I'm giving up MFT and all other cameras

[Derek Smith]

It had to come I suppose. I've got a progressive back problem and dropped FF for lighter lenses and bodies. First one was the Panasonic GH2. Still got it, although my youngest is using it. I've got the G9ii. Fabulous camera with class-leading video. But I can't carry it for more than half an hour without my back giving me stick the next day and the day after. It'll only get worse.

I'm off to Park Cameras tomorrow to see what they will offer for the camera and a couple of lenses. And a cage and batteries. Hopefully enough for an iPhone 18 Pro.

I'll still have 'proper' cameras, depending on your definition: a Voightlander Vito II, 1952, and a Vito B, 1959, with the F2.8 Color-Skoper lens, the mkII version no less. My first camera, shared with my brother, was a Kodak Pocket folding camera, way back when I was 9. A bit of a coincidence as the Vito II folds. I'll be without a 'modern' camera for the first time in 70 years.

I've been trying to sell it for a couple of months, but every time I pick it up . . . The G9ii fits perfectly in my hands. It is comfortable.

Would it be wrong to kiss it goodbye?

[DibblyDobbler]

Sorry to hear about your bad back Derek

My feeling is that health has to come first and you can do a lot with a modern smartphone so look after yourself, don't pixel peep, and just enjoy taking photos. Cheers and all the best

[Derek Smith]

DibblyDobbler said:

Sorry to hear about your bad back Derek

My feeling is that health has to come first and you can do a lot with a modern smartphone so look after yourself, don't pixel peep, and just enjoy taking photos. Cheers and all the best

Thanks, mate. I was in a shield serial for years, back in the days when we were called out weekly, and I think that didn't help. And broke three vertebrae, after which every doctor told me how lucky I was. I've got cauda equina syndrome, which gives sciatica. A bit of a pain, as they say. If I'm in pain my wife has to carry the bags and stuff, so not all bad.

As you say, pixel peeping is silly. I have, had from tomorrow I suppose, a 100 meg image system on my Panasonic. Never used it in anger, so you're obviously correct.

[DibblyDobbler]

Derek Smith said:

Thanks, mate. I was in a shield serial for years, back in the days when we were called out weekly, and I think that didn't help. And broke three vertebrae, after which every doctor told me how lucky I was. I've got cauda equina syndrome, which gives sciatica. A bit of a pain, as they say. If I'm in pain my wife has to carry the bags and stuff, so not all bad.

As you say, pixel peeping is silly. I have, had from tomorrow I suppose, a 100 meg image system on my Panasonic. Never used it in anger, so you're obviously correct.

Hmm - sounds tough. I've occasionally had back pain on a very minor scale compared to you and it's debilitating. Anyway here's a phone shot I got a few years back with an old-ish iPhone13 - as discussed fine if you don't look too close and I'm sure you'll do much better with an 18! Cheers


Beinn Eighe from Loch Coulin by Mike Smith, on Flickr

[bcr5784]

Sorry to hear about your problems. Have you thought about an Rx100?. Surprizing as it may seem it weighs about the same as an iphone 18 and is quite a bit more versatile. The fact that it has a viewfinder is a big plus, I think. Can't say for sure but I would have thought that taking a picture with the camera up to your eye would be less of a strain than holding a phone at arms length. the R100vii is expensive - but no more so than the iphone.

[Derek Smith]

I sold it today. I got a price from a well-known online sales site and Parks beat it by a fair amount, but then I suppose they don't have to deal with the postage, lots of returns, insurance and all that.

My eldest has my old G9, in theory on loan, so if I ever want a 'proper' camera I have one available. I've given him my lenses, so my stunning F1.4 25mm (50FF) is still within touching distance.

I have an older TZ as well if ever I need a quick fix. Also, a couple of 35mm cameras. Now there are proper cameras, although the Vito B is about the same weight as my G9ii and the 100-300 lens.

I'll miss the video capabilities.

[kestral]

Derek Smith said:

I sold it today. I got a price from a well-known online sales site and Parks beat it by a fair amount, but then I suppose they don't have to deal with the postage, lots of returns, insurance and all that.

My eldest has my old G9, in theory on loan, so if I ever want a 'proper' camera I have one available. I've given him my lenses, so my stunning F1.4 25mm (50FF) is still within touching distance.

I have an older TZ as well if ever I need a quick fix. Also, a couple of 35mm cameras. Now there are proper cameras, although the Vito B is about the same weight as my G9ii and the 100-300 lens.

I'll miss the video capabilities.

Which Park Camera shop was it, did they offer more than MPB ?

[Derek Smith]

kestral said:

Which Park Camera shop was it, did they offer more than MPB ?

The one in Burgess Hill. I am a regular. They argued among themselves whether the body was like new or excellent. One supposedly found a slight blemish, one I didn't see so it was extremely slight. Two others said they couldn't find it. They were thorough. MPB offered less, but their oncosts of the purchase process are higher, so to be expected. They valued it there and then. No waiting. Bank transfer for payments.

If anyone is after an MFT body, I know one going that it is excellent condition. Irritatingly, the Suiri cage, specific to the body, which includes the S5II, including a handle, in pristine condition, used once, after which the pain in my back took days to ease, was ignored by them. So a bit miffed there. I've collected all the MFT specific bits and pieces to give to my eldest, who has a G9. It's surprising how much I have. It'll take a box. I have six lens caps. Why?

I've been out three mornings in the last four with my mobile. With my G9ii, I'd take a day off in-between. So a positive to take there.



Posting it on PH kills the image a bit.

It was lovely this morning.