Author Archives: Michael Gakuran

Olympus PEN E-P3 Field Test

By Michael Gakuran | Published August 15, 2011
The E-P3 is a camera made for taking with you. For the last 3 weeks I’ve had it out and about shooting Japanese festivals and fireworks displays, photographing beetles and having fun in coffee shops. It’s just ideal for casually hanging around your shoulder as you hop out the door, but ready for action even […]
Posted in Photography | 27 Comments

Kanabun Drone Beetle Macro with the E-P3

By Michael Gakuran | Published August 13, 2011
On my night walk yesterday evening I came across some rather handsome done beetles, known as かγͺぢん in Japan. I decided to go back tonight armed with my tripod, macro lens and flash to see if I couldn’t grab some shots of my shiny, metallic beetle friends.
Posted in Photography | 6 Comments

Night Walk with the E-P3 and Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 Leica Lens

By Michael Gakuran | Published August 11, 2011
I know, I know. I should be working on the actual review of the E-P3, but the Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 Leica DG Summilux lens I ordered finally arrived. As per typical Panasonic, it was delayed by 2 weeks, but it got here safely in the end, a little warm from the Japanese summer heat.
Posted in Photography | 30 Comments

Olympus E-P3 Shooting Fireworks

By Michael Gakuran | Published August 7, 2011
Very quick post today! I’ve been busy lately designing websites for clients, as well as a new, sexy ‘responsive design’ version of Gakuranman.com. It’s because I got the design itch again I love all you mobile users out there and I want to make sure you can enjoying visiting the site without it looking bad. […]
Posted in Photography | 6 Comments

Olympus E-P3 PEN Preview

By Michael Gakuran | Published June 27, 2011
The first images of the soon-to-be-announced Olympus E-P3 micro 4/3s camera have been leaked online! I must say it looks gorgeous, just like my long lost E-P1. The styling is very similar, but Olympus have finally added the missing features I’ve been craving for since the launch of the original PEN series cameras.
Posted in Photography | 8 Comments

The Best Resources for How to Learn Japanese

By Michael Gakuran | Published June 23, 2011
Learning the Japanese language can be very fulfilling, but there is no doubt that it is challenging. With self-study and learning Japanese online for free becoming more and more popular, it can be tough for the beginning student to find good quality resources.
Posted in Japan | 21 Comments

Urbex at the Grain Tower Battery

By Michael Gakuran | Published June 21, 2011
Way back when I was first beginning the hobby of Urban Exploration in the UK, I visited a site fairly close to home. The Grain Tower is located on a mud-flat at the east end of the Isle of Grain and is a well-known spot for exploration. Access is only for a few hours at […]
Posted in Haikyo / Ruins | 11 Comments

Touring Lake Biwa on a Mama Chari Bicycle

By Michael Gakuran | Published June 16, 2011
A couple of weeks ago I headed out with a group of friends from work to take on the challenge of touring Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, just north of Kyoto. All on a cranky old Mama Chari too – the sort of bicycle old ladies like to ride. With the weather on […]
Posted in Adventure, Japan | 21 Comments