Category Archives: Camera Equipment

Olympus E-P2 Full Review

Posted on December 26, 2010 | 5 comments

A man feeds bread to seagulls at London's Southbank by the River Thames. January 30, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

Evolution is a wonderful thing. My first introduction to the Olympus E-P2‘s forefather, the E-P1, left me impressed. This camera has now evolved into a very lovely camera. I’ve been testing the E-P2 for a couple of weeks now and I’m completely taken by it. The obvious first difference is that it now comes in black; actually more of an attractive gun metal dark grey. This was something most pro photographers, myself included, had been asking for. The other major change, this time a little less noticeable is the inclusion of a data port on the rear of the camera, just below the hotshoe. This brings some superb accessories to the E-P2, making it rather unique and infinitely more usable.

The Micro 4/3 interchangeable lens camera works without a mirror, so the whole camera is smaller as are the optics. With the announcement of the E-P2, Olympus also added to it’s current Micro 4/3 lens line-up of the the 17mm f2.8 pancake and 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 zoom lens, two new zooms; 9-18mm f4-5.6 and a 14-150mm f4-5.6. My review was done with the excellent 17mm (equivalent 34mm) pancake and the surprisingly good 14-42 (equivalent 28-84mm).

Images around London's Southbank. With the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 lens. May 08, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

One of the beauties of the Micro 4/3 system is the ability to use lenses from both Olympus and Panasonic who have developed this system. I was extremely keen on trying out the Leica designed Panasonic 45mm f2.8 Macro lens which Panasonic kindly supplied along with the DMW-MA2ME Leica M to Micro 4/3 adapter, allowing me to use my Leica M lenses on the camera; naturally in manual focus. This ability to get the best optics on the camera, add to this camera’s attractiveness as a quality creative tool. There are also countless other adapters around for mounting a variety of 35mm camera manufacturers lenses, including a couple from Olympus allowing the use of OM lenses as well as 4/3 lenses on the E-P2.

That Data Port Thing

When I used the E-P1, the ability of adding other manufacturer’s manual focus lenses seemed a good one, but slightly lost on me, as I like to shoot using an eyepiece and not the camera’s back. With this little data port comes the optional VF-2 electronic viewfinder which mounts on the hotshoe. This allows you to see through the lens. During my testing of the camera, I attached my Leica 35mm f2 ASPH Summicron to the E-P2 and produced some stunning images. Using the VF-2 I could focus on the run and shoot just like a “normal” camera, without having to hold it like a digital compact. We all have our favourite old lenses in the back of our cupboards and this camera will let you use them again. Its not all rosy though as firstly the focal length is doubled, and secondly focusing can be a little tricky. When using the supplied Olympus lenses in manual focus mode, the slightest touch of the focus ring magnifies the image, allowing for precise focusing. As the camera is not aware that you are manually focusing when using a lens on an adapter, this magnification doesn’t happen. I imagine that this can easily be fixed with firmware and the handy “Fn” button could perhaps be programmed to magnify the screen to aid focusing.

London's Southbank by the River Thames. January 30, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

However the one thing that truly sets this camera apart from the E-P1 and Panasonic GF1 is its ability to use external microphones for video, using the optional SEMA-1 microphone adapter set. This is a very neat adapter which sits in the hotshoe. It comes with a tiny stereo microphone which plugs straight into the adapter, or can be placed closer to the sound source by using the supplied extension cord and lapel clip.

In Use

This is such a well made and nicely designed little camera. Just like the E-P1, it just encourages you to pick it up and go shooting. The viewfinder adds so much to the appeal and usability of the camera. It also makes using zoom lenses a possibility. As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, I am of the school where a camera is held up to the eye and not at arm’s length. Whilst initially I would still have preferred to have optical finders matched to fast prime lenses, the electronic finder has made me change my mind. It’s not completely perfect as it blacks out at the moment of exposure (just like an SLR) and very fast panning causes a little blurring which resolves itself in a millisecond. However it opens up so many other uses, and the ability to use manual focus lenses with the camera to the eye has sold me on the idea.

I’ve been using the camera mainly in aperture priority and must say that the exposure meter is superb. There were occasions when I used the perfectly placed exposure compensation button (just by the shutter release) but in large, it’s spot on. Image quality from 100 to 1250 ASA is great with 1600 ASA being usable.

The AF is very snappy. Although with the E-P1 I missed a small percentage of shots due to the AF, the E-P2 works better for me. I’m not sure if anything has been changed in this respect, but just having an electronic viewfinder and seeing exactly where the focus point is makes a world of difference; with the E-P1 and the optical finder it was a case of guessing where the point was when set to centre.

Images around London's Southbank. (Images shot with Tilt and Shift adapter and not enhanced). The London Eye. May 08, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

The Leica designed Panasonic 45mm f2.8 Macro lens was stunningly good. Pin sharp, great contrast and tone with pleasing bokeh. The only thing I had against the lens was the rather slow focusing. Portraits sang and macro shots stunned. It’s a lens I would definitely recommend for considered photography.

Video on this little camera is astonishingly good. It shoots 720p HD video. Viewing some test footage on a 46” Plasma TV left a very pleasing feeling. It’s no Canon 5D MkII when it comes to video, but it really is impressive. The ability to plug in an external microphone makes this a capable tool for video. The optional stereo microphone which comes with the adapter captures too much ambience. However when I plugged in my Rode VideoMic (which is a shotgun type) the difference was unbelievable.

The E-P2 just makes photography fun. It’s so straight forward and simple, feeling like an extension to one’s eye. It makes you less the “camera guy” and more the photographer; you just take nice picture after nice picture. Can’t ask more of a camera.

Links:

More images on my Flickr E-P2 Set

Homage, a short film shot on the E-P2

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Secure Your Gear

Posted on December 23, 2010 | 9 comments

Combination padlocks are extremely practical. Attached to a Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise shoulder bag. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

Photography equipment is expensive; everything from cameras to lenses to computers, is expensive. We often spend months or even years saving to get a particular piece of equipment and once we have it, we stop looking after our investment once at work, instead focusing on the assignment. Thankfully there are certain products and practices to help us safeguard our equipment whilst working. After all, we need to concentrate on our assignments and not on the safety of our gear. Most theft is opportunistic; these measures will stop the opportunist thief.

Out On The Street

I have known of press photographers having their backpacks containing laptops and spare camera equipment swiped off the street whilst they concentrate whilst working long doorstep type jobs (at courts, hospitals, politicians homes and so on).
It’s easy to put our bags down as fatigue sets in. A very simple precaution is to make sure that all the zips have padlocks on them. I personally use combination locks which means that there is no need for keys. This is good practice as it will stop a thief from opening your bag in crowded places like the tube.
To stop the bag from being stolen fully, I also make sure that my bags have cables with combination padlocks on them. These are available from most good outdoor shops, luggage shops or bicycle shops. All that remains is to find street furniture (fencing, posts and so on) or a tree to lock the bag too. Worse case scenario, you can also lock several bags together, making it impossible for someone to do a runner with them.

Hotels

Showing my travel set-up for an assignment in Canada using ThinkTank Photo's Airport International 2, padlocked to a bath tub handle in my hotel. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

Whilst on foreign assignments, it’s often the way that equipment is transported using roller type cases and then use either pouches or a shoulder bag to work from whilst on the ground. The roller bag then being left behind in the hotel room. We also leave the roller bag fully kitted out when popping out to eat. Again, we are taking huge risks, leaving essential gear at the mercy of anyone who has or gains access to the room.
Thankfully Think Tank Photo roller bags have built in security measures with padlock zips and importantly a security cable attached to the bag’s chassis. It’s then a matter of finding something solid in the room to padlock our cable to. My personal favourite are bathtub handles.
These same security precautions should be carried out at press conferences, fashion weeks and so on.

Cafes

Cafes have turned out to be favourite wiring places for photographers; they provide essential coffee and broadband. I was in a situation where a colleague sat in front of me in a Starbucks had his Canon 1D MkII with 70-200mm f2.8L stolen from under his chair. The thief was so gentle and swift that neither of us noticed until long afterwards. My general precaution is to make sure that I put my leg through camera and bag straps when placing items on the floor.

The Car

PacSafe Exomesh secures two bags to luggage hooks in the boot of a car. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

Our cars are another place where we leave lots of kit. Firstly, make sure that your doors are locked; this will stop the opportunist if they see a bag or camera on your seat when stopped at a red light or parked up in a street. Naturally, never leave any of your equipment in view, making sure that everything is in the boot, if you are parking the car and away from it. This also ensures that your insurance company will pay out if there’s a theft from an unattended vehicle.

One of the ways we are targeted by thieves is if someone observes us taking equipment from our boot; if possible, it’s always better to take away gear in a shoulder bag, or make sure no one is watching if you’re just grabbing a couple of cameras. The other is purely opportunists hoping to find a laptop; estate cars are especially at risk as the rear covers are easily ripped open after the rear window is smashed.

The cheapest way to secure your gear, especially if you have a Think Tank Photo bag is to lock it’s security cable to a luggage hook; this will stop the opportunist especially if they set off your car alarm. The next best and more secure way is to use a PacSafe Exomesh which covers your bag and allows you to attach it’s cable to a luggage hook in the car. The advantage with system is that it’s mobile so you can take a PacSafe Exomesh with you when abroad and use it in hire cars. They are also useful for hotel rooms.

ATHAG Guardsman custom made security cage. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

Next comes the more secure metal cage approach. These are custom made for your needs and for your car. Anything from small hatchbacks to large estate cars and 4x4s are catered for. These are then secured to luggage hooks or even to the car’s chassis making them extremely secure. To top things off, they have multi point locks making the opening solid and secure. The two leaders in this field are Athag (my personal choice) with their Guardsman range and Barjo.

Look after your gear so you can get the job done.

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Posted in Bag, Camera Equipment, viewpoint

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Leica M9 Titanium

Posted on November 14, 2010 | 30 comments
My day with one of the most exclusive digital cameras ever made

World Exclusive

Photographer Edmond Terakopian tests the limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo By Brett

There were rumours abound before Photokina 2010 about Leica bringing out a new camera; talk of an M9.2, a different digital M and even a digital body that would take the Leica R lenses. Well, the different digital M turned out to be right, but who would have thought it would be anything like the Leica M9 Titanium, or Titan as it’s also called?

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium, complete with Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH in Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

I must admit to not being a big fan of the limited editions that companies produce; I’m a photographer and want tools which are reliable and produce the utmost in imaging quality. I’ve often sighed to myself when I’ve seen limited editions of the M6 or M8. My thoughts at the time were always the wish that Leica would stop concentrating on these and put all their energy into making a ‘proper’ digital rangefinder. For me, the M8 and M8.2 just didn’t cut it. Well, the M9 certainly does cut it and ever since reviewing it for the BJP at launch, I’ve been saving for my own M9 which I recently bought. Leica has changed a lot in recent years; fresh thinking has brought amazing products like the S2 and some stunning M optics as well as the wonderful M9. So, considering the current lineup, I didn’t sigh when I first saw pictures from the launch, but was rather intrigued.

The M9 Titanium though is an absolute departure from putting exclusive leathers and other materials onto the normal camera’s outer casings. Although it has an M9 at it’s heart, it has a completely a new casing, even down to the base plate. There is also some new technology in the viewfinder, more of which later. As it’s name suggests, the material is Titanium; tough and light – pretty much ideal for a camera. Every piece of exterior metal is made from solid Titanium and the body is covered in beautiful high grade leather.

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium, complete with Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH in Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

So, what to do about designing the camera? Well, the answer surprisingly was to approach a car designer; to quote Leica:

“The exclusive special edition Leica M9 “Titanium” is the result of a collaboration with Walter de’Silva, the prominent automobile designer. Responsible for groundbreaking design concepts for the latest models from the Volkswagen Group, the chief designer and his Audi Design Team have re-interpreted the design of the LEICA M9 just as he envisaged it. The outcome is a unique camera with a new interpretation of the characteristic features of Leica rangefinder cameras, which lends precision engineering, unique style and solid titanium to extraordinary formal design.”

It may seem a strange thing to do as cars and cameras are so extremely different, but seeing the camera, I must say that the collaboration is an absolute success. In the pictures first released, the camera and lens looked good, but in real life, it looks and feels superb.

In the days of film, I used to have a Leica 35mm f1.4 Titanium lens – I must say I always loved the way it felt. Well, this camera takes that feeling and multiplies it many times over. I can’t think of anything that can make an M9 feel cheap, but the M9 Titanium does just that! As much as I admire the look and the feel of the camera, I also absolutely adore the lens. The ‘kit’ lens is Leica’s extraordinary Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH. This too is created using solid Titanium and also comes with a beautifully crafted Titanium lens hood, specifically made for the camera. Even the red Leica badge is custom made from resin and hand-engraved with enamel for the camera. There is also an interesting leather holster for the camera, which again was specifically designed and made for the camera. All of this is packaged up in the most beautiful of presentation boxes, including a gorgeously printed book showing the journey of the camera’s design, from concept to reality.

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH in Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

The good news for the collector is that there are only 500 of these to be made. As I mentioned earlier, this isn’t one of the ‘normal’ limited editions, but a completely new design of camera, in solid Titanium. Price of such exclusivity is £19,800.00. I’m not really a collector, so don’t know much about such things when looked at as investment, but to me, a completely unique camera does make investment sense. Now, if only I could win the Lottery!

In Use

Thanks to the wonderful folks at Leica UK and the Leica Store Mayfair, I was able to spend a day with the M9 Titanium. Naturally all the testing was done in the office; even if Leica would allow it, I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking such an exclusive and irreplaceable camera out on the street. I need to add though that this camera isn’t part of the 500 but a pre-production proof of concept model; after all, the Leica Stores need to have cameras to show collectors before orders are placed. The one I used had the serial number 6.

Photographer Edmond Terakopian tests the limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo By Brett

In the hand, this camera really feels great. The weight and feel of the materials is just perfect. Aesthetically, I think, it works really beautifully, but the feel of the thing is also spot on. Every part of the body, and that gorgeous lens just work. It’s form, function and material in perfect harmony.

Test images shot with a Leica M9 Titanium. Photographer Brett from the Leica Akademie. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

One of the first things I wanted to see were the new LED illumintaed frame lines in the viewfinder. Traditionally, these are bright-line overlays. In use, these have served me well for a decade; however, in very bright conditions where the subject has a very light coloured background, they can disappear. The M9 Titanium has a completely new system where LEDs are used for illuminating red frame lines. These are much easier to see; very crisp and accurate. It took a few minutes to get used to, but I think I would welcome this system in future M cameras. Aesthetically this removes the need for an illumination window on the front of the camera, adding to a cleaner look.

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. LED bright line frame lines. Unfortunately I couldn't photograph it showing the entire frame, so this image shows the bottom right hand corner. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

One thing which did surprise me was that the frame lines still showed the lens pairings as they have traditionally done, e.g. 28mm and 90mm. I was expecting that the system would show just one set of frames for the mounted lens. I guess though that this would need to read the 6-bit coding to differentiate between the lens pair. Perhaps in the evolution of the M line we shall see this function.

Looking at the outside, one thing which is absent is the manual frame-line selector lever. There are some die-hards on certain forums which mourn it’s loss, but I for one have never found a need for it. I already know the field of view a 50mm is going to give me compared to say a 28mm; the need for changing this manually before choosing lenses is, I think redundant. The M9 Titanium looks so much better and cleaner for not having it.

The Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH is a superb lens; the results just sing. To have it made from Titanium just makes it feel even better in the hand. It’s an absolute joy operating this camera, looking through that superb viewfinder and focusing this gem of a lens; it just feels absolutely spot on.

Test images shot with a Leica M9 Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

Apart from the material and design differences, it just handles like an M9; it just feels even better in the hand. I walked around the office taking portraits of some of the folks there and also some shots of the studio and other shots through an open window. I must admit that it’s the first time in my 21 years as a photographer that I’ve felt privileged using a particular camera; it was a real treat.

The Carrying and Holding Concept

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium. The carrying system comprising of the leather holster and the finger loops. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

I think one of the obvious things is that this camera will probably never really be used as a photographic tool, but more of a collector’s piece. As a result, I’m looking at these ideas as concepts and not as real world suggestions for working with the camera. As concepts, they are very interesting. The holster is a new approach and is made beautifully out of very high grade leather. I for one would never use it in real life situations though.

The limited edition Leica M9 Titanium, complete with Summilux-M 35mm f1.4 ASPH in Titanium. The finger loop is shown on the bottom left. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

The finger loops, which are metal and covered in leather (and come in two sizes) are slightly more usable. The very first time I held the camera (you insert two fingers through the loop), it felt strange but quickly became quite comfortable. With use, one acknowledges that it’s actually quite a neat system and very secure. I would probably opt for the included carrying strap though as I’m just used to having a camera on my shoulder. This new one sided mounting system does away with the traditional strap lugs at either side, again making for a very clean look.

Reality

I would love an M9 Titanium in black paint. I generally shy away from shiny cameras for my work. The less attention, the better considering some of the environments I work in. Titanium is wonderfully strong and light and is the perfect metal for these tools of ours. Alas, it’s expensive and harder to work with, needing special tooling. The M9 Titanium also has a special hard coating which is applied in Switzerland, so this camera, even if mass produced will never be cheap. Still, as a photographer, a black, or very dark and matt coloured Titanium Leica would be fabulous.

Test images shot with a Leica M9 Titanium. Photographer Brett from the Leica Akademie. November 12, 2010. Photo: Edmond Terakopian

The current M9 Titanium is a thing of beauty. Everything about it is pure elegance; not just elegance though as it’s combined with absolute usability and stunning design which marries the aesthetic with the practical. As someone who prefers black, I can look at this camera and I still appreciate it’s gorgeous looks and even the colour. How good does it feel? Just think about my earlier comment that it makes the regular M9 feel cheap.

For a set of picture taken with and of the Leica M9 Titanium, please visit my Flickr page.

©Edmond Terakopian

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Posted in Camera Equipment, Leica, Photography, Review, viewpoint

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Canon Pro Photo Solutions 2010

Posted on October 23, 2010 | 2 comments
Business Design Centre, Islington,
London, 26 & 27 October

Canon Pro Photo Solutions is now in it’s second year and I have to say, its the best trade show I have ever been to. It’s more focussed towards professional photographers and enthusiasts who are at the top of their game. I really can’t urge you enough to check it out.

The format is in two basic forms; a large number of seminars and also exhibitors showing off their newest kit.

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Photos By: Ant Upton, Antje Bormann, Jeff Ascough, LP & Luke MacGregor.

I’ll be there presenting my work and workflow (both photographic and video) in a seminar called “Moving Forwards With Photography & Video” over both days, in Seminar Room 1 from 14.00 to 14.50.

I’m also going to be with SnapperStuff (stand 49) showing my favourite ThinkTank Photo bags and helping anyone with their questions to do with bags or anything else to do with photography or video. Definitely try and pop by and see the new Retrospective and Sling range.

Hope to see you there!

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Posted in Bag, Business, Camera Equipment, Computers and Software, Exhibition, News, Video, viewpoint, workshop

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So, What’s Tougher; Canon or Nikon?!

Posted on August 22, 2010 | 2 comments

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Altered Realities

Posted on May 13, 2010 | 2 comments
Tilt & Shift Adapter

I’ve always like the tilt and shift look. Like a fish eye, if used properly, sparingly and for the right occasion, it can help produce some beautiful and interesting images. Although having used Canon’s brilliant 45mm TS-E lens, I could never quite justify getting one as it is costly. A colleague of mine, Dan Chung let me know about a very cool little adapter for Micro 4/3 cameras made by an Italian firm called Adriano Lolli.

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The great thing with this adapter is that it’s cheap and let’s you attach lenses by Canon, Leica, Nikon, Olympus and so on, by specifying the mount you need when ordering. The very cool thing with it is that it’s not a tilt and shift adapter as such, but a 360 degree tilt adapter. Think of it as a Lensbaby with a proper and interchangeable lens on the front. The adapter has a handy lever that locks the movement once you have chosen the tilt that you need.

Forgive the rushed, hand held video which acts as purely an illustration on the adapter’s abilities. Video edited on Aperture 3.

I’m very impressed with this little adapter and it’s helping me make some very interesting images using a bag of old Nikkor AIS lenses. The images you see here were done with the 24mm f2 (which equates to a 48mm view on the Olympus E-P2 – as well as any Micro 4/3 cameras). I really can’t recommend this little tool enough!

Addendum: I have added more images to the set, so visit my Flickr set.

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