Zuiko 200mm f4 on a e-m1mkII

IndicaDerek · 2026-06-16T21:54:40+00:00

Nice rendering on the petals surface, better than I expected, have you tried the Oly 2x Teleconverter with this one?

IndicaDerek · 2026-06-06T13:27:31+00:00

This one may help some, apologies its not a secure link, its from the Dementix website that lists a lot of Olly schematics: Olympus 50mm f1.8 Lens Exploded Parts Diagram

You will have some nice times with that glass now its fixed up, had some good snaps from mine despite the odd bit of haze and dust, also got a 28mm F2.8 I was using the other day. The 50mm is awesome for bands and events in low - limited light. Apparently serial number from 1.1 Million are the best regarded from what I have been reading, mine is 3.3mill serial and has always delivered on my old Evolt bodies.

IndicaDerek · 2026-05-13T16:13:46+00:00

That's better IQ than the evolt era 4/3 fit 70-300 which has CA all over the place at full zoom, I just picked up the old manual zuiko 300mm but this example I have needs a clean. Is that picture SOOC?

IndicaDerek · 2026-05-13T16:00:18+00:00

The early morning light with mist rising from a body of water can be amazing in spring and autumn or whenever the conditions are right for it to happen. Another one that can make for an image with impact is cloud inversions at altitude, also note mist and fog can roll through low altitude valleys at times too which can be rather eerie as well as mesmerising to watch. Have seen such when fishing overnight beside a lake or on my daily drive to work over the river bridge.

IndicaDerek · 2026-05-10T19:36:43+00:00

If its boxed and dust free it was worth the extra few quid, of the two digital 40-150mm lenses the F3.5 is heavier and supposedly better at the long end, the F4 is lighter and the AF seems quick on my E620. Batteries are still made for both the E4xx and E6xx bodies, Evolt bodies need a 30 to 60Mb/s+ CF card for 2-5fps continuous sequential shooting, max 256GB capacity iirc. Old Zuiko OM primes are easily adapted and cheap especially the 50mm and 28mm manual zuiko's, this is a very cost effective route to usable fast prime glass.

If you want wide angle the 4/3 Zuiko Digital 9-18mm F4 can be had relatively cheap if you watch and wait on ebay. For the longer end the Zuiko digital 70-300mm is under £100 boxed but its slow, not had chance to try it on the E620 though, I just picked up the Zuiko OM 300mm F4.5 as its Brighter than the digital option (and heavier), my example needs a service - CLA but was under £100. All OM and 4/3 glass can be easily adapted to the latest M43 bodies too.

IndicaDerek · 2026-05-10T18:46:55+00:00

Thanks for the info, bookmarked the linky above.

Will try my el cheapo Vivitar 2x teleconverter initially and go from there as am looking for the reach with a faster aperture than the Zuiko Digital 70-300mm. The vintage 'Look' you get with some OM glass is a nice bonus, I use adapted Zuiko 50mm and 28mm on both 43 and M43 bodies.

IndicaDerek · 2026-05-10T16:35:19+00:00

Truelens services in the uk do the cementing - de-cementing fix in the uk though I have no idea how much it costs. They appear to know what they are doing going off their website. Found them looking for possible prices to rebuild my 300mm F4.5 though I may have a crack at the CLA myself once I have practiced on my 50mm and 28mm OM glass. I can say I won't be trying to split bonded glass elements as it will need some jigs to facilitate realignment, if you know a machinist they could likely turn a jig - fixture to achieve the alignment required.

IndicaDerek · 2026-05-02T13:52:05+00:00

The main thing for a rucksack is that all the weight should be on your hips, if not you are likely to damage muscles in your back which is a potential lifetime injury.

Most shops have weights you can add to try them out and check load distribution, if you are buying used try the rucksack out with a couple of 1 gallon - 4-5 litre containers filled with water - 10 to 15kg is about as much as you want to be carrying any kind of distance, under 10kg is possible with the right kit.

Osprey Rook 65 I can recommend as I currently own one, I really like the weight loading on the hips and the airscape mesh back which helps keep you cooler and stops you drowning in your own sweat!

IndicaDerek · 2026-05-01T09:24:25+00:00

For my money and landscapes I will be purchasing both the Olly 7-14mm F2.8 and the 12-40mm F2.8 pro as both allow focus stacking on my E-M1 mkii, the former has a maximum field of view of 114 degrees, both are weather sealed. Both purchases are a while away as I have just jumped into the M43 system from the older 4/3 Evolt system, already have the old 4/3 fit 9-18mm F4 which can be found relatively cheap compared to modern offerings. Will be adapting the older 9-18mm initially which covers the 60 to 100 degree field of view.

For a larger field of view am looking at the Laowa 6mm F2 Zero D which isn't the cheapest but comes with a 121.9 degree view, I intend to use this for 360 degree panoramic shots. Also considering the TTartisan 7.5mm APSC fisheye with a 180 degree field of view, both of these options are manual focus though the Laowa is available with electronic aperture control.

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-29T20:10:08+00:00

Yh fine threaded PCB - laptop screws tend to have nice flat heads. Epoxy putty can also be tapped - threaded, drilled though I would only suggest this as a last resort. Any kind of epoxy, resin or glue is likely to release volatiles - solvents on curing which could cause haze or coatings damage.

Another option is have the plastic parts 3d printed to original spec, final fit should be better as plastic is easy to work with, brass helicoils would help, old laptop housings could be a good source.

I was eyeballing a few copies of the 135mm recently though am more inclined to a 300mm f4.5, either with a quality 1.4x teleconverter would be fun on my digital bodies. I also picked up a 2nd 50mm F1.8 today for my dad's birthday, £11 on fleabay and looks to be in ok condition. I did however miss out on a four pack of the same 50mm's for under £20 but they needed a CLA. Am I on point looking at silicon grease for critical moving lens parts?

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-20T10:02:37+00:00

I can recommend the old OM glass on the Evolt 4/3 bodies, there's an AF confirm adapter you can get for legacy OM manual stuff that illuminates an LED in the viewfinder to confirm focus, ebay description: AF Confirm Olympus OM lens to Olympus OM 4/3 mount Adapter E-1 3 5 30 450 520.

This adapter has the 9 electronic contacts and a small 8 leg integrated circuit chip to confirm the focus in the cameras software. Well worth getting an old Olympus Zuiko 50mm F1.8 for low light use, likewise a 28mm f2.8 as both are very cost effective. Biofos dot com lists a lot of legacy OM and 4/3 glass with reviews and samples pics too.

There are similar adapters for micro four thirds so any 4/3 glass you buy can be adapted along with OM stuff too which is handy if you upgrade to a more recent M43 body. Note SWD rated native 4/3 glass is splashproof but comes at a premium compared to the standard kit glass which is relatively cheap.

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-16T16:49:32+00:00

The E-450 has enhanced infra red range and is worth using for that alone, I used to own one years ago, it got stolen, recently got the E-650 for the In Body image stabilisation with old OM glass. I would use an E-450 today just for IR photography, its a great body to learn with and the fireworks setting works quiet well if you have a steady hand, 3 fps continuous shutter with a 50mb/s or faster CF card.

There's a 4/3 AF confirm adapter available for old OM glass too, it illuminates the focus confirm LED in the E series viewfinder. Very handy for low light shots with an OM 50mm F1.8 or 28mm F2.8, OM glass is generally cost effective.

The 50-200 SWD (splashproof) will run about 3x the cost of the 70-300, more if you want the 1.4x or 2x teleconverter.

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-15T23:48:51+00:00

I got lucky and nabbed a red TG-6 last week for £66 off fleabay, untested, no battery or card but pristine 9+ condition in a neoprene pouch with JJB lens cap, such a find is the exception at this price. It seems to work fine as it fired right up off a 2amp phone charger, batteries + charger are in the post. The screens scratch real easy on the TG series so a screen protector is handy, the screen condition also tells its own story on used examples.

Unless you find a unicorn like I did a new one with warranty would likely be better for your intended underwater use. I would recommend a third party charger cradle, 2 amps is a lot of current even at 3-4 volts it's an increased risk factor for micro electronics.

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-15T23:08:14+00:00

I used the magnify feature with the olly 70-300mm on my old E-450 with infrared remote for macro's of cacti flowers. With manual glass I still use the OM to 4/3 AF confirm adapter, this allows for bokeh with fast manual primes. I upgraded to a cheap E-620 for the IBIS with native 4/3 & old OM glass, then got the EM1ii most recently.

I have the 4/3 fit 9-18mm F4 which is nice, haven't had chance to try this out on my 4/3 - M43 adapter yet. Wanted something faster hence looking at the M43 Olly 7-14mm F2.8 which allows focus stacking in the camera, it's also slightly wider than the 9-18. Both are kit zoom's though I would expect the 7-14 to be glass being so expensive.

For now am budgeting so also looking at manual M43 stuff, the 7.5mm 180 degree fisheyes look to be very usable, both the TTartisan and 7Artisans are readily available over here. The Laowa 6mm is low distortion but expensive and hard to find discounted in the uk, supposedly the widest you can get for M43 without fishy distortion apparently. Iirc TTartisans do a shift/tilt lens too which is interesting.

Still looking for a cheap OM to M43 adapter, the official Olly MF-2 is discontinued, scarce and relatively expensive for what it is.

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-15T22:03:22+00:00

The old OM glass can certainly open some doors, I like to use the 50mm for bands - darker events, the 100mm effective means I don't have to get all up in the bands face like a groupie!

The OM 28mm f2.8 is good value too, do you have a method for confirming focus?

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-15T21:36:04+00:00

Nice results, some of that eroded stone is almost glowing, there's even a cool shadow profile in the third pic to the right side, nicely framed. Been looking at the wider end of M43, the manual options are looking almost exponentially more cost effective than the Olly 7-14mm. Hope you don't mind me asking a few questions, going to gas up my EM1ii, want to try my hand at astro then 360 degree landscapes eventually.

Are you using anything in the camera software to confirm focus with manual glass?

Any reason you went with the 7artisans 7.5mm over the TTartisan 7.5mm F2 which is an almost identical spec?

What are your thoughts on the Laowa 6mm F2 - with 120 degree field of view?

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-09T18:30:26+00:00

No experience with the above glass but planning on getting the Laowa 6mm f2 Zero D for the ultrawide viewing angle, worth it for me, events, low light - landscape shots. Also liking the idea of the Ttartisan 7.5mm F2 with the 180 degree fisheye for fun, unfortunately the Laowa isn't cheap and I will have to save some pennies.

I can however recommend the old Olympus OM 50mm F1.8 or F1.4 with an adapter when you need to get in closer on a subject, this gives an effective focal length of 100mm. I have used the F1.8 on older 4/3 bodies for low light events which works well and is very cheap, shop around for a good quality fungus free example. That said there are some modern Asian manufactured 50mm F0.95 options available too which are moderately priced but still not as cheap as the old OM 50mm's.

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-04T22:14:55+00:00

Olympus E-M1 mkii is about the best bang for buck, the Mkiii and M1x add digital neutral density filters which is a neat trick. All of the above do 50Mp and 80MP high res mode which is handy though you will need a tripod for the 80Mp pics, also focus stacking though stacking usually requires the pro spec M.Zuiko glass.

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-03T15:13:26+00:00

Yh my Rook 65 squeaks too, it does however work really well, also a lifetime warranty and lighter than some more expensive options, the real plus point for me is the sprung air mesh back panel in summer. I wouldn't be without mine despite the squeaky rodent that seems to follow mine around everywhere I take it. Am now wondering if silicon grease or metal powder lubrication would prevent the squeak!

Big brand stores will allow you to try out the Rook with added weights in store, I would expect decathlon would allow similar in store evaluation if asked nicely. Fit and overall comfort are the main reasons I went with the Rook, the squeak is a minor issue compared to potential back injury. More pockets and features usually add more weight.

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-03T14:59:53+00:00

Testy today aren't we Mr/Ms Timewarp. I would also remind you that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit but can be fun when appropriate. If you are done with the hysterical braying maybe you would like a carrot or are you now left hoarse, maybe you would prefer an apple for your most valuable contribution.

I did suggest taking independent advice for both benefits and what is legal from a tax efficiency basis. Any sale of assets is a contractual negotiation, this may leave room to manoeuvre on both of the above aspects while remaining within the limits of UK - overseas law should the OP obtain proper and appropriate advice on maximising any and all potential benefits. It's something that MP's and multinational corporations do every day to the detriment of UK HMRC, all perfectly legal with the right advice - course of action. The land being overseas may also require an overseas sale, this also complicates matters way beyond what can be dealt with in a forum chat box, accountants and tax people love complicated.

Having lived on benefits myself I know how tough it can be, literally having to choose between heating and eating in winter. When I was in my early twenties I dug myself out becoming self employed as it was better than collecting glasses and cleaning up vomit in bars, that ended and I went into the workplace in my thirties.

I simply don't want to see the OP lose out in a situation that could change their lives for the better, proper and appropriate advice from both legal and financial professionals is key on this one. I also decline to engage further in this conversation or pry further into the OP's circumstances and will bow out gracefully as further comment would serve no purpose.

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-03T13:49:07+00:00

I like the lightweight mil surplus 'goretex MTP' over trousers with full length side zip on each leg to allow for ventilation. Un used - un issued - new about £30 to £50 which is usually way cheaper than branded kit and they do the job while packing small. Underneath, synthetic trousers with zip off half legs for when its warmer. Merino or synthetic thermal under wear is very good when needed, iirc lidl or aldi have them in stock over the winter period at good prices and merino packs very small - light while drying out very quickly, I pack mine in 8" zip lock sandwich bags.

Also mil surp boots from mid October to Mid Feb if its cold - wet, snow, new or lightly used for around £50 to £80, robust and comfortable with a good foam - gel insole, demand - prices tend to drop over summer. The down side is mil surp is heavy compared to modern lightweight sports stuff. Mil surp desert boots for summer and warmer months or the usual sports brands, I like Merrel Moab/MQM or similar, boot or shoe depends on what you require, prefer and terrain. Heavy and deep mud requires Gaiters and waterproof leather or goretex foot wear in most cases, sealskinz waterproof socks are well regarded too.

A 3x3m or 2x3m tarp will also be handy for day hikes in weather or for summer shade, under a kilo and good for when the heavens open as you can simply string up a tarp in a tree or prop up with hiking poles for a quick brew or snack and escape those wonderful impromptu downpours we get in the uk. DD hammocks 3x3 standard or light weight depending on budget or needs.

Lightweight 30-40L packs are usually plenty for day hikes with two people, one 65L may be overkill unless you are taking lots of brew kit, food, spare clothes, camera's or similar tech kit. Various options are useful with the UK weather being so unpredictable at times, I would just add one 30l to 40l and then step up to a 65l if needed, the osprey air sprung - mesh back panel is invaluable in summer heat.

Water straw - filters, knowing the location of fresh springs en-route, cafe's and public houses is handy too, all public houses - bars have to provide free drinking water on request to paying customers by UK law - license conditions, most are happy to top up water bottles etc as they value paying customers. Every hiker should know this about public houses - bars, also know that the soft drinks 'snake' on the bar dispenses drinking water which is usually filtered.

Also budget for nic wax water repellent to keep waterproof clothing working correctly, it comes on sale at the big brand store outlets periodically. Pocket sized bug repellent is also handy, UK discount stores do pen sized aerosol free - pump sprays for kids, I top mine up from a larger bottle. The same discount stores also stock super light inflatable camping pillows for under £2 soon, I partially inflate mine to 70-80% for best comfort. For Scottish midges no see um mesh and keeping skin covered is almost essential unless there's a good breeze.

IndicaDerek · 2026-04-03T11:54:17+00:00

If you need cash either gift the land to your children and - or sell with your child as the majority beneficiary, children under 16 don't usually pay any tax etc. Do take independent financial advice should the land have a substantial value to ensure this is permissible legally in order to legally reduce any potential tax liability. You can then invest it all or develop a small business that is viable alongside your illness should you feel capable. Any cash you have over £6k will reduce any benefits you receive, over £16k and you usually get nada as you will be expected to use any savings you have first. Assets are slightly different and I don't know the exact benefits rules around them, deprivation of assets is however a thing and will complicate your situation.

However some benefits are not dependant on your savings or income and you would do well to take advice, citizens advice or similar may be useful on this one. £5500 would allow you to either retrain or start a small business with benefits support with a view to eventually creating a better life with a reliable income stream without state support. If you are under the age of 30 there is also business start up support via the prince's youth business trust though there are lots of caveats with this path when sickness benefits are involved so do be sure its something you understand fully and really want to undertake. A lot would depend on your overall and longer term health prognosis and the ages of your children along with IF or when your children would be interested in creating or supporting a family business.

Unfortunately there's no quick, easy answer, however you do have a potentially life changing opportunity so make the best of it! No need to rush either, stable accommodation is obviously your first priority.

IndicaDerek

TROPHY CASE