ROBIN WONG

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).