The Olympus OM-D EM5 (right) next to the Olympus M-1 (original OM-1).
The original 16mp Olympus OM-D EM5 was introduced by Olympus in 2012 and quickly became a favorite of mirrorless camera fans.
Its retro styling brought back memories of the classic Olympus OM cameras of yore such as the OM-1 film camera.
When I first saw it in the flesh, I knew I had to have one. So in late 2012 or early 2013, I did something I don’t normally do. I bought the camera new!
Right away I was impressed with the OM-D’s performance and image quality. It was the first mirrorless camera that I felt gave me images as good as what I was getting from my full frame DSLR cameras. And I’d used many of the highly rated mirrorless cameras before it, ie, Olympus E-P1, E-P2, Panasonic GF1, GH1, GH2 and a few others.
“Twins” 2013. Olympus OM-D EM5, 45mm f/1.8 Zuiko Digital lens. The EM5 captured these “twins” with beautiful color and depth of tones.
I loved the fast touch shutter, it was great for quick and rapid street work.
Indeed, the Olympus OM-D EM5 became one of my favorite cameras to use and you know that’s not easy considering all the cameras I’ve tried 😊
I had originally planned to do a review on this camera but it was not to be. Why?
Because last year the shutter started to conk out on me. It started taking blank images. Checking further it seems the shutter curtain is no longer opening.
A little research on the internet shows that many other people have the same issue with this first generation of the OM-D.
This is indeed disappointing as I bought the camera new, it has probably less than 5k on the shutter, and never been dropped or abused.
It’s out of warranty and I hear Olympus will charge around $175 to fix it. To me, that’s pretty unacceptable for a camera with such low shutter count. I have a Nikon D700 bought USED with over 200k that still takes great pictures!
Of course you can say that the D700 is a more pro oriented body. But 200k and still shooting vs 5k and dead? Come on now Olympus!
So Olympus, if you come across this and you want to do right please contact me! 😊
Sounds like I’m joking but I’m not. I’m seriously disappointed as I loved the camera. I know cameras can give out at any time but I think there must be more to these EM5 shutter issues. Just do a search.
Anyway sorry for my rant, here’s a few OM-D EM5 images during better days. Have a great weekend folks!
“The Mean Lady” 2013. Olympus OM-D EM5, 45mm f/1.8 Zuiko Digital lens. Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. The kids called this lady “the mean lady” but to me she was always nice! The EM5 performed admirably on black and white images too.
“The Human Touch” 2013. Olympus OM-D EM5. Olympus OM-D EM5, 45mm f/1.8 Zuiko Digital. Samut Prakan, Thailand. As Rick Springfield once said, we all need the “human touch” 🙂
“Smoker” 2013. Olympus OM-D EM5. Olympus OM-D EM5, 45mm f/1.8 Zuiko Digital. Samut Prakan, Thailand. A charming fellow who enjoyed his smokes 🙂
“Thai Miyagi” 2013. Olympus OM-D EM5. Olympus OM-D EM5, 45mm f/1.8 Zuiko Digital. Samut Prakan, Thailand. Maybe I’m nuts, but this man reminded me a lot of “Miyagi-San” Pat Morita.
“Asiatique” 2013. Olympus OM-D EM5. Olympus OM-D EM5, 45mm f/1.8 Zuiko Digital. Bangkok, Thailand. The EM5 was superb at capturing night and low light images.
“Gator Riders” 2013. Olympus OM-D EM5. Olympus OM-D EM5, 45mm f/1.8 Zuiko Digital. Pattaya, Thailand.
“Big Hair” 2015. Olympus OM-D EM5. Olympus OM-D EM5, 45mm f/1.8 Zuiko Digital. Did Baby Zay have big hair or what?! 🙂
“Blue Pool” 2016. Olympus OM-D EM5. Olympus OM-D EM5, 45mm f/1.8 Zuiko Digital. Manila, Philippines. Kids in a portable “baby” pool. It works! 🙂
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Camera Legend 
Nice review, Sam. Tough break with the shutter curtain problem on the OM-D. My Nikon D750 has made two trips for repairs for shutter problems. Seems it is common with that model. And my D800 spits oils on the sensor so it’s been back once. As for their Z6 and Z7, I hope they drive the price down on the D850. 🙂
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Thanks a lot Buz! Yes I’ve heard of the D750 and D800 problems, at least Nikon acknowledged it. But yeah anything can go wrong, luck of the draw I guess. Hope all’s well with you and yours, saw your recent pics, stunning!!
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hey Sam ! this “Big Hair” is such great moment indeed. love all other images as well. Very sad to hear about the problems of this Olympus camera. not nice to pay money for the fix some massive known problem. I never used any Olympus and even don’t think about mirrorless. Also not in my imagination to use these half-frame film cameras b-cos the tiny frame. Right now my Ricoh GRii is too perfect for my everyday walks !
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Hey Victor, thanks for your kind words my friend! And you’re right to stay away from these mirrorless cameras when you’re doing such awesome work with the GR! Loved your latest set of images man!
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Rock’n’rolla !!
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Great article Sam! It’s always good to get these feelings out, and you’ll notice that a lot of people also have the same problems! I have issues with my OM-1 at the moment, but I feel like they are fairly insignificant by comparison. I think that the EM5 was aimed at the semi-pro market as well, so, to be honest, it’s a little disappointing.
I just had a similar problem with my vlogging cameras. Though they are only smaller Canon point and shoots. One was dead and the other had a jammed lens cover. Canon fixed them both for me at £130, a fixed rate. It is expensive, but compared to the cost of a newer (potentially better camera) it is a small outlay. Especially as you can see in the images above, it still would take amazing images. Then you can still use it, or (worst case) you can sell it and use that money for the new Z6 or Z7!
Keep up the great work!
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Hi Ben, thanks for your kind dcommentary and you are making me think about the repair! Sorry to hear your issues with the vlogging cameras!
The OMD EM5 repair cost is very close to what used prices are so it puts me in a dilemma.
Perhaps I should fix it and sell it. But you’re right I do love the images it gave. The Z6 or Z7 I’m sure would be awesome but that price! Might have to wait a bit!
Thanks so much for chiming in, always appreciate hearing from a good man!
Regards,
Sam
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Nice website by the way Ben, I’ll be sure to check in in your site it’s great!
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Hey bro…disappointing that you had a failure with this camera. It is one I have admired since you had it that day at the gardens. Came close to buying it myself.
I always thought the images taken with it had a special look not only from your shots but from others that have posted with it on Pbase. Love the shots, some of which I remember and some which are new to me.
BTW, I know you will eventually try the new Z7…just a matter of time! :-))
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Thanks Bro! Yeah, it was great while it lasted. Things happen, but that’s why you shoot mostly Nikon, Leica, and Pentax right? 🙂
As for the Z7, I’m trying very hard to resist and currently low on funds but I have a sneaking suspicion that somewhere down the line, you might be right! 🙂
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