The lure of the Pen f
p.1 #1The lure of the Pen f
I currently have a lot of gear, everything from Fuji GFX, Leica M, Fuji X, Canon and MFT, among a bit of others. I’m planning to cull quite a bit. I know I keep MFT for birds. I keep GFX for its letterbox format. Canon stays for studio stuff and adapting classic lenses.
Where I’m facing the dilemma is whether to keep Leica or Fuji for street.
But then I took my Pen f with me on a walk. It doesn’t get that much use, generally, other than as a second camera with the tiny 45/1.8 when I have a wide angle lens on the Leica.
That Pen f is still a joy to carry with the small lenses. And recent tests showed me its IQ is more than enough for street shooting. Plus, it’s a gorgeous piece of kit, one that’s already a modern classic.
Some of the Olympus lenses allow me to use zone focusing AND switch to AF, which is matched only by much larger lenses for my Fuji kit and impossible with the Leica. So, it’s versatile.
It’s not a do-it-all camera, as it lacks a second card slot, good CAF and weather sealing. But the competitors I have, a Fuji X-E5 and the Leica M, also have similar or other shortcomings.
Since I like to shoot with similar cameras when I can afford it, I just bought a second Pen f to see how I like shooting two side by side.
Anyone else still impressed by that little camera?
(This of course also means OM System will finally announce a Pen f II, now that I’ve spent good money on an old camera…)
Where I’m facing the dilemma is whether to keep Leica or Fuji for street.
But then I took my Pen f with me on a walk. It doesn’t get that much use, generally, other than as a second camera with the tiny 45/1.8 when I have a wide angle lens on the Leica.
That Pen f is still a joy to carry with the small lenses. And recent tests showed me its IQ is more than enough for street shooting. Plus, it’s a gorgeous piece of kit, one that’s already a modern classic.
Some of the Olympus lenses allow me to use zone focusing AND switch to AF, which is matched only by much larger lenses for my Fuji kit and impossible with the Leica. So, it’s versatile.
It’s not a do-it-all camera, as it lacks a second card slot, good CAF and weather sealing. But the competitors I have, a Fuji X-E5 and the Leica M, also have similar or other shortcomings.
Since I like to shoot with similar cameras when I can afford it, I just bought a second Pen f to see how I like shooting two side by side.
Anyone else still impressed by that little camera?
(This of course also means OM System will finally announce a Pen f II, now that I’ve spent good money on an old camera…)
Jan 15, 2026 at 05:07 PM
p.1 #2The lure of the Pen f
I've had the Pen F a few times over the years, and it was always the last M43 camera I sold off. Haven't gotten one yet this time around, but we'll see. 
Jan 15, 2026 at 06:55 PM
p.1 #3The lure of the Pen f
I love my Pen-F. I owned numerous camera brands, most recently Sony FF before switching to Oly/OM and the Pen-F is a favorite
I have owned the OM-1, OM1.2, OM-3, OM-5.2, EP7 and Pen-F. I use the Pen-F with the 9/1.7, 15/1.7, 12-32 and the 35-100. Great, small kit. Often I just leave the 15/1.7 on and leave behind the other lenses.
However the OM-1 is technically better and that is my primary carry now for travel and hiking.
Sold the OM-3 since I never liked the ergonomics and will probably sell the OM/5.2 because I don’t need three MFT bodies.
When my trip permits it, I take the OM-1 and Pen-F and use the Pen-F instead of my iphone 17 pro max, especially inside restaurants. The most recent trip there were multiple people asking I was shooting film.
I have owned the OM-1, OM1.2, OM-3, OM-5.2, EP7 and Pen-F. I use the Pen-F with the 9/1.7, 15/1.7, 12-32 and the 35-100. Great, small kit. Often I just leave the 15/1.7 on and leave behind the other lenses.
However the OM-1 is technically better and that is my primary carry now for travel and hiking.
Sold the OM-3 since I never liked the ergonomics and will probably sell the OM/5.2 because I don’t need three MFT bodies.
When my trip permits it, I take the OM-1 and Pen-F and use the Pen-F instead of my iphone 17 pro max, especially inside restaurants. The most recent trip there were multiple people asking I was shooting film.
Jan 15, 2026 at 09:42 PM
p.1 #4The lure of the Pen f
You know, I'm constantly in doubt about my M11. And some of those Fuji lenses are enormous. I know that with few exceptions, MFT produces files that I can blow up to any size I would realistically want. I enjoy using MFT more than most other cameras (the GFX is very nice and I do like the dependability of the Canon, but they're both larger than I want to carry all day).
So, why do I hesitate to just drop stuff that's also not 100% right for me. Is it the idea of the Leica and the extra resolution of the Fuji, even though I know 20MP is more than enough for most applications and that I can always grab my Canon or Fuji if I want more?
Why do I forget that every time I pick up my OM-1 II or my Pen f, they just feel right?
So, why do I hesitate to just drop stuff that's also not 100% right for me. Is it the idea of the Leica and the extra resolution of the Fuji, even though I know 20MP is more than enough for most applications and that I can always grab my Canon or Fuji if I want more?
Why do I forget that every time I pick up my OM-1 II or my Pen f, they just feel right?
Jan 16, 2026 at 05:09 AM
p.1 #5The lure of the Pen f
I recently rented the A7CR and 24-50/2.8. I had owned the A7C and while I liked the compact size, never enjoyed using it due to the handling and ergonomics and EVF. Came to the same conclusion again.
While the A7CR’s extra dynamic range was marginally apparent when PP sunsets, I know I am the only one that views my photos that would notice or care. My friends view my images on their phone so everything/anything looks good.
I tried the M10 with the thought of a smaller, compact high resolution body with compact lenses w/ aperture rings but also did not like using it.
For me as a hobbyist, part of the experience and emotion is using the gear and I really like holding and using the OM-1.2, OM-5.2 and Pen-F.
I had sold my OM-1.2 and my larger MFT lenses (12-40/2.8 Pro II, 8-25, 20/1.4, 40-150/4) a few months ago but earlier this week bought another OM-1.2 and 12-40/2.8 Pro II for a trip to patagonia in march.
While I enjoy using the OM-5.2 w/ the 12-45 for hiking, the OM-1.2 and 12-40/2.8 is a better overall travel setup for my needs even though it is larger than desired. Extra ND stops , Live GND, faster processing, more focus points, and the 12-40 handles much better on it.
If OM ever comes out with an updated Pen-F - all I would want is the same feature set in the OM-3, I would happily buy it. However, I think they will grow the size to use the same BLX-1 battery so it essentially would be a OM-3 rangefinder with that horribly placed jpeg control wheel which I have no interest in using nor find it in a comfortable spot.
While the A7CR’s extra dynamic range was marginally apparent when PP sunsets, I know I am the only one that views my photos that would notice or care. My friends view my images on their phone so everything/anything looks good.
I tried the M10 with the thought of a smaller, compact high resolution body with compact lenses w/ aperture rings but also did not like using it.
For me as a hobbyist, part of the experience and emotion is using the gear and I really like holding and using the OM-1.2, OM-5.2 and Pen-F.
I had sold my OM-1.2 and my larger MFT lenses (12-40/2.8 Pro II, 8-25, 20/1.4, 40-150/4) a few months ago but earlier this week bought another OM-1.2 and 12-40/2.8 Pro II for a trip to patagonia in march.
While I enjoy using the OM-5.2 w/ the 12-45 for hiking, the OM-1.2 and 12-40/2.8 is a better overall travel setup for my needs even though it is larger than desired. Extra ND stops , Live GND, faster processing, more focus points, and the 12-40 handles much better on it.
If OM ever comes out with an updated Pen-F - all I would want is the same feature set in the OM-3, I would happily buy it. However, I think they will grow the size to use the same BLX-1 battery so it essentially would be a OM-3 rangefinder with that horribly placed jpeg control wheel which I have no interest in using nor find it in a comfortable spot.
Jan 16, 2026 at 04:51 PM
p.1 #6The lure of the Pen f
johnvanr wrote:
I currently have a lot of gear, everything from Fuji GFX, Leica M, Fuji X, Canon and MFT, among a bit of others. I’m planning to cull quite a bit. I know I keep MFT for birds. I keep GFX for its letterbox format. Canon stays for studio stuff and adapting classic lenses.
Where I’m facing the dilemma is whether to keep Leica or Fuji for street.
But then I took my Pen f with me on a walk. It doesn’t get that much use, generally, other than as a second camera with the tiny 45/1.8 when I have a wide...Show more →
I doubt I will ever sell my Pen-F. Some day it will be a collector's item. I bought it used, in 'Mint' condition, and is my go-to light travel kit. It is just a good all around performer -- as well as a real conversation starter since most people assume it's a film camera (even had a pro at my nephew's wedding ask me if it was film).
What pushed me over the fence on buying it was watching a Youtube video where Rob Trek and Ben Chappell had a discussion about the E-M1X, OM-1, and Pen-F. They talked about the great features of the two bigger cameras, but in the end they both agreed that if they could keep only one camera it would be the Pen-F -- that really impressed me.
Anyway, here are some shots of my camera and a few shots from my camera. The 'Creative Dial' is a great feature in my opinion.
Using the amazing little 9mm Fisheye 'Bodycap' lens
Using the #2 B&W Profile
Does a great job on color too!
I currently have a lot of gear, everything from Fuji GFX, Leica M, Fuji X, Canon and MFT, among a bit of others. I’m planning to cull quite a bit. I know I keep MFT for birds. I keep GFX for its letterbox format. Canon stays for studio stuff and adapting classic lenses.
Where I’m facing the dilemma is whether to keep Leica or Fuji for street.
But then I took my Pen f with me on a walk. It doesn’t get that much use, generally, other than as a second camera with the tiny 45/1.8 when I have a wide...Show more →
I doubt I will ever sell my Pen-F. Some day it will be a collector's item. I bought it used, in 'Mint' condition, and is my go-to light travel kit. It is just a good all around performer -- as well as a real conversation starter since most people assume it's a film camera (even had a pro at my nephew's wedding ask me if it was film).
What pushed me over the fence on buying it was watching a Youtube video where Rob Trek and Ben Chappell had a discussion about the E-M1X, OM-1, and Pen-F. They talked about the great features of the two bigger cameras, but in the end they both agreed that if they could keep only one camera it would be the Pen-F -- that really impressed me.
Anyway, here are some shots of my camera and a few shots from my camera. The 'Creative Dial' is a great feature in my opinion.
E-M1 OLYMPUS M.12-50mm F3.5-6.3 lens 20mm f/4.6 1/8s 400 ISO 0.0 EV
E-M1 OLYMPUS M.12-50mm F3.5-6.3 lens 20mm f/4.6 1/8s 400 ISO -0.7 EV
E-M1 OLYMPUS M.12-50mm F3.5-6.3 lens 20mm f/4.6 1/10s 400 ISO 0.0 EV
E-M1 OLYMPUS M.12-50mm F3.5-6.3 lens 20mm f/4.6 1/10s 400 ISO 0.0 EV
Using the amazing little 9mm Fisheye 'Bodycap' lens
PEN-F 0mm f/0.0 1/400s 200 ISO 0.0 EV
Using the #2 B&W Profile
PEN-F OLYMPUS M.12-50mm F3.5-6.3 lens 15mm f/8.0 1/13s 400 ISO -0.3 EV
Does a great job on color too!
PEN-F OLYMPUS M.14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens 30mm f/5.2 1/125s 200 ISO -0.7 EV
Jan 16, 2026 at 06:05 PM
p.1 #7The lure of the Pen f
Next to my 1949 Olympus 35 Model IV with Copal 3.5 lens
With the 3 other compact lenses I use with it .. I also use the 9 and 15 with my other cameras
When using either the 9, 15 or 12-32, it fits in a jacket pocket - great for taking to dinner
1949 Olympus 35 Model IV with Copal 3.5 lens
With the 3 other compact lenses I use with it .. I also use the 9 and 15 with my other cameras
When using either the 9, 15 or 12-32, it fits in a jacket pocket - great for taking to dinner
1949 Olympus 35 Model IV with Copal 3.5 lens
Jan 17, 2026 at 12:18 PM
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p.1 #8The lure of the Pen f
I got a Pen-F to go with my OM-1.2. I like the rangefinder style body and looks. It is a great looking camera. It worked well in my hands, especially when I moved af-on to the preview button on the front. But I've sent it back to MPB and ordered an OM-5.2 to be my smaller camera, for less money.
I expect with time I could get over the things I didn't like, for example the noisy IBIS. The old version of the old menus also were not great. I thought the color wheel would be cool, but didn't do it for me. What really didn't work for me was not being able to change the thin gray lines used for the grid and focus point. On the OM-1.2 I changed them to red so I could see them. Not being able to see the focus point hurt being able to use the camera. I went to the cross reticle style grid just to help see where the focus point was, a little. For other people with younger eyes I expect this is a non-issue. My diabetic 63yr old eyes with a cataract surgery on my right eye rules this one out. If OMDS comes out with a modern Pen-F I would own it. I really am enjoying my OM-1.2 and wished the Pen-F had worked out for me. It's been reported the OMDS will not reintroduce the Pen-F do to not knowing how to make it weather sealed to their current standards. I guess the OM-3 is the closest we will get, but it's enough bigger that it doesn't really do that for me.
I expect with time I could get over the things I didn't like, for example the noisy IBIS. The old version of the old menus also were not great. I thought the color wheel would be cool, but didn't do it for me. What really didn't work for me was not being able to change the thin gray lines used for the grid and focus point. On the OM-1.2 I changed them to red so I could see them. Not being able to see the focus point hurt being able to use the camera. I went to the cross reticle style grid just to help see where the focus point was, a little. For other people with younger eyes I expect this is a non-issue. My diabetic 63yr old eyes with a cataract surgery on my right eye rules this one out. If OMDS comes out with a modern Pen-F I would own it. I really am enjoying my OM-1.2 and wished the Pen-F had worked out for me. It's been reported the OMDS will not reintroduce the Pen-F do to not knowing how to make it weather sealed to their current standards. I guess the OM-3 is the closest we will get, but it's enough bigger that it doesn't really do that for me.
Jan 20, 2026 at 11:50 AM
p.1 #9The lure of the Pen f
Driften wrote:
I got a Pen-F to go with my OM-1.2. I like the rangefinder style body and looks. It is a great looking camera. It worked well in my hands, especially when I moved af-on to the preview button on the front. But I've sent it back to MPB and ordered an OM-5.2 to be my smaller camera, for less money.
I expect with time I could get over the things I didn't like, for example the noisy IBIS. The old version of the old menus also were not great. I thought the color wheel would be cool, but didn't do...Show more →
Oh, sure, the camera is dated and has its weaknesses. I actually have multiple OM-1s, as it’s my main event and wildlife kit. It’s also what I can use in any kind of weather.
The OM-5 somehow doesn’t feel right for me and the OM-3 is ergonomically completely unappealing to me.
Also, I’d use the Pen f where I currently use the Leica M11 or Fuji X-E5. The Fuji with some lenses is smaller than the OM-3, but delivers more resolution. The Pen f is smaller, period.
I got a Pen-F to go with my OM-1.2. I like the rangefinder style body and looks. It is a great looking camera. It worked well in my hands, especially when I moved af-on to the preview button on the front. But I've sent it back to MPB and ordered an OM-5.2 to be my smaller camera, for less money.
I expect with time I could get over the things I didn't like, for example the noisy IBIS. The old version of the old menus also were not great. I thought the color wheel would be cool, but didn't do...Show more →
Oh, sure, the camera is dated and has its weaknesses. I actually have multiple OM-1s, as it’s my main event and wildlife kit. It’s also what I can use in any kind of weather.
The OM-5 somehow doesn’t feel right for me and the OM-3 is ergonomically completely unappealing to me.
Also, I’d use the Pen f where I currently use the Leica M11 or Fuji X-E5. The Fuji with some lenses is smaller than the OM-3, but delivers more resolution. The Pen f is smaller, period.
Jan 22, 2026 at 11:04 AM
p.1 #10The lure of the Pen f
johnvanr wrote:
(This of course also means OM System will finally announce a Pen f II, now that I’ve spent good money on an old camera…)
Thank you for your service
If OM releases an updated Pen-F II, I’d pick one up with the 17mm and 45mm 1.8 lenses. Such a great compact kit.
Jan 25, 2026 at 04:37 PM
p.1 #11The lure of the Pen f
ggweci wrote:
Thank you for your service
If OM releases an updated Pen-F II, I’d pick one up with the 17mm and 45mm 1.8 lenses. Such a great compact kit.
Don’t forget the 12/2. Awesome little lens.
johnvanr wrote
(This of course also means OM System will finally announce a Pen f II, now that I’ve spent good money on an old camera…)If OM releases an updated Pen-F II, I’d pick one up with the 17mm and 45mm 1.8 lenses. Such a great compact kit.
Don’t forget the 12/2. Awesome little lens.
Jan 26, 2026 at 08:48 AM
p.1 #12The lure of the Pen f
johnvanr wrote:
Thank you for your service
If OM releases an updated Pen-F II, I’d pick one up with the 17mm and 45mm 1.8 lenses. Such a great compact kit.Don’t forget the 12/2. Awesome little lens.
Agreed - lovely lens... and it looks good on the Pen-F too 📸 (IMHO)
E-M1III_20260119_P1190032.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
ggweci wrote
johnvanr wrote
(This of course also means OM System will finally announce a Pen f II, now that I’ve spent good money on an old camera…)If OM releases an updated Pen-F II, I’d pick one up with the 17mm and 45mm 1.8 lenses. Such a great compact kit.
Agreed - lovely lens... and it looks good on the Pen-F too 📸 (IMHO)
E-M1III_20260119_P1190032.jpg by -Morten-, on Flickr
Jan 26, 2026 at 11:59 AM
p.1 #13The lure of the Pen f
I also have an OM-1 M2 and a Pen F. I usually just leave the 14-42mm lens on the F, makes its very compact and gives me 24-84mm range, perfect for inconspicuous shooting.
My wishes for a Pen F 2 would be weather sealed, higher res evf and rear screen, new menus, OM3 computational add ons and that's it.
My wishes for a Pen F 2 would be weather sealed, higher res evf and rear screen, new menus, OM3 computational add ons and that's it.
Feb 08, 2026 at 11:36 AM