Reliance on Li Ion batteries in Oly Pen series

Since I just got the E-PL6 this is one of the things I worry about.

My big worry with Oly cameras is the reliance on Li Ion batteries. When BLS-5/50 batteries are no longer produced by Olympus what will we do? They stopped producing BLM-1/5 batteries (as far as I know.) I dont want our cameras to no longer have a reliable power source. I've heard way too much about third party battery swelling to rely on them and my older Oly batteries (around 10 years old) dont hold a charge more than a few hours anymore.  Those are the BLM-1/5 Oly no longer produces (or if they do I cant find them and who knows how long they will make them for since none of their newer cameras use them.)

My older method of buying 4-6 OEM batteries at once when I bought the camera doesn't seem so good since the batteries all aged together. (I had thought rotating them would increase their lifespans but it seems like charging them once a year or even less was a bad idea, it made them age faster. It might be better just to have 1 or 2 batteries and charge them at least once a month to extend their longevity rather than just leave the extra batteries sitting around and not being used much.)

I guess I got a bit duped by "each battery is good for up to 500 charges" Oly advertizing thing, I figured 4 OEM batteries=2000 charges lol. Now I have to also rethink the idea that Fuji batteries are good for 300 charges each so the 6 OEM batteries I have are good for 1800 charges lol.

I have Panasonic Eneloop AA batteries that are marketed for being good for 2100 charges, I wonder about them too, but at least AA batteries are in no danger of ever going extinct lol, I can always get more.

It is quite difficult to find cameras that use AA batteries nowadays and I am pretty certain that there are no current ILC cameras that use them.

Personally I have never had a Li-on battery fail but I have never kept a camera longer than about six years.

See response to same thread on Olympus SLR Talk forum.

What will you do when Olympus stops producing them?Either find a manufacturer you're comfortable with (Wasabi, etc), buy old-stock Olympus batteries, deal with reduced life from your old batteries, or retire the camera, I guess. I expect you'd have aftermarket options for a while.

You could open the batteries and replace the cells with something suitable, but most people have no inclination to go that far with it.

I use lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries in a hobby. To reduce battery degradation over time, we store them half charged (~3.85V/cell, so ~7.7V total for 2 cells like these). And storing them in the fridge (not freezer), if not fully charged, also helps. These are simple things you could do to help slow the degradation your batteries.

The EPL series has used the same battery form factor since 2010. The batteries have changed slightly, but a BLS1 and BLS50 will work interchangeably, although they have different chargers.

In my experience, every knock off BLS5 battery I have purchased has eventually swollen up and been pitched out. I've had one or two quit taking a charge. However, the BLS1 that I got with my first EPL1 in 2010 is still reliable. For that reason, the last battery I bought was an out-of-date 2012 "new" Olympus BLS-5's from ebay. It seems to be fine.

I can still buy, and I did buy, NP700 batteries for my Minolta X50, a camera that was discontinued in 2005.

And given that every Olympus camera I have bought since 2010, except for that original EPL1, has needed a repair, the battery is the least of my worries.

Big Ga wrote:

Chris R-UK wrote:

It is quite difficult to find cameras that use AA batteries nowadays and I am pretty certain that there are no current ILC cameras that use them.

Many cameras have battery grip options that have an AA holder as an alternative power source.

Yes indeed, I have that for the E-520.  I might end up getting one of the larger OM-D bodies down the road to have this option available to me (I'd have to get the EM1 or EM5).  The Pentax K-50 also uses them but I crossed it off my list for other reasons (has a propensity to get a dusty sensor even though it's supposed to be weatherproof, and it's too heavy for what I need.)

RedOctobyr wrote:

What will you do when Olympus stops producing them?Either find a manufacturer you're comfortable with (Wasabi, etc), buy old-stock Olympus batteries, deal with reduced life from your old batteries, or retire the camera, I guess. I expect you'd have aftermarket options for a while.

You could open the batteries and replace the cells with something suitable, but most people have no inclination to go that far with it.

I use lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries in a hobby. To reduce battery degradation over time, we store them half charged (~3.85V/cell, so ~7.7V total for 2 cells like these). And storing them in the fridge (not freezer), if not fully charged, also helps. These are simple things you could do to help slow the degradation your batteries.

Ha I might end up buying my batteries from you  I was going to get Wasabi but after I looked them up on here I saw a lot of reports of them expanding and getting stuck in the camera after about 18 months of usage.

How often are you supposed to charge these batteries? Is it bad to charge them as soon as they get fully discharged?

Karld70 wrote:

I don't know that it is worth worrying about. You might be able to find old Oly stock batt for awhile, also the good aftermarket batteries are really not an issue, it's more the real cheep china knock-offs. Your camera could die long before you run into the issue, or next year Oly or Pan puts out a new camera you like better and you upgrade to a new camera body.

yes you're right, I see I usually buy a new camera every 5 years or so, but lately it's been every 2-3 years, although I now keep older cameras around to serve specialty roles.

baxters wrote:

The EPL series has used the same battery form factor since 2010. The batteries have changed slightly, but a BLS1 and BLS50 will work interchangeably, although they have different chargers.

In my experience, every knock off BLS5 battery I have purchased has eventually swollen up and been pitched out. I've had one or two quit taking a charge. However, the BLS1 that I got with my first EPL1 in 2010 is still reliable. For that reason, the last battery I bought was an out-of-date 2012 "new" Olympus BLS-5's from ebay. It seems to be fine.

I can still buy, and I did buy, NP700 batteries for my Minolta X50, a camera that was discontinued in 2005.

And given that every Olympus camera I have bought since 2010, except for that original EPL1, has needed a repair, the battery is the least of my worries.

Yes, that's why I am going to stick to Olympus OEM batteries from now on.  It sounds like we shouldn't expect the BLS series to be discontinued like the BLM was- that was a special case (Olympus transitioning from 4/3 to micro 4/3).  What kind of repairs have your cameras needed? Did the shutter assembly fail (I take it the Pen series is rated to 50,000 actuations like my E-520?)

Big Ga wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

Big Ga wrote:

Chris R-UK wrote:

It is quite difficult to find cameras that use AA batteries nowadays and I am pretty certain that there are no current ILC cameras that use them.

Many cameras have battery grip options that have an AA holder as an alternative power source.

Yes indeed, I have that for the E-520. I might end up getting one of the larger OM-D bodies down the road to have this option available to me (I'd have to get the EM1 or EM5)

Hmmm. That one for the E520 must have been a 3rd party add on, yes? I don't recall Oly making a grip for that camera at all, let alone one with an AA cartridge.

In fact, thinking about it, the only one I can think of that DID have an AA cartridge was the grip for the E3 (and so I guess the E5 as well). However that was just a disaster. And in fact, the whole grip/camera design was so bad that I don't think rechargeable AA's worked in it! how stupid is that!!

Does the EM1/EM5 have an AA option? I don't recall it doing so.

Yes, both the E-520 and E-620 had a third party grip made by Ownuser.  I shelled out $200 for that lol- but it takes 6 batteries and is on the heavy side (especially with the 6 AA batteries!)

The EM1 and EM5 do, but I think they only need 4 AA batteries? Not sure about that.

alexisgreat wrote:

 What kind of repairs have your cameras needed? Did the shutter assembly fail (I take it the Pen series is rated to 50,000 actuations like my E-520?)

-Shutter failed EPM1 around 8000 exposures. Fixed.

-Compact XZ1 failed to extend lens. Fixed.

-Dials didn't work on EPL5 and later the LCD went blank. Fixed.

-Dials didn't work right on EM5. Useable, but a nuisance. Finally got fed up and had it fixed. When it came back, the flash hot show was bad. Replaced.

Big Ga wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

Big Ga wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

Big Ga wrote:

Chris R-UK wrote:

It is quite difficult to find cameras that use AA batteries nowadays and I am pretty certain that there are no current ILC cameras that use them.

Many cameras have battery grip options that have an AA holder as an alternative power source.

Yes indeed, I have that for the E-520. I might end up getting one of the larger OM-D bodies down the road to have this option available to me (I'd have to get the EM1 or EM5)

Hmmm. That one for the E520 must have been a 3rd party add on, yes? I don't recall Oly making a grip for that camera at all, let alone one with an AA cartridge.

In fact, thinking about it, the only one I can think of that DID have an AA cartridge was the grip for the E3 (and so I guess the E5 as well). However that was just a disaster. And in fact, the whole grip/camera design was so bad that I don't think rechargeable AA's worked in it! how stupid is that!!

Does the EM1/EM5 have an AA option? I don't recall it doing so.

Yes, both the E-520 and E-620 had a third party grip made by Ownuser. I shelled out $200 for that lol- but it takes 6 batteries and is on the heavy side (especially with the 6 AA batteries!)

Nikon have OEM grips that take 8 AA's ! I used to use this option when I shot with Fuji S5pro bodies. With a set of eneloops in there, they would last all day. I think some models like the D300/D700 also allow a faster FPS rate when using the AA method. Very nice.

The EM1 and EM5 do, but I think they only need 4 AA batteries? Not sure about that.

Hmmm. Just on spec I'm dubious about this. 4AA batteries would only be 6v for non rechargeable and around 4.8v for rechargeables (which is really the only sensible option).

Oly power management is bad at the best of times. I doubt any of their cameras would work with such a lowered voltage. I might be wrong though if they have a step up circuit in there. but again I'm dubious.

Can't say I recall seeing an AA cartridge though. I'm sure I've got an Em1 grip here somewhere as well ....

I was searching on google hopefully this works

http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/compati/pen_power.cfm

The other thing I like to see if there is no AA battery option is for the camera/grip is for there to be an AC adapter option. Most of my cameras have a "backup" option to Li Ion- either AA or AC adapter. I find either acceptable. Sorry, I think I might have confused AC adapter and AA battery adapter lol.

baxters wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

What kind of repairs have your cameras needed? Did the shutter assembly fail (I take it the Pen series is rated to 50,000 actuations like my E-520?)

-Shutter failed EPM1 around 8000 exposures. Fixed.

-Compact XZ1 failed to extend lens. Fixed.

-Dials didn't work on EPL5 and later the LCD went blank. Fixed.

-Dials didn't work right on EM5. Useable, but a nuisance. Finally got fed up and had it fixed. When it came back, the flash hot show was bad. Replaced.

Thanks for the details- how much did these repairs cost?  I called Olympus once and asked them how much it costs to replace a shutter, they told me $120 for the E-520.

Big Ga wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

Big Ga wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

Big Ga wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

Big Ga wrote:

Chris R-UK wrote:

It is quite difficult to find cameras that use AA batteries nowadays and I am pretty certain that there are no current ILC cameras that use them.

Many cameras have battery grip options that have an AA holder as an alternative power source.

Yes indeed, I have that for the E-520. I might end up getting one of the larger OM-D bodies down the road to have this option available to me (I'd have to get the EM1 or EM5)

Hmmm. That one for the E520 must have been a 3rd party add on, yes? I don't recall Oly making a grip for that camera at all, let alone one with an AA cartridge.

In fact, thinking about it, the only one I can think of that DID have an AA cartridge was the grip for the E3 (and so I guess the E5 as well). However that was just a disaster. And in fact, the whole grip/camera design was so bad that I don't think rechargeable AA's worked in it! how stupid is that!!

Does the EM1/EM5 have an AA option? I don't recall it doing so.

Yes, both the E-520 and E-620 had a third party grip made by Ownuser. I shelled out $200 for that lol- but it takes 6 batteries and is on the heavy side (especially with the 6 AA batteries!)

Nikon have OEM grips that take 8 AA's ! I used to use this option when I shot with Fuji S5pro bodies. With a set of eneloops in there, they would last all day. I think some models like the D300/D700 also allow a faster FPS rate when using the AA method. Very nice.

The EM1 and EM5 do, but I think they only need 4 AA batteries? Not sure about that.

Hmmm. Just on spec I'm dubious about this. 4AA batteries would only be 6v for non rechargeable and around 4.8v for rechargeables (which is really the only sensible option).

Oly power management is bad at the best of times. I doubt any of their cameras would work with such a lowered voltage. I might be wrong though if they have a step up circuit in there. but again I'm dubious.

Can't say I recall seeing an AA cartridge though. I'm sure I've got an Em1 grip here somewhere as well ....

I was searching on google hopefully this works

http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/compati/pen_power.cfm

The other thing I like to see if there is no AA battery option is for the camera/grip is for there to be an AC adapter option. Most of my cameras have a "backup" option to Li Ion- either AA or AC adapter. I find either acceptable. Sorry, I think I might have confused AC adapter and AA battery adapter lol.

No problems. Language is such a complex thing

Here ... have a banana ...

haha operating on three days of no sleep, such are the holidays.

But now I'm wondering if there is a way for me to make my own AC adapter and plug it into the accessory port.  The silly thing is almost all cameras can be used with AC adapters, I even have one for my ten year old C-7070.

Big Ga wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

Big Ga wrote:

alexisgreat wrote:

Big Ga wrote:

Chris R-UK wrote:

It is quite difficult to find cameras that use AA batteries nowadays and I am pretty certain that there are no current ILC cameras that use them.

Many cameras have battery grip options that have an AA holder as an alternative power source.

Yes indeed, I have that for the E-520. I might end up getting one of the larger OM-D bodies down the road to have this option available to me (I'd have to get the EM1 or EM5)

Hmmm. That one for the E520 must have been a 3rd party add on, yes? I don't recall Oly making a grip for that camera at all, let alone one with an AA cartridge.

In fact, thinking about it, the only one I can think of that DID have an AA cartridge was the grip for the E3 (and so I guess the E5 as well). However that was just a disaster. And in fact, the whole grip/camera design was so bad that I don't think rechargeable AA's worked in it! how stupid is that!!

Does the EM1/EM5 have an AA option? I don't recall it doing so.

Yes, both the E-520 and E-620 had a third party grip made by Ownuser. I shelled out $200 for that lol- but it takes 6 batteries and is on the heavy side (especially with the 6 AA batteries!)

Nikon have OEM grips that take 8 AA's ! I used to use this option when I shot with Fuji S5pro bodies. With a set of eneloops in there, they would last all day. I think some models like the D300/D700 also allow a faster FPS rate when using the AA method. Very nice.

The EM1 and EM5 do, but I think they only need 4 AA batteries? Not sure about that.

Hmmm. Just on spec I'm dubious about this. 4AA batteries would only be 6v for non rechargeable and around 4.8v for rechargeables (which is really the only sensible option).

Oly power management is bad at the best of times. I doubt any of their cameras would work with such a lowered voltage. I might be wrong though if they have a step up circuit in there. but again I'm dubious.

Can't say I recall seeing an AA cartridge though. I'm sure I've got an Em1 grip here somewhere as well ....

I'm wondering how the Pentax K-50 could work with only 4 AA's? Maybe it's life is very short on those batteries?