Olympus OMD EM-1i LCD problem

[EverRed]

I have an Olympus OMD EM-1 - the first of the EM-1s. Recently, the LCD screen remains black when I'm shooting, the viewfinder is working normally. Also, the LCD screen works normally when in playback mode.

All of the pictures I've taken since this happened are fine but I would like to use the LCD screen when shooting. Its possible that I inadvertently changed a setting but I've looked and looked and can't see where I might have done this.

Software is up to date, Olympus help can only suggest sending it in for repair.

If anyone has any ideas I would be very grateful.

 

[Matt Waller]

I have an Olympus OMD EM-1 - the first of the EM-1s. Recently, the LCD screen remains black when I'm shooting, the viewfinder is working normally. Also, the LCD screen works normally when in playback mode.

All of the pictures I've taken since this happened are fine but I would like to use the LCD screen when shooting. Its possible that I inadvertently changed a setting but I've looked and looked and can't see where I might have done this.

Software is up to date, Olympus help can only suggest sending it in for repair.

If anyone has any ideas I would be very grateful.

Don't know if this is related, but I had a similar issue on my E-PL8, which also has a tilt screen. The only way the LCD would light is if I powered on with the screen raised. The minute I closed the screen it would go dark and stay dark until the next power-on. Like you, my EVF continued working -- in my case the external VF-4 EVF.

Unfortunately I have no solution. I tried to get it repaired but it required a part from Olympus, which was just then being sold and was not shipping parts. So I bought a second E-PL8. Maybe the repair supplies are back online now -- good luck with the issue!

 

[EverRed]

Thanks Matt

I just tried it with the screen raised and the screen stayed blank, the viewfinder lit up but did not show the view.

Earlier I said the screen stays black - that isn't entirely true - it goes a lighter shade of black in the area where it should show the view.

 

[ahaslett]

This is what happens when it detects your eye in the EVF. A drop of water in the detector will do it. Maybe you have a bit of fluff in there.

Andrew

 

[Lifesucks]

This is a long shot but could it be you have eye sensor turned off in the menu?

if its off it wont change from evf to rear screen

I had a EM5 which wouldnt turn the rear screen on unless the screen was pulled out from the back of the camera and swung around 180 degrees to the camera then it would turn on and when it was swung back around to the camera it would shut off.

The problem was the Eye sensor was faulty in that case but so i had to disable the eye sensor in the menu and change from evf to rear screeen using the button on the camera.

My point is you may have disabled the Eye senor in the menu from on to off.

The sensor detects eye movement when looking at the evf and alternates from evf to rear screen.

Just a thought.

 

[EverRed]

I figured it out! The answer is very simple - I just needed to press the button to the left of the view finder. It looks something like this: IOI. I must have pressed it to create the problem in the first place. Pressing buttons inadvertently is an issue I often run into with this camera - I'm guessing its an issue with most cameras that bristle with buttons.

As I was playing with viewfinder settings I did find that the S-OVF setting doesn't work. This is the setting that shows the effect of adjusting shooting settings e.g. if exposure is reduced the exposure will get darker. I would be grateful for any input on that but perhaps should start a different thread for it so that it is easier to find for anyone experiencing a similar problem.

Matt and Andrew - thank you for your suggestions. Even though they weren't the exact solution they led me to the right places to poke around and find the answer.

John

 

[Matt Waller]

LOL -- it turned out to be the most obvious culprit and the easiest one to address. Glad you solved it!

 

[Olyjohn]

I think you are mistaken about the S-OV. It simulates an optical viewfinder, which does not show the effects of adjustments. It is essential if, for instance, you are shooting in a studio using flash, where the exposure settings for the flash exposure would just leave the viewfinder black. Enjoy your EM1, I have two and i love them.