My take on things that cross my timeline, which I don't normally pay attention to, but lately, the push towards bettering one's life choices is thrust upon us at an alarming rate and needs commenting on.
Page Originally Created : Saturday, 6th of September 2025.
© Dave Rowlands. All Rights Reserved.
I haven't taken much notice of anything new regarding cameras and lenses for a long while now, well, especially after my lung repair surgery and having the camera that did everything I threw at it without complaining, my Olympus OM-D E-M1 II.
My E-M5 II has developed the dreadful screen cable failure, where it is no longer possible to see a live view or anything when the screen is folded back so you can compose shots viewing the camera from the back rather than using the EVF. It's a simple fix once you have sourced the cable, which is cheaply available. Still, due to my ageing body and shaky hands, I can't repair it myself anymore; it's in great condition except for that one fault. I don't use the rear screen that often for composing shots anyway, or take selfies.
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Sunday, 7th of September 2025.
The camera I use the most now is my Olympus E-M1 II with the HLD-9 battery grip. While cleaning and sorting out my gear, I happened to notice the weight of the battery grip on its own, so I weighed the E-M1 II and the HLD-9 separately, batteries and caps were left in place on both.
The HLD-9 weighs in at 328g (11.5 Ounces), and the EM-1 II weighs 634g (22.4 Ounces), so the grip weighs in at just under half of the weight of the camera. So asking the question "Why does the hld-9 battery grip weight so much" gave AI the chance to misinform by stating:
"The HLD-9 battery grip for Olympus and OM System cameras is heavy because it includes two BLX-1 batteries, a vertical shutter release, other controls, and is constructed with durable, weather-sealed materials. This added weight provides extended shooting time, improves grip stability for shooting in both horizontal and vertical orientations, and ensures durability in various conditions."
It does not hold two BLX-1 batteries, but the statement is corrected further on. What I hadn't realised was that the grip is fully weather-sealed, which can add to the overall weight. It's a great, well-made grip, don't get me wrong, it's just that it seems so heavy compared to the camera itself. Once I have added one of my Tamron Manual lenses, like the 35-135mm f3.5-4.5, which weighs 634g, though, the overall weight of the setup can be rather daunting, especially on a long walk.
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Saturday, 12th of September 2025.
As I'll be off in a few hours for a great-granddaughter's first birthday party at around 2 PM, I thought about doing the same weigh-in for my E-M5 II and its multi-part grip.
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© Dave Rowlands. All Rights Reserved.
