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

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).

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.

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.

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.

Sam Bennett wrote:
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.

Yeah, I've seen examples from Jordan and you. The Nikkor can show some gnarly bokeh with busy backgrounds as well, though it's not quite as pronounced as with the Nokton.

I guess we still need to wait for a small, affordable, high-speed ~40mm with buttery smooth bokeh.

I think it's just a matter if taste. I'm sort of becoming a convert towards the more "interesting" types of bokeh. It works for some things, doesn't for other. Thankfully stopping down even to f/2 helps quite a bit. If panasonic does do a more refined 40-ish fast prime I'll probably keep the Nokton for when I want to bring the funk. As great as the 20mm is, it's so smooth and clear that it can be boring for some work.

Here's a teaser for my groundbreaking review:

The best GF-1's attribute, as compares to my previous Canon G9, is the IQ and the flexibility, which I can add an EOS/FD adapter and use the avail. lens. Below is the sample images.

#1 with 20/1.7
#2 with 50mm f/1.8 II & adapter

Unfortunately I haven't had time to put together my "review", but here's some more impromptu shots from today...

Zara wrote:
Sam Bennett wrote:
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.

Yeah, I've seen examples from Jordan and you. The Nikkor can show some gnarly bokeh with busy backgrounds as well, though it's not quite as pronounced as with the Nokton.

I guess we still need to wait for a small, affordable, high-speed ~40mm with buttery smooth bokeh.


40 Summicron-C, runs about the same money as the 40 Nokton.

It's not as affordable, but the Pentax 43mm f1.9 Special is a very nice piece of glass in LTM mount. Bit rare though, so the price is much higher than its FA-Limited sibling.

mawz wrote:
40 Summicron-C, runs about the same money as the 40 Nokton.

Thanks! I've actually been thinking of a summicron but would prefer f/1.4 due to DoF and high ISO shooting. A 50's 'lux may be the answer, but getting a bit too rich for my wallet. Ah well, can't have it all

I think for now I'll sit tight with my Nikkor and Zeiss 50's and see what happens in the next few months.

These represent another one of the things I love about the GF1. Its Face Detection algorithm and decent focus speed means I can do a lot of shooting at arm's length or other positions where it would normally be difficult or impossible with the D700. These were all shot at my neice's daughter's birthday yesterday...

This shot was taken from the floor, very close to Al and myself. Relying on the Face Detection AF mode here, and could /just/ see framing from the position I was at.



This shot was taken at arm's length, stretching across the table, using Face Detection mode to nail focus. This was a fleeting moment which I probably would have missed if I attempted it with the D700.



This shot was taken when Ella started squealing behind me as I was photographing her sister opening presents. To get this shot, I reached over my shoulder with the camera at arm's length, relying on the camera's Face Detection AF mode, and viewing the LCD at an off-axis angle, adjusting to get the sun right behind her head. I wouldn't have been able to focus with the D700.



One of the things that became clear shooting yesterday is the limitation of the AE algorithms. In some of the heavily-backlit situations I was in, the AE was underexposing heavily. I could overcome this using Spot Metering, but my subjects were typically off-center, making this awkward (needing to use AE lock, etc.). I would love it if you could optionally have Sport Metering fixed to the AF point determined by Face Detect mode, using the "primary" as the metering point.

GF_1 No longer available at B&H ??

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/648494-REG/Panasonic_DMC_GF1C_K_Lumix_DMC_GF1_Digital_Camera.html

Yes, B&H and Adorama have both pulled the 20mm kits out of their system since Panasonic has told them they won't be receiving any. You can only buy the 14-45mm kits:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/648490-REG/Panasonic_DMC_GF1K_K_Lumix_DMC_GF1_Digital_Camera.html

Any ideas why these kits have been pulled Great kiddy shots, too, btw.

Sam wrote:

I would love it if you could optionally have Sport Metering fixed to the AF point determined by Face Detect mode, using the "primary" as the metering point.

110% agreement, and this could be done via a firmware update, too, I would think.