What I’ve Learned Shooting Olympus Micro Four Thirds for the Past 15 Years

Fifteen years ago, I picked up the Olympus Pen E-P1 with its 17mm f/2.8 pancake lens.

It was a time when the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system was still fresh, and so was my excitement. That little silver beauty, with its retro charm and compact design, opened up a world of creative possibilities. I later sold the camera and moved on, chasing different tools for different needs. But in 2023, I found myself back in the Olympus ecosystem, and it felt like coming home.

Here’s what I’ve learned from 15 years of dipping in and out of the Micro Four Thirds universe:

Compact Yet Powerful

The first thing that struck me with the E-P1, and later reinforced when I returned to Olympus, is the sheer portability of the MFT system. As a street documentary and portrait photographer, I’ve always valued gear that doesn’t get in the way. An MFT camera feels like an extension of your vision, not a burden on your neck. You have to think only in the situations you are experiencing, where the camera is not an obstacle and not even a barrier, but quite the opposite.

The E-P1 was tiny yet capable of producing beautiful images*. Fast forward to 2023, and Olympus (now OM System) has taken compact power to the next level with advanced image stabilization, weather sealing, and lenses that punch way above their weight.

*I know there are many detractors and haters of the micro four thirds, but it is not the fault of the micro four thirds if they are not capable of using such a system.

The Joy of Prime Lenses

That 17mm pancake lens on the E-P1 taught me the value of simplicity. A single prime lens forces you to think differently, to move your feet, and to compose with intention. It’s a mindset that has stayed with me, even as my kit has expanded. The 17mm’s equivalent field of view (34mm in full-frame terms) is perfect for street and environmental portraits: a perspective that feels natural and immersive. I became, thanks to that simple set-up (Pen E-P1 and pancake 17mm f2.8) a correspondent for some italian magazines and started to work as journalist here in Mexico.

Today, my go-to lenses for the MFT system are still primes. They’re small, sharp, and fast, perfectly suited to the kind of work I love. I have also the 14-42mm Panasonic Vario because is like a pancake lens. If you ask me I prefer to work with small, light and compact lenses. It is not just a matter of what I prefer technically, but also from the psychological point of view I think they work better to point a cmaera in the face of a stranger.

MFT Cameras Are Built for Experimentation

Olympus cameras have always invited me to play. Whether it was the E-P1’s art filters or the later models’ customizable controls and features like Live Composite, the MFT system encourages creativity. It’s a reminder that photography is as much about fun and exploration as it is about technique. Personally I enjoyed the feature of the double exposure in camera that allowed me to propose the work ME, MYSELF AND I that you can find in the portfolio section of this website.

When I returned to Olympus in 2023, I have see that the feeling was pretty the same. I do street photography most of the time, and I enjoy to photograph with Olympus Pen cameras because street photography is essentially free style photography and you don’t want a camera which forces you to be rigid in the way you work.

The Black-and-White and the colors in these cameras

There’s something about Olympus sensors that renders monochrome images with such depth and richness. The grain, the tones, and the contrast feel like they belong to a different era while maintaining a modern edge. I worked with a lot of cameras but, apart Leica (and it was just a Leica X2) I never seen such filmy results produced by a digital camera.

That said, Olympus cameras have always excelled at color rendering, too. The natural, vibrant colors they produce have an almost painterly quality, especially in golden hour light. Skin tones, landscapes, and urban scenes, they all come alive with a subtle warmth and precision that make editing almost optional. Even though I’ve chosen to focus mostly on black and white, I can’t deny the magic of Olympus colors for those who prefer to keep the vibrancy of the real world intact. And I do too, especially in the next future with my new Olympus camera arriving soon*.

*For editorial and commercial work I count a lot on Olympus. It is no coincidence that my choice went to Canon for full frame and Olympus for MFT: these two manufacturers have boasted color science superior to the competition for decades.

A System That Grows with Me

The cameras have evolved to meet the demands of professionals while staying true to their core philosophy of portability and creativity.

In 2023, stepping back into Olympus wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was about recognizing how far the system had come and how well it aligned with my current needs. Whether I’m on the streets of Mexico City or working on an environmental portrait, the MFT system delivers.

The choice I made in 2010 to sell all my Nikon equipment in favor of a small mirrorless camera was determined by a very personal choice: I was looking for a camera that reflected my style as a man too: I love elegance, discretion and everything must be personal. when I chose the first Olympus Pen, it was a time when mirrorless cameras were in their infancy and there were many doubts on the part of many. I, showing an ability to predict market dynamics, had no doubts at all: that was the ideal camera for me. It was It was no coincidence that the camera I used the most before then was the Panasonic Lumix LX3 which was protected by a refined leather Leica bag. A camera, in my opinion, should accompany the photographer and should also reflect his identity. Having pleasure in using a certain camera makes you do a better job. Olympus Pen was and is perfect to me. I am sure it could be perfect also the Olympus F and other Olympus cameras because they reflect exactly who I am as an individual and photographer, Despite I respect a lot Panasonic for the things they do and being part of the MFT system, sincerely I prefer Olympus. And let me say a thing as a former Fujifilm ambassador: the fuji are over-hyped in my opinion. Fujifilm is always compared with Leica, but I know they copied more from Olympus, despite I want to challenge you, because I know there are many fujifilm shooters here: try to feel an Olympus camera in your hand and make the same with a Fujifilm: even in their pro lines Fujifilm feels like a toy, and Olympus feels really like a premium camera. Also from the vintage design point of view Olympus is the clear winner. Only Leica is racing another competition, but hey, it is Leica…it is Leica even in the price, that is why is another competition.

Final Thoughts

Fifteen years is a long time to be connected to any camera system, but Olympus has earned its place in my journey. The Micro Four Thirds platform’s balance of size, quality, and innovation makes it unique in a crowded market. It has reminded me time and again that gear is there to serve your vision, not the other way around.

To those considering Olympus or the MFT system, I’d say this: It’s not just a tool; it’s a companion that grows with you, challenges you, and helps you see the world differently. For me, that’s what photography is all about.

PLEASE NOTE: All the photographs shared in this post were made with the Olympus Pen E-P1 with the Pancake Zuiko 17mm f2.8

I am not connected or affiliated in some way with OM DIGITAL SOLUTIONS. I am just expressing here my thoughts as a free individual and professional photographer. I consider and define myself a MFT (MICRO FOUR THIRDS) Ambassador because I feel myself committed to spread how good is still this system for a certain type of photographers. If you are a street documentary photographer and you can’t afford (or simply don’t want) a Leica M camera, I recommend this interchangeable system. MFT is not dead. It is simply the best response if you want to carry a lighter and discreet system. It is great for travels too. And in the particular case of Olympus/OM Digital Solutions they have really nice tools to enjoy photography and staying happy while photograph.