Many of you may know that I’m a big fan of the PEN F (the digital version). I regret selling it a while back, as the design alone is a sure-fire classic. At CP+ in Japan, an interview with a manager from OM Digital Solutions revealed they were working on a new PEN but couldn’t provide a timeline. No sooner had this been published than speculation about a new PEN-F began to spread. I think that when OM Digital Solutions talks about a PEN, they are referring more to a successor to the E-P7 than to the PEN-F. There are the following reasons for this.
OM-3
When the OM-3 was unveiled – a model that incorporated some of the PEN-F’s features – OM Digital Solutions explained, amongst other things, that the PEN-F could not be made splash-proof, which is why they had opted for the OM-3. Personally, I cannot really understand this statement and can therefore only accept it. Why would OM Digital Solutions make such a statement a year ago and then launch a PEN-F shortly afterwards? This year marks the 10th anniversary of the PEN-F’s launch, and OM Digital Solutions would have had plenty of time to work on a successor.
The PEN E-P7 and the compact camera boom
The PEN E-P7 has been on the market for a very long time and continues to sell very well in Japan. However, it still bears the Olympus logo, and if reports are to be believed, the licence to use the Olympus logo is due to expire at the end of this year. The camera was unveiled in June 2021, almost five years ago. If there is now talk of a possible PEN, but no date can yet be given, the likelihood is certainly higher than for a PEN-F. Perhaps as early as June – who knows.
Another reason for the PEN E-P7 would be the emerging trend towards compact cameras. Whilst the PEN E-P7 is not a compact camera, it boasts compact dimensions when fitted with the 14–42mm lens. Should OM Digital Solutions manage to create a retro design that captures the spirit of the times, it would certainly be possible to sell greater numbers than with a new PEN-F. After all, a PEN-F with a viewfinder would cost considerably more than a PEN E-P8. It is also better suited to the Japanese market, which is very important for OM Digital Solutions.
Fazit
It is highly unlikely that OM Digital Solutions will unveil a new PEN-F. Anyone hoping for a PEN-F II will probably have to build it themselves – unless a miracle happens. It is more likely that we will see a successor to the PEN E-P7 very soon. Technically speaking, we shouldn’t expect too many new features. The PEN series has always been an entry-level camera, which is why the price is so important. It will therefore reuse existing technology.