Member69643 Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 <p>This has happened to me twice now, so I thought I'd pass it along. Olympus user manual for the OM-D states that flashes must have voltages less than 24V to be safe to use on the OM-D. I recently tried to use a flash with a trigger voltage of 16V and the hot shoe died. It won't fire any flash at all now except the included mini. Happened to a Pen EPL-1 of mine too.</p> <p>I have sent the OM-D in to Olympus for warranty repair. I will let folks know what they do. I expect they will deny it and claim user damage, even though my flash was way under their max level.</p> <p>So, be careful what sort of flash you try and use on these cameras. You have been warned. :)</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george_shihanian Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 <p>Can you tell us what brand and model of flash caused this so we can be sure not to use it? Thanks.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harold_gough Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 <p>I was very hesitant about trying even the OM T series but am now happily using them:<br> <a href="http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=117843#117843">http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/viewtopic.php?p=117843#117843</a></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Seaman Posted November 9, 2012 Share Posted November 9, 2012 <p>Did you measure the voltage as 16V? If so what type of meter did you use? Some meters can draw enough current to cause the voltage to collapse to a degree. A digital multimeter or valve voltmeter should be OK. An AVO type instrument might not. The actual open circuit voltage may be significantly higher that that measured with one of these.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member69643 Posted November 9, 2012 Author Share Posted November 9, 2012 <blockquote> <p ><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=541403">John Seaman</a> , Nov 09, 2012; 11:20 a.m.</p> <p>Did you measure the voltage as 16V? If so what type of meter did you use? Some meters can draw enough current to cause the voltage to collapse to a degree. A digital multimeter or valve voltmeter should be OK. An AVO type instrument might not. The actual open circuit voltage may be significantly higher that that measured with one of these.</p> </blockquote> <p>I suspect my measuring was probably faulty, and I'll be charged for the repair. Hopefully it won't be too much.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member69643 Posted November 12, 2012 Author Share Posted November 12, 2012 <p>Just so everyone knows, Olympus' service facility in the USA is located on Long Island NY. The business is closed on Saturday when USPS attempted to deliver my OM-D, so my camera was not delivered. They may be closed more permanently due to hurricane Sandy. According to the USPS the facility has 15 days to pick up the items at the post office, otherwise they will be returned to sender.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member69643 Posted November 13, 2012 Author Share Posted November 13, 2012 <p>From Olympus support:</p> <blockquote> <p>Dear Patrick,<br /><br />Thank you for contacting Olympus Imaging America and providing us with an opportunity to assist you.<br /><br />Thak you for your concern, our service center is open for repair service. We are closed on the weekends, typically delivery will be re-attempted the next business day. <br /><br />Olympus appreciates your support.</p> </blockquote> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member69643 Posted November 22, 2012 Author Share Posted November 22, 2012 <p>Camera came back from Olympus yesterday all repaired. I don'y know how battered by the hurricane they were but this is remarkably fast turnaround for any service department. Bravo to Olympus USA!</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manuel barrera houston, Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 <p>All I can say is that the view finder died, afterwards I had a run in with a door. Olympus does tend to look for a reason to void the warranty. I like the camera but I don't think that I will be buying more Olympus equipment. Will stick Panasonic as I have not had any problems with any of those cameras.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don_bryant2 Posted December 25, 2012 Share Posted December 25, 2012 <p>So Patrick, What was the flash you used that caused the problem? Inquiring minds want to know.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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