On 4/28/06, Peter Klein <pklein@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Hi, I'm Peter, and I am deep in the digital dumps. :-)
>
> Seriously, I am a confirmed rangefinder shooter. I also have an OM-2 and a
> few Zuikos. I really prefer the look and dynamic range of film.
You can discount everything I say. I'm a confirmed SLR shooter. I
like the look of film but don't prefer it to straight-ahead pixels.
> Olympus changed the road map. There are no fast digital Zuiko primes,
> except a 50/2, which is too long for most indoor work. The OM lenses work
> OK, but only with stop-down metering. Metering and exposure are off at
> widest apertures--in different directions. Using a 28/2.8 as a normal lens
> is an exercise in frustration--I just can't focus it. The 50/3.5 macro is
> wonderful. So is my late-serial 50/1.4 But, due to some fluke of the 4/3
> design, the 50/1.4 only gives me a f/1.8
> worth of light at the sensor, so using it wider than f/2 is pointless. And
> it's a portrait/medium tele lens on the E-1. Stop-down metering is a PITA
> except for static subjects.
Yes, my experience with the adapter is similar. In a different
direction, I am struggling to get good with the DZ 50-200 and sports.
With AF on, my shots are a pig in a poke: no real composition possible
as you're just trying to follow the subject. I have a lot of work to
do here. Manual focusing is actually more successful, but the
one-stage zoom and focus of the Tamron 80-200 is far superior for
this. I shoot fewer but better shots with the Tamron.
> I like small and light. I realize the E-1 plus standard zoom is smaller
> and lighter than the better Canon and NIkon offerings, but it's a lot
> bigger an heavier than an OM or Leica and a prime.
In the digital world, given what the cameras are doing as compared
with the far greater simplicity of the OMs, I am quite satisfied with
the relative size of the E-1. The comfort and handling are more
significant than size to me now.
> So, what would you do if you were me?
>
> 1. Shut up and keep shooting film for now. There's a digital Leica M in your
> future. Start saving big-time.
Or at least keep saving for the Next Greatest Thing.
> 2. Olympus is what it is. Sell the E-1, along with your OM stuff, take
> your losses, and buy a used Pentax *ist body and 50/1.7 or 50/1.4. Use
> it to satisfy your digital lusts until the digital RF of your dreams comes
> out, be it Leica, Zeiss, or
> Epson R-D2.
Not me. Sorry.
> 3. Sell the E-1, but get a used Canon 20D body. Or one of the digital
> Rebels. Plus a Canon 50/1.8 or 50/1.4 and a Katz Eye screen. And the
> CameraQuest adapter for your OM lenses.
Did you say you had tried a Katz Eye screen in your E-1? Might help
with the 28.
> 4. Olympus will come through eventually. Hang tight. The new sensor
> in the Olympus E-330 shows promise. A Japanese Olympus executive did
> say recently that they recognize that primes are needed and they will
> come eventually. Your 14-54/2.8-3.5 is a great lens, better than any
> other kit lens. It will work well on a newer body.
My biggest dissatisfaction with the E-1 at this point is the measly
LCD. But when the payload comes off the card, I forget about it.
> Sorry for the rant, but my frustration level hit some critical point this
> week. Any thoughts?
>
> --Peter
I honestly don't know where an inveterate rangefinder guy finds
comfort in a digital SLR. If you want high ISOs, I think Can*n is
your best bet. If you haven't used a Katz Eye in the E-1, you could
give it a shot. Good luck in your decision, Peter.
Joel W.
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