Hi everyone,
I've been popping in and out of this forum with an eager smile on my face quite a lot lately. In fact at least once, or twice, or even three times a day, ever since I went "window" shopping for an E-P2 with my husband around the beginning of last month. It was through this action I came to find this wonderful forum. As you asked members to introduce themselves, I thought this would be a short "novel" way of doing it!
So, let me tell you the story of when I persuaded my husband to go window shopping for an E-P2 ... it features a female (a pseudonym for me), a husband with credit card, an Edinburgh camera shop (with a big open front door) and three pens, well actually just two but we'll get to that shortly!!
Female, promptly inspired by the new shopping possibilities that could be achieved through a shop's big open front door as opposed to a closed window display in this shopping adventure, quickly scoots into the Edinburgh camera shop. Husband (with credit card) hesitates for a second at the door but then follows female when he sees the shop is closing in 10 minutes. Husband believes credit card is safe as female, in his experience, is not capable of making decisions in 10 minutes!
Female finds micro four thirds cameras within seconds of entering the shop. They are out on display. She can pick them up if she wants! She quickly looks down the line of cameras. She knows which one she wants to pick up. "No!" She quickly looks down the line of cameras again. "No, it can't be!" She looks down another line of little compact cameras. Maybe its been put in the wrong place. "NO!" She panics. Husband arrives (with credit card). He relaxes. Shop clearly does not have E-P2 in stock.
The story doesn't end here.
Although the clock is ticking and the doors are about to close on the shop, safe passage for husband's credit card is threatened by the sudden presence of a saleman keen to make his final kill (sorry, commission) for the day. A highly skilled salesman, he immediately recognises a female with intent and a husband with credit card. Attracted by her clear, unadulterated want for an E-P2, he sets out to pounce on the female (not literally, this is a clean story, suitable for the kids, but recommend PG rating!!) He puts his manly salesman skills to the test by pulling out his secret weapon. Female not impressed when weapon is uninvitedly placed in her hands (it just didn't feel right in her small hands, heavy and, well, not black). The weapon is a shiny, silver E-P1 that totes a devilishly reduced price tag. Salesman pounces on husband (again, not literally) believing husband is the best way to husband's credit card. They embark on a battle of wills.
Female walks off, her needs not being satisfied by either men. She finds a window and peers through. A shiny black E-PL1 smiles at her from behind the glass. A saleswoman noting the female's interest asks her if she would like to hold the camera. Female has done her homework, has read the reviews, knows that the camera can offer her all SHE would want from the E-P2 but with a flash and a more affordable price that wouldn't frighten her credit card, and enable her to buy more accessories/lenses. She gladly takes hold of the camera in her hand. It fits. It feels right. She likes it. On impulse the female buys it with her own credit card.
Female goes back to husband. Husband sees shop bag and laughs. Female loves E-PL1 and still admires the E-P2, she also realises that the E-P1 was a great bargain, just not for her.
The story still doesn't end here.
Female finds
Mu-43.com - Micro Four Thirds User Group and is bowled over by the photographs there, the friendly and inclusive atmosphere and is inspired to keep spending money!
Have so far bought the E-PL1 with Olympus 14-42 mmm lens, the Panasonic 20mm pancake lens and the Panasonic 45-200 mm lens, and today, despite having come off a horrendous night shift this morning (I'm a staff nurse) have stayed awake all day to receive the delivery of my Olympus electronic viewfinder. I also bought a Billlingham Hadley Digital Bag which easily holds all this kit. Loving my new kit and keen to get out and start clicking away. But not today, bed's calling (thankfully not working tonight). The PAD project looks like a good place to start in the morning. I'm basically a point and shoot, and hope for the best kind of girl.
Sorry for waffling on, its just kept me awake, sorry if it has the opposite effect on you!
Keep clicking
Briar
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