Olympus and OM Systems reliability

[dtravis]

I've owned two different Olympus cameras (EM-5 Mk2 and EM1 Mk 2). Both have been sent back for a stuck shutter. The EM5 went back a second time because the LCD screen came loose. This camera has now developed a different fault but because the last repair was 11 months ago, Olympus won't repair it under warranty (despite my protestations).

I also have an OM-1 and that went back within 6 months because the front and rear dials became sticky so I couldn't select menu items. The dials are now getting sticky again, so that will need to be sent back in a few months.

In contrast, I have a Canon 5D Mk 3 and a Canon 550D that are now approaching antique status but that have never had a fault.

Have I been unlucky or are Olympus / OM Systems cameras a tad unreliable?

[Miketoll]

Can't really say on such a small sample and in general those who have problems are more likely to voice their dissatifaction than those who have no problems are likely to voice anything. I don't want to tempt fate but I have had or own OM-10, EM-1 Mk I, EM-1 Mk II, EM-1 Mk III and the OM-1 and so far no problems. Over the years I have had two Canon lenses and one (and only) Sigma lense die on me to the extent they were past repair.

[blackfox]

Same here really the 1-mkii went back for the grip repair twice , but I have had Nikons with the same problem .. a canon 1Dmkiv was written off and refunded in full , two Nikon D7100 bodies both failed after 3000 clicks I.e first one lasted a month replacement 5 weeks. Refunded in full .. mate had the same problem also refunded .. . And the second friend had same problem but his retailer refused refund and insisted on repair .

[Tram]

First E-M1 was returned for refund due to shutter shock issues.

Second was fine because it was purchased after the anti shock firmware had been developed.
I sold it on here and the buyer felt the rear dial was a bit hit and miss, never noticed it myself.

E-M1 ii grip came unstuck in places, repaired it with industrial strength contact adhesive.

Canon 5D had the mirror modification done under warranty to prevent the mirror detaching, known problem.
Canon 40D had the main fuse board replaced after it failed at 79k shutter clicks.
Fuji X-Pro2 had the evf unit replaced under warranty when the eyecup fell off, known problem.

Panasonic G80, GX9 and G9, no issues.
Also Canon 5D Mk2, Fuji X-E1, X-E2 and X-T1 no issues.

[MJ224]

Never had a problem with any of my 10 Oly cameras, and I still have four left....

[wanderer]

Me too!
Although my original OM-1 was declared dead in1989 due to too many visits to the'salty' West Coast.

[Phill D]

I've had 5 Oly digital cameras over the years and touch wood no problems so far except the usual grip glue issues.

[BDennis]

I've had the E1, E3, E5 4/3 bodies, all 3 Em1 m43 bodies and the OM-1. Only one with problems has been the E5 with a failed shutter mechanism, repaired out of warranty for a reasonable fixed price.

Paint seems to be wearing off the base of the OM-1 faster than any other bodies, not sure why - similar usage, but it works fine

Bill

[dtravis]

Thanks for the responses. It looks like I've just been unlucky -- and most brands of digital cameras have their problems. I'm smarting a bit because I love my EM5 for street photography and now it's a paperweight.

[BDennis]

Sorry to hear you’ve been so unlucky with them. I had problems with digital compact cameras as an early adopter in the late 1990s / early 2000s, it can be frustrating but didn’t put me off. Get another Em5 second hand maybe.

[moggi1964]

Never an issue with my 4/3 or m4/3 Oly cameras. Haven't shot other brands so cannot comment.

It does sound like the OP has been very unlucky which is unfortunate. The Em5's do seem to be pretty cheap second hand so maybe worth another go as they are a great street camera (Em10 too).

[shenstone]

Given I take my cameras caving and have used them in dust storms, lugged them for hundreds of miles and abused the older ones trying to get close ups of bits of engines with oily hands I've never had problems

Sad you have
Regards Andy

[griffljg]

I have owned 12 Olympus / OMSystem cameras over the years. Most have been relatively trouble free. About 12 years ago, the aperture control ribbon on the 12-60mm f/2.8-4 SWD lens on my E-3 broke. - A well-known issue which cost quite a bit to repair. But no problems since.

The one exception was the E-M1 Mk II, which must have been a "Friday Camera". I have documented my trials and tribulations here: https://www.e-group.uk.net/forum/for...lympus-service. I should note that, since the camera has been out of warranty, I have had absolutely no problems with it and it has been a joy to use.

[Tordan58]

I have owned quite many (~10) Olympus/OMSystem cameras and lenses (> 10) over the course of 15 years or so, equipment has been heavily used in the field and in rough conditions.
The display more or less died on E-620. Did not bother about getting it repaired.
I got a sticky shutter on E-M5 which got replaced under warranty
One strap ring got loose on E-M1, I got it fixed free of charge as a gesture of goodwill.
Iris got stuck wide open on 12-60SWD, got it repaired at a reasonably low cost

[griffljg]

I forgot about the strap ring of my E-M1. Mine was repaired under warranty. No problems since.

[Wookie]

My only problem with 6 Olympus /omd I’ve owned or own is getting dust marks on the sensor, or other issues that were my own doing.

[blu-by-u]

Sometimes I think it's also Lady Luck. I have Olympus cameras since the E-330, moved through many of the E before coming to the EM series and now the OM1. With the E-330, I have to send the 1st unit in a few times because of the grip rubber failing and once for the Banding in lowlight. The rest of the E series just came and went. The usual complain is that grip falling off or become tacky that needed replacement. I did try "drowning" my Em5mk1 after doing this



Over heating the EM1.mk1 mounting mmc and 70-300



and also freezing the (taken with a Stylus 1)



BUT having said that, The OM-1 have been in the service centre since Jan till today. The are still trying to get my complain, Freeze during custom WB setting and that strange AF. I have bought a EM1.3 as a standby alternative since.