The Olympus Pen-F, released in 2016, was a beloved camera that quickly became a favorite for street and travel photographers. With its stunning retro design, compact form factor, and stellar image quality, it gained a cult following. However, since then, the APS-C mirrorless market, especially the vintage-styled niche, has largely been dominated by Fujifilm with their X100 series and other X-T models. Now, as we look at the crop sensor market in 2024, there's a strong case to be made for a much-anticipated Olympus Pen-F Digital Mark II (if it ever comes), with improvements that can position it as a solid competitor to the Fujifilm vintage lineup.
Here's why we believe the Olympus Pen-F Mark II could be a game changer in today's market, and why we need a sequel to the beloved classic.
The Allure of Vintage Styling: A Camera You Want to Hold
One of the greatest strengths of the original Olympus Pen-F was its design. Inspired by the classic Pen film cameras from the 1960s, the Pen-F brought a retro aesthetic that resonated with photographers who value the look and feel of their equipment as much as its performance. In a market where the vintage style of Fujifilm's X100 series has gained massive traction, there's a yearning for more choices—especially from brands like Olympus, known for their impeccable styling.
A Pen-F Mark II with updated features but maintaining that beautiful design would be a hit among enthusiasts and professionals alike. The Pen-F’s rangefinder-inspired style, dials, and build quality made it a standout, and the photographic community would embrace a refreshed model that combines modern functionality with a timeless aesthetic.
Design Improvements:
- Enhanced Ergonomics: The original Pen-F had good ergonomics, but there's room for improvement. A slightly deeper grip and repositioned dials could make it more comfortable for long shooting sessions, especially for photographers with larger hands. And although its designed for small prime lenses better handling could help with larger lenses and make it a capable professional option.
- Better Weather Sealing: One of the criticisms of the original was its lack of comprehensive weather sealing. A Mark II with full weather resistance would make it a more robust competitor to other camera systems.
- Refined Build Materials: Premium materials, perhaps a combination of magnesium alloy and textured leatherette, could enhance the camera's tactile appeal, making it feel luxurious and sturdy in hand.
Image Quality: Improving on the Original Formula
While the original Pen-F produced excellent images, the crop sensor market has advanced significantly. A Pen-F Mark II could capitalize on Olympus' advancements in sensor technology and image processing.
Sensor and Processing Enhancements:
- Higher-Resolution Sensor: The original Pen-F had a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor. An upgrade to a 24MP or even 26MP sensor, with improved dynamic range and low-light performance, would allow Olympus to keep pace with APS-C competitors. As long as we don't sacrifice low light high ISO noise ratios.
The 1st gen Pen-F didn't have phase detection autofocus which was a miss by Olympus. For a mark II it must be included
- Updated Processor: A new TruePic engine would not only speed up the camera's performance but also enhance its color science. Fujifilm is renowned for its color profiles and film simulations; Olympus could respond by refining its JPEG output and introducing new creative color modes that build on the legacy of the original Pen-F's monochrome and color dials.
- Better ISO Performance: Noise control has always been a concern with smaller sensors. A Pen-F Mark II could integrate improved noise reduction algorithms, allowing for cleaner high-ISO images, especially in low light, where street photographers often find themselves shooting.
Modern Features for a Competitive Edge
The world of mirrorless cameras has changed since 2016. A new Pen-F needs to embrace these advancements while keeping its classic roots intact.
Features That Could Elevate the Pen-F Mark II:
- In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): The original Pen-F had effective IBIS, but advancements in stabilization have made 5- to 7-stop systems the norm. A new model could feature Olympus' top-tier IBIS, making it ideal for handheld street and low-light shooting.
- A Focus on Video features and Vlogging: While the Pen-F had a fully articulating touchscreen it did offer robust video features for vloggers or content creators. An emphasis on this would make it equally great as a street/travel cameras as well as vlogging.
- Faster Shooting: The original Pen-F had a respectable burst rate. A Mark II could increase that, with a silent electronic shutter mode for discreet street photography.
An Expanded Lens Ecosystem with Compact Choices
One advantage Olympus has over Fujifilm is its comprehensive Micro Four Thirds lens lineup. Unlike Fujifilm, which largely centers around APS-C, the MFT system is inherently more compact, making it perfect for street photographers who prioritize portability. A Pen-F Mark II would continue to benefit from Olympus and Panasonic's existing lenses, offering a variety of compact primes and fast zooms.
However, there are still gaps that could be filled:
- More Compact Primes: A few new compact and weather-sealed prime lenses, specifically designed to match the Pen-F Mark II’s style, would provide photographers with a true street setup. Compact pancake lenses would be ideal. An updated 17mm f2.8 lens would be a great start.
- Faster Aperture Zooms: Compact zoom lenses with faster apertures could compete directly with Fujifilm’s versatile zoom range.
The Olympus Flair: Why the Pen-F Mark II Stands Apart
Olympus’ Unique Features:
- Color Profiles and Creative Controls: The original Pen-F had unique color and monochrome dials, allowing photographers to quickly adjust color settings on the fly. A Mark II could expand this with even more options, making it a haven for photographers who want a distinctive look without post-processing.
- Live Composite Mode: Olympus cameras are known for creative modes like Live Composite, which is perfect for long-exposure street photography and light painting. This feature alone could attract photographers looking for creative freedom beyond Fujifilm’s offerings.
- Smaller, Lighter System: Micro Four Thirds is inherently smaller and lighter than APS-C. The Pen-F Mark II, paired with compact lenses, would offer a truly portable kit—ideal for photographers who prioritize a lightweight setup for street and travel work.
Conclusion: A Strong Case for the Olympus Pen-F Mark II
In a crop sensor market largely dominated by Fujifilm’s stylish and capable X100 series cameras, there's a clear space for Olympus to make a comeback with the Pen-F Mark II. The original Pen-F offered a unique blend of vintage style and modern features, and with targeted improvements, the Mark II could be a compelling alternative for those seeking a classic look with modern technology.
From enhanced image quality and better autofocus to Olympus’ unmatched IBIS and creative modes, a new Pen-F would not only honor its heritage but also provide a serious alternative to Fujifilm’s dominance. The vintage styling has proven its appeal, and there's a dedicated segment of photographers who crave an Olympus camera that stands out—not just in terms of looks but in practical functionality and creative possibilities.
A new Olympus Pen-F Mark II would bring more diversity to the crop sensor market, offering photographers another stylish, compact, and capable choice. Here's hoping Olympus hears the call and delivers a modern classic that will make the hearts of street and travel photographers skip a beat.
Watch RED35's video about the Olympus Pen-F
My name is Jason Logan. I'm a photographer and content creator from Northern NJ in the United States. My hometown is Jersey City but call Bayonne home. I love basketball, MMA, Boxing, Art, and being a family man. Let's connect.
Instagram | www.instagram.com/jmtphotographymedia