Tom Caldwell

Rod, I have the FD 300/4.0 (not the L model).  It is a great lens if on the heavy side.  I also both a very nice copy of the FD 300/5.6 which I find more manageable on M4/3 bodies.  I have no real ...

The 45mm seems to have different "style".  The rest are similarly styles except the 135/4.0 with parallel black end and the 90/4.0 which also has a black tip to the lens end as a sort of style ...

Getting there, been busy.  Checked - I have the 55mm f1.2 and two different shaped body FL 50mm f1.4.  I will try them out again asap.

Technically I think the answer is that the good of the lens is magnified and any faults as well. There are some good accurate technical notes on what a focal reduction adapter offers in a white ...

They work fine Rod.

"Just adding a little bit more" for each convenience is a popular refrain.  My response is also predictable - for every "improvement" the size will increase until these days it will become a GX85 ...

My thoughts below In time, no rush essential Maybe they can make both the GM1 is a fraction nicer to use but the evf is very useful If they can without messing up the size form factor I don't mind ...

Yes I did buy one GM5 so as to have one.  But I wanted to have my little fleet as the GM5 model (nothing wrong with the GM1 but having an evf is more versatile).  I had a great deal going to add ...

M4/3 has to be small or it will not survive.  I am only with M4/3 because of the GM1. But because I bought a GM1 and liked it I now have a batch of M4/3 lenses an E-M1, GX7, GM5 - not necessary in ...

Strange that cameras are bought for their image quality and it is the lenses that are usually what make the ultimate image quality. Combined with user skill. Why keep buying new cameras to improve ...

Good concepts.  I have no idea about the relative strength of Panasonic as a company, their corporate plan for diversification and direction or their tenacity in pursuing it. My general feeling is ...

From memory, I will re-check the f1.2 was not particularly brilliant at f1.2 and no better than the f1.4 at f1.4 but was noticeably larger and heavier.  Also from memory there might be two ...

It was the original prototype in unused condition? More likely just waiting for some mug punter mistaking it for a Leica collectible.

I will get them out and have another look.  Memory gets faulty .... I know my mental summation was that I preferred the 1.4.  But re-living the experience is called for to be sure. I do remember ...

What is 5mm between mates? :)

Thanks, Now that I know what I am looking for (do they have a focusing slot?): Tele-Arton 85/4.0 - yes Tele-Arton 90/4.0 - no Retina-Curtagon 35/2.8 - yes Retina-Xenar 50/2.8 - no Xenar 45/2.8 - no ...

Hmmm I have plenty of theories but I am in no rush to give up my present cameras. The GX85 (aka GM7) is a camera that I could use and enjoy.  But the trouble is that I already have a surfeit of ...

Research and Development takes various directions.  I use "making small" as an illustration. Firstly there is the particular design of special tiny components and such things as DFD focus. Much of ...

Thanks,  but I guess time will tell. Maybe the GX85 is another camera Panasonic is laying down for a long product life? If this is becoming a Panasonic strategy - make the very best camera in a ...

Nothing rotating out back at all let alone a coupling when the focus ring is rotated. I have only checked the 90/4.0 Tele-Arton - will check others when I get a chance.