OM-4 Battery Trouble

[E76]

I recently acquired an Olympus OM-4 and even with a fresh set of batteries power is only being supplied to the camera intermittently. Taking out the batteries and reinserting them sometimes solved the problem for a little while, but as soon as the camera was bumped or jarred the problem returned. At first I thought it might be a loose connection, but simply pressing on the battery compartment cover solves the problem every time and the little wire attached to the negative terminal spring looks to still be soldered on properly. Any ideas as to how to solve this problem or what may be going on? Should I simply return it to the seller?

 

[darinwc]

Try cleaning the battery connections.
Also, use the SR44 silver oxide batteries instead of the LR44 alkalines.
This is a known problem that the OM4 has issues with the LR44s.
To my knowlege, it just drains them, but its worth a try.

 

[E76]

I am using SR44 batteries and the contacts are clean.

 

[JimCouch]

Make sure that the base plate is tight - especially the screws near the the tripod mount. Don't over-tighten them, but they should all be snug. If the battery cap is black, you may have paint in the threads which can cause problems as well. Most people have swapped them fro chrome ones, but just cleaning out the threads on the cap & body can help as well.

 

[John Hermanson]

Exactly as Jim said. Olympus discovered black painted battery caps were causing electrical problems. So, very early on in OM-4 history, installing a plain chrome battery cap became part of every 4 overhaul. Make sure bottom cover screws are tight (and no, small hole in front edge is not from a missing screw). Use silver oxide batteries only. John

 

[E76]

After trying everything suggested I finally broke down and installed another new set of batteries which solved the problem. I guess the old ones must have been defective.

Thanks for all the help, guys!

 

[BetterSense]

Absolutely no affiliation, but if you are tired of buying 357 size lithium batteries for $3+ a piece, check out this website:

sr44.com

I ordered 25 Energizer brand 357 batteries, in a nice little tray, for $25 with shipping. Now I have lots of spares and don't have to spend $8 at the drugstore for 3 of them (what am I going to do with 3?).

I hate how my OM2n requires batteries to function. I have had it die on my when the batteries go and it's very disheartening that there's not even 1 manual speed like my pentaxen have. I try to replace the batteries at least every few months. I thought maybe there would be enough spare room in the film compartment that I could tape a couple spare batteries in there somewhere, but I don't think there is.

 

[John Hermanson]

I suggest NOT using sr44 dot com. Last time I ordered batteries from them, I NEVER got them and they did not answer repeated emails I sent regarding the order. I was not charged but still horrible service. I've heard the same story from several people. I would buy 357 / G13 / SR44-W / MS76 / KS76 type from anywhere else but them. John

 

[MikeyL]

.............. Most people have swapped them fro chrome ones, but just cleaning out the threads on the cap & body can help as well.

Does anyone know where someone may find a chrome cap, or any replacement for that matter for an OM4?
Mine managed to fly away

 

[John Hermanson]

I sell new OM-4 unpainted battery caps. Click on my name to find a link to my website. John

 

[Ed Sukach]

Try the "Medical Supplies" Department at your local Sam's. I purchased nine(9) 357 Silver Oxide Energizer batteries for ~ $11.
I think they are used in hearing aids (?) medical equipmet or ?, as well as in cameras.