The Leica 45 has OIS, that's a plus! Had this lens for some time and I liked it very much, unfortunately I dropped the lens and was not repairable.

My favorite primes are the Zeiss Distagon T in C/Y mount — inexpensive, sharp, etc. The 28/2.8 is one of my favorite lenses. Could be faster though. I haven't used the 35mm, but from what I've read it is quite good too.

The Samyang 35mm f1.4 in Nikon mount mates well with the 85mm. I use them both on shoulder-mount rigs with follow focus and they are among the most video-friendly lenses I've tried. I reviewed additional lens options here:

http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/859/video-friendly-lenses-for-lumix-dslrs/p1

A "normal lens" is defined in different ways, one of which has to do with referring to the way an audience member sitting in the middle of a theater views a given focal length.

I think a more useful definition is in reference to the perspective characteristics from the FOV offerred by a lens's focal length. (Roger Deakins also finds this a more useful way of thinking about a normal lens.) Basically, the question is: what focal length renders perspective in a way that most closely matches normal human perception? To my eye, that is in the 24-28mm range, with the 25mm seeming to be the sweet spot. Anything above this range, you are introducing telephoto compression (more flattering for close-ups). So, I would consider a 35mm on the GH2 to be a short-telephoto involving some noticeable compression of perspective.

Thanks qwerty and nomad. I am aware of the crop factor GH1 brings into the equation, that's why I specifically said 35mm equivalent in the beginning as I find myself shooting mostly 40mm upwards with people.

That 58mm 1.2 Minolta Rokkor looks interesting, but is priced at $600 at eBay.. hmm. What mount are these? Is there a m43 adapter for it?

As a first buy, I am almost looking at the Nikon AIS 50 1.8 or Vivitar 55mm as they are both ~100 in good condition used. Between this which would you consider aside from one being macro lens for portraits and video?

You already answered your own question on your summary : if you really want macro ability, take the vivitar. But if you want an all around lens, the nikon will be a lot easier to use, and faster.

No idea, but I have a Tamron SP 90mm 2.5 macro and that is a fantastic piece of glass. Very sharp and beautiful Bokeh.

Thanks stonebat. Samyang is on my radar, may be sometime soon.

Just now purchased the Tamron SP 28-80mm f/3.5 (27A) on an impulse for a princely sum of 35 dollars :D. The FD adapter and shipping costs more than the lens :p

Thanks bostonmike. You are right about the 14-140. I did not know how much I am used to the 14-140 till I started using the Samyang 85mm for video. I used to pride myself on my ability to take reasonably well made handheld shots at even 140mm end. I got an ego bust when I tried to shoot 85mm hand held. It was shaking a lot and then only I realized how well IS of 14-140 was working for the video. Of course the Samyang feel more heavier with the adapter and that could be another reason.

+1 with Nomad on the Rokkor 58 1.2 - built like a tank and beautiful bokeh and colours, Konica 57mm 1.4 and 50 1.4 are nice too, cheap on Fleabay. One of my other faves is the 135 2.8 Pentacon - super bokeh beast with 15 blades.

ikoniq..thanks. The Leica R 1.4/35 might be an overkill for a hobbyist like me. Rokkor 58 seem like $500+ too ..Need to read about it a bit. 135 2.8 Pentacon looks cheap and nice...reading more about it.. Price seem to be <$100.

True, 135mm is way too tele for GH1. I am almost getting the Nikon 50mm 1.8 AIS, so may be what is left is a 35mm...and may be a fast tele..but I forgot the topic for a while :)