Online shopping

After three months I finally bought a new camera to replace my broken LX-3. After some deliberation I went for the superior image quality of the recently introduced Lumix GX-1 mirror-less interchangeable lens camera, sporting a relatively large sensor, and offering much better image quality than the LX-3, especially at low light levels. To utilize this capability even more, I paired it with the highly rated 20 mm f/1.7 prime lens, instead of the not-too-exciting 14 - 42 mm f/3.5 - 5.6 zoom lens, which is the standard outfit for this camera. I might invest in another lens later, but rather enjoy the premise of going back to the roots of photography in shooting with a bright prime.
In the micro four-thirds format, 20 mm is the equivalent of a 40 mm lens on a classic 35 mm camera, slightly wider than the 50 mm standard lens of that format. However, as dpreview.com pointed out, 20 mm is the perfect normal lens for this sensor size, with its focal length equal to the sensor's diagonal.

Buying the camera didn't go without a hitch though. I again needed assistance of my Chinese friends to secure the deal. Ling Ling helped me with ordering on taobao.com, chatting with the vendor and making sure the equipment would be delivered in the desired configuration, and even chafing off a few kuai from the advertised price, closing the deal at 5260 RMB (640 Euro). She payed for it using her Chinese credit card (VISA is not accepted), after which I would promptly reimburse her by depositing cash (obtained from the ATM) in her account. That was easier said than done though. At the local ICBC branch I could not deposit cash in her account without having my own Chinese bank card. I had to ask another Chinese friend to help me with that, first depositing the cash into her account, and then transferring to Ling Ling's account at another bank. Of course, an extra fee (50 RMB) was charged for this service. At first, the bank clerk could not even find Ling Ling's bank in the computer system, and suggested I had the wrong name. After verifying by SMS I was sure I was right, and finally a more senior clerk was able to finalize the transaction. It cost me (and my friend) most of the afternoon to get it done.

On a more positive note, I recently spent an afternoon with Miao Qi on Gulangyu Island, and she brought her classic Pentax ME 35 mm analog camera, which she had picked up second-hand for next to nothing, including a nice 50 mm f/1.7 lens. It was an almost nostalgic experience to focus manually and adjust the aperture ring for the desired depth-of-view. It will take a few days before I will be able to see the results though, having to develop the film first. Besides the Pentax, she also owns a Canon 60D and the same LX-3 that I wasted in Thailand, but this analog excursion was delightful.
My new camera should arrive this week, just before (or on) my birthday this Friday, so I will have an excellent opportunity to try it out.