2009 Panasonic GF1
I started 2009 with 15 kilos of Canon DSLR gear, which I would drag around in a backpack, hoping for photographic opportunities. What usually resulted was a sore and sweaty back. Then September saw the launch of the Panasonic GF1, and the world of photography changed for me and many other people. The GF1, together with the Olympus EP1, brought mirrorless cameras into the mainstream and it remains one of my favourite cameras.
I acquired mine during a trip to Singapore in December 2009. The purpose of the trip, as explained to my wife, was to take her to see the Xmas lights. The real reason was to get my hands on a GF1. Picked it up from the Funan Centre and went to the Long Bar in Raffles in the evening. Tiny camera, F1.7 lens; you could take a shot in the bar without dragging out a monster DSLR that would knock over tables and probably have you ejected. It was a revelation.
I started carrying my Canon less and my GF1 more; and the Canon was eventually sold. The GF1 was in time replaced with newer models; but I kept the camera; partly because it was so badly scarred, nobody would buy it (and the rather scrappy doesn’t look like leather cover I stuck on it does not help); but also because I still enjoy the experience of shooting with it from time to time. This one was during a GF1 release date anniversary commemorative shoot by me in 2012:
Complementing the fine little camera is the still-admired Panasonic 20mm F1.7 lens. So bright, so tiny, so light; a revelation in 2009 and still a must-have M43 lens. Together they formed a package which was impossible not to love. I am keeping mine for ever.