B&H currently has a number of interesting items either in stock or available for pre-order. For those into mirrorless cameras, and Micro Four Thirds and Leica M in particular, read on!
Currently in stock at B&H
- –> Panasonic Lumix GX1 Micro Four Thirds camera (black) + X 14-42mm kit lens — $ 949.–
–> silver body only $ 699.–
- –> Olympus M.Zuiko 12-50mm for Micro Four Tirds (black) — $ 499.00
–> silver version $499.99
- –> Voigtländer “knock-your-socks-off” Nokton 50mm f/1.1 for Leica M — $ 1049.–
Available for pre-order at B&H
- –> Fujifilm X-Pro1 mirrorless X-mount camera (black body) — $ 1,699.-
- –> Fujinon 18mm f/2 (27mm-equivalent) aspherical lens for X-mount — $ 599.–
- –> Fujinon 35mm f/1.4 (53mm-equivalent) aspherical lens for X-mount — $ 599.–
- –> Fujinon 60mm f/2.4 (90mm-equivalent) macro lens for X-mount — $ 649.–
Only a quick update, as I’m currently at work and don’t have time to write a full article. Two interesting new cameras have just been announced, one that has long been rumored, another one that comes as a surprise. Also, Sigma has announced two interesting new lenses.
Canon G1 X
 The Canon G1 X The Can0n G1 X is the latest iteration of Canons acclaimed G-series enthusiast’s compacts that started with the G1 back in 2000. Traditionally, the G-series models have been advanced point-and-shoot cameras with small sensors, medium-fast lenses, a complete range of knobs and dials for fully manual operation as well as integrated optical viewfinders. The G1 X continues in that tradition, with one major exception: it features a completely new, almost DSLR-sized 14 megapixel sensor that measures 18.7 x 14 mm and is thus slightly larger than even (Micro) Four Thirds sensors.
You can find the complete press release as well as all relevant information on the new G1 X at Imaging Resource. A preview of the camera can be found on dpreview. Continue reading Camera news: Canon G1X, Fuji X-Pro1, Sigma lenses
Olympus today announced a new Micro Four Thirds zoom lens, the M.Zuiko Digital 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3. The lens covers a range of 24-100mm in 35mm full-frame terms, which is 2mm (4mm-eq.) wider and 8mm (16mm-eq.) longer than the current kit lens offering, the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6. On the downside, the initial aperture at the long end is only f/6.3, which is only usable in good light or with a flash.
 M.Zuiko Digital 12-50mm f/3.5-5.6 The lens adds the powerzoom feature already known from Panasonic’s new X lens series, which means the zoom is operated via a rocker instead of via twisting the zoom ring. As a bonus, the lens has macro capabilities with a minimum focusing distance of 20 cm / 0.66 ft. It is also completely weather sealed — something which many Micro Four Thirds users have been waiting for, although this would make most sense on an equally weather seales body, which is not available as of yet.
The estimated retail price of the new lens is US-$ 499, with shipping commencing early 2012. The lens will be available in black and silver colours.
Read more at dpreview.com.
These days I’ve been thinking a lot about stuff I’d like to treat myself with for christmas. Alas, the budget for new toys roughly equals zero this year. Still, being the gearhead that I am, here’s a list of what I would have Santa bring me 
- M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8 — Olympus’ latest Micro Four Thirds lens offering, equivalent to a 90mm portrait lens / short tele in 35mm terms. Being raved about by everyone who has it, and generally getting quite favourable reviews. This would complement my Lumix 20/1.7 nicely for a two-lens kit.
- Voigtländer Nokton 40mm f/1.4 — The fastest 40mm lens for 35mm photography, and conviniently this comes in M-mount. Since its über-fast sibling, the Nokton 35/1.2, is not only two to three times as expensive, but also two to three times as large and heavy, this would make for a nice carry-anywhere 50mm-equivalent available-light lens on my M8.
- Leica CL 35mm rangefinder camera — the camera that almost killed the M series. Much smaller and lighter than its M siblings, the CL was manufactured by Minolta and features 40, 50 and 90mm framelines. It’s one of the smallest M-mount cameras, has an integrated light meter and would nicely lend itself at being used with the 40mm Nokton. Also, it’s beautiful!
- Leica M Thumbie — a less expensive and less obtrusive alternative to the Thumbs Up grip by Match Technical. The Thumbie is attached to the back of your Leica M by adhesive tape, and thus keeps the hot shoe free for accessories. It’s also smaller than the Thumbs Up and only half the price.
- Leather half case for the Leica M8 — there are many varieties of this very useful and very good-looking accessory. I would want one in light brown (“cognac”) with an integrated grip, preferrably the Mr. Zhou version. Protects the camera, makes it look nice and provides grip.
What would you like Santa to bring you for christmas?
Finally! After years of waiting, Panasonic today announced a true successor to their popular GF1 compact Micro Four Thirds camera. After introducing the “dumbed down” GF2 and GF3 cameras, many users felt that Panasonic was on the wrong way, focusing too much on the entry level consumer market than at the advanced/enthusiast market. The GX1 now follows in the steps of the GF1, featuring full manual controls again, as well as a solid body that will appeal to all who seek an advanced but compact interchangeable lens camera.
 The new Panasonic GX1 obviously follows the steps of the GF1. Technically, the GX1 isn’t much more than a slightly advanced GF1, featuring roughly the same design philosophy. But even if it is just a mere “up to date” version, it brings enthusiasts exactly what they were waiting for — the idea of the GF1 with the technology of today.
The Panasonic GX1 features the latest 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor that is also being used the G3, Full HD video recording, and can make use of a new 1.44 million dot electronic viewfinder which, however, is not backwards compatible to the GF1.
For more information you can find a quick hands-on preview of the GX1 over at dpreview.com. Also, make sure to check out 43rumors, who will undoubtedly soon cover all the various announcements, previews, hands-ons as well as possibly full reviews of the GX1.
EDIT: The guys over at dpreview.com have made some fancy side-by-side comparisons between the GX1 and the GF1, showing nicely how much the GX1 is really an iteration of the GF1 philosophy.
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Today’s gear Camera: Pentax ME
Lens: Revuenon 50/1.4
Film: Kodak VR Plus 200
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February 1st, 2012, 9:56 am | 
