More trouble with my eyes and trips to the hospital mean I’ve been out of action for a good few weeks now. So, no new photographs. I’m getting back to normal (for me) now, and managed to get out for some longer walks and a bike ride over the last few days and I can’t start looking at screens again. With no new photos to post it’s time to write about my new gear,
As I mentioned in my last blog, I’ve got my hands on a Lumix GM5 at long last. An absolute bargain too at £60 with. 12-32 lens. It’s boxed, and almost as good as new. Looking in charity shops does pay off sometimes as GM5s on eBay are generally going for over £500.
I’ve gone on and on many times about how much I love my GM1, and how much it’s still my favourite camera despite its age and limitations. And, it still is – although I think a lot of that is sentimental now. The GM5 is pretty much exactly the same, but with an all important viewfinder. As someone with one (not great) eye, a viewfinder is invaluable, especially in bright sunlight.
The other advantage is much improved shutter/aperture control wheel on the camera. The GM1 has a pretty naff dial on the back, the GM5 has a wheel. You press the wheel to switch between shutter speed and aperture. But, with the Penny Leica 15 mm, you can have it set to shutter speed as the lens has aperture control, which is how I prefer to use it.I wish all lenses still had a aperture control on them.
So far, I’m really pleased with this camera. The photos are great, it’s easy to use, and has all the bells and whistles I need in the smallest possible package, which is what I want.
Talking of small packages…. I’m keen to keep all of my gear as small as possible. That’s why I’ve stuck with micro four thirds for all these years. I don’t want to lug big, heavy loads around. With that in mind, I made another new purchase – a new drone. I’ve had a log of drones, the first was the DJI Phantom – which was mind blowing at the time, but it was absolutely huge and not remotely practical for photography. Then a succession of DJI Spark, Mavic Air, and Mini 3 Pro. The last one was a fantastic bit of kid, but still took too much bag space and was fiddly to set up. I really wanted something that could fly itself. Which is what I now have.
It’s about the size of my phone when folder, but a little fatter. No controller, everything is automated. The flight modes are easy to use. It’s exactly what I want. Something to follow me on my bike, and to make fun videos on days out and holidays. It’s not for making cinematic videos.
We’re into Spring now, my eyes are on the mend. Just need the weather to dry out a bit so I can get out and take some photos.
Shaun Madill Photography 