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Olympus PEN E-P5, G-Zuiko OM 28mm f/3.5

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Olympus PEN E-P5, G-Zuiko OM 28mm f/3.5

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Olympus PEN E-P5, G-Zuiko OM 28mm f/3.5

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Olympus PEN E-P5, G-Zuiko OM 28mm f/3.5

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Olympus PEN E-P5, G-Zuiko OM 28mm f/3.5

Cameras and Lenses: Images with a legacy G-Zuiko OM 28mm f/3.5, praised for its ultra-compact size, impressive center sharpness, and minimal optical distortion, a standard normal 56mm full-frame equivalent on the Olympus PEN E-P5.

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The Olympus G-Zuiko Auto-W 28mm f/3.5 (G.Zuiko OM 28mm f/3.5 for short), a legendary, ultra-compact wide-angle prime lens from the Olympus OM 35mm film SLR camera system, was introduced in 1972 alongside the original Olympus M-1 (later renamed the OM-1). The lens is held in high regard by vintage photo enthusiasts and mirrorless camera adapters alike for its compact size, excellent sharpness, and budget-friendliness.

The lens, which is almost pancake in design and, as indicated by the G (the seventh letter of the alphabet) in G.Zuiko, is a 7-element in 7 groups design, with 6 straight aperture blades, a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters, measures 59mm in diameter x 31mm in length, takes 49mm filters, and weighs approximately 180 grams.

The lens was updated to the Zuiko 28mm f/2.8, featuring a faster maximum aperture and improved multi-coatings for enhanced flare resistance, in 1980.

On the Olympus PEN E-P5, which features a 2x crop sensor, the G.Zuiko Auto-W 28mm f/3.5 is equivalent to a 56mm lens on a full-frame camera, a focal length that is just a tad longer than the standard normal lens category, which is specified as having focal lengths between 30 and 50mm.

The focal length replicates the natural, distortion-free perspective of the human eye, and comes with the versatility that makes it the perfect go-to for everyday shooting, candid street photography, environmental portraits, travel, and documentary work.

Though the setup is not as compact with the lens mounted via a lens adapter, the kit is still an awesome tool for handheld shots for crops and close-ups, for example, as the E-P5 features both a highly acclaimed 5-axis mechanical sensor-shift system and peak focusing, which makes manual focusing incredibly fast and accurate.

Image quality of this pairing, defined in the context of an economical, pocketable setup for street, travel, and documentary photography, can be said to have excellent center sharpness, great contrast, and an organic, vintage aesthetic.

Olympus PEN E-P5, G-Zuiko OM 28mm f/3.5

The Olympus PEN E‑P5, a rangefinder‑style Micro Four Thirds mirrorless digital camera, was released in 2013 as the flagship of Olympus’s compact PEN lineup. The model comes with a 16.1‑MP Four Thirds Live MOS sensor (same as the OM‑D E‑M5), TruePic VI image processor, ISO sensitivity from 200 to 25,600, and a 1.04-million-dot 3‑inch tilt‑type touchscreen LCD.

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Olympus PEN E-P5, G.Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8

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Olympus PEN E-P5, G.Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8

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Olympus PEN E-P5, G.Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Olympus PEN E-P5, G.Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8

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Olympus PEN E-P5, G.Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8

Camera and Lenses: Images with a legacy G.Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8, a vintage wide-angle prime known for its solid all-metal construction, a long-throw focus ring, and classic mechanical build, and a 70mm short-tele equivalent on the Olympus PEN E-P5.

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The wide-angle Olympus G.Zuiko Auto-W 35mm f/2.8 (G.Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8 for short), one of the most affordable Zuiko lenses when it debuted along with the OM System in 1972, is deceptively small, more compact than the Zuiko 28mm f/2.8, but stood high on the threshold with its acclaim for sharpness, contrast, color rendition, and the acknowledgement for low distortion and minimal vignetting.

The lens carries the ‘G’ designation to indicate the optical design of early-version Zuiko lenses, with the 35mm f/2.8 being a 7-element in 6-group construction, and comes with 6 aperture blades, a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters, measures 33mm in length and 58mm wide, takes 49mm filters, and weighs 170 grams.

Later versions of the 35mm f/2.8 were reportedly to have a longer body length (43mm) and a heavier weight (240 grams). The letter designation for Zuiko lenses (e.g., D=4 elements, F=6, G=7) was also phased out by the early 1980s when Olympus transitioned from single-coated to multi-coated lenses. The lenses were then labelled "Zuiko MCs."

On the 2x crop sensor Olympus E-P5, the 35mm f/2.8 lens is equivalent to a 70mm short telephoto or a handy portrait focal length on a full-frame camera, a focal length highly recommended for head-and-shoulders shots, architecture, environmental portraits, and candid street photography, where the main subject can be captured within the context of its scene.

With its minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters (and maximum magnification of 1:6.4), but short of being a true macro lens, the lens is equally adaptable for crops and close-ups. Pairing it with a digital camera that has EVF aids (magnification, focus peaking) adds to the comfort of using the setup and the convenience of achieving greater depth in your photos.

Though not clinically sharp by modern standards, images are artistically pleasant with punchy colors and film‑like hues, clear separation, and smooth and creamy bokeh. Minor tweaks in the desktop image editor do help to accentuate and enhance these qualities.

As it stands, the Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8 is quite a cult favorite among vintage‑digital enthusiasts for its compact size, smooth manual focus, and image renders that may feel analog even with modern digital bodies. It is one of the smallest OM prime lenses available, and pairs beautifully with small digital bodies, like the PEN E-P5, fitted with readily available lens adapters.

Olympus PEN E-P5, G.Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8

The Olympus PEN E‑P5, a compact, rangefinder‑style Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera released in October 2013, is an enthusiast-level retro‑film‑camera design with modern specs. The camera is fitted with a 16.1MP Four Thirds Live MOS sensor (the same as the OM-D E-M5), a TruePic VI image processor, and 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), a system that works well with adapted manual lenses to allow for more stable shooting at slower shutter speeds.

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Olympus PEN E-P5, Zuiko OM MC 21mm f/3.5

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Olympus PEN E-P5, Zuiko OM MC 21mm f/3.5

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Olympus PEN E-P5, Zuiko OM MC 21mm f/3.5

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Olympus PEN E-P5, Zuiko OM MC 21mm f/3.5

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Zuiko OM MC 21mm f/3.5, A Lens Worth The Keep

Camera and Lenses: Images with a Zuiko OM MC 21mm f/3.5, a highly acclaimed lens for its exceptionally compact pancake-style metal build, outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness when stopped down, and lightweight everyday carry.

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For vintage enthusiasts looking for a manual focus legacy worth keeping, or one worth keeping as a keepsake, consider the Olympus Zuiko OM MC 21mm f/3.5, which has potentially very high credentials.

This 7-element, 7-group lens, a testament to Yoshihisa Maitani’s design philosophy for lightweight, portable, high-quality photography equipment, was the smallest and lightest ultra-wide-angle when it was first introduced with the Olympus OM-1 35mm SLR film system cameras in 1972.

The lens is known for its unusually high resolving power and excellent contrast, even at full aperture.

Zuiko OM MC 21mm f/3.5

The lens, a lesser of two siblings (the other being the faster Olympus Zuiko 21mm 1:2), was seen over a couple of iterations. It was first introduced as the G.Zuiko Auto-W 21mm f/3.5, and later updated to the Olympus OM Zuiko MC Auto-W 21mm f/3.5.

Both iterations, the latter with Multi Coating, are of the same optical construction, with a body length of 31mm, a diameter of 59mm, a minimum focusing distance of 0.2 meters, and weigh between 180 and 185 grams each.

Within the digital realm, the lens can be easily adapted and used on current mirrorless digital cameras as well as digital SLR cameras, which, to some enthusiasts, are cameras from the previous generation. For versatility across photographic genres, including street photography, landscapes, urban vistas, and architectural interiors, the ultra-wide 21mm will remain an ultra-wide 21mm on digital cameras with full-frame sensors, with subtle vignetting that adds vintage authenticity to images.

On mirrorless digitals with 2x crop sensors (as seen here, shot with peak focusing on the Pen E-P5), the lens will equate to almost a perfect standard normal, with a focal length equivalent to 42mm on a full-frame. The lens will equate to a shorter wide-angle equivalent of 31.5mm on 1.5x APS-C digital SLRs, and a 33.6mm wide-angle equivalent on 1.6x APS-C digital SLRs (Canon EOS DSLRs).

The lens is also said to have commendable flare resistance when shielded from direct light sources, a sweet spot between 1:5.6 and 1:8 that will yield images comparable to current digital lenses. The tendency of the 6-blade diaphragm to produce 12-pointed sun stars at small apertures at 1:11 to 1:16, a characteristic prized in urban and astrophotography, has also been mentioned. Hoods are rarely necessary except in heavily backlit scenarios.

The truly compact and lightweight lens, comparable to other more modern pancake lenses, is also a favorite among photographers seeking discretion and mobility. Its zone-focusing capability, with a very finger-reachable 90° focus throw, allows hyperfocal shooting at 1:8 with sharp images from as short as 0.5 meters.

Olympus PEN E-P5, Zuiko OM MC 21mm f/3.5

The Zuiko MC 21mm f/3.5, mostly available on the secondary market and auction listings, is normally priced slightly higher than expected, mainly due to its representation as a candidate for the ultra-wide-angle lens market. Its all-metal construction with brass internals and hardened aluminum exteriors, which is the trademark of its longevity, with many (including mine) still functioning well while having passed their fifties.

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Olympus PEN E-P5, Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Olympus PEN E-P5, Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Olympus PEN E-P5, Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8

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The Galleria, Photo of the Day

Olympus PEN E-P5, Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8

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Olympus PEN E-P5, Going Legacy With Focus Peaking

Cameras and Lenses: A look at focus peaking, a focus-aid feature that highlights edges of in-focus areas with a color overlay or highlighted display, with a manual-focus vintage Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8, mounted on the Olympus PEN E-P5.

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One of the best aids a vintage photo enthusiast could have when using legacy lenses on their mirrorless digital camera is the 'focus peaking' (or 'peak focusing') feature.

When used with manual focus lenses or in low-light conditions, the feature highlights the edges of in-focus areas in the camera's viewfinder or LCD screen with a color overlay or a highlighted display.

As the focus is adjusted, the highlighted edges will move across the screen to follow the selected portions of the image that are in sharp focus.

The feature, or technique, first developed for professional video cameras to help maintain critical sharpness during scene transitions, migrated to still photography as mirrorless cameras eliminated optical viewfinders, relying instead on electronic displays that could overlay focus data directly onto the live images.

Integration of this feature across a few camera models has helped to realize the re-use of legacy lenses, which offers cost-effective solutions for color characteristics, macro precision, and creative depth-of-field effects.

For legacy lens users, the potential of these optics, unimaginable when they were first manufactured, is back to the fore.

The first digital camera to incorporate focus peaking in the product line was the Sony NEX digital cameras introduced in 2011. Panasonic's Lumix GH series (GH4, GH5, GH5S, and GH6) implements peaking with user-selectable highlight colors (red, blue, yellow) through dedicated processor arrays that monitor luminance gradients.

Sony's Alpha cameras employ a similar approach with added focus magnification compatibility, while Canon's EOS R system integrates peaking within its Focus Guide system. Fujifilm X-series cameras with focus peaking include the X-T5, X-T4, X-T3, X-Pro3, and X-H1.

From the stables of Olympus, two models well documented with this feature are the Pen E-P5 and E-M10. On the E-P5 (2012), which is used for this shoot, the Peak Focusing On/Off menu item is nestled (Olympus style) four layers down the Custom Menu (Gearbox) tab. To set the feature, the sequence to follow is:

Custom Menu → AF / MF → MF Assist → Peaking → On/Off

Images for this test session were captured on an Olympus PEN E-P5, mounted with a legacy Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8. The E-P5 was introduced by Olympus in 2012, while the seven-element, six-group Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8 lens, recognized for its top-level image clarity, sharpness, and minimal aberrations and flare, was among the original batch of Zuiko lenses that debuted along with the OM system in the 1970s. The lens was once a very popular choice among photographers, and it was also one of the most affordable Zuiko lenses.

Olympus PEN E-P5, Zuiko OM 35mm f/2.8

While not all digital cameras are equipped with focus peaking functions, camera makers do provide other means of manual focus assistance, including magnification (zooming in on the image) or focus assist functions to help you along.