Buying used EM-5 II vs EM-1

Hi,

Thanks for the warning. As for the LCD screen I am aware of that issue from some of the reviews I have read. Luckily, I rarely ever use the tilt function on either the EM-1 or the GX-7 so I don't expect to be using it. Ninety-five percent of the time, I use the EVF to take photos and the rear screen for settings and review for composition.  Its my understanding that the rotating issuing has to do with pulling off the internal connection cable from over twisting the screen.  I guess once you over turn the screen past the stopped point, it becomes easier to overturn and break loose the cable.

I have 14 days to return the camera if I am not satisfied once I receive it. First thing I'll check.

The on/ff switch; I am not aware of that. Is there a reason for it breaking and has Olympus addressed it? Also can breaking it be prevented? At least I have a year warranty on the camera.

Cheshire-Chris wrote:

averacpa wrote:

The on/ff switch; I am not aware of that. Is there a reason for it breaking and has Olympus addressed it? Also can breaking it be prevented? At least I have a year warranty on the camera.

See this thread:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/58645707

I wouldn't personally lose any sleep over it.

Cheers,

Chris

Thanks Chris.

After sending my previous post, I found and read through the 6 pages on that thread.  Hopefully it holds up for at least my upcoming safari trip. I don't use my cameras much, perhaps several times a year.  I bought the EM1 when it first came out and the shutter is around 9200, but it did develop the rear dial issue out of warranty, but Olympus repaired it for free and turnaround was within 2 weeks; very happy with them so far.

Hopefully I can determine if this is an issue within the 14 day free return period.

It is theses kinds of issues (like the rear dial with my EM-1 and Pany repair concerns) that has lately gotten me on the fence about m4/3.

Cheshire-Chris wrote:

Do you think m43 cameras are any more prone to failure than other formats? I used Nikon APS-C kit for years and had the occasional failure with that; eg the LCD screen died on my D7200. Cameras are complex electromechanical devices and can and do fail. I travel with two camera bodies on important trips as a precaution after that Nikon LCD failure led to me being unable to see my pictures. Touch wood I've had no failures with my Olympus kit, but I'm prepared for it to happen!

Cheers,

Chris

Hi Chris,

I agree, I always travel with 2 camera bodies and redundant lenses.  Perhaps I have been lucky or spared.  I have been with buying digital cameras since they first started, but always with the basic models with Nikon D40 and Canon 10/30D.  Neither cameras ever gave me a problem.  I have had them for years until I replaced them with my first m4/3 the LX-5 then the GX-1 followed by Oly EM-1 (my first true professional level digital camera) then the GX7 (backup replacement to the GX-1).

The first issue with m4/3 was with the Oly EM-1 with its rear dial.  Since serviced by Olympus, its been working very well. Repairs and maintenance is par for the course with photography, its only when things break down way too soon (< 3-5 years for occasional to moderate use) is when I start having concerns over reliability.

Cheshire-Chris wrote:

Do you think m43 cameras are any more prone to failure than other formats? I used Nikon APS-C kit for years and had the occasional failure with that; eg the LCD screen died on my D7200. Cameras are complex electromechanical devices and can and do fail. I travel with two camera bodies on important trips as a precaution after that Nikon LCD failure led to me being unable to see my pictures. Touch wood I've had no failures with my Olympus kit, but I'm prepared for it to happen!

Cheers,

Chris

I very much doubt it. The internet (yay!) gives us instant cohorts of--in the case of camera gear--users gathered in one place to do as humans are inclined: complain. This has its plusses and minuses, even handy tips for avoiding problems, but reliable statistical tool it just isn't.

With that said, reading several accounts of camera X having loose and missing tripod mount screws is very helpful for other X owners to check and perhaps fix theirs before something bad occurs.

Will also give a special exemption to Roger and the Lens Rental folks who are in a very good position to evaluate gear for longevity without prejudice. (And boy, they must simply love carrying a piece of gear they know is sketchy yet is in demand.) The gear teardown articles give fascinating insight (for those who like that sort of thing) in what manufacturers do to enhance reliability and to cut costs.

Cheers,

Rick