cannot afford a new Leica ... yes maybe not m11/d/p and a summerlux 35.14 but you can afford a Leica !!!!