I thank you all beautiful people for showing up and taking some time to respond to my previous blog entry (here). I appreciate the show of support and the kind words. Photography is about shooting and sharing images, and I will continue to do so regularly on my blog. I have enjoyed doing so for so long and I will continue doing so here, you will see.
I was away to Penang for almost one week for business trip, and while I was there, I only had very little time to go out and shoot on my own. With whatever little time I had, I used the Olympus OM-D E-M10 and M.Zuiko 25mm F1.8 lens to shoot on the street, and gathered a small collection of photographs to be shown here. After all the dramas happening recently, I decided to just shoot the way I wanted to shoot, processed the images the way I wanted to process them, and just share the photos here as my usual shutter therapy sessions. I enjoy shooting on the street, I love the 50mm perspective, I have come to love the new OM-D E-M10 and the M.Zuiko 25mm F1.8 lens, and I really fell in love with Penang streets. I think Penang is a street photography heaven. I only wish I had spent more time there and explored further. It was such a joy to just shoot and not think about anything else for a while.
Rest assured my review blog entries are still on the way. I needed this tiny break. I needed to just shoot for myself, not for reviews. I hope you guys enjoy the photos, as much as I did shooting them.
Cendol. Shaved ice with red beans and grass jelly in coconut milk mixed with palm sugar. Penang's heaven comes in a little bowl.
Pushing Away
Shop Storage
Penang Street Art
Hardworking
By the beach
Real Motorcycles
Songkok Maker.
Inside
Hanging Out
Five Foot Way
Oudoor Dining
Furniture Shop
Handmade
Fresh Fruit Vendor
Outside the closed shops
Entrance to a Temple
A backalley
Very small bike
Street Travellers
The Statue
I have always preferred using the 50mm perspective (25mm lens for Olympus of course) on the street, in fact I think it is crucial to most of my wider angle coverage shots, with background incorporated into my portraits to create something like environmental portraits. I would use the longer focal lengths such as the 45mm F1.8 lens for tighter close up street portraits. Somehow I just find the normal 50mm perspective works so much better for me in comparison to 35mm. Believe me I tried so hard to love the 17mm F1.8 lens, and it never gave the results that I wanted, but the 25mm lens just worked even without me trying that hard. Yes, I acknowledge it is a matter of individual preference, we do not have to get to figure out which one was right or wrong, because there never really was any right or wrong in photography. If it works, it works. It it does not, no matter how hard we push, or force it to happen, it won't happen. Understanding what works is extremely crucial.
I loved the "Real Motorcycles"! By the way, I just realise you didn't put in the settings like ISO and aperture. You do usually do that right?
ReplyDeleteCarmen, thanks for the kind words. I only display the EXIF data for review blog entries. Not for my usual blogs.
DeleteRobin,
ReplyDeleteI don't know what blogs I would read if you ever stopped writing. I am VERY pleased to hear that despite people criticizing your writing style you are continuing to write! I for one appreciate the style that you write in, that of a person who LOVES photography, enjoys the gear, and is willing to share from that perspective. When i do my own informal reviews it is done the same way, as an enthusiast.
Take a care and keep up the brilliant and BEAUTIFUL work.
Jamie MacDonald
Olympus Trailblazer
The only constant in photography is that we produce images, and we enjoy doing so. I have been blogging and shooting for so many years, there is no reason to stop. At least not anytime soon. My journey has begun and I have a long way to go.
DeleteGreat photos once again! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete(Oh, and the EXIF data is still in the files, Carmen ;) )
Hey Björn,
Deleteyeap, left the EXIF intact. Thanks for the kind words.
Hi Robin, Thanks again for the wonderful photos! Every time I see your images I am always reminded of my time in Asia - six of the best years of my life!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, would you regard the EM10 as an upgrade to the EM5? I know that may not be quite a straightforward comparison, but I was wondering what your perspective might be.
David in Seattle
Do come back for a visit! I do not see E-M10 as a huge upgrade to E-M5, but it does have newer features and better image processing engine.
Delete"Real Motorcycles" is great. I'd order a print of that.
ReplyDeleteThat was my favourite shot too! Thanks.
DeleteImagination. Inspiration. & Fun !
ReplyDeleteKeep on Rockin', Robin.. ; )
Hey Franz,
DeleteThanks!
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ReplyDeleteThese are great. esp the "Real Motorcycles" shot. Speak much better than a wordy "review" about a lens.
ReplyDeleteHi Wisertime,
DeleteThat was my favourite shot too!
Beautiful set of photographs, Robin! It looks like the 25 mm lens also gave you a set of wings. :) Where "street photography" seems to be the hip thing out there these days, yours is really great work that tells a sorry and deserves this name.
ReplyDeleteThanks Thomas! I do not think I deserve such high praise but I really love shooting with the 25mm. It was made for street photography, in a way.
DeleteYou actually do deserve the praise. I've been looking at lots of street photography lately and it gives me an uneasy feeling, the cynicism many approach their shoots. Even though the photos are cool to look at, it shows that all they do is take, never give back. You are different, your recent post proves this: http://robinwong.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-way-they-looked-at-you.html
DeleteYou show respect. And that's a beautiful trait. Stay this way, Robin!
Thomas, thanks for the kind words! Surely, my style will evolve but the core will stay the same.
DeleteOh, I was hoping to see the new bridge. I like what you got, though. Is that Butterworth?
ReplyDeleteThe 25mm f/1.8 seems to be everyone's darling now. I just got my 12-40mm on Wednesday, and I'm more happy with the normal zoom, even though I've used my Four-Thirds Leica 25mm recently.
Hope you enjoyed the food up there!
Hi Sakamoto,
DeleteIt was in Georgetown and the second bridge was ready but I was nowhere near to shoot that, and I had not the time to travel. Next time maybe.
Oh and of course I enjoyed the food in Penang! It was heaven!
DeleteWell, you know that I'm jealous. :) :D
DeleteThe only photos I ever seemed to see of Georgetown were of the mall and Sushi King.
You should come to Penang and shoot it!
DeleteReally good photos. By any chance, will you do a video quality review of the Olympus EM 10? Like compare it with the EM1 and EM 5?
ReplyDeleteHi Ariel,
DeleteI am no video expert, hence I would not give any good insight or thoughts about video capabilities. I am sure there will be other reviewers who would do a better job.
Ok. I'm waiting for EOSHD to review it, but I don't think they will do anytime soon. I just hope you will post more videos of the EM10, even though you won't review it. Its rare to find video samples of the EM10 in youtube and vimeo. Thanks
DeleteEOSHD gave very positive review for E-M1's video capability!
DeleteGreat pictures Robin. Thanks for continuing to share your insight and your beautiful photographs with us.
ReplyDeleteCheers! More to come. Hands are still itchy.
DeleteRobin
ReplyDeleteI have a bunch of pictures of Malaysia, Penang of course, Langkawi, Tioman, Kukup... etc.... from the time I was living in S'pore, that was in the seventies. That was the main reason I came to visit your blog, like Ming's blog also. Certain areas of Malaysia haven't changed too much and your pictures send me back to these wonderful times I had in Asia.
This OM D M10 does beautifully, the colours reproduced are very much what my slides are. Among your photos two are excellent, "Penang Street Art" and "Real motorcycles", well done sir !
Carry on, it's a pleasure.
Michel
Hey Michel,
DeleteDo come to Malaysia again!
Thanks Duncan. MORE to come.
ReplyDeleteHiya Robin,
ReplyDeleteAs always loving your images, the Cendol is just lovely. Anyway thank you for your timely posts and sharing your experiences with the Olympus gear. I look forward to hearing more about the 25mm.
No worries was a pleasure shooting and blogging, as always. More 25mm f1.8 post coming.
Deleteeverything i read your blog, i feel like grabbing my camera and start shooting >.<
ReplyDeleteRose, go out and shoot!!
DeleteHi Robin,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing these wonderful images and i like everyone it. But the cendor makes me really 'mengidam' like pregnant mother. The hot weather at Pulau Ketam make it worst...how nice to have a bowl of cendol. The 25mm make me itchy but then again everything Robin touched turn into gold. I like big subject but 25mm will add more story to the subject. That will be superb. The effect of this post, is awesome..now i am tired laying on my back after our first round of shooting this morning but your blog shout, 'Go out and shoot!'. Keep on your good work, Robin. It gives extra energy when we are tired. John Ragai via Samsung Galaxy
Hey John,
ReplyDeleteI am sure at Pulau Ketam there are many great seafood to be enjoyed! Remember to take some photos.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteWhat do you think of the EM10 for a beginner in photography? I want to buy a great present to myself for celebrate my diploma. I never owned any camera before.
It is a GREAT camera for a beginner. And it is packed with advanced features if you want to explore deeper and further too.
DeleteHi Robin,
ReplyDeleteNice shots as always, your shots are still outstanding. So this new camera didn't give too much hard time to get accustomed to? Thomas Leuthard just said in one of his post that the EM10 has definitely become his favorite camera, definitely an upgrade to the EM5 and best deal you can get on the OM-D product line. He believes EM1 is better but not worth the price it is branded. Do you share his opinion?
In your previous review, with some lenses it seems you might have a balance issue with the small size of the body. Since Thomas is European and you're asian, I would assume you would have more physiological similarities with my hand size (except if you unusual oversized hands for an asian). But anyhow, does this camera give you good time and allows to take the picture you want ?(which in the end is what we look for)
25mm is definitely the missing link in your lenses setup. You really love that focal length as I do. Now more than ever, your candid are always full of compassion and love, never sneakily stolen, always trying to show the people in their best aspect. I believe it really blossoms in your photos. 2014 will be a good vintage for you definitely.
Son
Hey Son Nguyen,
DeleteThanks for the kind words. Well, I have been using Olympus cameras only all this time, it is easy for me to get used to any new Olympus camera and I am not the right person to ask!
E-M1 is expensive but I feel it is worth every single bit spent. You do have to look at it as a whole, full system (including lens options).
For E-M10, the external camera grip ECG-1 is a MUST have for better handling and gripping, especially true with larger lenses like 75mm F1.8.
I cant wait to get my hands on the 25mm F1.8! Coming to Malaysia very soon.
Hi Robin, may I know is there any chance the cheaper-priced bundle of E-M10 + 25mm F1.8 selling at Malaysia? Thanks
ReplyDeleteI dont think so. The kit would be the new pancake zoom lens.
DeleteDude,
ReplyDeletei'm blaming you for making me buy an Olympus OMD EM10 hahahaha
That 25mm pictures of yours are super sharp!
Keep up the good work!
cheers
Hey oobist,
DeleteOh dear, I feel so guilty! I am sure you will fall in love with the camera. That 25mm lens is amazing!
Hi Robin,
ReplyDeleteI have a E-M10 and love images from the camera but have some concern about the longevity of the floating sensor. While off, the sensor seems to bounce easily inside with any movement and the obvious loud clunk/thud when powering off.
I am sure there really is nothing to worry about. So far there are no issues with current E-M5 users (almost 2 years now).
DeleteRobin,
ReplyDeletegood for you for getting away from reviews and shooting for you :)
I have the em-1 the 12-40mm pro the 45 1.8 and now the 25 1.8. Im wondering how much use the 12-40mm pro is going to get now :)
Hey Chuck!
DeleteThe 12-40mm PRO is such a great lens! You should use it more.
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ReplyDeletehey robin.. really love your pics here with the 25mm. it's a great focal length and is my favourite too... do you have any idea when it will be available here in malaysia?
ReplyDeleteHI Robin,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog for some time now but never posted!
I like the great assortment of images that really show what these small cameras can do.
I have a question!
I'm in the field to upgrade my E-P3 to one of the O-MD's. Either the a second hand E-M5 or a new E-M10.
I don't shoot in the rain which rules out the weather proofing of the E-M5 and I use primes mainly.
Thanks in advance.
Sam
Hi Robin,
ReplyDeleteReading your blog is *my* therapy ...
I am about to move away from my heavy DSLR (already sold) and go for the e-m10, also thanks to your great review and pictures, thank you for that!
As I often use a polarizer, I am now wondering if the clever LC-37C lens cap would also work on top of a filter? Would you know?
Keep up the fantastic work on this site.
Ralph.
Great post....and great photographs. In particular, the two which have a "trompe l'oeil" effect - Street Art - and 'Real Motorcycles' - are insanely wonderful. Thank you for sharing them! As a side note, I'm a former E-PL5 owner who is considering getting an E-M10 for a number of reasons - and your recent (and thoughtful) reviews of the EM10 have been helpful. I'm curious about your impressions of the M10's shooting speed. The E-PL5 was one of the fastest micro 4/3 cameras I have ever used - in terms of focusing and in-camera image processing. How does the E-M10 compare with it?
ReplyDeleteCheers!
-Miguel