Forward to the past: the Olympus Pen-F keeps coming back again!

 It is one of a kind never preceded, never replaced (by Olympus) after all those years of love and discussions about its possible future. But, in one way, the Olympus Pen-F digital camera was already at its evolutive pinnacle right from its introduction. Sure you may argue there is always place for improvements and it has been a pity that Olympus has stopped its effort after this very unique camera model.

This spring I was totally unable to resist to own a third copy of the Olympus Pen-F. Finding one a good shape at a reasonable selling price on the use market was an outmost challenge (Thanks to Louis, a fellow Canadian, that made this dream to happen again).

The Olympus Pen-F (2016) was release only seven years ago and have appeared to be a very niche Micro Four Third (MFT) digital camera model right from its start. Controversies about its video interface (No microphone & headphone ports) have introduced certain doubts about its overall capability but photographically speaking, the Pen-F have certainly equaled and have surpassed the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II model available at the time. The absence of the weather resistant (WR) characteristic has been also a deterrent factor for some others. At the end, all these reserves regarding the Pen-F have been proven to be less important today if you consider that the Olympus Pen-F in use condition is selling an higher price than it was brand new!

The fact is that the Olympus Pen-F is a very discrete camera model (even more in its black livery). For street photographers, for travelers, for everyday photo takers, the Olympus Pen-F is a small marvel to interact with and can give excellent picture results. Moreover it perfectly suit the use of small lenses with good maximum aperture of F1.8-2. Its handling is similar of what we can expect of a rangefinder style digital camera. Additional grip can be obtained with the optional ECG-4 grip but at the cost of a more bulky photographic device. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is detailed although its magnifying ratio stay modest compare with the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II or Mark III models for example. The back screen is fully articulated and can fold in for maximum anti-scratch protection.

All the control dials and function buttons are easily accessible. The mode dial have four different custom setting available which is exceptional. The dedicated exposure correction dial is also an exception compare to many other Olympus models. The special effects front dial allows you to set directly the Pen-F at its monochrome and color modes. The shutter release button is smooth and its pressure reactivity is predictable and you can use it with a traditional photo cable release cord. The On/Off switch mimic the older rewind reel used into past analog-film cameras. No flash has been incorporated to the Pen-F body but an add-on and head-orientable mini-flash (FL-LM3) was furnished by Olympus with the other usual accessories. You can consult these further personal reviews of the Pen-f here.

The Olympus Pen-F interface is very complete although it will ask you a certain learning effort on your part (as for all Olympus camera model interfaces). I suspect that more and more the camera manufacturers will introduce new camera models with extendedly integrated artificial intelligence (AI) that will take charge of all the parametric aspects of their camera. That could be tricky considering that the personal bias of the photographer might be ignored and be overpassed in favor of implanted algorithms. Creativity and originality may be the last frontier to preserve for the art and cultural human evolution. Only the future will tell if this artistic threat can be overpassed.

One of the best lens combination with the Olympus Pen-F can be obtained when you are selecting one of their Premium series optic: M.Zuiko 12mm F2, 17mm F1.8, 25mm F1.8 and 45mm F1.8 (the ED 75mm F1.8 is also a brilliant choice but with a larger size factor). All those Premium lenses will perform neatly with the 20 megapixels Pen-F image sensor. Pictures will be crisped and fine definite and color rendition will be similar along the entire focal range. Because of the bulk of the M.Zuiko Pro lenses, you can felt much less handheld comfortable to attach them on the Pen-F except if you intend to use your left hand as the main support of the lens-camera combo.

Few words about the esthetic presentation of the Olympus Pen-F: it is classic, it is gorgeous, it is glamour. It is still a reasonable pleasure that a photographer can afford to pay for (in the used market) at this very moment in time that digital camera "rangefinder like" new models tend to disappear from the actual camera manufacturer catalogue. For the record, specialized photographic devices have been always a niche market (but it is true to say that all the past Brownies and Instamatic of this world have been replaced by the today multi-fonctional phones).

The Olympus Pen-F is a very creative tool as least for its supportive users like me. It suit a specific style of photographers that want to be less intrusive with their subjects, let say, more casual in their approach. If you are an observer type of person that like to further analyze your preferred subjects with a repeated visiting, the Pen-F will be an almost perfect companion.

Photos Daniel M : Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (Pen-F Illustration); Olympus Pen-F

About ( compact camera) preferences...

"The way it is ..."

Bruce Hornsby and the Range

We like to photograph, and we like the cameras. It's maybe obvious but, in fact, it isn't that simple because there are so many possibilities and choices in photographic equipment, that it is often overwhelming especially for the most passionate ones. Over the past several years, I had the opportunity to try, and to compare many camera (and lens) models. Digital cameras were a new field the manufacturers had to fulfill. So, it was fascinating, to say the least.

Novelties have been always attractive for many photographers that are always interested to try and improve the tools they are using. And the technical advancements in photography into the last decades were amazing in terms of easiest of doing pictures and having outstanding image results. In the still photography field, we were privileged to assist and to profit all those developments over the years. Today we may think that we have reached a certain plateau that allow us to reconsider at last to have photo equipment for a more lengthily period of ownership and ... use!

My current photo equipment
The love of (real!) compact cameras, for good imagery, for decent performance (exposure metering, autofocusing, reactivity, reliability, etc.), to have access to an extended line of lenses and for a competent stabilization system (in-body-image-stabilization-IBIS) have certainly oriented my currents choices. Ergonomic and style also, I must confess. For me, a good design must be esthetic and effective.

If I feel dedicated to do photography on a specific assignation or subject, my preferred choice of the day will be the former Olympus (now OM System) OM-D E-M5 Mark III coupled with the M.Zuiko ED 14-150mm F4-5.6 II which is not only a very versatile combination but also weatherproof. For more specific long-range subjects, the Olympus ED 75-300mm F4.8-6.7 II will be a good complement (although it is not weatherproof). The OM-D E-M5 III/ED 14-150mm II is excellent for travel and outdoor photography and it can be used for interior and lowlight situations, thanks to the IBIS of the camera*.

For a more casual and discrete companion, my Olympus Pen-F** is also excellent because of its non-intrusive presence which is good for urban subjects and interior picture catches. Coupled with a small lens such as the M.Zuiko 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 R II or the M.Zuiko ED 45mm F1.8 Premium (a personal favorite since my first Olympus EP-3 model), the Pen-F is an outstanding rangefinder style camera model. These two camera models (OM-D E-M5 III & Pen-F) are using the same 20MP image sensor and the same picture interface with the consequence that you can predict similar imagery from both the OM-D E-M5 III and the Pen-F.***

I haven't never been able to make a definite choice between rangefinder (off-lens-axis viewfinder) and SLR (on-lens-axis viewfinder) style cameras so, ownership of both the OM-D E-M5 III and the Pen-F has been imposed by itself. It gives me the opportunity at a relative low cost to cope with the two different photo gear style. You can get a similar approach toward other manufacturers like Panasonic or Fujifilm since they offer the same alternatives into their camera line.

The cameras that I love to use are the ones that inspired me to do photograph and extend my picture quest on various subjects. On a longer run, the compactness criteria have always been a basic issue and time tend to confirm that is useless to think differently. The Micro Four Third image sensor format correspond precisely to that photo equipment philosophy. Some may privilege a more cinematic approach and will choose to work with the Panasonic Lumix models which is a perfect match in that (video) case****, others like me are more traditionalists by doing mainly still photography and will rather like the OM system line of products (formerly Olympus). At the end it is up to you to considerer your own feelings about the tools you like to work with.
___________________________________________

* Internal camera sensor stabilization (IBIS) has become an essential feature for me partly because I like the optionality to use non-optical-stabilized lenses (OIS).
** If you can still find one, just buy it!
*** If you ask me what would be my professional choices (in consideration of the more intensive use of the camera/lens into more demanding contextual situations), I will surely opt for the OM-D E-M1 II or III plus the M.Zuiko Pro zoom lens duet, 12-40mm F2.8 and 40-150mm F2.8 (with one camera body for each lens). But those professional exigences are now a think of the past in regard of my day-to-day concern.

**** Although the Panasonic Lumix G9, G85/G80 and G95/G90 (all weather resistant) have also excellent ergonomic and performance  for still photography.

© Photos Daniel M: OM-D E-M5 II/ED 14-150mm II; Pen-F/45mm F1.8; OM-D E-M5 III/ED 14-150mm II

Architectural patches of colors

 - Palais des congrès de Montréal, March 2021

© Photos Daniel M: Pen-F/45mm F1.8

The "Mono" Olympus Pen-F

With the redevelopment of the future ex-Olympus, renamed OM Digital Solutions, many are expecting and hoping a new version of the excellent but past Olympus Pen-F digital camera model. It is impossible to forecast anything solid about this potential new photo device but, if it is the case, we can only presume that continuity will prevail into the design and the operation of it.

Today you can still buy a brand-new Pen-F from the existing stock of the major photo resellers or pick a used one in good shape and at an acceptable selling price. If you are looking for a rangefinder style camera, it may be one of the two more sensitive choice, the other would be the excellent Panasonic Lumix GX-9.

If you go ahead with the Olympus Pen-F, you should not be wrong since that model is now a mature product that offers a solid Micro Four Third 20MP sensor performance equivalent at the one seen on the Pro Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. Although all Olympus MFT models have the versatility to transform them into a monochrome (Black & White) camera, the Pen-F add a higher versatility to get there with a specific dedicated dial and offers an easier interface for the setting of the B&W color filter different bias (like during the analog era).

Digital mirrorless cameras with electronic viewfinder (EVF) are a blessing for monochrome photographers because of the modern possibility to confirm instantly and directly the black and white rendering through the viewfinder or on the rear viewing screen. I cannot emphasize more how it is possible to reinvent the past seduction to produce monochrome pictures and the Olympus Pen-F is a perfect tool to do so.

A unconscient direct relationship exist between the monochrome passion and some iconic Leica camera models which are, in a way, a strong recall of the past glory of the film-analog era (and may of the Kodak Tri-X 400 ASA film if not of the Ilford HP 5 equivalent). Many design features on the Olympus Pen-F camera body are, in fact, homages to that time period and manufacturer. On/Off switch that imitate the old film rewinding button-lever, front creative (image) mode setting dial that replicate the old slow shutter speed dial of the Leica F and G series, screw-in hole for the mythic shutter release cable accessory, just to mention few of them.

At the time of the introduction release of the Olympus Pen-F in 2016, this new rangefinder style camera model was the first one of the digital Pen series that fully integrate the electronic viewfinder into its camera body especially compare to numerous Panasonic Lumix models such as the GX 7, GX 85, GX 8 or the GM 5. And it appears with the passing time that will be the only one of such! Some controversies have occurred regarding the handling of the Pen-F despite its obvious search to replicate the ancient rangefinder design. Some had given initial bad reviews to later correct them to more sensitive and realistic appreciation of the Pen-F abilities. That phenomena demonstrate that the Olympus Pen-F needs a more extensive learning investment to be properly use and, in some ways, cherish by photographers.
The Olympus Pen-F is a discrete photo device that can be rightfully use with care in many more sensitive contexts like street photography, travel and casual situations. Couple with a small lens, the combination won't appear offensive or intrusive.

The monochrome factor

Once you have set the creative dial to Mono (located in the front of the camera body), the Olympus Pen-F is becoming a totally monochrome dedicated camera with optional to fine tune your black and white own bias via a specific monochrome profile or by choosing a color filter (Yellow, Orange, Red, Green) or by influencing the arrangement of the highlight and the shadow exposure. The amount of control available is diverse and fairly extended but selecting your own formula could ask you some documented experimentations with good picture comparisons.

Doing black and white photography is surely an excellent school for learning to master composition, contrast and gray tonal distribution. The subject expression is also a paramount element for succeeding to bring the attention of our audience. We have to remember that film photography was essentially a combination of colored layers of black and white films assembled to be projected. Color photography is another artistic school by itself, but the documentary value of the black and white photography is historical. It gives a sense of authenticity that color rendition has a tendency to occult.

There is a specific texture in black and white photography often expressed by the basic "granulation" of the picture. The different Olympus Pen-F monochrome profiles can accentuate that "grain" perception that mimic the old analog-film rendering.

The lens factor

Being a photographer is meaning you accept to be an intruder in a way or another. That can be highly intimidating not only for the photographic subject intended but also for the photographer him/herself knowing that many of them are often very shy people. Picture taking proximity can be a manner to establish a tangible contact with our subject. To do this a choice of a lens with a wider angle of view may be the right optic companion for the Olympus Pen-F, something like a 12mm, a 15mm, a 17mm or a 20mm lens. At the opposite, a longer focal length like the 25mm, the 42,5mm, the 45mm or the 75mm (extreme in that case), will preserve the intimacy of our main subject preventing an obvious interference by the photographer. A short standard zoom lens like a 12-32mm, 12-40mm or 14-42mm, can do the bridge between those two tendencies.

Our lens selection reflect ultimately our relationship with our subject as we intend to be close or far from it, as we want to interact with it or simply observe it at a distance, as we want to be a participant of the picture taking process or to be a more distant observer. It demonstrates the paramount of selecting a specific focal length lens to be used. The Olympus Pen-F is a camera model that replicate the "rangefinder" style of doing photography when the gear does not the center stage of the picture taking context.

Black and White photography without (almost!) post-editing

As mainly a black and white photographer for a good of my modest imaging work, I consider that many of the best monochrome studies are often done right from the photo taking session. With a camera model like the Olympus Pen-F we have the opportunity to "see" directly the monochrome rendering which is an artistic advantage possible by the combination of the digital photographic process and the use of an electronic viewfinder (or viewing back screen). By judging on the spot, the final imagery result, you have the possibility to further experiment and refine your picture production. It is a kind of spontaneous and continuous creativity process right in place and at the moment of photographing.

I am not very enthusiasm about heavy post-editing a photographic (file) except if it is the original intention of the photo creator-artist. You cannot really "save" a picture by highly altering it in knowing the technological limits of the digital photography. Further than that, a completely "rebuilt" picture will lose a lot of its authenticity even for the none photographically educated looker (again if it is your first intention to do so, it is perfectly understandable).

Photography is an art-medium of visual expression. We cannot discard the fact that for every context, for every subject, there is a full array of different interpretations that has been translate in the way a picture is taken, processed and shared. There is no real objectivity that can exclude the personal bias of the photographer even with a very scientific approach. This individual vision is the intimate way to see the world surrounding us and the photographer is trying to transmit it faithfully to his/her own convictions and believes to us. That doesn't mean that we don't keep an open eye to new ideas and subjects in other contexts, but this personal vision is gradually becoming our visual signature oppose to simply replicate the other works.

Some thoughts about the Olympus Pen-F

Many have seen the introduction of the Pen-F model as an homage of the Olympus legacy for all their innovative past camera models over the decades. The future only will tell us if the manufacturer intends to offer new versions of this particular model. The photo gear market is moving fast even if it stays a more "niche" one than a mass one. It is possible that OM Digital Solutions may not have the financial resources to maintain all the large product series offer as for the original Olympus company use to do.

In that case, the Pen-F is more and more becoming a kind of a cult camera model for the MFT format. Using it as an almost exclusive monochrome camera is just rendering this perception further. And the Pen-F is still a competent, reliable and classic photo taking device in 2021!

The Olympus Pen-F: Compact, classic and competent!

The love of rangefinder style camera

The Olympus Pen-F with the M.Zuiko 17mm F1.8 as a fine all-around combination. 

It is true to say that I always have a special crush for any rangefinder style film or digital camera. It has and still represents the traditional way of seeing a (real) compact camera in my sense. All those models are usually fun to work with and can generate very original photo material. When Olympus had introduced the Pen-F I was charmed by the look of the product and now I began to discover its special abilities as a strong but funny photo device to experiment. The Olympus Pen-F has its own standards and cannot be assimilated or compare to other D-SLR style (or centered viewfinder) models.

There is that modern camera style debate regarding SLR versus rangefinder categories that you can translate today by the choice of on-axis and off-axis (from the taking lens) viewfinder. Moreover rangefinder style cameras tend to be assimilated to compact and discrete devices nor that DSLR style camera have been associated as the center element of a complete and extended photographic system which is using longer telephoto and wider lenses and faster motorized advance film options.

The best illustrations of those two “schools” are present in all major line of mirrorless products available from Fujifilm, Olympus or Panasonic cameras and lenses. It replicate in this digital era the same pattern observed in the past with the Leica film camera offer with the M and the R lines.

With Olympus you can choose between the Pen and the OM-D lines. Accordingly their Premium and standard zoom lenses fit perfectly with the Pen models and their larger zoom and Pro lenses combine well with the OM-D series.

Olympus EP-3 Pen series predecessor 

During the past decade I have the chance to use both Olympus series models including the earlier EP models with the add-on viewfinder (a bit similar to the ancient Leica film I-G series). You can refer with my previous blog-notes on these models such as the EP-3 or the OM-D E-M5 (first version) or the most recent ones concerning the OM-D E-M5 Mark II and the OM-D E-M1 Mark II.

Both rangefinder and SLR styles have their own advantages. OM-D E-M1 and OM-D E-M5 are really all-weather devices with enhanced grips useful when combined with bigger faster lenses or external bigger flash units. The battery autonomy is greater and the viewfinder in the case of the E-M1 Mark II is clearly more confortable with its wider view. For many assignation works the OM-D series will get my preference. But for urban, travel or everyday spontaneous subjects the Olympus Pen-F is a perfect on-hand camera.

The Olympus Pen-F

Doing on the spot photography with the Olympus Pen-F is unbeatable because of its compactness and its own discretion. On travel and urban surrounding it is a strong advantage. And the Olympus Pen-F is far less intimidating regarding people or animal (domestic) photography. Using the silent mode option (electronic shutter) represent another strong advantage of the Pen-F if you are facing more quiet or calm conditions and subjects.

It is already said that the Olympus Pen-F replicates many aspects of the ancient rangefinder film cameras. But in that sense the past ergonomic solutions of the analog film era may also apply to the actual digital devices. On the Olympus Pen-F some traditional dial functionalities have been transformed such as the On/Off interrupter that simulate the traditional film rewind knob and the front special effect dial which is recalling the old slow shutter speed selector of the time. You can also use the traditional screw-in shutter release cable as a remote trigger unit.

The Olympus Pen-F is a slim and compact camera. Its “Pavé” design (like a slender decorative brick size) will dictate a less confortable and secure sense of handling. In three words there is “no protuberant grip” to rely and the use of a wrist or shoulder strap seem to be an obligation for the everyday user. There is also the possibility to add the Olympus ECG-4 optional grip. The slim design of the Pen-F is especially suitable for the combine use of the small Olympus (or Panasonic) fix or variable focal lenses. Examples of these fine optics are the Olympus M.Zuiko lenses such as the 12mm F2.0, the17mm F1.8, the 25mm F1.8 and the 45mm F1.8 lenses or the 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 zoom as an all-around optic. A lot of bigger lenses are fully compatible with the Pen-F but the handling of the camera will suffer a bit accordantly.

Except for the On/Off interrupter all the important dials and function buttons are located on the back & front of the Olympus Pen-F right hand side. This disposition facilities greatly the right hand control of the camera and liberate your left hand for a better handling of the taking lens especially in regard of the manual focusing (and zooming if available) option. As usual for Olympus cameras many functionalities may be directly available after prior setting (via menu interface) of the control knobs and push buttons. Most manufacturer default setting are logical and nicely presented although it may be altered at will in regard of your specific requirements.

EVF / Back live screen

The “look through” electronic viewfinder (EVF) will give a well definite picture with a very short time lag not really noticeable if you are concentrate on your subject. As usual the more high contrast rendering compare to the final image output registered has to be considered.  The Live/Review back screen is also very well definite and can be relied as a good reviewing tool.  It has also the great versatility of pivoting in almost every way.

Interface and Quick menu

Olympus interfaces are by tradition very extended and complete but the numerous accesses to the different setting options can be confusing and will ask you to invest on the learning curve of the menu. Many default setting are excellent and can be use right from the start. Furthermore the quick menu mode synthetize the most important factors usually chosen for the camera setting. There are also the Custom modes setting (C1; C2; C3; C4) that are very handy for the photographer who want to switch on the spot to a complete different setting. My suggestion is to experiment gradually the Olympus Pen-F and get use to its multi-possibilities. On a short note I have found that in many cases the multiple way (by going through the menu or the quick mode or even the direct dials and function buttons) of doing the same adjustment can be a bit confusing.

As for many other Olympus models, it is suggested to bring an extra battery considering the limited autonomy of the BLN-1 battery pack. Shooting by using only the EVF can extend significantly the life of your battery pack charge.  You just have to reverse the LCD screen to use this option.

Flash options

No in-board flash has been incorporated to the Pen-F. A small external Olympus FM-LM3 optional flash is included with the camera package and can be used as an emergency fill-in flash or as a commander unit of a multi external Olympus flashes arrangement. Otherwise you can rely on a more powerful and versatile unit such as the Olympus FL-600R that is powered by its own 4 size AA batteries.

Image Output 

By using the 20MP image captor similar to the OM-D E-M1 Mark II or to the Panasonic Lumix GX8 the image quality has been optimized on the Olympus Pen-F. The extra resolution compared to the previous 16MP sensor will give an additional marge of manoeuvre for post treatment ability with a less visible lost of definition. In some case like monochrome picture taken on high ISO setting the difference can be notably appreciated.

If monochrome represents most of your photo projects the Olympus Pen-F (like many Olympus M4/3 format models) will fulfil your tasks very nicely.

The Pen-F offers you a lot of different pre-program color configurations plus the possibility to create your own color bias and record it into its different custom menu. Using the Art filter options is another way to experiment different picture renderings.  In that sense there are no real limitations for the photographer creativity. The whole M4/3 format digital system has reached a great maturity.

Action photography with the Olympus Pen-F ?

Spontaneous photography as street or urban or travel subjects are well deserved by the Pen-F as everybody seem to agree easily but that perception differs a lot when you are speaking of action or sport photography. Many just points out a restricted ability of the camera to properly autofocus on moving subjects. Moving (often erratic) targets present a challenge to all autofocusing system and there are only a very limited camera models that can properly answer that demand like the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. So in the case of the Pen-F action photography is not the ideal situation to use it… but it can be done by setting for example a pre-focus area on manual position. For sure anticipation is fully required to do so but it got the advantage to more carefully plan our final picture composition. So with certain restrictions and more skill asked from the photographer part the Pen-F can fulfil the bill. At the end the Olympus Pen-F can be rightly assimilated as a perfect second very compact camera on hand for the sporty photographer.

(Conclusion)

In brief the Olympus Pen-F may represent the summit of their Pen series evolution simply by the fact that it reunite the slim design with the electronic viewfinder (EVF) like the ancient rangefinder film cameras. The Olympus Pen-F is complete in its features and performs very competently with the latest 20MP image captor. Although I did not intent to use the video aspect of the model the Olympus Pen-F is a very competent and compact still digital camera. Because of the compact size of the camera and the lenses that suit this volume (like the 12mm, 17mm, 25mm or 45mm) the Olympus Pen-F is very easy to bring all-around with you and is a very fine picture generator. It can fulfil many different photo projects on an everyday basis.  Its 20MP image sensor will give very high quality output at the same level of the “Pro” OM-D E-M1 Mark II.

The versatility of the Olympus Pen-F is on the side of its compactness: easy to bring, reach, show, shoot and share.

Post-scriptum on the Olympus Pen-F

Olympus Pen-F with M.Zuiko 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R lens

There are many lens-body combinations available with the Olympus Pen-F.  For sure the best image quality results will be obtained by using the Premium (prime) and Pro series lenses. But you can also explore a more modest approach with small zoom lenses such as the Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II R lens model that is very affordable, compact, versatile and will give very good pictures. It can be a small lens that facilities greatly spontaneous photography practice.

Since my introduction to the M4/3 format with the Olympus EP-3 I have selected the M.Zuiko 14-42mm II R lens as an ever ready “everyday” on hand optic on several occasions without being deceptive by its output. It represents a king of normal trans-standard zoom lens. Its major flaw remains its very small maximum aperture and it is difficult to really extract your subject from its surrounding by using a shallow deep-of-field. But on the other hand it can be a fantastic contextual lens that will allow you to compose beautiful urban scape for example. 

(If you are looking to buy the Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm II R you will often get the best deal when you combine it with the purchase of a camera body.)

First published in April 2017, Revised in May 2019.

Je suis en Pen...-F! : Impressions françaises sur l'Olympus PEN-F

Depuis l'an dernier, 2017, pendant laquelle j'ai publié l'un de mes blog-regards sur l'Olympus Pen-F j'ai toujours eu l'impression de ne pas avoir vraiment tout dit sur ma relation totalement subjective et affective avec ce modèle compact de format M4/3. Doté du même capteur de 20 méga-pixels que la version PRO de l'OM-D E-M1 Mark II, le PEN-F représente l'aboutissement logique de toute la série Pen d'Olympus depuis ses débuts avec le modèle EP-1. Moi-même ex-propriétaire d'une version EP-3 dotée de son viseur électronique externe, j'ai toujours considéré cette configuration à la "rangefinder" comme l'interprétation la plus juste représentant le format Micro 4\3, MFT.

L'Olympus PEN-F nous renvoie aux concepts d'appareils photos utilisés par des marques de légende comme le Leica. La similitude est frappante et les clins d'oeil faits par les designers d'Olympus sont nombreux sur le boitier. Qu'on songe à l'interrupteur d'alimentation, le ON/OFF,  ressemblant à s'y méprendre à au bouton de rembobinage de film 135. Ou encore du sélecteur d'options situé à l'avant du boitier rappelant l'ancien sélecteur de vitesses d'obturation lente des Leica série F ou G. Et que dire de la possibilité d'utiliser l'antique cable déclencheur mécanique sur le déclencheur du PEN-F. Bref c'est un véritable festival de nostalgie et de technologie à la fois.

Mais le PEN-F c'est aussi un appareil diablement sérieux et qui peut avoir ses exigences. Utilisable en tout-auto vous me dites? Peut-être mais certains pourront facilement s'y mêler les pinceaux s'ils n'y prennent pas garde. Oui c'est bien un Olympus avec toute sa complexité habituelle à commencer par son interface aux options multiples. Et de plus il est totalement ou presque reconfigurable et il s'agit de bien se rappeler tous ces changements de fonctionalités des différents sélecteurs et boutons-poussoirs.  Donc le PEN-F n'est surtout pas pour le distrait et l'explorateur inconséquent. Non Madame et Monsieur c'est un outil photographique qui demande à être respecté et profondément apprivoisé.

Il s'en est dit beaucoup sur ces formes délicieusement "vintage" suscitant une vague d'amour et d'endossement aveugle par beaucoup de bloggeurs reconnus, respectables et toujours si connaisseurs. Oui le PEN-F ressemble à un Leica M mais de vous à moi qui suis un ancien possesseur devenu pauvre (!) de Leica M4-P et M6, l'Olympus est d'une autre planète sinon galaxie par rapport à ces archaïques télémètres couplés d'un âge révolu. Le PEN-F est issu de l'ère numérique en étant performant, versatile et éminemment fonctionnel. Son capteur surpasse en résultat tout ce que les anciennes pellicules argentiques pouvaient offrir point à la ligne. Son posemètre analyse plus finement que n'importe lequel Sekonic ou Gossen de la génération des appareils à films. Sa mise au point automatique répond à des situations où l'oeil combiné au télémètre ne pouvait être aussi efficient. Bref on laisse tomber les tomates pour se consacrer aux oranges.

Ce que j'apprécie le plus de l'Olympus PEN-F est bien sa "fausse" discrétion classique car personne n'est dupe de votre présence avec cet appareil mignon comme tout mais dont tout le monde est séduit! C'est pourquoi il devient votre meilleur ambassadeur en toutes circonstances surtout en photo urbaine ou en voyage. Et aussi le complice de nombreux sourires. Mais attention le PEN-F peut être également un vrai pro toutes catégories... enfin presque.

En prise de vue son viseur électronique est dans la bonne norme avec un zeste de surplus de contraste surtout pour les scènes ensoleillés. Son temps de réponse est faible lui permettant une bonne réactivité aux situations spontanées. Sa visée-écran est excellente pour la composition précise ou encore les travaux de reproduction. Vrai aussi qu'une visée électronique décentrée ne correspond pas vraiment aux critères demandés pour un viseur d'action et centré prévu pour l'usage des objectifs téléphoto puissants, donc journalistes sportifs s'abstenir. La position des différents sélecteurs et boutons-poussoirs répond à la logique courante pour ce type d'appareil. L'écran-viseur est tactile ou non au choix de l'utilisateur, option déjà existante chez les autres modèles de la série Pen il faut le souligner.

L'Olympus PEN-F est compact mais pas au point de glisser dans la poche de votre pantalon à moins qu'il soit cargo... Si on le combine avec un objectif de focale fixe tel les 12mm, 17mm, 25mm ou 45mm l'ensemble reste discret et relativement léger. La remarque prévaut également pour les objectifs zoom comme les 14-42mm mais au détriment d'une réduction possible de la qualité d'image obtenue et d'une ouverture maximale passablement plus petite.

Avec le PEN-F vous perdez toute inhibition à montrer votre appareil photo et vous redevenez beaucoup plus productif. Vous le tenez prêt à toute éventualité photographique et comme disent mes cousins français, vous shootez! C'est pourquoi le PEN-F est un outil créatif de première ligne toujours  paré à tout pour vous.

La tenue en main du PEN-F n'est cependant pas optimale comme à l'image des anciens télémètres couplés. c'est plutôt un appareil de poitrine ("chest device") comme on n'en voyait plein sur ces bons vieux touristes allemands des années 1950. Heureusement il est plutôt léger surtout avec une focale fixe comme précédemment mentionné dans ce texte. On le tient pour prendre des photos et non comme certains designs de type DSLR pour exercer ses poignets et renforcer ses biceps. La protubérance frontale du sélecteur de mode d'images  peut être gênante pour certains utilisateurs, c'est dit.

Concernant la qualité et le rendu des images obtenues, l'Olympus PEN-F remplit son mandat en vous offrant des résultats détaillés et des couleurs réalistes sans trop d'accentuations agaçantes et purement commerciales. La neutralité des images en noir et blanc est exemplaire et correspond parfaitement à l'archétype attendu d'un vieux routard comme moi qui a fait son apprentissage et en partie sa carrière avec ce format (N & B) traditionnel dont la renaissance est un autre bienfait de l'ère numérique. À noter également cette possibilité de simuler directement les effets d'un filtre couleur pour le rendu monochrome.

La mise au point automatique est performante dans la plupart des situations. Il faut simplement s'assurer de l'initier dans la zone de netteté privilégiée du sujet. L'option de suivi du sujet, focus tracking, est intéressante si le mouvement reste fluide et selon un axe plutôt linéaire. La fonction "loupe" peut servir à affiner une mise au point effectuée manuellement à l'aide du viseur électronique ou de l'écran-viseur.

Pour des analyses pixel par pixel vous n'avez qu'à vous référer aux multiples ressources Internet spécialisées dans l'analyse de photos "à plat" répétées à l'infini. D'ailleurs tout au long de ma glorieuse épopée de photographe professionnel mes éditeurs se foutaient littéralement du matériel que j'utilisais et ne jugeant mon travail que sur les tirages ou transparents (diapo) présentés. Il en est ainsi dans ce monde cruel... Donc si le PEN-F vous permet de générer des images originales de qualité ayant un impact pour votre auditoire, il remplira vos exigences les plus pointues.

Quelques suggestions peut-être... Un accu BLN-1 et une carte mémoire SD supplémentaires assurément. Pour la photo au flash électronique d'appoint, le diminutif fourni avec l'appareil est par trop faible pour l'emploi à moins qu'il soit utilisé comme unité de déclenchement d'un montage multi-flashes. Privilégiez plutôt une unité autonome en énergie et puissance comme l'Olympus FL600R. La poignée amovible optionnelle ECG-4  ou ses clones a l'avantage de recentrer vers l'arrière l'orifice prévu pour le boulon du trépied et d'offrir un plateau intégré de type Arca-Swiss. Étant donné l'instabilité avérée de la version 2.0 du firmware, une mise à jour vers la nouvelle version 2.1 est fortement suggérée si vous voulez éviter la mise hors service impromptue de l'appareil.

L'Olympus PEN-F vous offre aussi les options de connectivité standard pour la tablette ou le mobile. L'interface est complète et comprend entre autres les options de prises de vues et de transferts des images en mode WiFi mais la connectivité Bluetooth est absence.

En résumé l'Olympus PEN-F est un appareil compact mignon mais sérieux qui incite à la photographie et c'est bien ce qu'on lui demande!

Blog-note on the Olympus Pen-F english version previously published in 2017.