Used Olympus PEN-F 20MP Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera (Body Only), Blac

2021-08-05T20:00:00

I came to Olympus in late 2015 based on recommendation of friend, colleague and Olympus Visionary Larry C Price. I love this camera so much I bought 3 for my documentary and street photography work/projects. It's not a perfect camera, but for documentary and street photography used with all the 1.8 primes along with the 12mm f/2, it's perfect creative system. All OMDS would need to do for a refreshed Pen-f MkII is remove the creative dial on the front, update the autofocus capabilities and weather seal it. I can live with 1080p video for the occasional need to shoot it. This camera is basically what has kept me shooting Olympus even though I have considered the Fuji X-Pro/XE cameras and lenses. The size of these bodies and lenses keep me shooting Olympus (I also use 3 EM1 MkII's for video and shooting underwater in a housing). I swear by the Pen-f and it saddens me that OMDS apparently has no plans for a refresh of this camera. I plan on acquiring a couple more bodies for additional backups for the future.

Cliff

Originally posted at

2021-03-07T19:00:00

This is my first Olympus camera. I've owned and used pretty much all the brands out there over the last 60 years. Yes, I'm old and full of days. It had been 12 or so years since my last new camera. Figured it was time to check the state of the art. My work-a-day camera has been a high end 17MP DSLR and a fine camera indeed but it's monstrous big. Sooo... I was drawn to the Pen F from the first time I saw one. I'm old school and really enjoy the retro appearance and handling of this camera. The original Pen F was limited to the quality of half frame 35mm film which was a serious issue for me. We live in wondrous times as this diminutive camera can deliver a delightful 81MP image! Breathtaking! My goodness, things have changed since that first mid-90's 3MP camera. Fit and finish is absolutely top shelf. I love the fact that I can flip the LCD screen around and have it hidden (remember, old school) and the on/off switch is so very rewind crank. I find the image quality stunning with the 25 mm 1.8 lens. The feature set is vast with a very nice array full black and white filter effects. IMO one must have filters for proper B&W work. I've only been working with my Pen F for about 2 weeks. Every outing brings more features to light. I have lived through a period of photographic advancement unparalleled in history. From the likes of the Exakta VX to a camera like the Pen F. Buddy, buddy, buddy! I'm way beyond satisfied. The Pen F has re-awakened the Muse in me. Well done Olympus!!

Gwiz

Originally posted at

2021-01-26T19:00:00

Bought Pen-F as a 2nd body with my M1mii. I miss the readyness of having a long lens on one body and a wide on another. The Pen-F is basically for wide lens. Several decades ago in the film days I used a Leica M4-2 as my wide. Hyperfocal focus and shoot away. I love the on/off switch and wish it was on the OMD. No fear of absolutely turning the knob. I shoot raw and wish the art filters worked in this setting but only jpg, bummer. Recently found dial on front easily turned by giripping fingers, but pay attention in view finder can see this is on and corrected.Don't have the grip attachment and might be added if one has big hands. The access door for battery and SD card is on bottom under the same door and might get blocked by grip attachment. I find it hard to change SD card for it is close to the door and difficult to get to, no quick changing cards. The accompaning flash is very small, but it works well for bounce flah! I found no need to lock flash on top of body for it fis very tight. All I want a flash to do is bounce and this works for me! Camera balances well, but with pro lenses it doesn't, and that is all I have at the moment. It brings back the joy of my old film Leica, but a whole lot cheaper. Only real drawback is that it isn't weather sealed not that I'd use it in the rain if it did. Now saving for a nice wide prime.

GB

Originally posted at

2021-01-16T19:00:00

The Pen-f is the most creative photographic image making tool I have ever used. The camera is not perfect, but having been involved in procurement (for the USAF) I have tested many image making devices including cameras. This camera offers the most granular JPEG control of any camera I?ve tested. Esthetics are this camera?s forte. If you need quick turnaround ?post processing free? images for proof of concept or deliverables or, if you need a low cost solution for accurate color reproduction this camera should be on your short list. Yes, even in 2021, this camera is still relevant.

Gregory

Originally posted at

2021-01-12T19:00:00

The Pen-f is the most creative photographic image making tool I have ever used. The camera is not perfect, but having been involved in procurement (for the USAF) I have tested many image making devices including cameras. This camera offers the most granular JPEG control of any camera I?ve tested. Esthetics are this camera?s forte. If you need quick turnaround ?post processing free? images for proof of concept or deliverables this camera should be on your short list. Yes, even in 2021, this camera is still worthy.

Gregory

Originally posted at

2021-01-04T08:26:52

I'm loving this camera! I purchased this camera because I wanted a small compact camera that I could take with me everyday. The images are great and I love the B&W images it produces.

JAKE C.

2020-12-05T19:00:00

I have been using the Pen F for about 2 years. It gives great results in difficult conditons. It is my favorite Olympus camera. Hopefully the new owners will realize the potential of this camera and sell a Mark II version. Everyone that has one seems to love them.

Rob

Originally posted at

2020-10-15T20:00:00

I've been shooting Olympus OM-D's now for several years, currently the E-M1 Mk III. When I travel I often like to carry an even smaller camera for getting in & out of transportation, indoor spaces, city street scenes and architecture. I've used other brand small cameras, but always seem to find they don't fit my hands well, and then there's the completely different menu systems (love the Olympus SCP!) I finally decided to give the Pen-F a try, and it is a home run. Now I can share lenses (mostly I keep a 17mm f/1.8 or a 14-42mm zoom on it) and if I need the 12-40mm f2.8 Pro I can pop that on. The menu is very similar, and the super control panel is there with the push of a button. Now I want to experiment with just doing JPG shooting with the built in monochrome and other artistic options that are readily available on the front control. Let's not forget the outstanding Olympus IBIS which makes shooting at slower shutter speeds almost too easy. I wish it were weather sealed, but then none of my earlier small cameras had that feature either. I'm very pleased with the Pen-F, both in operation and with results. The fact that it's also a gorgeous instrument just to look at is just icing on the cake!

Duane

Originally posted at

2020-09-20T10:13:00

I am a long-time fan of Olympus cameras and lenses, having started with an OM1 over 40 years ago. I eventually moved to Nikon DSLRs, but the weight of just one body and a couple of lenses took away all of the enjoyment, and I stopped using them and relied on just an iPhone, which I always had with me. The Pen F isn’t a new body, but I discovered it a few months ago when I decided I wanted more than my phone camera. I’m frankly still learning all of its capabilities, but am extremely pleased with it. I love the retro look, and the materials and quality are first-class. I paired it with the 12-40 pro zoom, and now have all of the flexibility and quality of my DSLR at a fraction of the weight. Photography is once again enjoyable.

RICHARD S.

2020-08-18T11:29:21

The compact and versatile Pen F has proven to be a marvelous travel camera when paired with the M. Zuiko 14-42 f/3.5-5.6 IIR zoom lens. That combination has twice traveled to Europe with me. The zoom range mimics the 28-85mm lens I used to keep on my film SLR. The Pen F body is shipped with the tiny FL-LM3 flash in its own carrying bag. Often as not, the flash rides fastened to the camera shoulder strap, reminiscent of the days when I kept 35mm film cans taped to the strap for quick reloads. The rugged Pen F has always done double duty as a technical camera in my profession, in the field and in the lab. In field work, using primes, zooms, or macro, as needed, light and compact equipment is especially welcome. Rugged, reliable, light and compact - reason enough to have two.

STEPHEN H.

2020-06-28T20:00:00

I have long thought that I would like to have a simple, straight-forward digital camera that combines optical excellence with simplicity of operation, like my Olympus OM-2 did in a film camera. The Pen-F is that camera. It is lightweight, easy to handle, and because of its several easily used dials, easy to set up exactly as I want it. As a glasses wearer, I appreciate the level in the viewfinder and on the screen when composing my shots. No more ?water running out of the ocean.? The Photographic results are outstanding and consistent, it is quiet (and in silent mode, even quieter!) and unobtrusive. The range of lenses is impressive, and that they can be used on the entire Pen- and OM-D lineup is great. I like it so much I bought a second for the time when they won?t be available anymore.

Larry

Originally posted at

2020-05-28T20:00:00

My name is Chris I am an Adobe Stock Premium contributor and one of the presidents of my University's Photographer club and I could not have done either without the abilities the PEN-F afford to me. In 2017, I was gifted the PEN-F. Having previously shot exclusively on the EP-1. I was so excited to try out this new and sleek camera. Here's my honest opinion, it is the perfect first camera for any hobbyists looking to go further into photography. It is petit and therefore easy to carry anywhere you go and without a lens it is even pocketable. I am an event photographer at my university, and most of the rooms in which events take place have an absolute dearth of light. This is no problem for the PEN-F and its 5-axis image stabilization which makes handheld shots at lower shutter speeds a no-brainer. That being said, the sensor is able to do a lot with a little light if combined with lenses like the 12-40 mm 2.8 pro or the 45 mm 1.8. I trust the camera to work at most ISOs from low to 1000. Finally the cropped sensor makes it easy to get closer to subjects than possible with a full frame camera. That being said, it has some annoyances. First, the creative mode dial, although it is a neat feature, it can be very inconvenient as it is easy to accidentally bump and turn on a color mode. Second, along the lines of annoying physical features, the on/off button is also very easy to bump and miss a shot. The last downside I can see, well, this could be my fault is the hot shoe not being reinforced and mine ended up breaking off crippling my ability to use a flash. The takeaways from this review should be that the PEN-F is brilliant for young photographers who want to go deeper and need more advanced functions. for a lower cost than a professional OMD. This is a camera that can be taken anywhere and is and is perfect for travel, and is a camera that performs extremely well in almost every setting that I have put it in from Yosemite, to latte art throw downs, to fashion shows, to equestrian competitions, from blizzards to macro, to dorm rooms and beyond. The problems are only annoyances and I definitely recommend this camera to photographers looking who need, like I did, their first real camera.

Bruinsmallow

Originally posted at

2020-03-09T20:00:00

I had the original half-frame Pen F film camera that I bought second hand and I loved it. I was a teenager and was inspired by F. Eugene Smith who used this camera as his work tool. My beloved Pen was stolen, but I am a proud owner of the Pen F digital. I love it and it is far more versatile than the original. Thanks, Olympus for this camera. I am sad to see that it's been discontinued, but I will this one is a keeper.

R K.

Originally posted at

2020-01-26T19:00:00

The Pen-F is a great camera. I use it all the time as my primary camera. I have traveled the world with it. I felt deep in snow with it and it kept on working with no problems. It is a shame that Olympus would design such a great camera and stop production. It makes no sense and I don't want to purchase other Olympus cameras. I tried the EM-1, MKII but it is not well designed, poor ergonomics and generally not attractive. It is bulky compared to the Pen-F, which I believe is overall a better camera. Please reconsider Olympus team.

Brian

Originally posted at

2020-01-26T19:00:00

4 stars for not having Weather Sealing, 4K, a dedicated ISO, Aperture and shutter button, and incorrectly placing tripod mount off center. Why would you do that?. LCD articulating screen is kind of annoying, so not sure if I have an application for it VS a regular flip screen like on the Fuji X series. Camera is expensive for what it is out there nowadays. Retro feel is nice, though the front dial can make your fingers get cramped and the dial touching pressing on it can irritate. Love the color mode dial. I bought this as my JPEG fun camera. It's fun to use, though the menus are extremely bloated and confusing. Even with all of this, I like shooting with this camera. I know MFT is being left behind though. I do notice less dynamic range to play with on MFT VS APS-C and FF cameras. On a positive note, the Olympus Pen F and the 17mm and 45mm prime lenses I also purchased produce very tack sharp detailed photos. BY that I mean detailed when zoomed in upon. Fuji files don't seem to resolve the detail as well while zoomed in. The only camera systems that seem to do better are the original Sigma DP Merrill camera series with the fully functioning, not Quattro-crippled Foveon sensor in them. Those cameras could keep a fly's wings in sharp detail, even if it were far off in the distance. Olympus is pretty good at those distant details. I hope Olympus brings out an improved, not re-hashed Pen F. Yeah, I know you stated that you discontinued the series, but I think that is a huge mistake. If Olympus were to put 4K, weather sealing, and maybe improve the MFT sensor somewhat, center that tripod screw mount on the bottom so the landscape photographers can use the camera instead of having their lenses rub due to it being placed incorrectly, tat would be the sort of improvements which would prompt new buyers to take a chance and buy the system. Olympus needs to LISTEN to photographers and make a Pen F II. Ask them what they'd like for features. Listen to them. if they did that, the Pen F II would sell like the Fuji X-Pro models that everyone drools over.

Elaine

Originally posted at

2020-01-21T19:00:00

Love the retro feel and look. Wish it was weather sealed. Wish the tripod mount was centered and not precariously placed at the edge of the camera so that it bumps into longer lenses. Fun to use, though the EVF can be a bit rough for those who wear eyeglasses. Love the IBIS, like the LCD artucating screen. It does come in handy at times. Wish the sensor was bigger as I'm used to APS-C and FF with more dynamic range, but the files print large enough for it not to matter most times. I don't know how Olympus will stay in the game if they don't either use bigger sensors or somehow pull more out of the MFT sensor. I gave 4 stars due to this and the other points mentioned. Still, I'm having fun using this camera and am glad I bought it before it become extinct. I wish Olympus would make a version II of this camera body. Make the AF faster and more accurate in low light, weather seal it, throw in 4K video, and then center the tripod mount for those of us who like to do landscapes or architectural interiors. Even with all of its shortcomings, this is a great camera and will print large prints. It's more than enough for most people, though everyone is chasing the almighty pixels, including me. At times I do need it, but for myself and my art, this is perfect. This camera is beautfiful and makes me want to go out and use it.

Elaine

Originally posted at

2020-01-15T19:33:34

fantastic jpeg machine with analog dial

TIM P.

2019-12-18T19:00:00

This is actually my second PenF. I had sold mine to purchase camera from another manufacturer. I was aware I had made a mistake almost immediately, so I bought another and sold the other camera and lens.I have a full OMD E-M1 Mk II / OMD E-M1X set up, but the PenF is my everyday carry camera. The image stabilization, art filters, color wheel, the ergonomics, the menus and just the size and feel were what I missed the most. This is a great camera. I really do hope that Olympus will reverse course and update this camera in the future.

Reed

Originally posted at

2019-12-05T19:00:00

The Pen-F may be Olympus? most iconic and beautiful design. It?s the manufacturer?s homage to its famous classic 1960?s Pen cameras. The black body model has an aesthetic hint of Leica rangefinders, at a fraction of the cost. The build quality is excellent, with no exposed screws, and the Pen-F feels very solid in hand. Do you pay a premium for its classic style? Sure. But with Olympus? 5-axis in-body image stabilization (unlike similarly retro styled FujiFilm mirrorless), a through-the-body EVF (unlike the EVF ?hump? on other Olympus m43 models with the same specs), this Pen-F is ideal for discreet street photography. Gripe? It?s not weather-proofed. But biggest gripe? Olympus has stopped manufacturing the Pen-F and is selling off all existing inventory - the reason I purchased a second Pen-F body (black, alongside my silver model, which is no longer available new). Current Olympus Pens are less expensive / lower specs / multicolored step-up from phone selfie cameras. So long Pen-F, you were a new classic.

Al

Originally posted at

2019-10-18T20:00:00

As an avid Micro 4/3 users since its inception, I've been keen on keeping up with the many Olympus products released during that time-frame. And with that in mind, I've always enjoyed the Pen line of cameras thanks to their small design and excellent image quality characteristics. To be honest here, I was a late comer to the Pen F, having just purchased it recently in October 2019. Why so late? Well, I had to weigh carefully if getting the Pen F would "up my game" substantially, given the higher price that it sells for. So I finally jumped into the fray and purchased the Pen F through B&H Photo Video that still has quite a few "new" ones for sale. When it arrived, I was not disappointed at all. The body form, ergonomics, build-quality, and of course improved image quality - all proved to be the right choice for me. There is a unique clarity to the images coming from the Pen F (of course, it's lens dependent) that defy description. I also use a variety of 24-32 MP cameras from other brands, yet the clarity levels from this Pen F can easily match (or in some cases) best the competition. And it's certainly a delight to use. I only hope that Olympus keeps the Pen line of cameras going strong. As an aside, I also own the E-P5 Pen camera (another superb, earlier model) and the E-PL7. I'd hate to see Olympus confine the Pen Line to just entry level E-PL models. So for those of you folks perhaps sitting on the fence about considering the Pen F, I wouldn't hesitate in getting one. Yes, it's a tad more expensive than some of the competition, but you'll wind up getting (what will become) a sure classic of a camera - from both a design-wise and Image Quality standpoint. Now keep in mind that I do not make these comments on a whim. I shoot with a variety of different brand cameras - that is, various Micro 43, Fuji X, Canon EOS M, and Samsung NX models. And this Pen F can easily stand up to the best of them. Don't hesitate - get this camera. High Recommended (in my book, that is)!!!!

Ben H.

Originally posted at

2019-09-24T20:00:00

Considering how relatively small this camera is along with how subtly Olympus has merged the iconic old-school look of the body with high end photography tech, I was happily surprised with how fantastic pictures turn out from the Pen F. The artsy design of the camera hides the fact that it's all about performance on the inside... nearly every picture I've taken has gotten "ohhs" & "awes" from the family along with requests to send everyone copies- not because it's the nice & thoughtful thing for family to do, but because these pictures are beautiful! Coupling great quality with how fun and portable this powerhouse of a camera is, I'm a firm believer that it's worth every penny!

Adam

Originally posted at

2019-07-16T20:00:00

This is a stellar camera. It looks great, feels minimal in your hand (in a great way) and is unobtrusive when shooting. I tend to shoot with the electronic viewfinder screen open, so that I can glance to make sure framing is right, while keeping my eyes mostly occupied on my baby, eliciting reactions, etc. The mechanics of the camera are simple and intuitive, while still powerful, and the lens selection is wonderful. I highly recommend.

Cole

Originally posted at

2019-06-08T20:00:00

A stylish and powerful camera. Easy to use controls, well thought out. Packed with features; I am just starting to learn how to use them?looking forward to using them to create memorable images. Best of all, the camera is small, light and unobtrusive; perfect for someone who doesn?t want o lug around large, heavy gear.

Harrison

Originally posted at

2019-05-20T20:00:00

I have had the camera for about a week. It is beautiful to use as well as to look at. I love the controls. They fall perfectly in to hand.

marcus

Originally posted at

2019-03-20T10:23:51

I have the Olympus OMD EM 1 and love it. However I still tend to leave it behind a lot. Since I am familiar with the Olympus menus and I have the 25, 45 primes and the Olympus Pro 12-40 I decided to try the smaller Pen F. It works well with the Olympus Primes and I love the black and white photos that it takes. I think the two negatives :the camera is not weather sealed and the articulating screen takes time to rotate out. I tried a screen protector so I would feel more comfortable leaving the screen out but once I applied it the LCD screen would not close properly. The camera is beautiful and I have been able to fine tune my settings to match what I use on my OMD. I gave 4 stars only because of the articulating screen.

Shauna T.

2019-01-29T19:00:00

This camera is a work of art! Feels solid, well built and the perfect size for street photography. I have been shooting with Cannon and Nikon for better than 30 years before making the switch to Olympus. The photos the Pen F produces are amazing and has put the fun back into my photography! The Live Comp feature is so much fun and easy to use. I was able to get amazing results the first time I tried this feature. Good job Olympus.... I'm hooked.

Robert

Originally posted at

2018-10-27T20:00:00

Pen F looks great and has lots of features. The image quality is outstanding, especially B&W which I love so much!

Qichan

Originally posted at

2018-09-19T17:11:33

Fantastic camera, excellent form and ergonomics especially with the accessory grip. Its very responsive, and of very high quality. I expect to keep the camera for many years, because its image quality is excellent. The creative options are nice too...its great to see the image in the field at the time of exposure instead of on the computer screen. The more I use it, the more I love it! Highly recommended!

Mr L.

2018-09-17T20:00:00

its compact and takes greats shots and has an amazing look

Manu

Originally posted at

2018-09-16T20:00:00

Fantastic camera, excellent form and ergonomics especially with the accessory grip. Its very responsive, and of very high quality. I expect to keep the camera for many years, because its image quality is excellent. The creative options are nice too...its great to see the image in the field at the time of exposure instead of on the computer screen. Highly recommended!

Jay

Originally posted at