[Leica] Olympus Pen F

[jblack at ambio.net (John Black)]

In reviving an old standard - may I ask for feedbacks from fellow Luggers on
the Olympus Pen F

JosephLow / Singapore

Joseph:

I haven't used my Pen-F system for a while but really enjoyed it as a well
crafted and inovatively designed little machine.  The pluses are it's size
and reliability. As mentioned, it syncs at all speeds and the viewing system
is a true SLR.  The down sides are a relatively dark viewer which is based
on the poroprism concept using mirrors instead of a prism and a rather
coarse GG screen. The FT is especially dark as part of the light is diverted
from the finder by means of a partially reflective surface to an internal
light meter. I have all 3 bodies, the Penn-F (earliest with a double stroke
advance), the Pen-FT (greatest numbers, with internal meter) and the bugit
minded Pen-FV which is a meterless FT (better finder).  Karen is right, the
advance lever is weak, stamped sheet aluminum that feels flimsey and bends
easily.  The internal gearing is rough also, grinding heavily on
advancement.  That said, it handles like a rangefinder, having essentially
no prism hump.

I must disagree on the lenses though.  I have found them to be very ordinary
with only the 38/3.5 Macro being really outstanding.  I usually use a
dedicated adaptor and the somewhat better OM lenses.

Great to get 70-80 shots per roll.

JB