HELP! I'm all of a dither and don't know what to do

[Zuiko]

[theMusicMan]

Re: I'm all of a dither and don't know what to do

John

Forgive me if I am way off the mark here... but is there a 4th option...? Have you considered selling everything and getting an EM-5 with whatever kit lens comes with that? I have no idea as to the cost of that option, but is it worth considering?

John

[The Saint]

[crimbo]

Re: I'm all of a dither and don't know what to do

Do you need bomb proof?...or is it a bit of GAS and you want it?
If that EM-5 is what you need then sell everything for the best price you can get
As for 4/3 or m4/3 you have already figured it out...you sell your 4/3 stuff and consolidate the m4/3....
....and if you really need to downsize....sell all and get an XZ-1
though my heart does go out to you as I dont think I would find following my own advice anywhere near easy....

[Phill D]

[Ulfric M Douglas]

Re: I'm all of a dither

Your cup is half-empty.

It doesn’t help that I currently run both Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds, effectively two systems. Rationalizing to just one system would definitely help; the problem is that each does something that the other doesn’t.

[JonSchick]

[Chevvyf1]

Re: I'm all of a dither and don't know what to do

John, how about a Wheely Trolley for the E-3 and lenses - it is easier to pull and you can even strap the 'pod on it this works for me and my poor old back ...

[Zuiko]

Re: I'm all of a dither and don't know what to do

Some great ideas, suggestions and comments - thank you. I will take a while to mull over everything and see if it leads me to a conclusion, or at least a plan. Thanks again.

[Barr1e]

Re: I'm all of a dither and don't know what to do

Some great ideas, suggestions and comments - thank you. I will take a while to mull over everything and see if it leads me to a conclusion, or at least a plan. Thanks again.

I hope the plan might include the EM-5 - seems most suitable for you John.

Regards. Barr1e

[Ross the fiddler]

Re: I'm all of a dither and don't know what to do

I hope the plan might include the EM-5 - seems most suitable for you John.

Regards. Barr1e

That is my feeling too, but the price maybe the most difficult thing at present. I saw a video from someone with a 'tick' in his right arm, but the left hand could help steady it, however, taking a smooth video was a challenge for him, but the E-M5 (with its 5 axis IS) made a huge difference.

John, I hope you can come up with an answer OK at some point, but I would encourage you to not to do anything too rash too quickly. Something good might come along yet.

[Pjphoto59]

Re: I'm all of a dither and don't know what to do

John,

First of all, I wholeheartedly agree with this:

But really pleased it's a different conversation than the one a few months back.

I have spent the last year or so, going through a similar process to yourself.

Two years ago I bought an EP-1/17mmm kit. This was and is a revelation in portability. Shortly after I got it I went on holiday in the Alps and was well pleased with the results, in fact I ended up with more images to put on Alamy than I had the previous year when I took the E410 and 14-54.

Last year, seeing that EVF seems to be the way that things are going, I bought a G2/ 14-42 kit. The results are good, it is small and light and around town it has the benefit of not looking like a proper camera.

But, (there is always a but) I am really not happy with the EVF. It gives a 100% view and is better than the E620 for alignment and framing, but the colour rendering in flat or high contrast bright conditions is poor. You can adjust it of course, but I don't want to do that every time the light changes.

The Oly VF2 is reportedly better but I am loth to get another Pen body just to try it out.

I have a big investment in 4/3 lenses and none of them work well enough for me on M4/3

I am certainly much less able to carry heavy kit now than I was 7 years ago when I was 65 and I got the E1/14-54/50-200.

So I found myself in a similar position to yourself although without your unfortunate financial constraints. Last Friiday I made my decision:

Sold off E410, GX100 and a whole lot of bits and pieces in P/E for a Mint E5. It should arrive on tuesday.

So the plan is:

Photographic trips where I will be in reasonable reach of the car E5 and whatever lenses I need.

Walkabout in town etc. E620 + 25mm.

In my pocket as the always to carry camera EP-1 and Panny 14-42PZ

G2 + 14-42 + adaptor and Oly 40-150. when I need EFL 28-300 in a compact and lightweight package. May sell it if not used much.

Of course the big unknown is how I get on with carrying the E5.

Perhaps this will give you some more to think about in yor own circumstances.

All the best

[Crippledsandwich]

Re: I'm all of a dither and don't know what to do

Hi John I'm glad its changed from selling up to now consider a different path. My partner has ms, she likes to use my cameras but often finds it hard to keep the camera steady (620 and e1) but she love using the pen mini its light fast and extremely portable. If I was face with your and my partners condition I would strongly consider the mft route. Look to the future its mft and the primes on offer look really good to.

[Chevvyf1]

Re: I'm all of a dither and don't know what to do

Hi John I'm glad its changed from selling up to now consider a different path. My partner has ms, she likes to use my cameras but often finds it hard to keep the camera steady (620 and e1) but she love using the pen mini its light fast and extremely portable. If I was face with your and my partners condition I would strongly consider the mft route. Look to the future its mft and the primes on offer look really good to.

Chris, I too fear something is amiss - and I now use a tripod or lean on something and use the remote shutter release, all the time ! But for now I am sticking with my E-5 and heavy old 4/3rds kit

[Zuiko]