micro 4/3
Why Own a Mirrorless Camera
Do you remember Tamron’s Adaptall system of manual focus lenses? You would buy a lens and the appropriate adapter to make it fit your brand of camera. If you bought a different brand of camera, you could just buy an adapter/mount for the new one and you could still use your lenses. Now that was flexibility!
Being able to use older 35 mm lenses on the newer DX and FX bodies is another way to keep that favorite glass close by in your camera bag. With film still not dead (reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated, but that is a topic for another day and another post), having lenses that fit both a digital and a film body can make for great creative photographic possibilities.
When I was looking around for a new camera system to replace my Pentax Spotmatic F in the late 1980’s, my research led me to Nikon. Being a practical person, I wanted a system that had growth potential. The older lenses (with a few exceptions) were compatible with the newer bodies, that was a big selling point.
Even with the crop factor involved with using full frame lenses on the cropped sensor bodies, which as Paul C. pointed out in a recent focus session, that difference can give you an increased telephoto and magnification capability when it counts.
Even with my DSLRs (both DX and FX), I still have and use the same lenses I have had for years. After more than 20 years experience in the used photographic equipment business, my equipment roster has some great MF lenses. My Nikkor 300/4.5 IF-ED lens works well with my digital cameras, as does my Micro 55/2.8. My old Nikkor 35/3.5 PC lens was a favorite focal length when I was shooting 35 mm and my Nikkor 24/2 is the equivalent of 36 mm on my APS-C cameras.
So you can imagine my surprise and delight to find that the same MF lenses I use so often could be used with an adapter on a mirrorless camera. With a wide selection of adapters available today, you can mix and match an amazing number of cameras and lenses between brands. Most of the adapters are available for mirrorless camera bodies (with some available for DSLR’s) but the range of lenses are endless—Leica, Nikon, Canon, etc—both old and new. Have an R or M Leica lens you would like to use on that Olympus, Sony or Fuji? There is an adapter for that!
My everyday camera these days is a Sony NEX-7. It has been a great choice for my needs because I can use the 16-50 Sony lens or put on my Kiwi adapter and use any of my Nikkor lenses. I have to use them in aperture priority or manual, but that is fine with me. Having manual control of my camera has always been part of my photography, both analog and digital. My Tamron SP 35-80 was a constant on my D70s and the results have always been tack sharp. It is easier than carrying around a DSLR and I am always ready for those spur of the moment photo opportunities that crop up during the day.
Hands on with the Olympus OM-D E-M1
On Thursday morning our Olympus representative stopped in with a little surprise for us, the brand new Olympus OM-D E-M1. This latest pinnacle in micro four thirds cameras is said to be a successor to the Olympus E-5, rather then a replacement of the OM-D E-M5. Understandable when focusing Olympus’ four thirds lenses is as quick on the E-M1 as it was on the E-5.
First reaction to holding the camera is how well made it feels. With the OM-D E-M1’s fully magnesium alloy construction and a weather, dust, spash, and freezeproof body, the camera doesn’t just feel solid, it is solid. Packed inside the camera is a brand new 16.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor and an updated version of Olympus’ dual AF technology, combining 81 contrast detection autofocus points with 31 phase detection autofocus points. The photos coming out of the camera simply looked brilliant. Still considerably smaller then any SLR on the market and capable of producing images comparable in quality, this looks to be one of the best cameras coming out in the near future.
Feel free to stop by Bergen County Camera to pre-order or ask any questions about the Olympus OM-D E-M1.
Olympus introduces new 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ Lens
This zoom lens has a maximum magnification of 4.2X, covering a range that extends from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for taking wide shots even indoors – to a medium telephoto focal length of 100mm (35mm camera equivalent), – optimal for portraits. A newly developed motorized zoom mechanism makes smooth, quiet zooming while shooting movies possible. The AF system is based on the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism, and enhanced by a newly developed “Linear Motor Drive” that enables faster, quieter focusing. Macro shooting as close as 7.87 inches with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent) is possible. Dust and Splash Proof construction lets you shoot in harsh conditions without worry.
We are expecting this lens in January 2012. If you have questions or would like to put your name on our waiting list, please email or give us a call at 201-664-4113.
Olympus in Mexico – Impressive results from the Olympus E-PL1
Here are some great shots taken with the Olympus E-PL1 by our friend Peter Ewen from his recent trip to Mexico. We thought the pictures really showcased the ability of this micro 4/3 camera from Olympus. Small, compact and full of features it’s a great camera to travel with. Feel free to leave a comment for Peter if you’d like. BTW, Peter’s day job is Director, Product Marketing, DSLR for Olympus. Bergen County Camera has a full line of Olympus 4/3 cameras, lenses and accessories.
