OM System has announced a new camera body.

[AndyS]

To be released mid-late September and begin shipping in October. Only semi-firm rumor so far is that it uses the same sensor as the OM-1 and will be called the OM-5. It was thought that the OM-1 would be the last camera to bear the OM moniker but if the company (JIP aka OM Digital Solutions) owns the OM System brand and the OM Digital Solutions name I suspect they own the rights to OM as well. Not Olympus, but OM.

They, whoever 'they' are, are also saying that OMDS has solved the supply chain issue and will begin shipping product freely by end of summer. Not sure what that means for the 150-400 Pro (just saying it's name makes me want a cigarette before I roll over and go to sleep) which OMDS stopped taking orders for last month as delivery is so far out it will only frustrate customers. It is a hand assembled product, a one of a kind for each copy and every one tested before delivery. All that for $7500. Maybe when the stock market rebounds . . .

I'll say this about the new company, they know how to keep their mouths shut. 2 1/2 months out and no leaks on the new camera. No wild guesses not even an outrageous lie.

I do have one question; where the hell is the 100mm macro with 2:1 magnification? It's been in the Lens Timeline for over a year and I have a credit card burning a hole in my wallet!

[ret5hd]

1. About that credit card:

From what I’ve seen, I’d be surprised if a shiny newfangled camera would do much to improve your photos… you’re awful damn good already.

Just sayin’.

[AndyS]

2. You are far too kind.

There are some very accomplished photographers here in The Group. I consider myself to be a fairly good technician and a passable photographer. There are some who are very good photographers and only passable technicians.

What makes an image is the degree to which it touches someone. That, and only that, is the criteria.

Still, I loves me some compliments so keep 'em comin'!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. ret5hd is right!

You have an excellent eye AND you're a great technician.

Needless to say, I love your work.

[Gato Moteado]

4. whoa.....100mm 2:1 macro?

do we know what that one is gonna cost?

[AndyS]

5. As a SWAG* I'd say about $800.

The 30mm f3.5 is $380 and the 60mm f2.8 is $450 so I'm guessing the 100 (I'm assuming 3.5 or 4) will come in at less than a grand.

If you are up to some DIY you can modify a 16mm extension tube and use the 1.4 or 2x extenders with it. I have the 1.4x (a birdie that I trust told me that the 2x may degrade IQ depending on the copy). Using it with the 60mm yields an 84mm that gets 1.4 magnification but the max working distance is only 6 inches. Used with the 100mm you'd get a 140mm lens and almost 3:1 magnification and I assume a 6 inch max working distance. All this with the m43 2x crop factor.

*SWAG= Sophisticated Wild Assed Guess.

[Gato Moteado]

6. 2X would be enough mag for most of what i do....

....if that lens is gonna be $800, sign me up now! i'll start getting more use outta the lumix G9. my next m43 will likely be an OM