John Matthews

Never mind. I finally found one with a serial number 7511105 with significant yellowing according to the seller. That would mean one with a serial number lower would definitely have it too. I'm still not sure when it stopped. I'm fairly sure they made this lens into the 80s and they wouldn't have done it then. It's so easy to blow time on things like this.

I've already heavily researched this, but could someone tell me is the a Konica Hexanon AR 57mm f/1.2 made in March of 1973 with a serial number of 75088XX-ish would have thorium? Does anyone have a lens with a later serial number they KNOW has thorium either by discoloration or having tested with a Geiger meter? I'm not worried about it, just curious. I'm having trouble finding precise information on the topic. I find that anything Konica is difficult to find.

For sure. It's unique for its focal range and the fact it's got weather sealing. I'm not sure there's another "kit" lens in any system with those 2 features. I don't care that it's a little big for the S9 because it's perfect for the other bodies. I also think it's a better lens than the new 18-40mm, although I've never tried it for myself. Both are great travel options, especially for outside work.

The 20-60 is a awesome lens. It's one that really "makes the system". Wide angle at 20mm was VERY difficult to find; now, it's commonplace. This lens basically means you don't have to get a wide angle because the kit lens will do it! I already have one. Sorry.

Just picked up an S5 for 764 Euros to replace my GH2 for live streaming. I'm not sure anyone will notice anything meaningful on the other end, but damn, the image is great even at 1080p. I’ve decided to dedicate it to all my vintage glass. To celebrate, I found an absolute gem—the Pentax 28mm f/3.5 (K version, not the M version). I had that lens before but regrettably sold it (note to self: 'Don’t sell vintage glass for peanuts!'). I used it on the A7RII for about a year—it was great, but I can already tell Panasonic is definitely going to elevate my footage for video.

After thinking a lot about it, I do think the S5 (original) is where it's at in terms of value. I'd rather deal with manual focus than tripods and gimbals.

The S9 was a debacle from conception to their current marketing of the camera. Many of the people invited to the event were so surprised that they thought the S9 was completely thrown together at the last minute. Many have the theory that another camera that was meant for the event, but something went horribly wrong just before and it was too late to cancel. The result was a shotgun wedding called the S9.

For IQ, the S5ii is all about its 6k FF up to 30fps image. The rest isn't "bad" by any stretch, but there might be better FF cameras out there with full sensor readout. YouTube is NOT the way to look at the images either. In that video, I thought the Nikon looked really bad too. Most people here complain about the S5ii being too sharp and digital, not the contrary. You're absolutely right about the 120fps footage looking like a 2MP image because it actually is a 2MP image.

Exactly. That's what I was saying. I only mention the S5ii because that's what I have.

That's a good point and I have no experience with that. I only know that YouTube videos showing such are slow and tedious. If we're talking 2 minutes, why not? If we're talking 20-30 minutes, it would be highly annoying and I'd probably just rely on my phone. :(

180g and 190 euros. Ouch. Add a tripod and gimbal and you have what the S5ii has integrated into its body, minus the FF sensor and EVF. More and more I'm thinking that the X-M5 is a camera you just take it as it is or you upgrade, but don't get accessories because your final kit will twice the size of the camera with those features integrated, notably the S5ii.

You'd think it would be an easy change, but alas, they had way too many unsold bodies to allow that to happen. I will say the price is better on the older S5 model which I've seen go for 949 euros new. Given the choice between the an S5 and the X-M5 for $800, I might take the S5 on pure technology, but the X-M5 for size.

Nope, the GH6 got it too.

Yeah, I get it. I was just pointing out the discrepancy over what Sean said (who seemed to indicate they're flying off the shelves) and the very unofficial information I have. I know what the camera is capable of too. The frustration with Panasonic stems from the X-M5 release and their unwillingness to make a small camera for enthusiasts that isn't at pro-level prices. The S9 practically has no suitable lenses for it. For M43, they have a full ecosystem that is ready to go with many willing buyers. At this point, I can only believe they've left M43 to just high-end, big cameras. Please prove me otherwise Panasonic. It's possible- Fuji did it. Why not you?

No, there's hype, but it's fabricated. Panasonic gave all of them an S9 for free to use forever. Please find me a YouTube video of someone who purchased the S9 at its retail price. I've counted 11 reviews on B&H since its release. That tells me it's not exactly selling like crazy and like many have said- it's way too expensive for what it is.