Just bought a used Pen EP5. How careful do I have to be when using it?

Mike Loanzon wrote:

Hi all,

after much research and consultation, I'd decided to buy a used Pen EP5 (for about 300$) for my first (own) camera (details below for those who need it). But it's my first camera, and the Philippines does not have licensed oly repair centers here. I originally wanted something I would kind of.. "use and abuse" (only in the sense that i would bring it around with me and use it as often as possible so I can learn quickly). I'm a little worried that the front and back clicking dials won't take that kind of abuse. Especially for those with the Oly pen series, how are they so far in terms of long-term, full manual use? Is there anything I should be worried about/should consider?

Buying details:

I bought it from a camera collector. It's in great condition, no scratches or anything at all. Even when the seller was handling the unit to help me test and check it, he was obviously very meticulous about caring for it (he seems late in his age- that type. Has been collecting for over 20 years, 50 film cameras and 6 or 7 digital cameras in arsenal with all the collector's knowledge and everything). He said he's never had problems with olympus cameras- but he also suggested avoiding full manual use and switching lenses often to keep the parts intact. In other words, it sounded a little like his cameras last so long in such great condition- because he's super super careful with them... Which I don't really want holding me back.

Much appreciated, thanks!

I'm a full time EP-5 user. Its agreat camera. As others have said the dials are the issue. Alas I have never found a third party fix for this so it will be back to Olympus if these fail.

I also broke the screen and my second one is cracking but then again I've been using it in situations where I probably could have done with something more rugged. Do get yourself a screen protector. One that lets you still use it as a touch screen.