Panasonic GH2 14-140mm discontinued??

As a kit? Or the camera itself? Or not?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._DMC_GH2H_K_Lumix_DMC_GH2_Digital_Camera.html

 

There seem to be 14-140mm lenses available in Europe.

The GH2 is soon to be replaced by, presumably, a GH3. GH2 production
has probably ended already. Kits are still available with the 14-42mm
lens (with or without the 45-200mm lens) but there are no new kits
with the 14-140mm lens.

 

I thought you already had one.

B&H is selling the kit with the 14-42mm lens for $895, but no body
only deals are available. B&H also has the 14-140mm lens for $649.

 

Funny, I was sure you said you had sold the D7000 and bought a GH2.

In your position, and at this time, I would probably want to wait for
the GH3 then decide whether to buy that or the NEX-7. NEX-7 has 24 MP
and the best EVF in the business, but a truly pathetic selection of
lenses - what on earth are Sony thinking? GH3 will have a very good
EVF and Panasonic has an excellent selection of lenses, with a little
help from Olympus.

On the other hand, the G3 is an excellent performer. Coming from the
G1, you probably won't like the small grip, but I like it very much.
My 'other' camera is now an M9, and that has no grip at all - unless
you buy one as an accessory.

 

I kind of had the GH2 "on spec" for a week. I was set to buy it but
the sensitivity thing intruded and I wanted to do more testing.

Yes, they keep bashing Sony for their rather weak lens selection.
Minolta had some interesting lenses, I wonder if Sony considered (or
did?) adapting any of them, or modernizing them?

Or the aftermarket thumb rest.

 

They probably aren't telecentric enough. Modernising might involve a
complete redesign, and Sony seems not to want to invest in lenses.
Rarely have there been serious lines of cameras with a poor selection
of lenses. Sony has TWO - Alpha and NEX!

Yes, but. Yes, there is an aftermarket thumb rest but when fitted it
uses the hot shoe. I need the hot shoe for viewfinders, my spirit
level, occasional use of flash ... so the thumb rest is not much use.
I believe there is now one that sticks on with adhesive. I might try
that but I would need to be assured that it won't come off, sending a
very expensive piece of kit plunging on to the concrete.

So faced with the choice of a Leica brand grip that uses the tripod
bush, or an off-brand thumb rest that uses the hot shoe, I chose
neither. Instead, I use a leather half case that has a built-in grip.

It is similar to several brands on the market but was specially made
for me by a saddler. It is so good that I would like to market it. I
am waiting for a price for an initial run of 20, 50 or 100 to see if
it would be worth me selling it.

 

I remember Sony saying about a year ago they were going to add even
cheaper lenses to the line!

The unit is well-built. How hard would it be to cut holes in the part
that goes into the hot shoe and add some insulated contacts?

 

Sony seems to have an unerring habit of making failure out of success.

That's an interesting idea. I know someone who makes things like
that. His stuff isn't cheap, but it works. I suppose it is worth a
try, and it might sell. In the meantime, the half case with grip
works well.