Advice on GF-1 please

[mugent]

Hi!

I'm seriously considering getting a GF-1 with the 20mm 1.7, it seems to fit the bill for me, but I've got a few questions...

If I wanted to use it with say an M or OM adaptor, how does the manual focus assist work? i.e. with a dedicated lens, it would switch to the magnified mode automagically, how does it work with the totally manual lenses (Fast OM lenses are really cheap on eBay, so I'm quite tempted).

I've tried the manual focus assist on an EP-1, and it seems OK, is the GF-1 as good or better?

Is the GF-1 the the right choice over the EP-1? I love the styling of the EP-1, and always coveted it a little bit, but the 17mm prime doesn't seem that great, and is a bit slow for my liking. I love the Leica X1 too, but it's pricey, and again, the lens is a bit slow.

Cheers

Moray

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

I've got the GF-1 and like it a lot. I have a shred of buyer's regret that I didn't get an E-P1 instead, because I like to shoot with old Pen manual lenses, but the camera itself is quite amazing, especially the 20/1.7.

The way you manual focus is by enabling shoot without lens in the menu, then you just click the combo dial/button on the back of the camera to enter magnified mode. You click it again, or half-press the shutter button, to exit magnified mode. This is a feature of the newest firmware update, and makes using manual lenses much, much easier. Magnified mode does not automatically turn on with legacy lenses.

FWIW, I rarely need to enter magnified mode. The LCD is one of the best I've seen on a digicam, and in most conditions is more than sharp enough to get very precise focus with manual lenses.

 

[JoeV]

I've got the GF-1 and like it a lot. I have a shred of buyer's regret that I didn't get an E-P1 instead, because I like to shoot with old Pen manual lenses, but the camera itself is quite amazing, especially the 20/1.7.

Fortunately for us u4/3 users, you can still use the Pen lenses on your GF-1. Ignoring aesthetics, of course, which is what I think you were referring to.

I own the G1 (early u4/3 adapter) and I just love the entire series of cameras; whichever one you own, you have a great creative tool at your disposal.

~Joe

 

[retow]

I have the EP1, "upgraded" to the GF1 and will sell both, after having received the EP2 two days ago.
IBIS plus significanlty superior EVF make the difference for me, especially for mf or longer lenses. The EPs have a better grip and less slippery surface, advantage Oly with heavier glass. And then I prefer Olys colors and WB, but that is subjective and the Panas jpeg weaknesses can be overcome by shooting raw. EP2 with Pana 20, 14-140 (for travel), m and 4/3 adapter, and 14-42 Oly makes a very versatile combo.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Fortunately for us u4/3 users, you can still use the Pen lenses on your GF-1. Ignoring aesthetics, of course, which is what I think you were referring to.

I own the G1 (early u4/3 adapter) and I just love the entire series of cameras; whichever one you own, you have a great creative tool at your disposal.

~Joe

Yeah, definitely! I was referring to aesthetics. Actually the Pen lenses look quite nice on the GF1 (see below), but I love the idea of an m4/3 camera that looks just like my Pen FT. Anyway, I also have a G1, use it all the time, and basically think of the GF1 as a stopgap compact while I wait for the true RF-style m4/3 camera with a built-in viewfinder. Meanwhile I'm thoroughly enjoying it and getting lots of good pictures.