Thread: I guess there is no "one system" for me

For the type of shooting I do, I'm basically fine with one real "system" plus a couple of change of pace options. M43 has been my main system since I got back into photography the better part of three years ago. I dabbled in Nex but that ended as soon as Oly came out with the same type of flip up screen on their EPL3 and now on damn near everything but the EPM2. I also have a Fuji X-Pro and its sort of a system but I really don't use it that way. I use it as a change of pace, almost always with the 18mm lens on it. It may or may not become a system over time - I'd see getting a wider lens for it (maybe the 14, maybe the coming 10-24) and maybe getting the 23 f1.4 when it comes out. But its mostly a "stick a lens on it and go shoot" type of camera, where the OMD (currently my only m43 body) gets used with lots of lenses, as circumstances dictate. Even if I get a couple more lenses for the Fuji, I don't see using it as the basis for a full system, just an essential "other flavor" to keep me on my toes and prevent equipment ruts. I also always have a compact of some sort available - its the X10 for a while now, but I've tried a bunch. I also have a GRD3, but its just kind of a collector's item at this point - doesn't get much use.

-Ray

I've tried to sell off all my stuff and just stick with two (!) systems. The EM5 and the Fuji X Pro 1 but I then succumbed to the Pentax K-01 body for my FA77 lens and now I'm wondering about what I could get for my Contax G and Hexanon lenses. I've found the EM5 much improved but still don't find the button pressing very easy, sometimes having to press several times before the function is implemented thus there is no "flow" there for me. I'm loving the lenses though so that's a difficult one. The Fuji takes great pics but I can't seem to get the focus right. I love the boxiness and heft of the Pentax K-01 but the AF is not the best. If the GH3 were not so expensive I might consider that.

Just go cheap. Go Nikon 1 V1. Great camera, well build. Nikon quality!

I understand. I've been running both a Pentax APS-C system and a micro four-thirds system for some time. There are a lot of reasons why (It's hard to give up my Pentax DA Limiteds and sometimes I really need the files APS-C can give me.). But, frankly, having two systems tends to keep me from getting bored. I tend to become more involved with one system for a few months and then switch back to the other for a few months. Now, for travelling, I generally use micro four thirds and shoot jpgs. For more photo-specific or specialized outings and foul weather, it's the Pentax gear. I think my Panasonic LX3 and Canon SX230 may eventually go in favor of an RX100 (once the price on the Sony drops a bit more). Then I'll have that and the Pentax Q for real pocketability. The now-heavily discounted Nikon V1 does catch my eye. So does the Fuji X100. But I have to draw the line somewhere. I could eventualy see getting a Fuji X-E1... but if I pull the trigger on that it'll probably mean the Pentax kit is going or gone.

Originally Posted by Biro

... For more photo-specific or specialized outings and foul weather, it's the Pentax gear. I think my Panasonic LX3 and Canon SX230 may eventually go in favor of an RX100 (once the price on the Sony drops a bit more)...

Likewise here, except in my case, I can't seem to let go of my current camera gear. I recently sold my FA43 LTD (yes, I did, I just wasn't using it) and currently have two lenses up on gumtree getting a lot of interest but no enquiries. The longer that drags on the more likely it becomes that I will pull the ads and keep those lenses.

I'd really like to have an X system camera but to be honest, I don't think its ever likely to happen. It certainly won't for as long as I don't sell off the Pentax gear. But, I do like that I don't need to worry if its raining or damp. I can use that Pentax happily with absolute confidence.

I'm just a wimp.

Originally Posted by kyteflyer

I recently sold my FA43 LTD (yes, I did, I just wasn't using it)

Drat. I wish I knew that.

I sold my FA43 too but I can't say I miss it that much fortunately. Had to finance the X Pro 1 somehow :)

This has been one of my issues. I do get bored with just a certain camera/lens, so I've been buying and selling. I think I'll be better off to keep a couple. Probably lose a lot less money from transactions, and also won't lose the time buy/sell takes. It used to be fun, but buying and selling has gotten tedious. In fact, I've been mainly renting the last few months to try out new stuff.

Originally Posted by Biro

I understand. I've been running both a Pentax APS-C system and a micro four-thirds system for some time. There are a lot of reasons why (It's hard to give up my Pentax DA Limiteds and sometimes I really need the files APS-C can give me.). But, frankly, having two systems tends to keep me from getting bored. I tend to become more involved with one system for a few months and then switch back to the other for a few months. Now, for travelling, I generally use micro four thirds and shoot jpgs. For more photo-specific or specialized outings and foul weather, it's the Pentax gear. I think my Panasonic LX3 and Canon SX230 may eventually go in favor of an RX100 (once the price on the Sony drops a bit more). Then I'll have that and the Pentax Q for real pocketability. The now-heavily discounted Nikon V1 does catch my eye. So does the Fuji X100. But I have to draw the line somewhere. I could eventualy see getting a Fuji X-E1... but if I pull the trigger on that it'll probably mean the Pentax kit is going or gone.

Originally Posted by wt21

Yet another one to try!!! :)

I bounce between jpg and RAW. I don't like that much PP, so I do more jpg generally. Maybe I could rent a Pentax :p

Does the RX100 have that dynamic-range correction thingy that many cameras have now, which is supposed to protect highlights? I don't know how well that works, I only have a Panny LX5, which doesn't have all the latest & greatest tech.

Originally Posted by wt21

This has been one of my issues. I do get bored with just a certain camera/lens, so I've been buying and selling.

You should honestly consider what you have and then rent every so often to compliment what you have and freshen things up.