Olympus BLN-1 Batteries

[Brian G]

I want a spare battery for my Pen-F (BLN-1, same battery as used in Olympus OM-D E-M1, PEN E-P5, PEN-F, OM-D E-M5 & OM-D E-M5 Mark II cameras.)
These batteries seem to be permanently "Out of Stock" at every retailer I've tried, even Olympus themselves don't have any stock (https://shop.olympus.eu/en_GB/camer...supply/bln-1-rechargeable-lithium-ion-battery)
I prefer to use OEM batteries since many of the alternatives are not happy charging in the Olympus BCN‑1 charger, and require their own charger.
Plus OEM batteries seem to last longer than unbranded alternatives.
Does anyone know if the BLN-1 battery has been discontinued, or alternatively, when are they likely to be in stock again?

 

[tijuana taxi]

Any good https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equi...JOTVx0E5Ae4U3ADzJ9UaAj4tEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[gramps]

Ex-pro have a good reputation: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-BLN-1-Replacement-Lithium-Digital/dp/B00B24YO1O

 

[the black fox]

I’ll second that for EX-Pro really good ,hold there charge and will charge up in a Olympus charger

 

[Ham]

+ another for ExPro, been using them in various Olympus flavours for years, it feels like since my first E500 back in the day but it may not be quite that far. They aren't always perfect, but always worth having.

 

[tijuana taxi]

I had an Ex-Pro Black battery swell and get stuck in a Fuji X-E2.
Apparently the dearer White versions have overheating protection.

 

[Brian G]

Any good https://www.mpb.com/en-uk/used-equi...JOTVx0E5Ae4U3ADzJ9UaAj4tEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'd prefer a new one - you never know the history of a used item.

 

[Brian G]

Ex-pro have a good reputation: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ex-Pro-BLN-1-Replacement-Lithium-Digital/dp/B00B24YO1O

I've had an Ex-Pro BLN-1 and it swelled so much I had trouble removing it from the camera, and it certainly won't go back.
Another one of the reasons I'd prefer OEM.

 

[tijuana taxi]

I'd prefer a new one.

Fair enough, but given their scarcity this might be your best bet.
I bought a like new Panasonic battery for my G9 from MPB and it holds a charge like the originals

 

[gramps]

I've had an Ex-Pro BLN-1 and it swelled so much I had trouble removing it from the camera, and it certainly won't go back.
Another one of the reasons I'd prefer OEM.

I can understand your reservations then ... I've used them with Nikon for years and more recently with Olympus and never even a hint of a problem
Do Duracell do an alternative?

Looks like they do: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Duracell-Drobln1-battery-Olympus-BLN-1/dp/B01GJZLTZO

 

[Brian G]

I can understand your reservations then ... I've used them with Nikon for years and more recently with Olympus and never even a hint of a problem
Do Duracell do an alternative?

Looks like they do: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Duracell-Drobln1-battery-Olympus-BLN-1/dp/B01GJZLTZO

Both Duracell and Ansmann make replacements, but from what I've read, neither are happy in the original Olympus charger.

 

[trevorbray]

Both Duracell and Ansmann make replacements, but from what I've read, neither are happy in the original Olympus charger.

I use Hahnel in mine. Happy in the original charger. They last as long as the original.

 

[Don153]

I got two batteries and charger that work perfectly. They charge in the camera, and show their charge status correctly on the LCD. They seem to hold as much charge as the Olympus battery.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/1720mAh-Battery-battery-charger-Olympus/dp/B07BXK7N9X/

I would add some caveats :-
I've only had them for two months, so I have no idea if they will last as long as the original.
There doesn't appear to be a manufacturer's name on the batteries or the charger.

 

[Brian G]

I use Hahnel in mine. Happy in the original charger. They last as long as the original.

Noted.

I got two batteries and charger that work perfectly. They charge in the camera, and show their charge status correctly on the LCD. They seem to hold as much charge as the Olympus battery.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/1720mAh-Battery-battery-charger-Olympus/dp/B07BXK7N9X/

I would add some caveats :-
I've only had them for two months, so I have no idea if they will last as long as the original.
There doesn't appear to be a manufacturer's name on the batteries or the charger.

According to @m@zon the brand name is that well known company FUGASUN.
I'm not too sure abut buying an unknown brand, although these are advertised with an increase in capacity over the original (1720mAh as opposed to 1220mAh) but you are buying the charger that matches the battery.