Vintage Tech, Modern Views: Taking the Original Olympus E-M5 to the Streets of Manhattan

As the common narrative goes, the best camera isn't the one with the most megapixels but the one that stays out of your way. That couldn’t have been more true than my recent trip to NYC, where I decided that for the sake of traveling lightly I would take the smallest camera setup I had available. That setup turned out to be the “OG” Olympus OM-D E-M5 (released in 2012) paired with the first generation Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 DG Summilux (produced in 2011). This classic combination provided everything I wanted: light weight, Leica-like optics, and unassuming profile.

A close second choice for me would have been my Fujifilm X-E1 and Fujinon 35mm f/1.4. While I love the rendering of the first-generation X-Trans sensor and the character of the 35mm lens, the deciding factor was ultimately the E-M5’s IBIS feature. I figured having IBIS would be helpful not just for dimly-lit environments, but for the ability to creatively capture motion blur in the chaotic city without needing a tripod. Plus, the image quality produced by the E-M5 and Panasonic Leica combo is equally amazing. When stopped down, the lens produces images with a micro-contrast that really "pops" and when shot wide open you get beautiful bokeh that is soft and full of character. While the lens is notorious for the distinctive "rattling" sound of aperture blades constantly adjusting to changing light, I personally don’t mind it and see it as part of the unique personality of this vintage tech. At the end of the day, I’m incredibly happy with this setup as it provides everything I need to create beautiful images without the bulk of modern gear.