Replacing flooded EM5-ii: used em5-ii or OM10-iv + new housing

[d^2b]

Welp, I finally understand the value of vacuum systems, as I jumped in the water with an improperly sealed PT-EP13 housing (totally my fault, piece of thin string / thread in the seal).

As far as I can tell the housing is OK (although it might be replacing some non-door o-rings after 6 years / 500 dives or so). The camera (and attached 12-50 EZ) are toast.

I literally just ordered a PEN port and zoom ring for my shiny new 12-45 pro lens, so I'd like to stick with a solution I can use that (and my 30mm macro) in. That seems to leave the options

- used EM5-II, about USD 400 (maybe a little less), continue using housing

- used OM10-iv, about USD 550, get new housing with vaccum system (probably USD700 for the AOI / backscatter).

- used OM1-
I'm not sure there's a lot of residual value in the PT-EP13 at these point.

I have two YS-01 strobes and a frankentray mainly ultralight parts. I also have a 67MM wet lens mount that fits on the front of the PT-EP13 and an inon diopter. I mainly used that with the 12-50 I just killed.

I'm curious about PDAF capable bodies, but the AOI OM5 housing is OMD ports, and the OM1 bodies are significantly more expensive.

Anything else I should consider other than the two options above? Is the OM10-iv an
upgrade to the em5-ii for underwater use? I mainly shoot manual (including manual strobe) these days. I do a fair amount of moderate macro with the 30mm. Obviously there are challenges with depth of field and autofocus, but I don't know if PDAF is a big win there.

I also (somewhat less succesfully) have been using the 12-50 for fish/turtle/moray/shark portraits. Actually it's mainly sharks where I don't have a great success rate, so maybe better autofocus helps there?

EDIT: I guess an AOI UH-EM1-III housing plus a used/old-stick EM1-III might be an option, for the right price. Similary the UH-OM1 (I or II) housing with a used OM-1 mark i might be within reach.

 

[kevjli]

Was that salt or fresh water? Salt will corrode your circuitry and you’d probably need to send it in for circuit replacement.

 

[d^2b]

Salt water. There is no circuitry in the PT-EP13 housing. The camera would require replacing almost everything except the metal body and knobs.

 

[kevjli]

Oh, sorry... I was thinking Nauticam for some reason... reading comprehension issues. Oly housing should be fine with a rinse.

 

[hancockks]

EDIT: I guess an AOI UH-EM1-III housing plus a used/old-stick EM1-III might be an option, for the right price. Similary the UH-OM1 (I or II) housing with a used OM-1 mark i might be within reach.

The AOI UH-EM1-III housing is discontinued and most vendors are out of stock. I did just see a EM1-III Nauticam on one of the UW Photo facebook for sale groups.

 

[Furnari]

If you can stretch to an OM-1 and AOI housing, you're better off doing that. It'll future-proof the longest as the same housing works with the OM1mkI and mkII bodies, and, IMO, there is an improvement in sensor performance over the M1mkIII (I've used all three). Plus, subject detect is a thing, especially for topside.

 

[jmark18]

I have access to a Nauticam OM 1 housing and some ports at a nearby shop. Let me know if you want some pics

 

[d^2b]

I have access to a Nauticam OM 1 housing and some ports at a nearby shop. Let me know if you want some pics

For now I'm sticking to AOI/Olympus Pen port compatible options, but thanks anyway. I suspect the nauticam route would blow my weight budget. Currently Housing, port, body, lenses, and strobes weigh in at around 5lbs. I'd like not to increase that too much.

 

[bvanant]

Another vote OM-1 plus AOI