The GF1's best attribute?

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Sam Bennett
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p.1 #1 · The GF1's best attribute?

...the effect it has on spontaneity. I've gotten a lot of shots recently that I really like, that I just wouldn't have gotten if I didn't have my camera on me pretty much all the time now. All of the following shots I took either while taking the dogs out for a run/potty or while running an errand. When I have the GF1, I find that I'm more inclined to be aware of the world around me, always looking for something cool to capture in the moment...

Needless to say, some people get this same "effect" with a 5D and a fast 50, but for me... the GF1 is the camera that finally struck the balance between image quality, shooting flexibility and compactness. Love it! Can't wait to see where MFT goes next...

Nov 06, 2009 at 12:44 AM

Zara
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p.1 #2 · The GF1's best attribute?

Some really nice images Sam, though some curious banding going on in sky on the first two shots. Never seen that with my GF1 before.

I agree with you that one of the major strengths of the format lies in the portability. I'm having a second honeymoon with my GF1 as well!

Edited on Nov 06, 2009 at 12:59 AM · View previous versions

Nov 06, 2009 at 12:56 AM

Sam Bennett
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p.1 #3 · The GF1's best attribute?

Glad you like the shots - I think the banding is just from the JPEG compression - I guess I should add some noise!

Nov 06, 2009 at 12:58 AM

Spyro P.
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p.1 #4 · The GF1's best attribute?

I dont see banding, could it be Zara's monitor?
Nice photos

Nov 06, 2009 at 01:00 AM

Zara
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p.1 #5 · The GF1's best attribute?

What I really like is that you have to set ISO to 1600 if you want to see any substantial noise, and even then it's quite organic.

Have you tried other MF lenses in the 40-50mm range other than the CV you're using? I've been using a CY 50/1.4 and a Nikkor E 50/1.8 and while they've been pretty ok the m4/3 format does expose them both to be a bit softer wide open than they render on my 5D. And I'm not sure the CV 40/1.4 would be much different.

I also have a Summicron-R 50 that I've been using and it is quite good wide open at f/2. But it's a tank and I was hoping for something faster, and possibly in the 40mm range. The Hexanon AR 40/1.8 seems kind of intriguing...

Nov 06, 2009 at 01:07 AM

Zara
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p.1 #6 · The GF1's best attribute?

Spyro P. wrote:
I dont see banding, could it be Zara's monitor?

Of course it would be my monitor. That darn panel was expensive enough!

Seems like it's held up fairly well over the past 5 years, though no comparison to the wide gamut LCD's available these days

Nov 06, 2009 at 01:09 AM

teh_rebel
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p.1 #7 · The GF1's best attribute?

i do see the banding as well but thats gotta be due to jpg compression. great pics though. hopefully prices for this will be cheaper in the near future

Nov 06, 2009 at 02:07 AM

pingflood
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p.1 #8 · The GF1's best attribute?

Zara wrote:
Spyro P. wrote:
I dont see banding, could it be Zara's monitor?

Of course it would be my monitor. That darn panel was expensive enough!

Seems like it's held up fairly well over the past 5 years, though no comparison to the wide gamut LCD's available these days

Not your monitor, looks like jpeg compression artifacts.

Nov 06, 2009 at 02:08 AM

joanlvh
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p.1 #9 · The GF1's best attribute?

has anyone seen a red GF 1 for sale? thank you joanlvh

Nov 06, 2009 at 02:27 AM

Chuck Eklund
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p.1 #10 · The GF1's best attribute?

Very nice set of images. You are right Sam. There is no better camera than the one you have with you.

Chuck

Nov 06, 2009 at 03:03 AM

kevinsullivan
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p.1 #11 · The GF1's best attribute?

Nice shots! Being able to carry a half-decent digital camera anywhere, and being able to use one without appearing as a photodork, is great. Now I see the charm of the Leica M8.

Nov 06, 2009 at 03:11 AM

Sam Bennett
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p.1 #12 · The GF1's best attribute?

joanlvh wrote:
has anyone seen a red GF 1 for sale? thank you joanlvh

I think you can only order these from Asia, and in that case you run the risk of ending up with a camera without English menus. I personally would love a silver one.

Nov 06, 2009 at 02:27 PM

picnic
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p.1 #13 · The GF1's best attribute?

Yes, I think only the black GF1 is available in the US.

Nov 06, 2009 at 02:39 PM

AhamB
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p.1 #14 · The GF1's best attribute?

nm...

Nov 06, 2009 at 03:02 PM

vario1
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p.1 #15 · The GF1's best attribute?

They are available on Fleabay, but at a premium from the Japan dealers for the colored version, english menu. Came close to getting one, but got the black instead.
Silver and Red are available in english.

Nov 06, 2009 at 04:52 PM

jerrykur
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p.1 #16 · The GF1's best attribute?

Sam,

Great images.

What lenses were used in these shots? I only have the 20 1.7 and am wondering if should expand my collection.

Jerry

Nov 06, 2009 at 10:09 PM

Sam Bennett
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p.1 #17 · The GF1's best attribute?

All of them were with the 20mm f/1.7 - fantastic little lens.
P

Nov 06, 2009 at 11:34 PM

tmark
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p.1 #18 · The GF1's best attribute?

Questions for GF-1 owners:
1- do you have the viewfinder, and
2- if you have the viewfinder, how often do you have it on your camera while shooting ?

Nov 07, 2009 at 04:09 AM

Sam Bennett
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p.1 #19 · The GF1's best attribute?

I was excited to see the GF1 would have an optional EVF, but at this point I see no reason to get it. The LCD is fine for most of what I shoot with this camera.

Nov 07, 2009 at 12:06 PM

mawz
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p.1 #20 · The GF1's best attribute?

Zara wrote:
What I really like is that you have to set ISO to 1600 if you want to see any substantial noise, and even then it's quite organic.

Have you tried other MF lenses in the 40-50mm range other than the CV you're using? I've been using a CY 50/1.4 and a Nikkor E 50/1.8 and while they've been pretty ok the m4/3 format does expose them both to be a bit softer wide open than they render on my 5D. And I'm not sure the CV 40/1.4 would be much different.

I also have a Summicron-R 50 that I've been using and it is quite good wide open at f/2. But it's a tank and I was hoping for something faster, and possibly in the 40mm range. The Hexanon AR 40/1.8 seems kind of intriguing...

I've tried several SLR 40-50mm lenses, and they do relatively well on the G1, but a RF lens like the CV 40/1.4 is MUCH smaller and typically also performs a bit better wide open. Personally I use an old Nikkor 5cm f1.4 close-focus in LTM as my usual tele for m43 out of the half-dozen or so options in that range I own.

Nov 07, 2009 at 01:21 PM

picnic
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p.1 #21 · The GF1's best attribute?

tmark wrote:
Questions for GF-1 owners:
1- do you have the viewfinder, and
2- if you have the viewfinder, how often do you have it on your camera while shooting ?

I have had the GF1 for about a month or so. I knew that I needed the EVF and had it ordered. In the meantime I used my old Voigtlander 35mm finder which worked fine for composition but not for critical focusing. I can use the LCD for some things, but really do not like using an LCD for shooting unless on tripod (and there I will generally shoot with the G1).

So--now I have the EVF--got it just before a week's trip and yes, I use it all the time, do not take it off the camera body. No, its not as good as the G1 by a good amount, but yes--its good enough--and good enough for me to do manual focusing. Others may not feel this way about it but it made my GF1 a 'complete' camera and I shoot a lot with it.

Diane

Nov 07, 2009 at 01:25 PM

randomlinh
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p.1 #22 · The GF1's best attribute?

tmark wrote:
Questions for GF-1 owners:
1- do you have the viewfinder, and
2- if you have the viewfinder, how often do you have it on your camera while shooting ?
Yes, have it, and initially all the time. But the ONLY reason I don't now is I do not have a good way of keeping it in my bag w/o fearing me breaking it off...

My current solution looks to use an optech d-small pouch around the GF1 for messenger bag carrying or solo trips. The EVF will just strap itself to the neck strap. I'lll put the EVF on in bright situations or when I know I'll be shooting a bit.

I'll take any suggestions on keeping the EVF on full time tho, heh. Even tho it's taller than the G1, the overall body keeps it very compact feeling. Not for everyone though, cause the cost is drastically different if you consider some of the used G1's out there (and don't need video).

Nov 07, 2009 at 02:29 PM

picnic
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p.1 #23 · The GF1's best attribute?

I'm not using as small a bag as you--the Terraclime 100, where it fits nicely--and lightly--and I add one other lens (usually the 14-45 or a 40 f1/.8 MF). I can also take that wrap (from the TC) and stick the GF1/EVF/20 in it and put it in a medium sized handbag (likely you don't carry one LOL--but its similar to you messenger bag). I've wondered if the smaller Terraclime would be good with the GF1/EVF only.

I agree about the G1, BTW. Since I wanted the 20, it seemed economical to buy the GF1/20 and sell the body if I didn't like it. As it turned out, I'm carrying it most of the time--or both bodies.

Nov 07, 2009 at 02:56 PM

Zara
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p.1 #24 · The GF1's best attribute?

mawz wrote:
I've tried several SLR 40-50mm lenses, and they do relatively well on the G1, but a RF lens like the CV 40/1.4 is MUCH smaller and typically also performs a bit better wide open. Personally I use an old Nikkor 5cm f1.4 close-focus in LTM as my usual tele for m43 out of the half-dozen or so options in that range I own.

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. I think the CV 40/1.4 will probably go on my wish list. In the mean time, I'm fairly happy with my Nikkor E 50/1.8 stopped down to f/2.

Nov 07, 2009 at 07:31 PM

Sam Bennett
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p.1 #25 · The GF1's best attribute?

The CV 40mm is pretty funky wide-open with pretty busy bokeh, so be sure to check out some samples to see if it's your kind of thing.

Meanwhile, I'm shooting a small dog sports event this weekend, so I've had a chance to sneak in some shots with the GF1. Keep an eye out for a "D700 vs GF1" thread tonight. I'm sure the conclusion will stun everyone.

Nov 07, 2009 at 08:54 PM


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