HU: Olympus Pen W on the 'bay

navilluspm

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I have no affiliation with the seller: http://cgi.ebay.com/OLYMPUS-PEN-W-W...4|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

BTW - has anyne else noticed the total run on everything that has to do with Olympus Pen gear? I went to KEH, and they have one fixed lens listed on their website. Just one! What is going on here? We need to start a rumor that Pen lenses stink so I can pick up a 60 or 70 at a decent price. ;)
 
...must overcome the GAS... I really like the Pen stuff. Just got to leave it be right now, too much like temptation...
I've never quite worked out the math, what is 25mm on a half-frame equivalent to on a 35mm?
 
There's been a couple of black Pen FT's on eBay lately for outageous prices ... I saw one advertised for just under $1000.00 ... :eek:

They appear to have become a cult camera and I have to admit I don't like the cult prices being asked! :rolleyes:
 
...must overcome the GAS... I really like the Pen stuff. Just got to leave it be right now, too much like temptation...
I've never quite worked out the math, what is 25mm on a half-frame equivalent to on a 35mm?


Around or just under 40mm ... I think! :)
 
Yup, about 35 to 40mm depending on how you figure it because the aspect ratio isn't the same. I sold my beat to crap W a couple of years ago for over $400.00.
 
I was scanning some negs today shot on expired film. I have to admit: I really love that "cheap" 38mm. It is sharp and has a great bokeh. I have the 20mm and 150mm. I am seriously temped to sell off my Contax SLR stuff to get another Pen camera and a 60 or 70mm, but they are really hard to find now. I guess I will just be satisfied with what I have until a 60mm or 70mm pops up. Seriously, I have a really nice Sonnar 85mm (Contax YAshica mount) lens with box, bag and paperwork that I would trade straight up for a Pen 60 or 70. Any takers?
 
Yup, about 35 to 40mm depending on how you figure it because the aspect ratio isn't the same. I sold my beat to crap W a couple of years ago for over $400.00.
For those actually looking to shoot a half-frame camera with that focal length, the Ricoh Half (aka Ansco Memo II or Gatling 72) should be a consideration. Infinitely more affordable & available, and a fine picture-taking machine. You won't get the shutter speed versatility (only fires at 1/30 and 1/125), but in practice, it's far from a deal-breaker. Plus, it's as cute as a bug's behind, and that 25/2.8 is no slouch! One of the better ways i've spent $20..

--c--
 
KEH had quite a few cameras and lenses about two weeks ago, but everything sold when they started a 30% off promotion.

I know of a 60 that's available. :)

blackpenf.jpg
 
Back in 1963 I started with a Pen EE ($30 in New Guinea) then a Pen D3 later a Pen W (interesting) finally a Pen S I think. I tried to convince myself that the lenses were as good as the Olympus brochures boasted but finally I decided that they were over-rated and went back to my Leica with an Elmar lens and was happy again
 
Great cam, but with the auction total (cost + shipping) at almost $200, it's now out of my range.
And you're not alone there. My 'ceiling' for a W is right around this range, thus ensuring that (barring any unforeseen stroke of cosmic convergence) i'll never own one, and frankly, that's just fine by me. Personally, i find that the images i get from the Pen EES-2, for example, don't leave me wanting for something else, and the fact that i paid $5 for it, and overhauled it myself make it that much more appealing and satisfying to use. ..none of which is to say that, if given the opportunity to have a W for around $300, that i wouldn't be on it like Oprah on a baked ham, but i'd definitely feel some industrial-strength guilt about it.. :)

--c--
 
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