Modified battery compartment lid for the OM-D E-M1 II

OM-D E-M1 II battery compartment lid: how to modify

Finally, the lid for the battery compartment is available as spare part. Time to modify one so the battery adapter cable may pass easily through the closed lid.

The modification is quite simple. Drill a 5 mm hole and cut the lid to get an oblong hole that protrudes towards the edge. It takes just a few minutes for a skilled worker.

Note: The camera isn’t splash-proof anymore when you use the modified lid!

LED ring now Breeze and DSLRBooth compatible!

After receiving several requests, I reworked my LED ring project. I simplified the circuitry and rewrote the software from scratch. The result is a LED ring that may be controlled by Breeze or DSLRBooth via USB.

The project is currently in prototype status.

In addition, I wrote a Windows application that can be integrated in most photo booth software packages. You may also control the LED ring straight through the virtual COM connection via USB.

The application reacts on command line parameters (like status screen file names) and sends the command configured for the calling parameter. The controller is able to display a set of predefined effects. Parameters can be used to tailor the effects in direction, speed or color.

Among the effects are a runnign rainbow, countdown status displays, blinking, solid color or swiping a couple of LEDs round the ring.

 

Battery-Compartment Lid for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II available!

Finally, the lid for the battery compartment is available for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 II. You may order it as spare part at via davinci, item number VP924500. Currently, delivery time is said to be 4 to 6 weeks.

With this part, if properly modified, you may use the BLH-1 battery adapter with the battery compartment closed. I ordered one and will write a modification guideline.

 

VA-1 adapter for the OM-D E-M5 II available!

The VA-1 angle finder mounted on the OM-D E-M5 II

I got the first production grade adapter to mount teh VA-1 angle finder on the OM-D E-M5 II. It fits well and the visibility of the view finder is good. I have no experience yet, how the material will stand over time and usage. I used (first time) selective laser sintering (SLS) as production method for this kind of adapter.

With this adapter, the VA-1 may be mounted to yet another type of camera body.

You may order the adapter directly through my Shapeways web shop.

m.ZUIKO 7–14mm with polarizing filter

m.ZUIKO 7-14mm f2.8 with polarization filter

Oh, yes. It can be done. I mounted a haida PRO II NC slim polarizer on my Olympus m.ZUIKO 7–14mm f2.8 lens. The filter has a diameter of 105 mm. Slight vignetting is still visible. The effect ist a bit strange when taking pictures of teh blue sky. It is quite promising when aiming at reflections. More tests will follow.

Testing Dive-Computers

Testing equipment in mountain lakes.

I got a brand new dive computer a couple of days ago. It needs a certain number of operating hours in order to get the approval for public usage. I am therefore out and diving a lot. This may cause delays in answering requests. Please be patient.

The picture shows computers I got for testing a while ago. The current test devices are still top secret!

Threaded filter holder for the Zuiko 7–14mm f2.0 lens

Who says, that you can’t mount a threaded filter on top of the Zuiko 7–14 mm f2.0 lens? With a filter diameter of 105 mm it is possible. I tested with the bare holder for vignetting. Up to now, the results are promising.

Threaded filter holder for the Zuiko 7-14mm f2,8 lens

I designed and built a prototype on request. I couldn’t test the holder yet. None of the dealers in my vicinity stocks filters of that diameter. Since I wasn’t willing to spend more than 200 € for a quick test, I have to be patient. My customer will test the holder and I will report the results.

Polarizers are expected to produce strange effects when pointed at the sky. Nevertheless, they should remove reflections quite good across the whole image.