Advice on Olympus Pen EPL-1

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Weecountyman

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Hi all, I'm new here and looking for advice. :help:

I'm thinking of buying the Olympus Pen EPL-1 model before the VAT increase - but not sure if I should go for the body only or the basic deal with the 14/42 digital lens.

From what I've read, this standard lens is a new second generation, (smaller and more compact) version of the 14/42 digital lens which came with the E400 twin lens package I purchased three or four years ago.

So I'm undecided - is there any major advantage in taking the EPL-1 with the newer lens, or should I be content with the body only and using my existing 14/42 ?

Also - as far as I can determine, the Zuiko 40/150 f4-5.6 which comes in the EPL-1 twin lens package is the exact same as the one I have, it has not been updated. Can anybody confirm.

Hopefully I've explained this clearly !!!
 
I'm no expert in olympus mounts, but isn't your current kit lens a 4/3rd mount, and the EPL-1 a micro4/3 mount? because it's not the same thing.
 
Jings, that was quick - and thanks.

I didn't realise there was a compatability issue between the E series digital lenses and the newer version(s) - glad I asked.

Merry Christmas.

:thumbs:
 
Hello again - Can anybody confirm that the 40-150 lens that comes in the twin package is the newer micro 4/3 model ?

Having trawled through umpteen websites for technical specs it is very unclear and suggest that it is the original version (which I have) that is in in the deal.

:thinking:

The new 14-42 lens is certainly included, that's clear enough.

I'm still confused !!!

:shrug:
 
If it's included with the EPL-1 it will be. They wouldn't include a lens with a different mount.
 
Weecountyman said:
Jings, that was quick - and thanks.

I didn't realise there was a compatability issue between the E series digital lenses and the newer version(s) - glad I asked.

Merry Christmas.

:thumbs:
Click to expand...

its not 'newer' as such its Micro 4/3 mount as oppose to 4/3 mount..

I got the MMF-1 adapter for crimbo so I can use my 4/3 lenses on the EP-1, it makes sense to me as it works out cheaper to buy than lenses and apart from the mount and size they are exactly the same spec wise...

and the EP-1 with a 4/3 40-150 attached looks superb :D
 
squishy said:
If it's included with the EPL-1 it will be. They wouldn't include a lens with a different mount.
Click to expand...

Gentlemen - after further investigation, I'm going to stick my neck out here and suggest that the 40-150 lens in the twin package is the older 4/3 mount shipped with MMF-2 adaptor......it's NOT the new Micro 4/3 mount.

Open this link and see enlargened image :

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.208-7751.aspx

or

http://www.greatwesterncameras.co.u...it - Black"&ViewAction=ViewProductDetailImage

Some sites appear to openly state that there is a lens adaptor, others don't - very confusing.

Looks as if my original suspicions were correct perhaps ?

Are Olympus guilty of naughty misleading marketing ?

:thinking:
 
Well, the adapter is worth more than 100 and you can sell the 40-150 if you do not need it so still not a bad deal at all.

I tried the 40-150 with the adapter and it works great and also you can use the adapter with more lenses so a very useful add-on to have
 
Agreed.

However it would be cheaper to buy the basic package with the 14-42 micro 4/3 and a separate MMF-2 adaptor to use with my 40-150.

The point is that Olympus are not being clear "up front" with the twin lens package, especially as they announced a micro 4/3 40-150 not so long ago.

The unwary potential buyer is likely to assume both lenses in the twin deal are the newer mount.
 
I do not know the prices but as the adapter costs 100 and you can sell the 40-150 for 70 then if the price difference between the packages is more than 170 then go with the 1-lens deal. If the difference is less than 170 then consider the 2-lens package.

Whatever you decide have fun with your new camera :)
 
I'm glad I came on to this forum - the advice here has been most helpful.

For the record, I 'phoned a couple of UK retailers this morning to enquire.

One tended to agree that the 40-150 lens was not the new mount - the other was quite definite and confirmed that it was the older standard fit plus adaptor.

Interestingly, on Ebay, a few of the foreign suppliers clearly stated that the twin lens package included the MMF-2.

The newer micro 4/3 lenses appears to be titled M.Zuiko Digital ED, whereas the older generation 4/3 models are not prefixed with the M.

Incidentally the new 40-150 is 2mm smaller in diameter than the older version - but 22mm longer, both take a 58mm dia. filter.
 
ya still giving confusing spiel with the 'older' and 'newer' terms :thinking:

they are 2 different mounts full stop, 4/3rds and Micro 4/3rds, not older and newer, just 4/3rds and Micro 4/3rds; Olympus E-System DSLRs use 4/3rd and the E-System CSCs use Micro 4/3rds..

having both systems I would be much more interested in the kit that comes with the adapter and 4/3rd lens.


Weecountyman said:
I'm glad I came on to this forum - the advice here has been most helpful.

For the record, I 'phoned a couple of UK retailers this morning to enquire.

One tended to agree that the 40-150 lens was not the new mount - the other was quite definite and confirmed that it was the older standard fit plus adaptor.

Interestingly, on Ebay, a few of the foreign suppliers clearly stated that the twin lens package included the MMF-2.

The newer micro 4/3 lenses appears to be titled M.Zuiko Digital ED, whereas the older generation 4/3 models are not prefixed with the M.

Incidentally the new 40-150 is 2mm smaller in diameter than the older version - but 22mm longer, both take a 58mm dia. filter.
Click to expand...
 
Apologies for confusing terminology.

When I say "older" I refer to the first generation 4/3 fit - as I have on my E400.

"Newer" obviously means the more recently introduced micro 4/3 mount.

Having the 4/3 40-150 already, I see no point in having another as part of the E-PL1 twin package.

I think I'll settle for the micro 4/3 14-42 as comes with the Pen basic deal and buy an adaptor.
 
Im quite shocked that retailers are trying to palm off the old 4/3 40-150 as the new m4/3 150. I had to check the links a couple of times to be sure.
:(

Personally id be very ****ed off if I got caught out by that.
 
It's Olympus who are the prime culprits here, although many retailers are not making it clear either - and many may not even be aware the twin lens package is two different mount lenses.

If you Google Olympus N3839692 (or simply N3839692 ) you'll get numerous website links.

I trawled through many of these before I was able to confirm my suspicions, although I was still not entirely convinced until I came upon this particular image, as mentioned earlier.

http://www.greatwesterncameras.co.u...it - Black"&ViewAction=ViewProductDetailImage

I agree that lots of unwary buyers will be less than pleased when they realise the deal includes an older generation lens with adaptor.

I only spotted it by chance when researching prices etc. - it does pay to read the small print.
 
In my opinion the best lenses for the E-PL1 are the Panasonic 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 & 20mm f1.7 mircro 4/3 lenses that usually sit on the Panasonic GF1, GH1, G1, G2 etc
 
Actually most of you are wrong ;) the 40-150mm is a normal 4/3 and NOT micro 4/3, they do infact supply the package with a small adapter to allow it to mount on, these mounts can be found cheap I'm guessing if you go on ebay so go for the single lens package and save yourself some cash :)
 
mastertrinity said:
Actually most of you are wrong ;) the 40-150mm is a normal 4/3 and NOT micro 4/3, they do infact supply the package with a small adapter to allow it to mount on, these mounts can be found cheap I'm guessing if you go on ebay so go for the single lens package and save yourself some cash :)
Click to expand...

Olympus are now showing the 40-150 in micro 4/3 mount on their website.

http://www.olympus.co.uk/consumer/21693_accessory_m_zuiko_digital_ed_40-150mm_1_4_0-5_6_23446.htm

In my opinion, it is reasonable to assume that if one lens in a twin lens package deal is dedicated to the camera body fit so would the other.

I had a look on Ebay the other day at adaptor deals (MMF-2) they are much the same as regular outlet prices.
 
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It won't really make much difference, both 40-150s will perform the same, and at least if you get the one with the adapter, you can use other 4/3 fit lenses on your EPL1. The M.Zuiko 14-42 is smaller when collapsed, but uou pay for it optically, it's a very poor lens compared to it's 4/3 big brother. I made that mistake already.
 
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