Totally appreciate your downright honest and straight forward take on the micro -four thirds camera system (as also other cameras right from the early film cameras to Dslrs ) and your recall of the 'Micro four thirds' journey as you fondly call it ...while it is understandable that most viewers get emotionally attached to their camera brand and make, the larger picture is not to be missed ...that it is more important and helpful to be passionate about the art of photography than to be caught up in Brand loyalty irrespective of whatever camera system and brand one uses...and eventually to find fulfillment through the art of photography irrespective of the genre one pursues.
That's really well articulated perspective! I also discovered this channel (and Matti Sulanto) through the connections with M43, which is the camera system that I have. But I love the honesty and pragmatic approach to cameras here. Gear is fun to think about and fun to use, but a small part of photography in the end.
Good points re brand loyalty. I've not been taking photos as long as Matti, but I started off with second-hand M42 gear in the early 1990s as a teenager, and went through a number of digital point and shoots and a couple of bridge cameras in the noughties and teens, when with a young family and a busy job I couldn't justify the outlay of buying a DSLR system. I it a GX8 as my 'forever camera' in 2018 as a gift to myself on reaching a significant career milestone, and have been learning how to get the most out of it since. Micro 4/3 is an ideal millieu for me: small, light cameras and lenses with variety and options if I want to branch out into different subject matter. I could quite happily imagine never buying a camera with a larger sensor provided I could go on using iterations of my current gear. I seem to read an awful lot these days about how OM Systems and Panasonic are abandonning M4/3 when they should be bringing out new versions of the Pen F or the GM1 with some of the bells and whistles featured on, for example, the S9. The thing is, I suspect that like me, most 'M4/3 loyalists' have a mixture of gear that has a sizeable second-hand element to it. I have an EPL7 and three Olympus lenses, but the only payment I have made to Olympus is for fixing a broken 14-150 zoom. Panasonic have made a bit more: I bought my GX8 and a kit lens new, then added a telephoto zoom, but I also have other second-hand Lumix gear. Of around 15 bits of photographic gear I use, only 3 were bought new from either Panasonic or Olympus, and none I the last 5 years. I can't be the only 'loyal Panasonic shooter' whose main interest in the G9ii is its effect of the second-hand price of the G9i, or who I would indeed like a GX8ii with real-time LUTs and phase detect auto focus, and yes please as soon as possible so that the price has dropped to about £400 (either new or second hand) by the time I would actually buy one, in about 2030.
All the gear you mentioned still takes fantastic pictures. We act like its all bad gear that can't produce good results today. With modern post-processing tools, this gear will be relevant for a very long time.
Thank you for sharing your story and photographic journey. I must say that sensor size is way overblown for the vast majority of photographers. What is much more important is to chose a system that fits your needs. This is what I have always adhere to even back in the days of film when I use 35mm, 120 roll film and even dabble with 5x4 for landscape. I now use MFT and FF cameras in much the same way, and that is they have their specific niche. So long as we know what is best for each occasion, sensor size does not matter.
Thanks for sharing your M43 journey, always a big fan of your channel! My fav M43 lens is definitely the Lumix 35-100mm f4-5.6, it's what M43 used to be, small, compact, lightweight, and not too expensive. All the best Matti 😊
I get attached to cameras, so I'm not really a gear swapper. I still regularly use my GX80, X-Pro1, Canon 100D and "new" Lumix S5 which is now four years old. The hardest part of photography for me is finding an original subject, closely followed by great light to shoot it in. The technology to capture it comes a distant third place.
I’ve tried several full frame cameras and apsc cameras since leaving film and starting 4/3 over 20 years ago. And over all the systems and cameras if they didn’t continue the EM5/OM5 line for my fun and occasional paid work I might leave photography. It’s just the perfect blend of size and fun. I can’t think of anything else that would match its size and lenses size in the camera world to keep me happy.
Thanks for sharing your journey. Really enjoyed seeing the photos of your younger self. I only switched to M43 about 18 months ago. I have the Panasonic Leica 15 mm and 25 mm and the Lumix 42.5 . Happy with all of them . Your channel helped me choose these lenses especially the comparison videos of lenses of similar focal lengths.
Thanks again Matti for another feel good video. MFT was how I found you but your photography skills kept me here. Coming from Leica film cameras, I did start with the GX9 and preferred Lumix Pan-Leica lenses. Now years later I’ve landed back on Leica, and also Sony to adapt my M glass. But like you, I’m a photographer first and foremost. Gear is a tool, fun, but a tool. I’ll grab your new book.
Hi Matti, I really enjoyed listening to your experience with the Micro Four Thirds camera's and there lenses. I can hear the happiness in your voice when speaking about your Journey. Although I've never used Micro Four Thirds camera's it was nice to hear your thoughts on it. It's good to learn about other camera systems. Many thanks Matti 😊
Thanks for this video. Alongside a Nikon full frame with way too many lenses that have accumulated over the years, I own an Olympus E-M1 mark ii, also with too much glass. After 12 years of shooting MFT, I only use FF for concert, theatre and indoor sports photography when high iso noise is an issue. For everything else, which is about 90 percent of my pictures, the Olympus is my first choice. Most of my best shots were taken with MFT cameras and let's be honest: most people cannot tell the difference between mft and FF. My favourite MFT lenses are the Oly 12-100 for traveling, the 12-40 pro as an "always on", and the 40-150 2.8.
Another great video Matti! Thanks for all your hard work on your channel. I do love M4/3 and I first leaned towards Olympus getting a Pen F used on eBay with only a few hundred clicks, it came with a Panasonic 14mm lens, and despite the light feel takes great photos and videos. I later ended up buying an em-5 III, A Lumix G9, and then the om-1 which is amazing for birds in flight and wildlife. I have a ton of lenses, my favorites include the 12-60 PL 2.8-4, the Lumix 100-400, the Olympus 300 F4. While I also shoot Nikon, Canon and Fujifilm digital, I also love my Pentax MX, Olympus OM2, and Canon eos1n with film (Yes I have too many cameras). Take care and happy holidays.
Many thanks for sharing your thoughts about m4/3rds equipment and how it has developed over the years and yes, it's still relevant and produces great results. I bought into the system with the first Olympus m4/3rds they made, sadly sold to buy a later model, but I've managed to keep 4 Olympus and 4 Panasonic cameras in my collection now.
I've got a lumix gx85 and you were definitely someone I was watching before I got it and helped me pick it up, its nearly 10 years old as a model now but it still takes excellent photos! I love throwing on the 14mm 2.5 and just walking around town, its super light and depending on what I'm wearing I can even fit it in my pocket lol. I've got a g9 for doing self photography because the flip out screen comes in handy, but I pretty much always grab the smaller one for going out.
@@danwilliams4820 The GX80/85 is the only digital camera I bothered to have repaired when it wore out. I gave it to my son at one point, and it was a relief to get it back when he went Sony.
I love gear, but this video was a good reminder that cameras and lenses are just tools -- like paintbrushes: the brushes aren't the important part of the painting. I love your work and I do also appreciate the M43 gear reviews you have done as they've helped me choose lenses that I love using.
I appreciate your intellectual honesty about the m43. I also had a similar path to yours, starting to photograph from the age of 13 in 1973 with my father's Leica MP, then all to an analog evolution of different models of Minolta, Nikon and Hasselblad (only 500 CM). Then the decline of use, coinciding with that of analog photography to then resume digital with the Fuji FinePix S9000 which was a revelation because it also recorded video! 640x480, today makes you smile. And from there I switched to the first Lumix GH1 because it recorded better video than my Panasonic HMC-151 camera and from here the GH series 1,3,4 up to the 5 of which I appreciated Panasonic's color science. But I also approach the Aps-c format with Nikon (D50 and 7100) and Fuji (XE-1 and S10); and the FF format (Lumix S1). Today for MFT I feel the need for a compact Panasonic like the Lumix GX9 very comfortable for the street and on trips, unless you take the Fuji X-Pro 3.
Hi Matti, the Olympus 75mm f1.8 m43 lens has to be one of my favourites. I’ve used it at concert venues in the evenings and I’m blown away at how good it renders detail and the sharpness of the images for such a small lens…Love that I can throw it in a jacket pocket along with a lumix gx85 in the other pocket and get into venues. 😁
I have a number of m43 lenses, but you can prize the 20mm F1.7 out of my cold dead fingers. I know it is slow, and noisy to focus. But for all round, nothing beats this lens for so much fun. Just pure fun. It it always the first lens I pack. I may be going somewhere for some specific reason, maybe birds or wildlife, where I take the long lenses, but that lens always comes along as well.
I love the LUMIX Leica 15mm and the M. Zuiko 17mm f/2,8 Pancake (I‘ve taken a lot of awesome pictures with this lens). Coming from a big FF DSLR, I‘ve really used MFT (Oly EM 10) with the birth of my first child. It was so easy, having a small system, specially while carrying a child. After a short time, using an APS-C-System, I go back, when my wife wanted to sell my old PEN F. For me as an Hobbyist it‘s a really great system with lots of functions.
Thank you, Matti! The Panasonic-Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 was the lens that drew me to MFT, the Olympus 75mm f/1.7 made me want to stay, and the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 made me enthusiastic about the format. (I, too, began serious photography in 1975, with a twin lens medium format Yashica and then a Canon F1, and I appreciate all formats.)
These types of gear videos are more of an insight into you and I find that far more interesting 😊 Thank you for sharing. I own one MFT which I often forget about. Now that the sun is out again, I might have to bring it out again.
I only started to use MFT in 2023 and it was for one lens, the M.Zuiko 90 macro. I added more to my kit but it seems that I prefer the following the most: OM-1 with 90mm or 40-150 f2.8 GX9 with 20 f1.7 pancake Full spectrum converted G95 with M.Zuiko 9-18 I have plenty of other lenses to use but they don't get used nearly as much.
I've just sold my Olympus Pen F Matti and also 3 Olympus lenses including the 17mm, 9mm lens cap and the 60mm. I sold them on eBay. I have owned them all since new...so got them around 2014/15. I've not really been using it much since the 2020 lockdowns so felt it was time to move it on. I did some good personal projects with it, very stealth for street photography. I currently own Sony cameras. Keep up the good work Matti ;)
I'm currently invested in the APS-C ecosystem, but I've been eyeing a GX85 for an everyday carry for stills and casual video, so I'll continue to reference your videos, thanks for sharing!
I picked up a GX85 about 18 months and really love it. Matti's videos really helped me choose my lenses. If compactness is the most important the 14 f2.4, 20 mm f1.7, and 25 mm f1.7 and 42.5 mm 1.7 are all great - this is my only camera system so I did get the 15 and 25 panleica lenses but honestly the image quality of my lumix 42.5 is very close.
I had a GX7 and it was fantastic, solidly built and great quality pics, excellent evf and features that some of my later cameras were missing, like using touchscreen to choose focus point while using evf, and adjusting curves in camera. I then moved into Fujifilm where I still am, but I would potentially get a gx7 again for casual or travel use.
I'm considering getting a GX9 to upgrade from a ZS100 ... My budget allows for only one lens, I am learning towards the 12-60 mm zoom lenses for their versatility (similar to the ZS100). The Lumix lens is affordable but I wonder if paying the extra money for the Leica version is worth it for the increased max aperture, since this would be my only lens.
I laughed “LUMIX T shirt - but with FF on back’. Sometimes too honest 😊! I found a local LUMIX G1S in great shape, very tempting, but truly don’t need it. It’s just a nice small camera! Enjoyed the photos and you sharing your camera journey with MFT and the cameras you kept!
I bought the Lumix G1 back in 2008, when it first came out. A kit with two zoom lenses. Attracted by the small size. I still have it, it still takes great photos, I just love it. Tiny
Great lense choices Matti. As an Olympus shooter, I can't go past the 12-40mm F2.8 Pro. I almost don't need anything else for 90% of what I shoot. I'd love the Panasonic 20mm F1.7, but they seem to be very hard to come by secondhand.
Always enjoy your content Matti. Question - What focal length of a prime macro lens would be best for the following purpose? At work we are looking to purchase an Olympus micro 4:3 camera with a fast macro "Prime" lens, to take photos of circuit boards(10-12 cm's square) to document their condition. There are a few tall components, but the interest would be on the soldering of the smaller components. The camera would be ~10cm's away to get a photo of the full board, but may take close in shots at ~1”(min focal distance). Would perfer to not have a noticable wide angle look where to edges curve. I use a tripod & diffused lighting, but others in the lab hand hold with no extra lighting.
It sounds like either the 60mm or the 90mm macro would do the job. You can probably take a test shot of the full board with a kit zoom and see how it looks before you go and buy the macro lens.
I bought a GX80 as a "compact camera" to come with me when lugging a FF DSLR is too much. Gradually I've actually become more beguiled with the MFT system, there are still a lot of unique selling points for it. FF bodies are now pretty small, but the tiny lenses of MFT are still unmatched. And are relatively cheap. Happy days
Thank you so much for your video. In my case, I guess since I have used Nikon FM2n + Ai Nikkor 28mm F2.8S, Ai Nikkor 50mm F1.8S, Ai Nikkor 105mm F2.5S and such, my favorite micro four thirds lenses are LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm / F1.7 ASPH., LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm / F1.4 ASPH. and LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm / F1.2ASPH. / POWER O.I.S.. I also use LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. for its versatility.
My most-used camera since July has been an OM-5 wearing a 12-45 F4 lens. But for AML Leukaemia, I would still be using mostly my E-M1x and 12-100 F4. I considered the E-M10 for about five seconds, the lack of ports is a problem. I started following because you were using M43 cameras to do stuff others thought they had to have a Soncannik to do. I don't care much about camera brands, I used Canon from the EOS 630 to the 5Ds, but bought an S1R when it was my best camera, and an adaptor to use my TS-E lenses. The OM-5 is light, I can often pocket it and not have a camera bag at all. I can make photos with it that I couldn't make without any other camera without adding accessories.
I still like my LX100 II. I also have the GX9. It’s a fun system. I’m like you, I just like mixing it up and use micro four third sometimes, APS-C and FF other times.
Thanks. I never had major noise problems with the E-M1 and none of the photos have any special treatment. I have covered some noise issues in my previous videos. Please search my channel.
Never knew you began photography in the seventies. At that time I was a baby. So you have plenty of experience and used different, now defunct systems. Please make some videos telling stories of those times and which type of photography you have done.
My first mirrorless camera was the Olympus e-m5 which I got 2013. Since then I'm using ff, aps-c and mft systems together, maybe some 5 bodies actively and a couple of those are mft ones. I love that Panasonic 20 mm f1.7, but Oly 17 mm 1.8 was good too...recently I got the 12-40 2.8 pro mk2 and the 40-150 2.8 pro, which is still a very good lens despite its age. From macro side I had the 60 mm, sold it and regretted it, but now I'm using the OM System 90 mm macro which is probably one of the finest macro lenses out there. To me mft is definitely not dead and I just don't understand all that hate it gets...sure it has the disadvantages too, but to me these never mattered. If I get what I need using an mft camera it is enough and it is a joy to shoot with these small cameras. I use a full frame Sony camera too + aps-c Fuji cameras, like these as well, but I'll always have a soft spot for mft.
My first mu43 camera was the GF1 was a twin lens kit the 20 mm f1.7 and the 14-45 zoom back in 2010 . Still have the 20 mm but did trade the the GF1 and zoom when I got my G80 Still shoot with that and other bodies and lenses. I think my fav prime would be the 15mm from Lumix and zoom either the 12-40 or the 40-150 f2.8 lenses although another one is the 12-100 f4 which I use a lot when travelling.
Yeah, favorite m43 lenses... let's see. When I travel, I bring an Olympus 8-25 F4 Pro and OM System 40-150 F4 Pro (f2.8 version too big for me). Those are attached to an OM1 (mark 1). The Olympus 17mm f1.2 is usually my go-to prime on that set-up. Though I have owned the Panny Lumix 20 f1.7 for 14 years and appreciate its compactness, I prefer faster-focusing lenses with wider FoV. So Panny Leica 15mm f1.7 and Oly 12mm f2 are widely used by me, usually on an ageing Panasonic Lumix GM5 (pity the GM line was never continued). I do like both pancake kit zooms from Panny and Oly. The Panny goes to 12mm wide and has slightly better IQ while the Oly is better built with better operation (manual focusing right included) and it's really neat with the auto-lens cap (it also works on the Lumix but there is some vignetting with it) Special shout-out the Olympus 8mm f.8 FE Pro. On an OMD camera body, it's like having two lenses in one (fisheye and rectillinear ultra-wide). Fun lens to have on trips.
Thanks. In Europe, and some other geographical locations as well, we use the comma separator for decimals instead of the point which is used in the US, for example. So, yes 7,00 is the same as 7.00 and is seven Euros. I hope this clarifies things for you😀
I've always had an interest in Finnish so I went to look at the interview . My Kirjakieli barely at level A1+ has trouble understanding Matti's puhekieli. A bit easier with Finnish subtitles though. :)
Hi Matti, I don't know if you ever used any of the Olympus 35mm SLRs but even if you didn't you'll know that they were hugely popular with travel and outdoor photographers due to their size and weight compared with, say, Nikon. Olympus deliberately made their MFT cameras to follow the same ethos, even down to similar styling and handling. I can see why they wanted to do that but I don't think it was a good idea. Many of their potential customers would have little or no knowledge of the old 35mm system so may have regarded the new cameras as retro styled for the fashion conscious rather than serious photography gear. Even former Olympus SLR users were probably using DSLRs from other companies by the time MFT came along so wouldn't necessarily see the need for the more traditional look and feel. Olympus MFT cameras were reasonably successful but could have been a much more mainstream alternative to other brands if they had made different decisions about their products and intended market. If they had made technically identical cameras with contemporary styling and handling would they and the whole MFT market have now been very different? I really don't know but I suspect so.
I always enjoy your videos. Nice to see some pictures from your past. You should grow your hair out again!. Having used large format, medium format, and 35mm film cameras most of my life I think of m4/3 format as an improved replacement for the 35mm Leica type camera - small and handy with reasonable image quality.
For me the gx800/880 with the 20mm f1.7 is the pinnacle of m4/3. Then just keep in bag the 12-32mm kit and if you want more just add the 40-150mm, and is done, like 1.5kg imcluding batteries and charger and you have a powerhouse in a little bag for 99,9 situations with great results. And relative cheap also. Nice video! Pdt: just to comment, I have gone from FF to APSC then 4/3 also. And I found myself shooting like 75% of day photos with a "crap" Lumix TZ70 because I think is just OP in comparison (assuming all the cons ofcourse...) I discovered that I don't need that pro level of detail, DR and and mental high ISO capacity in a everyday carry cam xD just shoot raw and 12mpx with a sharp 24-720mm in 250gr that fits in pocket. Just saying this because I want to find someone experiencing similar things about gear or just I'm very rare xD (just to clarify, if I want to shoot a memorable moment or I want a real portrait I go with the FF or APSC ofcourse depending situation, but no carrying for everyday)
My best MF lenses are the 12mm Leica/Panasonic f1,4 and the Leica/Panasonic 8 - 18 mm f2,8 - f4. Very sharp, excellent colors and best value for money even compared to Leica "M" lenses.
I really like my Olympus 12-40mm f2.8, 45mm f1.8 and 75mm f1.8 and I really like my Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8. I have a lot more lens but these are the ones will use the most at a wedding. Most of the time I'm using zooms but if I have extra time with a bride I might pull out one of my primes. I own a lot more M43 gear and the reason is I have backup gear for wedding photography. There are stories of gear being stolen at weddings and even peoples cars being broken into. I'm very care full with my gear.
My MFT period lasted one month. I bought an E-M1 in October 2014 and found that it is not suitable for me. I changed it to a Canon 5D Mk3 camera after a month Puhuit videolla jotain suomenkielisestä kanavasta tai jotain….en ihan ymmärtänyt mutta kiinnostaa kovasti🙂
@@mattisulanto Hieno haastattelu, ja kiva tietää taustoja. Itte oon harrastanut kuvausta vuodesta 1984 ja jonkinverran työkseni vuodesta 1997 lähtien, kohtuuhyvät studiotilat kotona, eli kuvauksen kehitys on koettu. Nykyään ei työkuvaus oo niin kivaa, mutta kuvausjutut on silti mielessä. Mun huono englanninkielen taito vaikuttaa myös kehittymiseen valokuvaajana….paremmalla kielipäällä moni ovi avautuisi, mutta ei voi mitään. Hyvät jatkot sinne!
Thank you Matti for sharing your story. I really appreciate your point of view. I’ll definitely watch the interview. Memories and dreams stabilize our present day. I had too Panasonic GF1, GX9, Olympus EM5 with Pan/Leica 25 1.4 and 15mm, Panasonic 20 1.7, Zuiko 25 1.8, macro 60mm, 12-40 2.8. I also used Nikon, Canon and now Sony camera. Loved them all. Photography brings me joy like nothing else. All the best to you!
Nice to share your interview at the finnish channel and to hear you in your native language. BUT: there are no english subtitles, only finnish ones. I only understand a lot of ä's, ö's and other weird stuff 😂😂
Talking about RUclips auto translate. A few times I had to talk to people that don't know English and Google has auto translate app. Its kind of weird but in a good way reminds me of Star Trek. LOL. The communicators they have on Star Trek do auto translate well make believe.
I don't care what system anyone uses. Its about photography but a brand. Sure some brands might have something one person might like over another. But get a education in photography and it will do a lot more then being a gear head.
Many thanks! I don't think I want to do another MFT future topic. It would be another toxic conversation😀My opinion doesn't matter for what is actually going to happen.
really enjoyed this video matti. I have been following your channel for the past 11 years when I purchased my first Lumix camera the GX7 . It was instant love for the micro 4/3 system. ...... I think you missed mentioning the Lumix 15 mm f1.7 which you have often praised in the past. If i were limited to only only 1 camera & 1 lens it would be the lumix G9 II and the Panasonic Leica 15mm f1.7 (thx for doing this video trip down memory lane !!! ). zen billings in canada
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Totally appreciate your downright honest and straight forward take on the micro -four thirds camera system (as also other cameras right from the early film cameras to Dslrs ) and your recall of the 'Micro four thirds' journey as you fondly call it ...while it is understandable that most viewers get emotionally attached to their camera brand and make, the larger picture is not to be missed ...that it is more important and helpful to be passionate about the art of photography than to be caught up in Brand loyalty irrespective of whatever camera system and brand one uses...and eventually to find fulfillment through the art of photography irrespective of the genre one pursues.
Thanks for sharing your insights on this.
That's really well articulated perspective! I also discovered this channel (and Matti Sulanto) through the connections with M43, which is the camera system that I have. But I love the honesty and pragmatic approach to cameras here. Gear is fun to think about and fun to use, but a small part of photography in the end.
Good points re brand loyalty. I've not been taking photos as long as Matti, but I started off with second-hand M42 gear in the early 1990s as a teenager, and went through a number of digital point and shoots and a couple of bridge cameras in the noughties and teens, when with a young family and a busy job I couldn't justify the outlay of buying a DSLR system. I it a GX8 as my 'forever camera' in 2018 as a gift to myself on reaching a significant career milestone, and have been learning how to get the most out of it since. Micro 4/3 is an ideal millieu for me: small, light cameras and lenses with variety and options if I want to branch out into different subject matter. I could quite happily imagine never buying a camera with a larger sensor provided I could go on using iterations of my current gear. I seem to read an awful lot these days about how OM Systems and Panasonic are abandonning M4/3 when they should be bringing out new versions of the Pen F or the GM1 with some of the bells and whistles featured on, for example, the S9. The thing is, I suspect that like me, most 'M4/3 loyalists' have a mixture of gear that has a sizeable second-hand element to it. I have an EPL7 and three Olympus lenses, but the only payment I have made to Olympus is for fixing a broken 14-150 zoom. Panasonic have made a bit more: I bought my GX8 and a kit lens new, then added a telephoto zoom, but I also have other second-hand Lumix gear. Of around 15 bits of photographic gear I use, only 3 were bought new from either Panasonic or Olympus, and none I the last 5 years. I can't be the only 'loyal Panasonic shooter' whose main interest in the G9ii is its effect of the second-hand price of the G9i, or who I would indeed like a GX8ii with real-time LUTs and phase detect auto focus, and yes please as soon as possible so that the price has dropped to about £400 (either new or second hand) by the time I would actually buy one, in about 2030.
Great video Matti, thanks for sharing! Great to hear your insights on m43.
All the gear you mentioned still takes fantastic pictures. We act like its all bad gear that can't produce good results today. With modern post-processing tools, this gear will be relevant for a very long time.
Truth. Compared with some denoising software of today, it's really fun to go through older photos you deemed unusable earlier.
Thank you for sharing your story and photographic journey. I must say that sensor size is way overblown for the vast majority of photographers. What is much more important is to chose a system that fits your needs. This is what I have always adhere to even back in the days of film when I use 35mm, 120 roll film and even dabble with 5x4 for landscape. I now use MFT and FF cameras in much the same way, and that is they have their specific niche. So long as we know what is best for each occasion, sensor size does not matter.
Bravo! Nice video ! Great considerazioni on micro 4/3 ! Merry christmas and happy new year from italy !
Thanks! Merry Christmas to you too.
Thanks for sharing your M43 journey, always a big fan of your channel! My fav M43 lens is definitely the Lumix 35-100mm f4-5.6, it's what M43 used to be, small, compact, lightweight, and not too expensive. All the best Matti 😊
Thank you.
I get attached to cameras, so I'm not really a gear swapper. I still regularly use my GX80, X-Pro1, Canon 100D and "new" Lumix S5 which is now four years old. The hardest part of photography for me is finding an original subject, closely followed by great light to shoot it in. The technology to capture it comes a distant third place.
I’ve tried several full frame cameras and apsc cameras since leaving film and starting 4/3 over 20 years ago. And over all the systems and cameras if they didn’t continue the EM5/OM5 line for my fun and occasional paid work I might leave photography. It’s just the perfect blend of size and fun. I can’t think of anything else that would match its size and lenses size in the camera world to keep me happy.
Thanks for another watch and an opinion😀
Thanks for sharing your journey. Really enjoyed seeing the photos of your younger self. I only switched to M43 about 18 months ago. I have the Panasonic Leica 15 mm and 25 mm and the Lumix 42.5 . Happy with all of them . Your channel helped me choose these lenses especially the comparison videos of lenses of similar focal lengths.
Thanks again Matti for another feel good video. MFT was how I found you but your photography skills kept me here. Coming from Leica film cameras, I did start with the GX9 and preferred Lumix Pan-Leica lenses. Now years later I’ve landed back on Leica, and also Sony to adapt my M glass. But like you, I’m a photographer first and foremost. Gear is a tool, fun, but a tool. I’ll grab your new book.
Thanks! Please, do get the ezine. I appreciate your support.
Hi Matti, I really enjoyed listening to your experience with the Micro Four Thirds camera's and there lenses. I can hear the happiness in your voice when speaking about your Journey. Although I've never used Micro Four Thirds camera's it was nice to hear your thoughts on it. It's good to learn about other camera systems. Many thanks Matti 😊
Thanks for this video. Alongside a Nikon full frame with way too many lenses that have accumulated over the years, I own an Olympus E-M1 mark ii, also with too much glass. After 12 years of shooting MFT, I only use FF for concert, theatre and indoor sports photography when high iso noise is an issue. For everything else, which is about 90 percent of my pictures, the Olympus is my first choice. Most of my best shots were taken with MFT cameras and let's be honest: most people cannot tell the difference between mft and FF.
My favourite MFT lenses are the Oly 12-100 for traveling, the 12-40 pro as an "always on", and the 40-150 2.8.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Matti, for another interesting video. You nicely put into perspective your photography journey.
Another great video Matti! Thanks for all your hard work on your channel. I do love M4/3 and I first leaned towards Olympus getting a Pen F used on eBay with only a few hundred clicks, it came with a Panasonic 14mm lens, and despite the light feel takes great photos and videos. I later ended up buying an em-5 III, A Lumix G9, and then the om-1 which is amazing for birds in flight and wildlife. I have a ton of lenses, my favorites include the 12-60 PL 2.8-4, the Lumix 100-400, the Olympus 300 F4. While I also shoot Nikon, Canon and Fujifilm digital, I also love my Pentax MX, Olympus OM2, and Canon eos1n with film (Yes I have too many cameras). Take care and happy holidays.
Many thanks for sharing your thoughts about m4/3rds equipment and how it has developed over the years and yes, it's still relevant and produces great results. I bought into the system with the first Olympus m4/3rds they made, sadly sold to buy a later model, but I've managed to keep 4 Olympus and 4 Panasonic cameras in my collection now.
I've got a lumix gx85 and you were definitely someone I was watching before I got it and helped me pick it up, its nearly 10 years old as a model now but it still takes excellent photos! I love throwing on the 14mm 2.5 and just walking around town, its super light and depending on what I'm wearing I can even fit it in my pocket lol. I've got a g9 for doing self photography because the flip out screen comes in handy, but I pretty much always grab the smaller one for going out.
I have the same two cameras and the 14mm lens as well. The GX85 is still going like day one!
@@danwilliams4820 The GX80/85 is the only digital camera I bothered to have repaired when it wore out. I gave it to my son at one point, and it was a relief to get it back when he went Sony.
I love gear, but this video was a good reminder that cameras and lenses are just tools -- like paintbrushes: the brushes aren't the important part of the painting. I love your work and I do also appreciate the M43 gear reviews you have done as they've helped me choose lenses that I love using.
Proud user of Lumix MFT cameras since 2008 (day one!!!) Never looked back.
Me too!
I appreciate your intellectual honesty about the m43. I also had a similar path to yours, starting to photograph from the age of 13 in 1973 with my father's Leica MP, then all to an analog evolution of different models of Minolta, Nikon and Hasselblad (only 500 CM). Then the decline of use, coinciding with that of analog photography to then resume digital with the Fuji FinePix S9000 which was a revelation because it also recorded video! 640x480, today makes you smile. And from there I switched to the first Lumix GH1 because it recorded better video than my Panasonic HMC-151 camera and from here the GH series 1,3,4 up to the 5 of which I appreciated Panasonic's color science. But I also approach the Aps-c format with Nikon (D50 and 7100) and Fuji (XE-1 and S10); and the FF format (Lumix S1). Today for MFT I feel the need for a compact Panasonic like the Lumix GX9 very comfortable for the street and on trips, unless you take the Fuji X-Pro 3.
Hi Matti, the Olympus 75mm f1.8 m43 lens has to be one of my favourites. I’ve used it at concert venues in the evenings and I’m blown away at how good it renders detail and the sharpness of the images for such a small lens…Love that I can throw it in a jacket pocket along with a lumix gx85 in the other pocket and get into venues. 😁
Thanks! The 75mm is a nice one indeed.
I have a number of m43 lenses, but you can prize the 20mm F1.7 out of my cold dead fingers. I know it is slow, and noisy to focus. But for all round, nothing beats this lens for so much fun. Just pure fun. It it always the first lens I pack. I may be going somewhere for some specific reason, maybe birds or wildlife, where I take the long lenses, but that lens always comes along as well.
Thanks. That quirky little 20mm is one of my favorites as well.
Thank you for the interesting video. I love my GX9 with the Leica 15mm for street photography. I hope there will be a GX9ii or GX10 at some point.
Thank you Matti. I t was great to hear about your micro four thirds experience. Happy photographing with mirrorless cameras of any sensor.
I love the LUMIX Leica 15mm and the M. Zuiko 17mm f/2,8 Pancake (I‘ve taken a lot of awesome pictures with this lens).
Coming from a big FF DSLR, I‘ve really used MFT (Oly EM 10) with the birth of my first child. It was so easy, having a small system, specially while carrying a child.
After a short time, using an APS-C-System, I go back, when my wife wanted to sell my old PEN F.
For me as an Hobbyist it‘s a really great system with lots of functions.
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Matti! The Panasonic-Leica DG Macro-Elmarit 45mm f/2.8 was the lens that drew me to MFT, the Olympus 75mm f/1.7 made me want to stay, and the Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 made me enthusiastic about the format. (I, too, began serious photography in 1975, with a twin lens medium format Yashica and then a Canon F1, and I appreciate all formats.)
Thanks for this camera journey video, it was entertaining.
These types of gear videos are more of an insight into you and I find that far more interesting 😊 Thank you for sharing.
I own one MFT which I often forget about. Now that the sun is out again, I might have to bring it out again.
I only started to use MFT in 2023 and it was for one lens, the M.Zuiko 90 macro. I added more to my kit but it seems that I prefer the following the most:
OM-1 with 90mm or 40-150 f2.8
GX9 with 20 f1.7 pancake
Full spectrum converted G95 with M.Zuiko 9-18
I have plenty of other lenses to use but they don't get used nearly as much.
Thanks!
Bravo Matti, greetings from Italy!
I've just sold my Olympus Pen F Matti and also 3 Olympus lenses including the 17mm, 9mm lens cap and the 60mm. I sold them on eBay. I have owned them all since new...so got them around 2014/15. I've not really been using it much since the 2020 lockdowns so felt it was time to move it on. I did some good personal projects with it, very stealth for street photography. I currently own Sony cameras. Keep up the good work Matti ;)
Thanks. The Pen F was never my favorite but I'm still surprised you let it go but it makes sense if you never used it any more.
Hi Matti, I enjoyed this and and understanding your journey! I plan to watch the Finnish video you have linked here.
Awesome! Thank you!
I'm currently invested in the APS-C ecosystem, but I've been eyeing a GX85 for an everyday carry for stills and casual video, so I'll continue to reference your videos, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing.
I picked up a GX85 about 18 months and really love it. Matti's videos really helped me choose my lenses. If compactness is the most important the 14 f2.4, 20 mm f1.7, and 25 mm f1.7 and 42.5 mm 1.7 are all great - this is my only camera system so I did get the 15 and 25 panleica lenses but honestly the image quality of my lumix 42.5 is very close.
I had a GX7 and it was fantastic, solidly built and great quality pics, excellent evf and features that some of my later cameras were missing, like using touchscreen to choose focus point while using evf, and adjusting curves in camera. I then moved into Fujifilm where I still am, but I would potentially get a gx7 again for casual or travel use.
I'm considering getting a GX9 to upgrade from a ZS100 ... My budget allows for only one lens, I am learning towards the 12-60 mm zoom lenses for their versatility (similar to the ZS100). The Lumix lens is affordable but I wonder if paying the extra money for the Leica version is worth it for the increased max aperture, since this would be my only lens.
Some time ago I made a video that might help you: ruclips.net/video/KRqh1XZL8rI/видео.htmlsi=qJ8KhZNRfrDHkl0Y
My faves were the 25mm 1.7 because the pictures looked so nice
42.5 1.7 because of the OIS
and the 20mm 1.7 because 40mm is the best focal length
Thanks.
I laughed “LUMIX T shirt - but with FF on back’. Sometimes too honest 😊! I found a local LUMIX G1S in great shape, very tempting, but truly don’t need it. It’s just a nice small camera! Enjoyed the photos and you sharing your camera journey with MFT and the cameras you kept!
Thanks. Gotta be honest, every time😀
I bought the Lumix G1 back in 2008, when it first came out. A kit with two zoom lenses. Attracted by the small size. I still have it, it still takes great photos, I just love it. Tiny
Hello Matti: Thanks for sharing your no-nonsense thoughts and videos. How large a print do you make with your M4/3 captures?
Great lense choices Matti. As an Olympus shooter, I can't go past the 12-40mm F2.8 Pro. I almost don't need anything else for 90% of what I shoot. I'd love the Panasonic 20mm F1.7, but they seem to be very hard to come by secondhand.
Hi Matti,my favorite lenses are the oly 75mm f1.8, 60mm f2.8 macro, 40-150 f2.8 , oly 45mm f1.8
Always enjoy your content Matti. Question - What focal length of a prime macro lens would be best for the following purpose? At work we are looking to purchase an Olympus micro 4:3 camera with a fast macro "Prime" lens, to take photos of circuit boards(10-12 cm's square) to document their condition. There are a few tall components, but the interest would be on the soldering of the smaller components. The camera would be ~10cm's away to get a photo of the full board, but may take close in shots at ~1”(min focal distance). Would perfer to not have a noticable wide angle look where to edges curve. I use a tripod & diffused lighting, but others in the lab hand hold with no extra lighting.
It sounds like either the 60mm or the 90mm macro would do the job. You can probably take a test shot of the full board with a kit zoom and see how it looks before you go and buy the macro lens.
Favorite 2 lenses:
The 12-45mm F4 Olympus Pro
The 20mm F1.4 Olympus Pro.
Thanks. Good to hear you are happy with the 20mm.
I bought a GX80 as a "compact camera" to come with me when lugging a FF DSLR is too much. Gradually I've actually become more beguiled with the MFT system, there are still a lot of unique selling points for it. FF bodies are now pretty small, but the tiny lenses of MFT are still unmatched. And are relatively cheap. Happy days
Thank you so much for your video. In my case, I guess since I have used Nikon FM2n + Ai Nikkor 28mm F2.8S, Ai Nikkor 50mm F1.8S, Ai Nikkor 105mm F2.5S and such, my favorite micro four thirds lenses are LEICA DG SUMMILUX 15mm / F1.7 ASPH., LEICA DG SUMMILUX 25mm / F1.4 ASPH. and LEICA DG NOCTICRON 42.5mm / F1.2ASPH. / POWER O.I.S.. I also use LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm / F2.8-4.0 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S. for its versatility.
I bought the GM1 with the 12 - 32 in an auction and immediately fell in love with the system.
That's a really good first MFT combo.
My most-used camera since July has been an OM-5 wearing a 12-45 F4 lens. But for AML Leukaemia, I would still be using mostly my E-M1x and 12-100 F4.
I considered the E-M10 for about five seconds, the lack of ports is a problem.
I started following because you were using M43 cameras to do stuff others thought they had to have a Soncannik to do. I don't care much about camera brands, I used Canon from the EOS 630 to the 5Ds, but bought an S1R when it was my best camera, and an adaptor to use my TS-E lenses.
The OM-5 is light, I can often pocket it and not have a camera bag at all. I can make photos with it that I couldn't make without any other camera without adding accessories.
Thanks for sharing your favorite MFT setup.
I still like my LX100 II. I also have the GX9. It’s a fun system. I’m like you, I just like mixing it up and use micro four third sometimes, APS-C and FF other times.
Great Video! Cheers! A video on the E-M1 maybe? I don't notice any noise on your E-M1 shots!
Thanks. I never had major noise problems with the E-M1 and none of the photos have any special treatment. I have covered some noise issues in my previous videos. Please search my channel.
Never knew you began photography in the seventies. At that time I was a baby. So you have plenty of experience and used different, now defunct systems. Please make some videos telling stories of those times and which type of photography you have done.
My absolute favorite are:
9mm f1.7, 15mm f1.7, 45mm f1.8 and the GX800 (beside many more)
I have them all. completely agree.
My first mirrorless camera was the Olympus e-m5 which I got 2013. Since then I'm using ff, aps-c and mft systems together, maybe some 5 bodies actively and a couple of those are mft ones. I love that Panasonic 20 mm f1.7, but Oly 17 mm 1.8 was good too...recently I got the 12-40 2.8 pro mk2 and the 40-150 2.8 pro, which is still a very good lens despite its age. From macro side I had the 60 mm, sold it and regretted it, but now I'm using the OM System 90 mm macro which is probably one of the finest macro lenses out there. To me mft is definitely not dead and I just don't understand all that hate it gets...sure it has the disadvantages too, but to me these never mattered. If I get what I need using an mft camera it is enough and it is a joy to shoot with these small cameras. I use a full frame Sony camera too + aps-c Fuji cameras, like these as well, but I'll always have a soft spot for mft.
Thanks much for sharing your MFT progress.
My first mu43 camera was the GF1 was a twin lens kit the 20 mm f1.7 and the 14-45 zoom back in 2010 . Still have the 20 mm but did trade the the GF1 and zoom when I got my G80 Still shoot with that and other bodies and lenses. I think my fav prime would be the 15mm from Lumix and zoom either the 12-40 or the 40-150 f2.8 lenses although another one is the 12-100 f4 which I use a lot when travelling.
Yeah, favorite m43 lenses... let's see.
When I travel, I bring an Olympus 8-25 F4 Pro and OM System 40-150 F4 Pro (f2.8 version too big for me). Those are attached to an OM1 (mark 1). The Olympus 17mm f1.2 is usually my go-to prime on that set-up.
Though I have owned the Panny Lumix 20 f1.7 for 14 years and appreciate its compactness, I prefer faster-focusing lenses with wider FoV. So Panny Leica 15mm f1.7 and Oly 12mm f2 are widely used by me, usually on an ageing Panasonic Lumix GM5 (pity the GM line was never continued). I do like both pancake kit zooms from Panny and Oly. The Panny goes to 12mm wide and has slightly better IQ while the Oly is better built with better operation (manual focusing right included) and it's really neat with the auto-lens cap (it also works on the Lumix but there is some vignetting with it)
Special shout-out the Olympus 8mm f.8 FE Pro. On an OMD camera body, it's like having two lenses in one (fisheye and rectillinear ultra-wide). Fun lens to have on trips.
Hi Matti, a most enjoyable video, thank you. I'm not used to seeing a comma in a price. So this "7,00 €" is seven Euros, yes?
Thanks. In Europe, and some other geographical locations as well, we use the comma separator for decimals instead of the point which is used in the US, for example. So, yes 7,00 is the same as 7.00 and is seven Euros. I hope this clarifies things for you😀
@@mattisulanto Thank you Matti, I thought that was the case but just wanted to be sure before I ordered.
@@trevorbrooks813 Sure, you wouldn't want to pay 700 Euros for a PDF even if it was a pretty good one😀
Thanks Matti
I've always had an interest in Finnish so I went to look at the interview . My Kirjakieli barely at level A1+ has trouble understanding Matti's puhekieli. A bit easier with Finnish subtitles though. :)
Thanks for trying😀 The spoken Finnish can be quite different from the written "kirjakieli". I hope you made some sense of it.
Hi Matti, I don't know if you ever used any of the Olympus 35mm SLRs but even if you didn't you'll know that they were hugely popular with travel and outdoor photographers due to their size and weight compared with, say, Nikon. Olympus deliberately made their MFT cameras to follow the same ethos, even down to similar styling and handling. I can see why they wanted to do that but I don't think it was a good idea. Many of their potential customers would have little or no knowledge of the old 35mm system so may have regarded the new cameras as retro styled for the fashion conscious rather than serious photography gear. Even former Olympus SLR users were probably using DSLRs from other companies by the time MFT came along so wouldn't necessarily see the need for the more traditional look and feel.
Olympus MFT cameras were reasonably successful but could have been a much more mainstream alternative to other brands if they had made different decisions about their products and intended market.
If they had made technically identical cameras with contemporary styling and handling would they and the whole MFT market have now been very different? I really don't know but I suspect so.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I always enjoy your videos. Nice to see some pictures from your past. You should grow your hair out again!.
Having used large format, medium format, and 35mm film cameras most of my life I think of m4/3 format as an improved replacement for the 35mm Leica type camera - small and handy with reasonable image quality.
Thanks! I'd look too much like an old hippie if my hair was long😀 So I think I'll stick to my current look.
For me the gx800/880 with the 20mm f1.7 is the pinnacle of m4/3. Then just keep in bag the 12-32mm kit and if you want more just add the 40-150mm, and is done, like 1.5kg imcluding batteries and charger and you have a powerhouse in a little bag for 99,9 situations with great results. And relative cheap also. Nice video! Pdt: just to comment, I have gone from FF to APSC then 4/3 also. And I found myself shooting like 75% of day photos with a "crap" Lumix TZ70 because I think is just OP in comparison (assuming all the cons ofcourse...) I discovered that I don't need that pro level of detail, DR and and mental high ISO capacity in a everyday carry cam xD just shoot raw and 12mpx with a sharp 24-720mm in 250gr that fits in pocket. Just saying this because I want to find someone experiencing similar things about gear or just I'm very rare xD (just to clarify, if I want to shoot a memorable moment or I want a real portrait I go with the FF or APSC ofcourse depending situation, but no carrying for everyday)
I have my GX880 with 7 artisans ufo mk.2
It's a point and shoot with 35mm field of view!
Also colors are pretty
My best MF lenses are the 12mm Leica/Panasonic f1,4 and the Leica/Panasonic 8 - 18 mm f2,8 - f4. Very sharp, excellent colors and best value for money even compared to Leica "M" lenses.
Leica 15,mm 1.7 summilux and Panasonic 14-140mm are great lenses.
Thanks for sharing your favorite lenses.
Still use my LX100. The viewfinder matters to those of us that have had cataract surgery. Also have an FX300.
I really like my Olympus 12-40mm f2.8, 45mm f1.8 and 75mm f1.8 and I really like my Panasonic 35-100mm f2.8. I have a lot more lens but these are the ones will use the most at a wedding. Most of the time I'm using zooms but if I have extra time with a bride I might pull out one of my primes.
I own a lot more M43 gear and the reason is I have backup gear for wedding photography. There are stories of gear being stolen at weddings and even peoples cars being broken into. I'm very care full with my gear.
My MFT period lasted one month. I bought an E-M1 in October 2014 and found that it is not suitable for me. I changed it to a Canon 5D Mk3 camera after a month
Puhuit videolla jotain suomenkielisestä kanavasta tai jotain….en ihan ymmärtänyt mutta kiinnostaa kovasti🙂
Thanks! Your MFT time was over almost before it started😀 Videon alla on linkki siihen haastatteluun, josta puhuin videolla.
@@mattisulanto
Hieno haastattelu, ja kiva tietää taustoja.
Itte oon harrastanut kuvausta vuodesta 1984 ja jonkinverran työkseni vuodesta 1997 lähtien, kohtuuhyvät studiotilat kotona, eli kuvauksen kehitys on koettu. Nykyään ei työkuvaus oo niin kivaa, mutta kuvausjutut on silti mielessä.
Mun huono englanninkielen taito vaikuttaa myös kehittymiseen valokuvaajana….paremmalla kielipäällä moni ovi avautuisi, mutta ei voi mitään.
Hyvät jatkot sinne!
My favourite lens is the oly 12-100
Thank you Matti for sharing your story. I really appreciate your point of view. I’ll definitely watch the interview. Memories and dreams stabilize our present day. I had too Panasonic GF1, GX9, Olympus EM5 with Pan/Leica 25 1.4 and 15mm, Panasonic 20 1.7, Zuiko 25 1.8, macro 60mm, 12-40 2.8. I also used Nikon, Canon and now Sony camera. Loved them all. Photography brings me joy like nothing else. All the best to you!
Thank you so much for watching and sharing part of your backstory.
Where is the link to the pdf?
Under the video the first link.
Onko Matti kokannut kun on peukkuun sattunut? 😊 Vieläkö olet lennokkihommia harrastanut? multa on jäänyt kokonaan.
Mistä arvasit. Siivu lähti peukalosta, kun yritin siivuttaa perunaa, mutta nyt jo paranemaan päin. Lennokit on jääneet jo vuosia sitten.
Pany GM1
Oly 25 1.8
Pany 42.5 1.7
Pany 15 1.7
Oly 60 2.8
Nice to share your interview at the finnish channel and to hear you in your native language.
BUT: there are no english subtitles, only finnish ones. I only understand a lot of ä's, ö's and other weird stuff 😂😂
You can select English subtitles. Click on the little cog in the lower right corner and select the language you like.
@mattisulanto No, Not at all. That was my first idea too, but it seems your channel isn't set up for that.
@mattisulanto I've sent you a screen(tv)shot from the scenario via e-mail to your newsletter adress
Talking about RUclips auto translate. A few times I had to talk to people that don't know English and Google has auto translate app. Its kind of weird but in a good way reminds me of Star Trek. LOL. The communicators they have on Star Trek do auto translate well make believe.
Very nice video as always have 👍 Please consider a short tour of different photography jobs you had in the past and show us some examples
Thanks! I'll have to consider your proposition.
I could have listened an hour or more
I don't care what system anyone uses. Its about photography but a brand. Sure some brands might have something one person might like over another. But get a education in photography and it will do a lot more then being a gear head.
Matti, you are one of my favorite creators on YT. I was kinda hoping to hear what you think the future of M43 is. It looks bleak to me.
Many thanks! I don't think I want to do another MFT future topic. It would be another toxic conversation😀My opinion doesn't matter for what is actually going to happen.
really enjoyed this video matti. I have been following your channel for the past 11 years when I purchased my first Lumix camera the GX7 . It was instant love for the micro 4/3 system. ...... I think you missed mentioning the Lumix 15 mm f1.7 which you have often praised in the past. If i were limited to only only 1 camera & 1 lens it would be the lumix G9 II and the Panasonic Leica 15mm f1.7 (thx for doing this video trip down memory lane !!! ). zen billings in canada
@@zenonbillings9008 Thanks so much. I forgot the excellent 15mm. Please forgive me😀