I was introduced to the PEN-F in Texas on January 25, 2016. I was part of a group of photojournalists who were testing this innovative camera on Austin’s city streets. I fell in love that day.
I doubt that there will ever be another camera like the PEN-F. It combines stunning retro design with immaculate workmanship and wildly creative shooting adjustments. It was one of the first 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensors, and the image quality still holds up today.
A Few of My Favorite Lenses
I carry it in my backpack daily with the Olympus 14-42mm EZ zoom ($199) that provides a focal range of 28mm to 84mm, unless I activate the digital 2X and can work up to 168mm. Not bad for a lens that isn’t much bigger than a double-stuff Oreo. And the images are really good.
I also have a variety of adapters so I can attach vintage lenses. The Nikon 100mm Series E is one of my favorites, allowing me to capture portraits with an effective focal length of 200mm at f/2.8. It looks great on the PEN-F as well.
Because the MFT mount is so popular, there are a variety of native and third-party optics to choose from. For street photography, I like the Rokinon 12mm f/2.0 MF lens ($249). It’s great for urban night shooting and for working among tall buildings during the day.
Another favorite is the Lumix 20mm f/1.7 pancake ($267). It’s fast, sharp, and allows me to pack the PEN-F in my jacket pocket. At a 40mm equivalent, it’s a wonderful all-around optic that I could leave on the camera all of the time.
Film Simulations and Custom Settings
Currently I have four film simulations loaded in the custom settings.
C1. - Kodak Ektar 100
C2. - Kodak Gold 200
C3 - Portra 400
C4 - Fuji Superia 200
Because the PEN-F provides precise adjustments for shadows, highlights, mid tones, and color, I’ve researched film recipes online that I can enter into the camera, then save each film look to a custom setting.
The PEN-F also has 3 adjustable monochrome looks plus an array of Art filters. I love the front dial that allows me to switch from one style to another.
Since Olympus doesn’t make this camera anymore, I’m hoping that mine lasts forever. It has become part of my personal photography folklore. And it’s a story that I never want to end.
Love my Pen-F. I use it less since the OM-1 came out because of its "outdoor" features including weather proofing. We need a Pen-F ii with weather proofing and some of the autofocus and ND features of the OM-1.
I recently switched systems, but couldn’t let go of my Pen-F and a couple of those small lenses you mentioned. I also like the Panasonic 35-100mm ƒ/4-5.6 for a little reach. I’d love to hear more about your film recipes.