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Olympus OMD EM5 and OMD EM1
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Jun 26, 2015 03:44:07   #
Leicaflex Loc: Cymru
 
Olympus OMD - EM5 and EM1
Inherent design fault

Numerous Olympus owners around the world of the OMD-EM5 and the OMD-EM5 have experienced an inherent design defect in their cameras with regard to the electronic view finder (EVF).

Apparently bright sunlight can enter the viewfinder and damage it.

It is does not matter if the camera is switched on or off.

The effect and damage to the viewfinder appears in the form of Greenish/Yellowish smudges or streaks, making composition difficult.

Those cameras still under warranty can be returned to Olympus for repair, but Olympus is not saying if the repair is a modification to prevent the same problem reoccurring.

Olympus's official line/comment is to keep the viewfinder covered up and prevent bright sunlight entering the viewfinder.

Of course, one could ask the question, how bright does the sunlight have to be before the camera is damaged?

So are these cameras not fit for purpose?

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Jun 26, 2015 04:41:15   #
RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia
 
Source(s) of this info?

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Jun 26, 2015 05:56:08   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
The issue happens when you significantly adjust the diopter. I've had no issues with mine since 2013.

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Jun 26, 2015 06:38:56   #
minniev Loc: MIssissippi
 
Leicaflex wrote:
Olympus OMD - EM5 and EM1
Inherent design fault

Numerous Olympus owners around the world of the OMD-EM5 and the OMD-EM5 have experienced an inherent design defect in their cameras with regard to the electronic view finder (EVF).

Apparently bright sunlight can enter the viewfinder and damage it.

It is does not matter if the camera is switched on or off.

The effect and damage to the viewfinder appears in the form of Greenish/Yellowish smudges or streaks, making composition difficult.

Those cameras still under warranty can be returned to Olympus for repair, but Olympus is not saying if the repair is a modification to prevent the same problem reoccurring.

Olympus's official line/comment is to keep the viewfinder covered up and prevent bright sunlight entering the viewfinder.

Of course, one could ask the question, how bright does the sunlight have to be before the camera is damaged?

So are these cameras not fit for purpose?
Olympus OMD - EM5 and EM1 br Inherent design fault... (show quote)


Like most model specific problems in cameras from any company, it doesn't afflict everyone. But for those few afflicted it is terribly bothersome.

I've read about this problem relative to the EM1 with extreme diopter adjustments but have not experienced it, and my diopter adjustments are definitely extreme. I have both the EM1 and the EM5, early adopter for both, and have never taken any particular steps to protect their viewfinders. We have lots of bright sun in MS, and I've used it in deserts and on beaches. No spots. Haven't read anything new about it in about a year, maybe it's been solved for more recent models.

There is one known build problem I do have with the EM1-the rear dial malfunction where the dial does not consistently respond to every click. That too afflicts only a certain number of users, of which I was unfortunately one. I've had it fixed for the second time, hoping it will last, so far it's fine. Love the cameras though, great performance.

I suspect every camera model has some Achilles heel...

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Jun 26, 2015 08:09:27   #
Leicaflex Loc: Cymru
 
RichardTaylor wrote:
Source(s) of this info?


Olympus UK Technical Department 25th June 2015

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Jun 26, 2015 08:10:43   #
Leicaflex Loc: Cymru
 
Olympus OMD EM1 problems here:

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3649685

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Jun 26, 2015 08:12:11   #
Leicaflex Loc: Cymru
 
Olympus OMD EM1 View Finder

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Jun 26, 2015 08:13:16   #
Leicaflex Loc: Cymru
 
http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=53324

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Jun 26, 2015 08:17:08   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
As mentioned before, It only occurs on those cameras whose diopters are adjusted to the extreme.

You make it sound like the sky is falling, which it is certainly not. Do you own one of these cameras, or were you considering one?

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Jun 26, 2015 08:32:08   #
minniev Loc: MIssissippi
 
Cdouthitt wrote:
As mentioned before, It only occurs on those cameras whose diopters are adjusted to the extreme.

...


And it obviously does not happen with every camera whose diopter is adjusted to extreme, as mine is still spotless. I honestly haven't heard more than a random handful of folks encountering it since the first reports last summer. If it were happening to everybody, there'd be a huge amount of agonizing on the forums. I am sure it is a pain to those who are affected, but it does not appear to be a universal problem.

Olympus like many companies does not offer much info and what's put out there is sort of vaguely stated.

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Jun 26, 2015 08:58:41   #
jcboy3
 
I've always been concerned about this issue. It's a concern if you use big lenses and a camera strap attached to the camera, because then the viewfinder is up and exposed to sunlight.

What I wish Olympus or someone would do is make a cover to slide over the viewfinder. The ultimate solution would be a shutter for the viewfinder.

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Jun 26, 2015 09:08:39   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
jcboy3 wrote:
I've always been concerned about this issue. It's a concern if you use big lenses and a camera strap attached to the camera, because then the viewfinder is up and exposed to sunlight.

What I wish Olympus or someone would do is make a cover to slide over the viewfinder. The ultimate solution would be a shutter for the viewfinder.


I use my em1 with a Peak design leash attached to the RRS camera plate and the lug on the same side, which forces the lens down and the viewfinder to point up towards the sun. Zero issues since November 2013. I would think something would have popped up by now if this were a major problem.

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Jun 26, 2015 09:17:50   #
jcboy3
 
Cdouthitt wrote:
I use my em1 with a Peak design leash attached to the RRS camera plate and the lug on the same side, which forces the lens down and the viewfinder to point up towards the sun. Zero issues since November 2013. I would think something would have popped up by now if this were a major problem.


And do you have your diopter adjusted? Mine is near the limit.

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Jun 26, 2015 09:19:03   #
minniev Loc: MIssissippi
 
jcboy3 wrote:
And do you have your diopter adjusted? Mine is near the limit.


Mine is near limit and I've had it since Dec. 2013 with no issues and taking no special care/precautions.

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Jun 26, 2015 09:29:40   #
Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI
 
jcboy3 wrote:
And do you have your diopter adjusted? Mine is near the limit.


Maybe only a single click...

My vision is piss poor 20/450 in left 20/500 in right eye. I have to use my my camera with my glasses otherwise I wouldn't be able to see squat. With my glasses on I can see the screen just fine. The interesting thing is, if I take my glasses off and I look thorough the EVF, it still looks fine, probably because I'm nearsighted. Is the diopter adjusted for those that need reading glasses or are farsighted?

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