E-M1 EVF Sun damage

[Harbrimar]

Sorry for the length of the post but there I was sitting back rather smug reading reports from others that their EVF had been damaged by sunlight shining through the viewfinder which was set at a high diopter setting, thinking it won't happen to me as I'm too careful. Sadly, last week I noticed the greenish yellow spots & streaks when looking through the EVF. This was despite not leaving the camera in the sun, always replacing it back in the bag after use and not having the diopter setting high. I have to say that the matter is being admirably dealt with by Olympus Service Plus and hope to get my camera back from them in a couple of days. They did send me an email which I think is worth sharing as their may be some owners not aware that there is a problem.

Dear Mr M

I am writing to you with reference to the repair of your OM-D E-M1 camera.

Please be advised that the large dimensions and magnification on the lens on the EVF can result in high concentrations of light (the gathering of light in a single point) when a strong light source hits the surface of the EVF. This physical effect will be particularly strong when the diopter is set to the "+" end of the scale. As a result the surface of the EVF can be damaged when hit by a strong beam of light, e.g. direct sunlight.

We have replaced the EVF this time, please kindly be careful when carrying it outside or leaving in the sun. When the diopter is set to "+" side, sun lights will be magnified on the surface of the EVF and it burns the material in case direct sun light is coming into EVF.The green spots are the burnt EVF surface, not defects coming from inside.

To avoid this, please kindly be careful not to expose the EVF under direct sunlight outside.It could help to set the diopter to "-" side when the camera is not used.

Your camera is currently waiting to be send back to you. I will email you the tracking information as soon as possible.

Should you require any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be happy to assist you further.

Kind regards
Edita Warlopova
Technical Care Specialist

[TansySue]

Re: E-M1 EVF Sun damage

Same thing happened to my OMD-EM1. I wear glasses and have to up the dioptre to + max. Initially I was told it was oil/grease splashes from moving mechanics. But after 5 instances of this (4 repairs in warranty) I am now on my 4th body and Olympus suggested they fitted me a filter on the back of the EVF of the new body.

Now done, this is not noticeable enough to make exposure mis-judgements or to need the EVF menu changed to a brighter view. Have yet to take the camera somewhere really sunny . I have also been warned to protect the EVF from sunshine when carrying/using. This I foresee being a challenge when my 40-150 lens is attached or when the camera is on a tripod. Will be careful not to gimp with sunshine behind me in future.

[Phill D]

Re: E-M1 EVF Sun damage

Blimey didn't realise it was such a problem. Good job we've had the summer

[TansySue]

Re: E-M1 EVF Sun damage

Olympus have been great with their after sales service. Just so happy to been inside the warranty period

[Harbrimar]

Re: E-M1 EVF Sun damage

Hi TansySue
Like you I am very happy with the response from Olympus. My camera is now back and took less than a week. I am interested in the fact that Olympus fitted a filter to your camera and surprised that they have not done this to all of the E-M1 range or at least offered it to owners given the prevalence of the problem. The infrared heat filter mentioned in my first post seems to prevent the problem and I wonder if they have fitted something similar to your camera. I would be interested to hear from anyone else who has had this mod done.

[TansySue]

Re: E-M1 EVF Sun damage

They didn't confirm it was the infrared heat filter - they just call it a filter but from research on several forums that's what I guess it is.

I understand the problem is exacerbated if you need to turn the dioptre up + to max as I do, wearing glasses.

I know of someone who has had the same problem with their EM-1, they changed it for the EM-5ii and had the same problem there too. If you don't need to change the dioptre you will probably be O.K.