ROBIN WONG

Previously I mentioned that I have sold off the Fuji X100F because of two reasons - slow AF which was not usable for my street shooting, and mediocre lens that is soft wide open and poor close up performance. I have replaced my 35mm street shooting needs with Canon 35mm F2 EF lens on my Canon 5D original. The Canon 35mm EF was an old, classic lens released in the year 1990, and was not even designed for use in digital cameras. Nevertheless, I find the lens to perform satisfactorily, rendering sharp, detailed images with realistic contrast, and good flaw controls, and no issues being too severe. I particularly love the fast AF and compact, lightweight design, when used with the 5D DSLR, it was quite a manageable combo. I did a street POV video in Kuala Lumpur, you can find my video here (click), and in this blog I share all images taken with that dinosaur Canon 35mm lens.

When I started photography many of my seniors and "gurus" advised me strongly against using Auto mode when shooting with my camera. They claimed that by going full manual and jumping into the deep end immediately will benefit me greatly as a learning photographer. I think that was completely bogus and we should not dismiss the Auto mode too quickly. I think it is the perfect tool for beginners to start learning about how the camera works, without feeling completely drowned by millions of variables and settings on the camera. I think Auto mode is also useful for seasoned photographers as a tool in non-critical shooting situations, and achieving technical perfection in photographs is not everything. I explored this and more in my latest video here (click). Also, I went out for several shutter therapy sessions shooting with my newly acquired Nikkor 10mm F2.8 (for 1 system) mounted on my Nikon J1, all in Auto mode of course! 

I made a short trip to my hometown, Kuching in Borneo recently with a group of friends. Our main agenda was to eat as much good food as we can, see some interesting places and have a fun, relaxing holiday away from the busy-ness of city life in Kuala Lumpur. We all needed that short break. Photography was not part of the plan, but I wanted to bring along a camera anyway just in case I saw something I wanted to capture. Therefore, I carried a minimalist setup of the tiny Panasonic GM1 with Lumix 12-32mm kit lens mounted on it. I thought the Lumix 12-32mm did a splendid job being versatile enough to capture a variety of shots in different situations, and I appreciate the super compact form factor. The image quality from the lens is also nothing to scoff at. I shared my thoughts about why I think the Lumix 12-32mm is a great lens for casual travel snapshots, you can find the video here (click). 

I recently purchased a Yongnno 40mm F2.8 for Nikon F-Mount. For a budget lens, which only costs about RM350 (bought locally from Shopee, Malaysia), I thought the lens performed decently. I did not expect Pro grade image quality, but the sharpness at the center of the frame was very good wide open, and the sharpness improved as the lens was stopped down, all the way to the corners. The AF was fine, the lens flaws such as flare, chromatic aberration and distortion were present, but nothing too severe and can be considered well managed at this super low price point. The lens also features a USB port for direct firmware upgrade, with the latest firmware 1.02 (released December 2017) drastically improved AF efficiency. I did a video to explore this lens in more detail (you can find it here). In short, not a bad 40mm lens if you want to use one for Nikon DSLR!

I have been shooting with wide angle more and more for my street photography recently and I found myself loving the Panasonic 15mm F1.7. I made a video to talk about the reasons why I love the Panasonic 15mm (you can find the video here). I have had the lens for a while, I used the Panasonic 15mm mainly for video making, one of the main lenses to create content for my YouTube channel, as I use it alongside the Olympus 45mm F1.8. The two lenses setup works very well, compact and easy to carry around. The other reason I got the Panasonic 15mm a while ago was to use it as a wide angle prime for my street shooting, which I have been doing more lately. 

My friend Azul Adnan, whom has just published his book JALAN, had just given a talk representing Riwayat (bookstore) at Merdeka Boleh event, happening inside KLOE Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. The talk was earlier this afternoon, and I was present to give my support. I brought along an unconventional setup to grab some quick images - the Panasonic GM1 and a few small-ish Micro Four Thirds lenses. The GM1 was not built for such a shoot, but I did not want to bring my workhorse Olympus E-M1 Mark II, and wanted to be stealthier, so I had a much smaller footprint with the Panasonic. Not the best camera to do the job, as the AF was not the quickest, and the older 16MP image sensor is showing its age handling strong backlit and low light shooting, but I powered through and got some images for Azul. I am sharing all the images here. 

All images were shot with Panasonic GM1, Lumix 12-32mm kit lens, M.Zuiko 45mm F1.8 and 40-150mm R lens. 

My friend Azul Adnan has just launched a new photobook titled JALAN. I had the privilege to do a video interview with him for my YouTube channel, and you can find that video here (click). Azul is one of the regulars that I hang out with to do street shooting around Kuala Lumpur area, and has been featured on my POV street shooting videos many times. He is quite an accomplished photographer himself, having had a solo exhibition with National Arts Gallery in 2018, is actively teaching photography in a university, and recently he has just given a talk at Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival 2023. I am fortunate to have known and called Azul a friend, and I am deeply inspired by his latest photobook Jalan, which is on sale now. Congratulations to Azul, and I hope to see volume 2 coming soon!

If you are a Malaysian please do consider supporting Azul, you can purchase his book by contacting him directly at his Instagram (@azuladnan)

I have just realized that I have not posted the images of food adventures that I have had when I was home in Kuching, Borneo in April. I returned to my hometown for "Ching Ming" and of course, I went around and ate too much good food. Once upon a time this blog was also a place for food images dump, so I thought why not indulge you people with some of these lovely dishes from my beloved birth place! All images were taken with Nikon D600 and either Nikon 50mm F1.8 D or Yongnuo 35m F2 lens. 

I am a huge fan of minimal setup and using smaller cameras for street photography. However that also means the smaller cameras come with some compromises, typically worse handling with smaller gripping area, no EVF, less direct controls and functions and shorter battery life. My favourite small camera setup is Panasonic GM1 and Olympus 17mm F1.8, and I did a POV street video recently with this combo. In the same video, I also shared some tips on how to overcome and workaround the issues of using smaller cameras for street shooting. I shall summarize the points in the video here, and of course, share the fresh images shot around streets of Kuala Lumpur. POV video here (click). 

In a recent trip back home to Kuching, Borneo, I did manage to squeeze a bit of time for street shooting. I brought along the dinosaur Nikon D600 and 50mm F1.8, and had some shutter therapy at the old town area of Kuching. I got some images that I am quite satisfied with, and I thought I have been talking a lot about cameras and lenses lately. So to make things a bit different, why not set aside the gear talk and shift the focus to what matters more in photography - what story to tell in a photograph, how to frame a subject effectively, paying attention to lighting and how to execute the decisive moment! I shared all this in my latest video here (click). Instead of obsessing over technicalities and gear, let's just talk images for once. 

In my latest YouTube video here (click) I discuss about the multiple reasons that led to the downfall of Nikon 1 (CX format) system. However, I did find myself enjoying this camera a lot for street shooting. I love the minimalist look and setup, I like the ability to just point and shoot and still get reliable and consistent results, I like the fast AF, the bright, smooth screen, the rather sufficient image quality from the 1-inch type image sensor when shooting in good light. Here, I am sharing more images shot with my Nikon 1 J1 and Nikkor 18.5mm F1.8 lens. 

Pergear sent me their upgraded macro lens, the 60mm F2.8 2x Extreme Macro lens (2023 version), and I brought the lens out together with my OM System OM-1 to shoot some insect macro. I did not intend to make a full review for this lens, as I only wanted to test the lens with its intended purpose - shooting extreme macro, and I thought what better way to do that than hunting local little critters, insects and spiders? Of course I'd share plenty of image samples, with my thoughts on what I liked and disliked about the lens, and I even made a video for this Pergear Macro lens, you can find it here (click). 

After all the AF drama with OM-1 spanning multiple  videos and thousands of comments, many have asked if I have found a resolution to that issue. My answer is Olympus E-M1 Mark II, I am using this old camera of mine as my main workhorse now. E-M1 Mark II has superior S-AF which I need for low light, low contrast scenarios where the OM-1 failed miserably, and the image output is almost identical to the OM-1, even if there is any difference it is negligible. Same image quality, better AF, I'd pick the E-M1 Mark II. I discussed this in further detail in my latest video here (click), I won't repeat myself, but I want to share some shots which I have taken with the E-M1 Mark II recently for Bihzhu, a friend performing her awesome music live! It is always a treat shooting Bihzhu. 

All images were taken with E-M1 Mark II and M.Zuiko lenses 45mm F1.8, 75mm F1.8, 12-40mm F2.8 PRO and Panasonic 9mm F1.7. 

A few months ago I did an outdoor portrait shooting session for an old friend, Jerry whom I have known from my secondary school days in Kuching, Borneo. I was so happy to see Jerry with beautiful Abby, and it was a privilege for me to shoot a few quick portraits for them. I attended their actual day wedding just yesterday, and I have vlogged about their church wedding ceremony and reception dinner, you can check out my video here (click). In this blog entry I am sharing some shots that I have taken during the outdoor session, all shot on OM System OM-1 and a few Micro Four Thirds lenses, notably M.Zuiko 45mm F1.8 and 75mm F1.8. 

To dear Jerry & Abby, congratulations on getting married, and I wish you nothing but the best for your journey together as husband and wife, and you may receive abundant love, joy and blessings!

I did not get the chance to explore the Nikon 1 system back then, because I was in no financial shape to own multiple camera systems, and I was perfectly happy with Four Thirds (and subsequently Micro Four Thirds) System that I was using. However, these tiny cute compacts with interchangeable lens capability from Nikon always got my curiosity and now after so many years since they were discontinued, the price went down so much in the used market, I just could not resist picking one up and giving it a try. After a few shutter therapy rounds, I must say I enjoyed the Nikon J1 a lot more than I initially expected. I also did a POV video, which you can find here (click). 

I have been using the old Nikon D50 more and more recently for my street shooting, and I must admit I am loving this dinosaur. The 6MP image sensor may be outdated and has limited dynamic range and high ISO performance for today's standards, but the camera always delivers beautiful images that I am thoroughly satisfied with. The autofocus is reliable, I can nail some moving shots with ease, I love the handling of the camera, the simplicity of operations and menu, and everything about the D50 just works! I made a video to explore why I am enjoying this old D50 so much, you can watch it here (click). In this blog entry, I am just dumping a series of images shot at a day trip to Sekinchan with my friends Jon, Andrew and Matti (a few months ago, when he was still in Malaysia). 

About a month ago I decided to take the plunge and did my first ever live-stream on YouTube. It was nerve-wrecking, I was moving so far out of my comfort zone. The first stream went quite well, until the end after 2 hours mark, my video and audio feed both got disconnected while the stream went on and people can still continue to leave comments on the live stream. I spent 10 minutes trying to figure out what went wrong and troubleshooting to no avail, so I decided to end the stream. Fast forward a month later, which was last evening at 9pm, I did my second live stream, and this time, it went on without technical hiccup. 

Just like my usual video production, I practice minimalism. 

Everything is made to be simple, and stripped down. I don't use OBS software or any cool fancy apps, the more things to tinker around, the more chances of error and things going wrong. I piped my video feed into YouTube straight from the camera's HDMI output. I used a USB microphone to simplify things further, no need to worry about power, just plug and play and I was using a cheap microphone. Audio was not "professional grade" but it was clear, and my speech was perfectly audible, and I think the background noise was quite well managed at the same time. I used a single monitor screen (everyone asked me to use two or multiple monitor setup), like, guys, you only have TWO eyes. How many places do you want your eyes to roam around at the same time? My stream was setup for me to answer questions from start to finish, so my eyes were glued to the comments panel at all times! 

I have seen many people trying too hard, going the extra mile, making things super complicated that when something went wrong they don't know where to pin-point the problem. And something always goes wrong. I am just making things easy for myself to manage, because I am a one man crew, the less to think and worry about, the better. Instead, I'd concentrate my focus and energy into my delivery, and interaction with my precious audience. 

I was extremely nervous doing this live stream and that only proved one thing - I was outside my comfort zone. This was a good thing, I am exploring unfamiliar territories and I am learning new things. 

Will I do this stream again? Perhaps, but not too often. Now, I'd like to do maybe once a month, or once in two months, we shall see how things go. 

I found a crazy cheap used old compact point and shoot Sony camera, the Cybershot T70 for less than RM50 (USD10?), and I thought it would be fun to bring it out for some shutter therapy. The camera works fine 70% of the time, behaving as it should, but the other 30% it just shakes like it drank too much coffee, the image stabilization motor was faulty and causes severe vibration on the entire camera. The resulting images came out surpringly interesting! That's the risk of buying used, old cameras, sometimes you end up with unexpected issues, in this case, art making machine. 

I just could not help myself when I stumbled upon the 7Artisans 18mm F6.3 II body cap lens on Shopee (online shopping platform in Malaysia) and decided to get it. I had zero expectations as the lens does seem like it was made to be just for fun and not for anything serious, and for the low price I'd not expect any miracles either. I paired the 7Artisans body cap lens with my Olympus PEN Mini and had a short photowalk, which I also recorded a POV street shooting video to show what happens in front and around me before I pressed my shutter button. I also share some thoughts on zone focusing (Ricoh shooters called it "snap focus") in that same video here (click). 

I spent the past weekend in Ipoh, a city about 3 hours' drive north from Kuala Lumpur. My friend Spencer was attending a colleague's wedding, so I took this opportunity to join him along the ride out of city, for a short weekend escape. We had too much food, and it was indeed nice to just eat and not worry about work or making content for a while. I brought along the Canon 5D and 50mm F1.8 lens and took some shots from this spontaneous, short trip. I really love the colors that the Canon 5D produces, there is just some magic that I cannot describe. 

One day, out of total randomness I decided to sign up for a Nikon Photowalk happening here in Kuala Lumpur. It was an official event, organized by Futuromic (caretaker and distributor of Nikon in Malaysia) and I did have some friends there which I met and caught up with. I brought along my Nikon D600 and 50mm F1.8 D and had some fun joining the group for a walk along the streets. The theme for the day was black and white, and I did submit my monochromatic images to the group. However, the day was just too colorful to stick strictly to black and white, and here in my own blog I can show whatever I want, so I am celebrating all the wonderful colors from that photowalk session. Also I made a video from that same images I took from this session, explaining why I love using 50mm for my street photography, you can find the video here (click). 

I have just dropped a new video, and it was fully presented in my own national language, Bahasa Malaysia. I have been actively making YouTube videos for more than 3 years now, all the videos have been fully spoken in English. I decided to try something different and experiment with Malay because I feel that it can be a way to connect better with the local audience. Of course, this is just a trial, my English speaking content will continue to come and there is no change to the way I share my content on YouTube, but I thought it would be fun to do something completely different, and pushed myself out of my own comfort zone. You can find the video which is live now here (click). 

I have been experimenting with minimalist setup for video and photo gear lately. I had the idea of fitting everything into a small carry bag, with easy access, and the setup should be versatile enough for my normal street photography shooting and recording POV video of that session simultaneously. I finally did it, after purchasing a cheap crossbody messenger bag from Decathlon that costs RM49(USD15) and I went out and did a full POV video which I published on my main channel here (click). Here, I am sharing the breakdown of stripped down, bare minimalist setup which I adopted to produce that particular video. 

I also made another video on my vlog channel to share this minimalist setup in the small bag - you can view the video here (click). 

Since I was getting serious in making more videos for YouTube, I find myself having to compromise when it comes to shooting high quality street photography images. I had to prioritize making videos as the YouTube platform is generating a significant chunk of my income. Having to juggle multiple devices all at once - the video camera to shoot a video, a photo camera to do street photography, a microphone to record video separately, my smartphone to refer to my video script as I forget what I have to say way too often, and sometimes, a HDMI capture device, or another separate camera for a different view or B-Rolls, you get the idea, multitasking takes some toll on my attention when I was trying to get somewhat decent images. I know that is no excuse, as I can just put everything aside and give my 100% in shooting good street images, but hey, those don't make me money, and my photography jobs (shoots) aren't recovering fast enough post-covid. 

I guess only a content creator could relate to my struggles and challenges. It also eats me up inside knowing that my images could have been better, and I was not performing at my best ability. 

These are the OK shots, not great shots, but good enough to be included in my latest video. All images were shot with Olympus PEN E-P1 and M.Zuiko 17mm F2.8 pancake lens. 

Pentax has been making the quirkiest cameras ever and I love them for that. From their super fun, colorful miniature Pentax Q system to the misunderstood K-01 with unconventional design, Pentax does not care about mainstream trends, and they have always done things their own way. I applaud them for staying true to their own style and not give in to market pressure. While everyone is chasing the latest technology, outdoing each other with AI Deep Learning AF tracking, and pushing the boundaries of megapixels and technical perfection, Pentax decided to just launch a fully black and while camera, the K-III Mark III Monochrome! I thought was move was bold and commendable. I discuss this and more over a POV shooting session at Sekinchan with friends. You can find the POV video here (click). 

All images shown here were taken with Pentax K-01 and 40mm F2.8 pancake lens. 

Olympus C-8080 was launched almost 20 years ago, but this camera shows that Olympus clearly knew what they were doing, it has some futuristic features that are commonplace in today's modern digital cameras. For example, the C-8080 features electronic viewfinder with live exposure simulation, basically the same what you see is what you get preview in modern EVF, and they already implemented this in 2004! The camera also has tilt LCD screen, which is convenient for low and high angle shooting, something a lot of modern cameras today also replicated. I explored these features and more during my recent shutter therapy session with the Olympus C-8080, it was such a fun camera to use! I did a video of course; you can find it here (click). 

Everyone is raving about how great the deep learning intelligent subject detection for birds in OM System OM-1 camera, so I thought it would be fun to give it a try. I brought the OM-1 and M.Zuiko 40-150mm R lens to the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, and I intended to do a POV video demonstrating my experience using the bird detection AF. However, the external HDMI recorder failed on me during shoot. Not giving up, I decided to do things the hard way, holding the camera and lens with one hand shooting the bird, while the smartphone on another hand to film the LCD screen of the OM-1 in action. Trust me, this was no easy feat, I was struggling so much most of the time, and missed a lot of shots. I will poke your eye out if you dare to suggest me to do bird in flight in such challenging condition. Nevertheless, I think the results are good enough to show the point of the video - how well the bird detection on OM-1 works. And I personally think it is impressive. I discuss this and more in my latest video here (click). 

I have been using older compact cameras for my street shooting lately. I believe there are some benefits to this - the older camera costs lower, so you have less concern of being robbed while roaming at less than safe areas in the neighbourhood. Not having to look over your shoulder all the time is a huge plus, compared to using a 3000 dollars setup, and even if you did bump into trouble, the camera costs almost nothing! Older cameras also impose limitations, having less pixel count, lower dynamic range and high ISO performance, and there is only so much you can do with "outdated" technology, you have no choice but to truly focus on what really matters in photography - telling a great story, capturing dramatic moments and paying attention to lighting and composition. Using a truly small and light camera, it also encourages you to go out and shoot more! Less is more. 

All images were shot on the Olympus XZ-1 which I got for about USD30. 

My timetable has been quite full lately, filled with shoots (paid jobs) and also making YouTube content ahead of time so I can have a planned 2 week break in April, well, starting now. I need a break, I think we all need a break. There was the recent OM-1 AF drama which I shall not get into too much details here, and a few other things in real life I have to deal with, nothing "end of the world" kind of issues, but they are time-consuming and both physically and mentally exhausting enough for me to go through. A clean break from everything can do myself good, and my definition of break means stop doing everything, run way to somewhere far, eat too much good food and spend time with awesome people. It starts with Malacca!

Over the weekend I had a short trip to Malacca, well, mostly to eat all the wonderful food there. I probably have gained too much weight I am amazed I can still fit into any of my clothes. All images were shot with Nikon D600 and 50mm F1.8 D lens. 

On the new year's eve (yes, it has been a while ago) I had an early morning photowalk with my friends who happen to be some of the best professional photographers in Malaysia. Andrew Chow, Jon Low and Eric Ooi all have switched to Sony full frame mirrorless at different stages of their career. I took this opportunity to ask them some questions: what made them switch to Sony from their previous system, what are their experiences using Sony as their main workhorse currently and... should I be making the switch to Sony myself? Undoubtedly I got some very interesting answers from my friends in my latest video! Check out the video on YouTube here (click). 

Since we were at the local wet market, I also did some shutter therapy, this time with the Nikon D600 and 50mm F1.8 D, attacking mostly portrait shots of people there. I did a POV street shooting showing you how I frame my shots, what happens around me before I click the shutter button, and I share the images here in this blog entry. 

I have the privilege to shoot the dress rehearsal for the latest KLPAC production, Let's Rock 3 last night, and boy oh boy was I enjoying myself too much. This is the third iteration of Let's Rock series, and I was right there at the beginning from Let's Rock 1 originally in 2017! How time flies, and the amazing popular rock music, being presented live with a twist - added layers of symphonic orchestra, live four piece band and large backing choir group, I must say you gotta watch it to see how magnificent this whole rock mini concert is! My favourite local singer-songwriters are also headlining the show - Bihzhu nd Fuad from Kyoto Protocol! It was so fun shooting the vibrant dramatic theatre stage with too much good music. If you are in Kuala Lumpur from 30 March to 2 April 2023, you MUST watch Let's Rock 3. Grab tickets here, and thank me later. 

Some technical details - images were all shot with OM System OM-1 and various M.Zuiko lenses: 12-40mm F2.8 PRO, 45mm F1.8 and 75mm F1.8

There are several techniques to gain more magnification shooting macro photography, and some of them are quite cheap and effective at the same time. I share the use of extension tubes on top of a dedicated macro lens, attached to a Micro Four Thirds body, and in this combination I have measured that I can achieve about 350% magnification. Of course I brought this combo out to a park and managed to shoot some really cool insects and spiders which I am sharing here in this blog entry. For full discussion on how I measure magnification and prove that I got 350% on my setup, please do go and watch the video I have published here (click). This is one example where it was easier to just demonstrate a process through video, than having to write down word buy word in an article format. 

It has been 10 years since Olympus launched the OM-D E-M1 in 2013 and I thought it would be fun to take mine out for a spin. The E-M1 original has changed the mirrorless camera landscape, showing what is possible and how a capable, professional mirrorless camera should be made. I discuss the significance of the E-M1 in my latest video, which also included me doing POV street with the E-M1. I am sharing the fresh images, mostly street portraits and environmental shots from the streets of Kuala Lumpur here in this entry. I used the venerable M.Zuiko 12-40mm F2.8 PRO lens, just because the lens was launched together with the E-M1, and has become the default kit or combo. You can watch my POV video here (click). 

I always find it annoying when I hear people say if the color photographs don't work, you can try to save them by converting to black and white. I personally believe black and white medium deserves a lot more respect. Instead of treating black and white as an afterthought, or plan B if the color images fail, it should be treated as the opposite. I strongly suggest shooting black and white with intention, purposefully finding black and white images and wanting to create monochromatic results from the start. Having the right intention and focus will result in stronger black and white outcome. 

In my recent street photography outing, I wanted to just focus on getting black and white images, so I ignored all colors and went full monochrome mode. I have made a POV video showing you how I composed these shots too, you can find it here (click). 

I managed to get my hands on OnePlus 11 5G smartphone, and I was curious about the 3rd generation Hasselblad camera for mobile! I brought the smartphone out for several shutter therapy sessions, snapped plenty of images and I am sharing my thoughts on the camera performance. Spoiler alert: I really, really like the OnePlus 11 and I personally think it is currently the best smartphone camera out there in the market. I have made a video review of OnePlus 11's camera performance, accompanied by POV footage from video screen recording showing the camera in action, while I was composing and capturing the sample images in the field! You can find the video here (click).