[Leica] What's the verdict out there on the Panasonic GF-1 and Leica M adapter?

[mark at whitedogs.co.uk (Mark Pope)]

Vick,

funny you should mention that - I was thinking about replying to you in 
a similar vein.  We have a "cheap" Canon video camera which hardly gets 
any use.  If my wife Karin wants to shoot video, she usually reaches for 
an aged Canon S50 camera!

Like Nathan, video doesn't interest me: so much so, that I have disabled 
the video button on the camera.

I can't speak for the M adaptor for the GF1, but the camera and 20mm 
pancake lens performs very well indeed.  I have just returned from an 
afternoon stroll - the light was flatter that ten-day-old roadkill, but 
nevertheless, I managed to get a couple of shots which after some PP in 
Lightroom will produce satisfactory prints.

I met Frank Dernie for lunch last Wednesday and he has a GH1, which may 
suit your needs better. He said the 14-45 kit zoom is very good for 
video and it has an electronic viewfinder.  On top of the viewfinder is 
a stereo microphone, which I would think would give better sound quality 
than could be achieved with the smaller GF1.
I'm no expert on video, but I think the quality that could be achieved 
with the G(F or H)1 might be better than a $250-$300 video camera.

So many choices, so little time!


Mark Pope,
Swindon, Wilts
UK

Homepage               http://www.monomagic.co.uk
Blog                   http://www.monomagic.co.uk/blog
Picture a week (2010)  http://www.monomagic.co.uk/index.php?gallery=paw/2010
Picture a week (2009)  http://www.monomagic.co.uk/index.php?gallery=paw/2009
                (2008) 
http://www.monomagic.co.uk/index.php?gallery=paw/2008


Vick Ko wrote:
> Hello
> 
> In true Leica fashion, buying a $1000 item may be more appealing than a 
> $250 "it'll do the job" item.
> 
> After shopping a bit for a budget camcorder, it appears buying a GF1 
> might satisfy my curiosity for having a second digital M, as well as hit 
> my needs for the occasional video capture.
> 
> Is anyone out there using the GF1 for its video capabilities?   What do 
> you think of its video capabilities?
> 
> What's the consensus out there for the Leica M adapter?  Is the 
> Panasonic DMW-MA2M Leica M Adapter the way to go?  Or did one of the 
> off-brands do everything that one needed (the prices on 'bay go from $40 
> up to the Panasonic $270)
> 
> 
> regards
> 
> Vick
> 
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