In short, what the previous article “Rangefinder or Not – that is the Question” was about:
I wanted a rangefinder type camera,
not too expensive,
but I also didn’t want to run into the same problems as with previous purchases in this category of camera.
The problem with the Fujifilm X100 was mainly the fixed lens and that the camera was actually quite large, but it had a viewfinder.
The lack of a viewfinder was the main problem with the earlier E-PM1, NX-3000 and X-A5.
Technically, I can be brief about the Olympus E-PL7.
It is an original E-M10 without a viewfinder, 16mp which is more than my original X100, sensor-shift Image stabilization, wireless, FHD video. Click here for a complete overview : Olympus E-PL7 Review .
The same problems : Using the VF-3 electronic viewfinder or the Russian KMZ viewfinder, made the camera even bigger than an E-M10 MKI, so that wasn’t much of an advantage.
Shooting viewfinderless, and using lenses with a narrower angle of view, didn’t make shooting any easier, also lenses apart from the 14-42mm pancake didn’t make the camera pocketable either.
Manual lenses weren’t a solution either, you need to have sharp eyes, even with focus peaking, to focus on a 3″ screen.
How could I make shooting without a viewfinder easier and still keep the camera pocketable ?
The answer was the Olympus 9mm f8 fisheye.
It’s actually not really a fish eye, the angle of view is 140°, and on micro4/3 it has a FOV of 18mm.
But because of this wide angle and the incredible depth of field of 0.5m to infinity, you can just point the camera and start shooting or filming, no need for a viewfinder. Subject to far ? zoom with your feet. There is some distortion, but that’s normal, and you can always de-fish photos via Hugin.
The lens is about ten millimeters thick, which keeps the camera nice and compact.
Pocketable ? well, at least it is more compact and smaller than an X100, and yes, it can certainly fit in my jacket or trouser pocket.
The perfect solution ? well, it makes the camera a single lens solution again, however, due to the great depth of field and not having to focus, the camera is 100 times faster than my old X100, it can also capture everything nicely due to the wide angle (great for selfies !), and you can if necessary, still bring the 14-42mm pancacke lens for a longer range.
I am very satisfied with this solution.
The Olympus 9mm f8 Fisheye bodycap lens specs:
Well made plastic contruction, tiny, light weight, lever for close by focusing – also closes the lens to protect front element against bumps etc., FOV 18mm, dimensions 56×12.8mm 30gr., no electronics.
Click on the picture below to see more example photos of the Olympus E-PL7 and 9mm lens on my gallery :
The photo gallery of Open Source Photography, Olympus micro 4/3 system, Vintage Lens Photograpy, Film Simulation, PictureFX, HDR – Photographer : Marc R.
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Hi Marc,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts about experimenting various “rangefinder” digital camera styles. You are right underlying the absence of electronic viewfinder (EVF) as the most inconvenient aspect of many otherwise interesting camera models. For a more traditional photographer it is an almost unforgivable flaw.
Some years ago (!) my modest interest into the Micro Four Third (MFT) sensor format has started with the very competent 12MP Olympus EP-3 / M.Zuiko 14-42mm II R combination but it is only with the addition of the Olympus VF-2 excellent viewfinder that I have started to really appreciate to work with the EP-3. Another fine products such as the diminutive Panasonic Lumix GM-5 or the more performing GX7 and GX85 most often been used with the pancake Pana Lumix G Vario 12-32mm OIS were almost perfect and discrete travel companions.
Although the Olympus digital Pen-F stays in my view the pinacle of this “rangefinder” style digital camera category, it is in many ways a less compact photo device but still a wonderful and esthetic tool of its own!
We love those off-center EVF cameras and we can only hope that the photographic gear manufacturers keep an interest to produce and offer them.
Have a good day!
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Hello Daniel,
The sharing was my pleasure entirely.
Thank you for your detailed reply and insight.
Yes, I love this type of camera too, and the Olympus Pen F may be less compact, but then again it’s a real gem!
Unfortunately it is also very scarce and when you find one, also quite expensive here in Belgium.
I just hope that the new company JIP, or OM Digital Solutions, manages to keep its head above water, these are difficult times for camera makers, and the competition is fierce.
It would be a shame if Olympus had to disappear, and it would also be very difficult for Panasonic then to keep the M4/3 system alive.
Again, thanks for reading,
and a fine day to you !
Marc.
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