You, an Olympus visionary in Malaysia, are literally the reason that I, an American, bought into the system. You've taught me so much about my camera, I think they underestimated the reach of your channel.
You and David Thorpe were the people who made me decide to buy my first (Olympus) camera. I think that JIP (OMDS) do not even realise how important you as an OM photographer are at a macro level, not only for marketing and promotion, but also as an inspiration. Thank you.
@@thelonesoldier4518 OMDS basically ignored him and didn't provide the information and materials he needed to conduct his job as ambassador for the brand.
Your integrity and loyalty is GOLD. A rare quality these days.. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE TO PROMOTE THE MICRO FOUR THIRDS FORMAT AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHY!
Sorry for your frustrating experience! I don't blame you for no longer being an ambassador. I've appreciated your videos on Olympus. You're the only youtuber who has been able to explain my camera to me (E-M10 Mark III). You're a great teacher. Thanks!
I've lost words... you are my brother in arms mate. Good luck and the future is always bright. Don't be a stranger though when we call you for our next M43 meeting. Hey, I am still gonna come to KL for a photo therapy session when the world is opened again. Love you bro.
when the embargo was lifted for OM-1 reviews, i myself was surprised why you were not given a review unit of the OM-1, considering your unquestionable mastery of Olympus cameras. I feel sad about this turn of events, but at the same time relieved also that you acted on this situation pretty well. In my mind, i think JIP took you for granted, same with Jimmy and Peter. It seemed to me that the new company prioritized some ambassadors. You have tremendous knowledge about photography and Olympus cameras, and i own Olympus cameras also and that's why i'm always watching your youtube channel. Best regards on your future endeavors, Robin!
Agree. You can see that other Olympus Visionaries left OMDS (or were not renewed) as well. It's very easy to decrease stipends but maintain engagement and offer that option to the Visionary, but this sadly is one area where OMDS is not doing a great job. Kelly L Cox wasn't renewed last year and her high-impact but low-volume content, along with your extensive RU-vid content were reasons why I added the Olympus system this year (despite having a GFX100 currently and having shot FF since 2008).
@@AlanBCDang @joseltp reading some of the comments I think I'm beginning to see a bigger picture? I know Joe Edelman voluntarily (?) left too... Looking at all the remaining ambassadors it seems like OMD/JIP are **really** pushing the outdoors/adventure/wildlife/birds market? There doesn't seem to be any room for the street photographers (which all the advantages of the stabilization and small form factor would make it a good option for street people). I didn't really notice it until now because outdoorsy stuff is kind of my photographic focus too.
@@greysuit17 Perhaps. It would not be the first time that I am wrong. My impression is that the "influencers" on RU-vid who have received the OM-1 for review are younger than 35. I prefer independent reviewers such as Geert Mørk and Hugo Rodriguez who are on the other side of 35 and work hard to understand gear before opining about it. Still more, ambassadors of photography like Robin.
Hey Robin, I usually don’t write comment on RU-vid videos, I’m just one of those persons who watch the video, leave the like and goes on. This time I wanted to stop and write down a few words for you. First of all, I’m sorry for what you have been thru, and I think you did the right thing. Secondly, (but not less important) you are the primary reason that reignited my passion for photography (as a hobby) , your content and your passion are a blessing !! and when you upload something new, I can’t wait to watch it. I’ve learned a lot of things from you, (i did my first thunder shot thanks to one of your video) and I’m sure I can still learn a lot. And you can’t even imagine how powerfully motivational is your “Go out and take more photograph” to me. It doesn’t matter what your future is going to be, this guy will always watch Robin Wong videos.
Thanks for the overwhelming show of support and love, I appreciate each and everyone of you being here. I have just replied to 150 comments on my Facebook Page, a few dozen comments on Buy Me Coffee and my blog and a few dozen emails. That took almost 3 hours of my time today. And I have not even started to look at the 700+ comments here (at the time I made this comment)! I will have to continue my response tomorrow, and catch my breath for now. I will get to you as soon as I can, but thanks so so so much for staying with me. I could not have asked for a better audience.
Thank you for your channel and what you do! Your professionalism and reactions are admirable in this video. I also had fun learning a lot about your photo/career history 🙂
I am gobsmacked! Without doubt you have been one of the primary reasons I have stuck with Olympus over the years this started with your earlier, really informative and well-written blogs / reviews stretching back to the early days of four thirds. You were the go-to source on using Olympus. It is really sad that OMD Solutions are not supporting you, it might be a new management with new ideas of publicity but a wholesale change of ambassadors is like throwing out the baby with tha bathwater! Poor thinking on their behalf I look forward to your next Video.
Well put Robin, sorry that you've been treated in this way. Glad to hear though that you are not giving up your RU-vid channel work which is much appreciated.
It’s like watching a relationship breakdown video. You can’t help but feel the personal tie, the investment, the passion (over blind love)and history with the brand. Your content and enthusiasm made me jump on the Em1 Mk1 and my first Oly lenses around 2014 and along with the likes of Jimmy Cheng and Peter Forsgard; it kept me feeling that I’m getting an objective assessment of the system - limits, frustrations and all. I noticed you and the others were silent at launch vs a host of new voices on the OM1 body - many of whom I’m not even sure have held an Olympus for more than a few hours. The content was with a few exceptions more like a series of unboxing videos full of hype. I’m on my 4th generation of body and about 9 Olympus lenses in. Honesty, objectivity and passion are what the paid media and marketing team in OM Systems need to value rather than just commentator reach. I loved your lens reviews and as a hobbyist switching would be a tough call so its also refreshing that you didn’t jump on the “Oly is dead, look at this instead “ bandwagon. You can add “integrity” to that list of qualities. Keep posting your content ! (and the same for Jimmy and Peter if they are reading this :) )
Completely understandable Robin. Your loyalty is commendable and I’m so glad you are still going to be around. With some luck OM will realise their mistake but in any case I look forward to your future content.
Malaysian here. At first I used to wonder whether I should invest into MFT system confidently especially here in Malaysia. But your videos over the time sold me Olympus brand and I have invested heavily into their bodies and lenses. I am always grateful to you Robin.
This doesn’t come as a surprise for me, especially following your most recent vlog posts, but it still makes me slightly sad. I’ve always seen you as a kind of extended marketing arm for the Olympus company, and a pretty successful one, that is. You provided additional information, and interesting unique content, that Olympus wasn’t able to provide via their official marketing channels. I wish you good luck in the future, wherever it will make take you!
This move is going to hurt OMDS in Robin’s region but also in other English-speaking markets, as Robin has been one of the few dedicated online Olympus product reviewers and instructors, not just on RU-vid but also blogging and even in-person events. I purchased my first of two E-M1 IIs and in particular a Stylus 1 thanks to Robin’s detailed and compelling demonstrations of what those cameras (and really, the whole system) can do. Robin goes beyond reviewing and driving sales of camera gear, to promoting photography as a way of life and looking at the world, which is what the camera industry needs most right now.
I can completely understand your frustration. I always love your contents and your energy. All the best for your next chapter and please continue to make some awesome contents
A terrible and unacceptable lack of respect for someone who has done so much for the brand. You quitting is logical, although regrettable. No one with any self respect would put with this kind of treatment. I have learnt so much from you about Olympus and I wish you luck in all your future projects.
Hello Robin. I have been thinking for days about sending you this privately but I think this video is the perfect opportunity for me to declare this in public. I purchased an Olympus EM10 Mark II in 2016. After struggling for weeks with the hellish usability I neglected it. After discovering your channel I have reconected with it big way and have fallen back in track (and in love) with my photography journey and with the joy of shutter therapy and taking pictures just because it is a fantastic activity to invest time in. And this is all thank to you. The micro 4/3 community is pretty tight and generous as it is but your knowledge and educational talent in helping others build their paths as photographers is something we all need to thank you for as it is legendary. Starting with Olympus itself. You have helped more people than we can even start to count become better photographers, fall in love with photography or learn about this field of knowledge. All of this for free. So in behalf of all those people: thank you. Thank you for always sharing your passion with such joy and for being extremely generous and supportive always. It is people like you that with this amount of passion and generosity make the world a better place with their actions and not only with words. If you would charge for your content, with the quality and quantity that it has, there is no way in the world I would be able to afford it. And like me, many more people who I am sure are becoming wonderfull photographers all over the world. Because of you. So many of us consider you a teacher and a role model. I hope you know that. ❤️
Sorry to hear. I have seen so many of your Olympus videos and they have kept me motivated on being a proud Olympus photographer. Hope this move will be good for you. Thanks for all the videos!!!
Very disrespectful to you, Robin. I feel sure you are personally responsible for selling thousands of Olympus cameras and lenses. I know I chose Olympus after watching your videos. Keep the passion and keep posting videos. We are all grateful for your hard work 👍
Sorry for how things have turned out. I watched, and will continue to watch, your channel because it has really helped me in developing my photography, using Olympus cameras and lenses. Many thank and good luck in your future ventures.
I am very sad to hear you have been grossly mistreated by the company. Your insight, professional knowledge and passion for photography especially with the olympus system are exceptional. All followers in this channel learn a lot from you.
As your 'visionary' chapter ends, I look forward to watching the new chapter evolve. Your passion for photography is contagious, your honesty and integrity a breath of fresh air. Thank you for the last few years Robin, let's raise a virtual glass, to whatever you have planned for the future.
That's bad news for OMD Solutions, you and the other ambassadors represented a very high value for the brand and the Olympus users. I understand your decision and hope for the best !
Robin, you have solved so many of my problems over the past 2 years. Thank you. So sorry you have been so badly treated. Please please keep making the videos
Robin, I'm located in Ireland, and love your M43 and general photography knowledge. "Things may change but your standards must remain".You were right to depart and be free to share your knowledge and insights on many systems..
You contributions have been by and far one of the best to encourage my photography. I wish you all the best in the future and will continue to view your commentary on photography.
i just found your channel and i thought i would be abit too late after reading the title. good to know you're still gonna continue. looking forward to learn more from your videos!
Now I have subscribed to this channel finally. Robin always was, and still is a very valuable reference when it comes to MFT photography. Keep up the good work, you will go your way no matter what!
Hey Robin. I was commenting on the same things you pointed out. EVERY REVIEWER IN THE WORLD got a OM-1 for testing but you, Jimmy and Peter. That is super weird.
Robin - you’re a legend! I found your channel when I bought an EP-3 years ago. You’ve been my go-to ever since. Some people have a lot of knowledge but teaching it is a completely different thing. You have both abilities. Thank you so much. The measure of a brand is how it looks after its people, the reflects very poorly on OM system. All the best, I’ll keep watching!
Robin, you’ve done such a great job over the years. I’m sorry this happened to you. Keep your head up and keep up the amazing work. I can’t wait to see what you do next
Thanks for sharing. I can feel you 100%, something very similar happened to me some time ago😀 Look at the bright side, now you have free hands and can do what ever you want.
Glad you are continuing to support MFT Robin. You are the reason I bought my OMD 5 Mark 3. Maybe now you can tell us more about Panasonic lenses on Olympus cameras. Yes, for me even the new stuff that is coming out will still be Olympus stuff. Thank you and keep up the good work. From South Florida, "Let's do this".
You have behaved properly and did the right thing. Because others can't see the wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm that you, Jimmy and Peter have given doesn't matter. Appreciate your honesty and dedication to this system and this channel. Hopefully, one day I will come to KL from Europe and shake your hand.
Robin I am glad you have been released and are free now. Look forward to your future videos even more. Your the best! Thank you so much for your passion and zeal for photography and the best systems.
Robin, I hope you feel the love of your followers. I can say that you were a huge part of my decision to buy into Olympus and I have watched your postings through the years. Your enthusiasm, realism, and loyalty to a system that you have fully believed in have been greatly appreciated by those of us who have followed you. When Olympus announced the sale of their camera division to JIP, many of us were worried that this was the end of the line for a system that many of us grew to love. Like others, we looked to your input to get reassurance that this system wasn't going to become obsolete. I know that directions change in business and that sometimes good people get left out as a result. Hopefully, you will not take that personally as you have a huge following and many of us will continue to look to you for your advice, insight, and expertise. I love seeing your side of the world as you tell it through your photography. You have such a great eye and we have all been blessed to have been able to take this journey with you. Looking forward to seeing what you do next. Good things will happen, regardless of what direction the wind is blowing. Stay true to yourself and your love of photography... that is why you have such a great following. Thanks again for all that you have done for both me personally and for all of the people who you have influenced with your words, enthusiasm, and of course, your photography.
Yeah, that was so bizarre to see everyone BUT go-to MFT squad to get the OM1 cameras to review.... I completely understand your decision and will continue to watch and trust your expertise! All the best in the next endeavours!
I want to congratulate you for the way you decided to quit, as a professional in all aspects It is a pretty that OMSYSTEM didn’t consider you as an ambassador. You have given us excellent reasons to consider Olympus as a professional camera showing the main advantages of the system I believe OM is loosing a tremendous professional. I hope you the best and of course I continue following you
I stopped buying Olympus gear 2 years ago when the E-M iii was released with 20 megapixels. It convinced me that micro 4/3 was going nowhere. Now with the way OM treats it’s so called ambassadors it just cements my view. It’s a shame as I still love using my E-M1ii and I will continue to use it along side my fuji gear.
I did not buy a Mark III because there was no new sensor, not necessarily because of the megapixels. To me that wasn't the upgrade it should have been. As I read the specs for the new OM1 I think. Oh my goodness! This is what I wanted. The Mark III to have been. I will eventually get one.
@@Smoothblue90 exactly right. Same sensor in iii. So what was the point upgrading. I also remember the ii received firmware updates improving focusing to the same level as the EM1X. Another reason not to upgrade.
Dude... you're one of my go to regarding Olympus products for review, etc. Well, hopefully the new adventure still a 4/3 cuz I'm into and already in love with this format he he
No worries Mate! You should check out the z6! I’m sure you have but I found the color science to be a lot like Oly! I still use my oly kit for travel though. M43 has such nice small lenses is the only reason I still love.
Hey Robin! I'm sorry to hear they are treating you like that. I used to shoot with Nikon, then Panasonic, but am changing over to OM because of your videos. I'm not saying it's the better system but even without holding the camera in my hand I feel like I understand it better than the other cameras I have used because of how well you explain every feature and technique. I enjoy the other reviewers but you are the authority in my opinion. You should get the first prototype in your hands because I think feedback from you pre-launch would help the company. Thank you for doing such an amazing job for us. I can't wait to see what you do next.
Phew… 😅 thought you were quitting youtube… A fresh start is always a good thing…. Look on the bright-side, now you can use all types of brands without being tied to one…🤷♂️🤞
You are an awesome and honorable person, thank you for what you do. I too have had the experience of a company I worked with not appreciating or returning loyalty... you handled this unfortunate (or fortunate) situation with both class and professionalism... and that is a lesson in of itself that often get's left out of our education as photographers. So again, thank you for what you do, and the wisdom you share. I look forward to what the future brings...
I initially came here for Olympus content; stayed for Robin's expertise, charisma and philosophy regarding photography, along with his great content. Thank you, Mr. Wong! As some here have already said, your channel in Malaysia inspired me, living in Guatemala, central America, to buy and use Olympus gear and later to improve as a photographer. Please keep your channel up and going! You'll have our full support!
It's for the best. I'm happy and excited for you reviewing other brands and other gear. Your opinions are sincere and respectful. I will stay watching your videos
Nobody can accuse you of click-bait. When you say something in your title you mean it. Looking forward to more from you Robin--sorry for the difficulties.
The way I see it, and this is just my opinion, is that Robin is a true professional. He does not switch brands as the wind blows as a lot of others because he knows his tools and how to use them. I don't think Robin cares about what hear we use because I always understood from his videos that the most important thing is to take photographs, and to me that has always been the core of the shutter therapy videos. If this is true, the rest of us should also not care about what gear Robin is using. Brand wars is a thing that is not resulting in any good in my opinion. But it's sad to see omds not seeing the value of people like Robin, Peter and I think there is others out there too who has not or choose not to renewed their contracts. Glad to see Robin will still be around doing what he does best 😃
Too bad Robin, I've been following you for years with all your interesting information and you can explain this to me best. It is a pity and not very nice what OMD is doing with you now. I hope you keep going and I wish you good health and success. Greetings from Holland. Eef van der Kleij
Hey Robin I'm sorry to hear that your relationship as a Visionary has ended, but glad that you will continue with the Olympus/OM brand. I've found your videos very helpful in learning to use my Olympus/OM equipment and camera features. Your clear and honest evaluations are refreshing.
Mr. Wong I’ve been following your You Tube channel for a long time. You put heart and soul into your work. You’re the humblest guy I’ve seen in the You Tube media. Keep forward into your passion in photography. Many doors and opportunities will open for you soon. Keep morale high. The best thing you did is quitting. Wish you the best. God bless!
Thanks for introduced olympus om-D for everyone.. it's really helpfull for me especially when i move to digital camera this year. Your works are amazing!!!
Well done Robin! Loyalty, commitment and trust works both ways. It says a lot about your character that you're still loyal to your viewers and subscribers. Their short sightedness could call your credibility and stature into question, we need to understand where the real issue lies. I worked for Nippon Steel Corporation in the hight tech sector, and I know many people who have worked for the likes of Toshiba etc. Japanese companies, for all their good points, have traditionally had a problem trusting organisations and people from other countries, because we don't understand their business ethics and culture. In my experience, his is true to a large degree, but it comes with even bigger problems. You must have experienced a high degree of frustration and disappointment to have reached this stage, but when it's time to move on, it's time. Your enthusiasm and knowledge will continue to benefit all of us.
I love your presentations, your loyalty, your enthusiasm. I'm sad to say that I will no longer be inclined to support OM systems because of your experience. Please don't go away because you excite me about photography, and many others as I read the comments. You are really brave to express yourself in this way, and you are a magnificent photographer. I'll be looking forward to your next presentations, and appreciate everything you've done for all of us so far - and for photography past present and future.
Thank you for your contribution and for your enthusiasm when explaining how the Olympus gear worked, it was with your videos I learned to appreciate the Olympus system. Your decision to no longer be a visionary came as a surprise but it’s after your explanation it’s a right path to follow. Glad this RU-vid channel will continue and looking for new videos . Wishing you all the best and take care ! Cheers from Portugal
As you note; Not sure a lot has to change...you can still bring insight into Olympus cameras and how to use...in some ways, it will enhance your credibility as you don’t have a connection. I always prefer that. Think of this somewhat of a big company not needing to support it grass roots ... likely not a good long term decision for them, but from your perspective right then to step away. Looking forward to more similar content and now you have a bit more scope in what you say, do and compare to. Always enjoy your energy!
Hi Robin. We just wanted to say how sorry we are to hear about the turn of events in your part of the world - Seems the reinvented Olympus company aren't interested in selling to Malaysia any more. We have been Olympus users for many years, ever since I bought my OM-1 35mm camera back in the late 70s. (It's still a marvellous camera). Like you, I'm quite a brand loyal bloke. And we're now on our second digital, the OM-D EM-1 II. We continue to be stunned at the high quality of images that these cameras produce. Your vids for RU-vid have been an inspiration and instruction for us as we find our way around this complex and ingenious artist's tool. Your enthusiasm is so encouraging and part of the reason that hardly a day goes by when we haven't been out and taken a few pictures in the local area or further afield. And your phrase, "Let's do this !" has become a family favourite. Keep it up because it doesn't matter what camera you're holding, you're taking part in something a little miraculous when you commit an image to a permanent medium. God Bless from soggy SE England. Adrian and Marlies.
I have only one rational explanation for OM System’s strange behavior: Given the OM-1’s specs it’s pretty obvious that OM-System keeps on specializing in wildlife and nature photography like no other brand is doing. Since you’re a street photographer you probably don’t “fit” in OM System’s future marketing concept. Still a huge pitty! 😔Your Olympus / OM System vids are amazing. You’re the reason why many people out there buy the brand! I’m already looking forward to your next videos!
That is a good and rational explanation! I believe you're right. OM Systems is targetting the "young, hip, adventure thrill-seekers" and the wildlife and sports photographers. Since Robin and Peter are neither, this explains a lot. (Just watched Peter's video and am glad he's back onboard as an ambassador.) But still, it's a big mistake from OM Systems.
Hi, I can understand your frustrations with OM Systems, they are very short sighted in losing your energy and commitment. Please do not give up as you have taught many much about their cameras, for that a big thank you and hope to see you again in another context (preferably 4/3 rds 😀) Good luck Robin
