Is the New OM System PEN a Success? Field Notes from Fotomesse Tirol
Around this time last week, I had just completed hauling the last equipment trolleys full of OM System lenses and cameras into the van of René, the company's representative in Austria.
Two days of conducting photo walks, workshops and technical discussions with knowledgeable OM photographers as well as newcomers to the system left me tired, but highly satisfied: I barely had a minute to catch my breath, as the interest in OM System gear at Foto Lamprechter's "Fotomesse Tirol" rose to peaks surpassed only by the surrounding Tyrolean Alps.
For numerous OM System enthusiasts — myself included — it was the first opportunity to test the newly released PEN and M.Zuiko 14-42 III weather-sealed lens. The reactions I had the privilege of experiencing firsthand were quite interesting, falling into one of two categories: PEN Lovers or PEN Pals.
PEN Lovers
Beginner and intermediate photographers as well as ambitious travel bloggers and content creators were especially enamored with the PEN + M.Zuiko 14-42 III lens kit, noting that it was not only very stylish and lightweight, but also incredibly inexpensive.
The camera was also lauded by OM System OM-3 connoisseurs, who predominantly considered it the ideal street and reportage companion for their precious crown jewel.
PEN Pals
Nature and outdoor photographers, while appreciating the release, clearly gravitated towards the OM-5 II as their light everyday camera and OM-1 II as their main tool for the toughest jobs.
PEN Predictions
We have to keep in mind that highly anticipated cameras like the new PEN benefit from the excitement upon launch, whereas built-up expectations are often difficult for the physical product to match. Disenchantment upon first contact is usually the result. The fact that not a single photographer coming to the booth had a negative reaction to the new camera — let alone could resist picking it up — speaks volumes.
Coupling this with the fact that about half of the prospective PEN buyers at the "Fotomesse Tirol" were working with other systems at the time of their "first encounter" clearly indicates that OM System has hit a home run.
One should not underestimate the role the low retail price plays for these soon-to-be converts. Camera and lens together retail for less than many camera bodies alone in their current native systems, making it a tempting option.
Commercially, I have no doubt that the new PEN will be a huge success for OM System.
For veterans of the system with a comprehensive collection of camera bodies like myself, the PEN might not be as tempting to buy right away. Pragmatically speaking, the PEN is essentially an OM-5 II with Subject Detection Autofocus and a less rugged, more lifestyle-oriented chassis. With two OM-5 bodies, an OM-3 and three OM-1 series cameras, the PEN would not bring anything new to my arsenal.
At least, that is what I keep telling myself with the mouse cursor hovering over the "Add to Cart" button on OM System's website.
Let's see how long I can resist the PEN's good looks. I'll keep you updated.
