I bought (and stupidly sold) my OM BCX-1 dual charger. It was just too large and I figured I could just charge in-camera. I just can't get used to charging in camera, though, and don't like the idea of constantly using that USB-C port.
Has anyone found a good, smaller, charger to use with BLX-1 batteries? I have looked at the Hahnel, but it's not exactly small. I also saw a review that said its charge indicator was inaccurate. I care less about accuracy than I do about about battery health and safety.
C-rate on batteries is important for long life. So charging too fast or at too high a current at the end of charge is a negative. So bottom line is I'm looking for a safe external charger. Anyone have any suggestions?
A maximum of 1.2A or lower should be fine for the usual two INR19/50 cells used in the 16Wh camera batteries, e.g., BLX-1. Many of the generiac chargers are actually slower than the OEM chargers. For example a standard USB charger that takes 5V/2A would charge at about 1.0A. I have numerous 3rd party chargers and the main issues are that they tend to undercharge and sometimes do not reset the frame counter (not sure if OM uses that).
Amazon has a 'BM' BLX-1 battery and single plug-in charger for $30. I have two of those BM batteries and they work perfectly in my OM-1 Mkll. I would assume the BLX-1 OEM battery would charge with their charger -- but I'm not positive, since I charge my BM batteries on my dual Olympus BCX-1 charger.
You also might be able to find a used BCX-1 charger on one of the used sites or on eBay.
I have that BM charger with a different plate. Keep in mind they are slower chargers, not great when you are wanting the faster OEM charging speed. However, a 2-wire charger is fine at those current levels.
