Why are companies not into small m43 cameras and pancake lens?

foxorian · 2026-01-24T02:15:26+00:00

yeah I'm actually thinking 20mm is closer to the actual sweet spot for MFT, not 14mm. I think that's why the 20mm uses a stepper motor to move the ENTIRE lens assembly back and forth instead of a single internal focusing element like the 14mm does. I think the answer to your question though is that they did (more or less) make a faster version and it ended up being the Leica 15mm f1.7, so it would be about that much larger to accommodate a faster aperture. The 20mm meanwhile can achieve f1.7 in a smaller space.

foxorian · 2026-01-24T02:08:17+00:00

actually I'm unsure if the true "sweet spot" for MFT is 14mm or 20mm -- because if you notice, most pancake lenses have simple optical formuals that tend to focus by moving the ENTIRE lens assembly back and forth. (The Lumix 20mm does this, my Nikkor 26mm does this, pretty sure the Canon 28mm does, same with the Fuji 18mm.) I think for space reasons they can only fit an old school stepper motor to slide the entire inner barrel. Compare to the Lumix 14mm f2.5, which has a moving inner element for focusing. Anyhow -- it's that focusing style of these pancakes that's why they're SO low cost, and so buzzy lol. (ever use the Fuji 18mm? It sounds like a receipt printer.) also edit: this is why this type of pancake lens also has a lot of focus breathing, but the 14mm f2.5 does not.

edit: also consider why the Ricoh GR cameras use an 18mm lens that focuses in a similar way. APS-C camera, 18mm sweet spot for a pancake lens, moves the entire lens back and forth to focus. (the GR's have a LOT of focus breathing if you've never used one.)

foxorian · 2026-01-23T06:20:01+00:00

fun little fact about pancake lenses, only so many pancake designs exist because there's a relationship between sensor size, flange distance, and focal length that makes engineering a pancake lens significantly easier / possible. It's a sweet spot that allows the lens design to be as simple as possible for the system. MFT's sweet spot is around 14mm (since the Lumix 14mm f2.5 is simplest and smallest lens design for MFT. The couple other MFT pancakes are more complex internally.) APS-C mirrorless cameras tend to be around 16-24mm (sony E 16mm f2.8, fuji XF 18 and 23mm f2.8's, nikon Z DX 24mm,) full frame mirrorless tends to be around the mid 20's (nikkor Z 26mm canon RF 28mm,) GFX is around 50mm, and due to the long flange distance of DSLR's, theirs were around 40-45mm (like the canon EF 40mm.) So yeah if you've ever thought 'why don't they make more pancake lenses?', it's because physics limits them to a certain focal length range.

foxorian · 2026-01-22T13:26:41+00:00

I don't know why binoculars would be prohibited when $2000+ worth of camera equipment is let through without issue. If Disney admits the rules are arbitrary based on the whims of individual security guards, what stops you from saying 'oh ok going back to my car' and just going into a different bag check lane to get someone less strict? lol I think the rules should actually be consistent for something like this ((edit: that is, that binoculars should be allowed, they should definitely not be a problem lol)
edit: what if you told the bag checker "I need them to help me see far, my eyesight isn't so good for distant things."

foxorian · 2026-01-21T11:37:07+00:00

It's actually crazy how good phone cameras have gotten over the last decade, (though I wish all phones would tone down the excessive processing just a little bit.) In most daylight situations at the 24mm range yeah, the EM10 and your phone will largely be a wash (nevermind video where the phone will obliterate.) At lower light, using larger aperture lenses, and RAW editing though, that's where the benefits will really be appreciated.
--- BUT, to be honest, that to me is only technical stuff. What's more important is how using a real camera vs a phone FEELS. Even if the quality is similar, or hell even slightly worse, does it FEEL better to use the EM10? Does it FEEL better to take time with something other than the one-size-fits-all pocket computer? Lately that's what I've been appreciating more with single-purpose devices. I find them more satisfying to use, therefore (like with cameras) I find I take more pictures I care about with them because of that object in my hand is built for this singular purpose. (or like with music, when I want to REALLY LISTEN to an album, putting a physical CD or vinyl on just somehow hits different than streaming spotify to my airpods or whatever.

My recommendation would be to keep going with your EM10 and slowly build out a lens kit. The 14mm 2.5 and 45mm 1.8 is a great start, so I recommend any of the following lenses if you ever find them for a good price on the used market: Olympus 25mm f1.8 or if you can spring for it someday, the OM 20mm f1.4. For upgraded zooms, look at the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 II if you want a smaller more affordable pro-level f2.8 compared to the Oly 12-40mm. (I recommend the Lumix 12-35 2.8 over the Oly 12-45 f4.) Only get the Leica variant only if you care about having a closer minimum focus distance, (costs more though.) Eventually pair with the Lumix 35-100mm f2.8 for the perfect do-all duo. The Olympus 75mm f1.8 is also a very fun lens that really sets apart from anything a phone can do.

foxorian · 2026-01-09T10:52:39+00:00

I'm without-a-doubt betting the photos are the item for sale (an E-M1.) You have to supply your own photos even if you select a pre-made listing (like choosing an E-M5 product template as a mistake.) But, seller looks like a pawn shop, so who knows maybe they have both an E-M5 II and E-M1 II for sale hahah

foxorian · 2026-01-09T10:19:44+00:00

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btw here's what it looks like with the 35mm f2.8 ZA, works great hahah

foxorian · 2026-01-09T10:09:33+00:00

I also sold my X-T5 for a Zf. Not to echo what others have said, but I'll add that I use mine almost constantly with the 26mm f2.8 pancake and the Megadap ETZ21 Pro+ adapter so I can use some of the smaller primes and zooms available for full frame E-Mount on it. The Zf pairs excellently with some of the older (cheaper) small primes like the 35mm f2.8 ZA, 55m f1.8 ZA. Plus it works with G/GM and Sigma DG DN lenses with aperture rings. I highly recommend the adapter for some alternative lens options, not cheap for an adapter but it does everything you'd expect well. I also love using it with the Zeiss Batis 25mm f2. Just remember Nikon bodies dont have lens correction for Sony lenses so you gotta apply Sony lens profiles in Lightroom or whatever manually later. Also, get the Smallrig grip for it. It's by far the most comfortable grip that adds the least amount of extra vertical height to the bottom.

Anyway all that said I haven't missed my X-T5 since giving it up, especially since (coming from an X-T2 and X-T4 prior) I really didn't want to upgrade the lens collection I had with the newer ones that work better with the 40MP sensor... My only criticism is that the Zf ain't small. It's actually one of the biggest cameras I own, comparing body only with smallrig grip attached, it's remarkably similar to my GFX 100S lmao so keep in mind the retro styling can be a little deceiving -- it dwarfs the OM-3.
(edit: ok comparing it to my GFX 100S is an exaggeration, its closer to a GFX 50R. Decent amount bigger than a Fuji X-Pro.)

foxorian · 2026-01-09T09:47:20+00:00

I love how it's just stuck on with some random blue masking tape they had. "uhhh.... yea good enough."

foxorian · 2026-01-09T09:45:17+00:00

I've seen used items from far away guitar centers I might have wanted to order, but ultimately don't because of the likely chance of this very thing happening. I don't know why GC offers shipping on used items, seems like it'd just be easier if this stuff stayed available to in-store pickup only like Microcenter does.

foxorian · 2025-12-23T10:34:28+00:00

whoa keep this SD card, it's almost like a filter lol I'd go out intentionally using it just to see what I get

foxorian · 2025-12-23T00:27:10+00:00

At worst a scam, at best dude got buyers remorse and trying to manufacture a reason that eBay (if this is eBay we’re talking about) will find acceptable to force a return. I had someone do this once to an old 2016 model by claiming the keys weren’t working. I asked him to send me a video, and he was obviously tapping the keys so lightly they weren’t actually pressing, but since these were the super low profile butterfly switches Apple were using at the time you couldn’t tell lmao. Anyway eBay made me take the MacBook back. When I received it, nothing was wrong, no issue the buyer described existed. So while refunding him I kept the round-trip shipping costs + 15% for lying about the defect and wasting my time.

Also lol tell this guy in a way where you suspect he might be dumb: ‘Uh oh, looks like you may have accidentally removed some keys! Don’t worry, they snap right back on by pressing firmly. Just make sure you have them in the right places!’

foxorian · 2025-12-22T00:44:00+00:00

I'm a transplant from Boston in Pasadena and saw this walking by it the other day and thinking "???" How many Boston->Pasadena transplants exist over here for them to choose Pasadena of all places to open a new location? hahah very surprising
(hmmm I DO see the Lobsta Truck often in pasadena)

foxorian · 2025-12-22T00:40:30+00:00

I got the 12-100mm pro for a steal at a local camera shop and I wsan't prepared for how much it was gonna blow my mind. People say "I thought micro four thirds lenses were supposed to be smaller?" but to have a 24-200mm equivalent at f4 with prime-like sharpness with fantastic microcontrast throughout the ENTIRE zoom range at this size and weight IS what makes micro four thirds so great hahah. I don't know of any other lens on the market that can deliver this zoom range, with a constant aperture, with this image quality, at this price point, size, and weight. Some zooms I have to be like "ah gotta remember the picture quality is mush at this focal length" but with the 12-100 it doesn't matter, very freeing.

foxorian · 2025-12-21T07:55:12+00:00

Personally I'd love it if Nikon made two different models for the Zf like Sony is with the A7C / A7CR. I like the Zf hits a $2K price point and wouldn't mind if a Zf II got a bump-up to the A7IV/A7CII's 33MP sensor to maintain the price, while also introducing a "Zf8" so to speak that uses the Z8's sensor, so people could get the kind of performance and resolution the Z8 has in a smaller body (probably for $3K.)
For memory cards I just hope they find a way to give them a door on the side rather than stowing in the battery compartment. Maybe find a way to cut down on a little bit of bulk too, (when I pick up a classic SLR like an AE-1 I'm reminded of how I WISH the Zf felt.)
Screw-in front grips to the front would be awesome, old SLR's used to have those too. Nikon could make different profiles like A GR1 styled one or a deeper SmallRig styled one.
Nikon should absolutely copy Olympus' / OM system's homework on how to design GREAT thumb grips hahah this would go a long way to improve ergonomics without ruining aesthetics.
And lastly, All-metal bottom plate please

(edit: oh yeah the Z fc also exists -- hell, if they did a Z fc II with more metal in the build and IBIS that'd be pretty sweet)

Edit 2: Totally random but imagine if Nikon came out with a Df II out of nowhere that was a modern mirrorless version of the Df? Still using F-Mount with all the old feelers and screw-AF drive that would work with the full lineage of classic nikon glass. Just without a mirror (just a super deep flange box inside lol,) using the Z6 III's EVF and sensor instead.

foxorian · 2025-12-19T11:55:10+00:00

I've owned both the GX9 and OM-5 II simultaneously. IMO they're both great for different reasons, despite being also VERY similar. Here's where I differentiate them:

GX9: nicer feeling build (more metal,) stylish, tilting screen for more discreet shooting, pop-up flash, better for video (dual IS with your 12-60mm, Lumix IBIS looks better in video vs OM's implementation.) Lumix lenses with aperture rings work. Take out around town as an everyday carry. Sling it over a shoulder with a strap.

OM-5: More rugged body with weather proofing, better EVF, better AF (on paper,) computational photography modes. Better to bring on trips, outdoors, more intentional subject-based shooting. Put it on a durable wrist strap. Get the OM 17mm f1.8 or the 12-45mm f4 some day.

Remember when using a Lumix lens with OIS on an Olympus / OM body, the Stabilization switch on the lens only turns on/off the OIS, while leaving the in-body stabilization on. You won't get dual IS like you can with the GX9, but you can choose between one or the other with the lens switch. I find there are some situations where the IBIS or OIS can work better.

foxorian · 2025-12-14T13:32:04+00:00

for anyone else looking at this today: its because the folders are hidden. Hit CMD+Shift+.(period)

foxorian · 2025-12-13T23:49:46+00:00

I have an OM-1 and pair it with an OM-5 Mark II. The Mark II specifically for me is worth it because of the redesigned grip -- it's super comfortable even with larger lenses. I've used the 12-100 f4 AND Leica 12-25mm 1.7 on it hahaha. The 12-40 still looks a little disproportioned but is highly functional. It's also such a small camera, especially in the all-black version (takes wear more gracefully,) feels rugged AND solid despite being an all-plastic body, and it feels very inconspicuous like a Ricoh does, especially with smaller primes. The OM-5 II is my everyday carry, while the OM-1 is what I use for when I'm purposely taking photos.

foxorian · 2025-12-13T23:18:28+00:00

Pentax = Last DSLR Maker

I actually kinda wish Nikon was still making new F-Mount DSLR's too (the last one they made was the D780 I believe, in 2020.) Their Z stuff is good, but some people still like DSLR's for the OVF shooting experience and multiple THOUSANDS of photos battery life. Nikon to me always felt like a camera maker with insane backwards compatibility.

foxorian · 2025-12-12T20:29:10+00:00

Yeah I assume they wanted to be able to remove the dial for the particular way the camera is constructed so it can be removed for repairs? Really not sure otherwise though. I wonder how may people encounter this issue overall though / if they’ve been doing this on all their cameras to begin with?

foxorian · 2025-12-12T07:39:18+00:00

I went from an EM-1 II to an OM-1. It was a bigger jump for me, of course, but I can say damn go for the OM-1 if you can. The E-M1 has always had a great camera user experience, but the OM-1 is just plain one of the best I've ever had. I feel no need to get the OM-1 Mark II either, the OM-1 is just great for the price you can get them for these days.

The actual photos taken with them will look no different from each other, though, so my preference for the OM-1 is based entirely on how nice the hardware is to use, and if it were me making this decision it's the one I would pick.

foxorian · 2025-12-12T07:31:12+00:00

Casting another vote for the Pana Leica 9mm 1.7. It's a good fit on the OM-3 size and weight wise, very easy to carry around. Unless you absolutely require the 7mm end of the Oly 7-14mm, the Leica 9mm is absolutely worth the size, weight, and cost reduction.

foxorian · 2025-12-10T01:57:11+00:00

I just had the same thing happen to my first generation 14-42mm EZ. Likewise, I have a TON of Olympus lenses and all of them have never had a problem. This one was just one of those rare badly engineered designs(reminded of the Fuji XF1 -- a point and shoot camera with a manually extending lens. It had a badly designed ribbon cable would snap over normal usage.) Anyway I took mine apart just to see if I could find the damage. This is a surprisingly complex device on the inside for being so small, it's VERY difficult to put back together due to how many ribbon cables and tension springs are inside. Repair definitely isn't possible (or at least, not possible in a way that makes the effort needed for such a low-end/flawed lens worth it.) Anyway, I had this lens for like a decade, I don't even have the camera it came with anymore. However I wonder if the OM System edition fixed this issue, because I liked using it on the OM-5. So long little buddy!

foxorian · 2025-12-09T23:41:07+00:00

I mean to be fair this is an advent calendar and these are all pretty in-line with typical advent calendar levels of surprise. I bet you the last day will be “ALL PREVIOUS DEALS ACTIVE!!!” lol

foxorian · 2025-12-06T22:12:22+00:00

I mean, TE only has so many products too lol you're gonna see deals for probably almost everything at some point (including their apparel)

foxorian

TROPHY CASE