Actually, this guy
<https://pen-and-tell.de/2016/08/fremdakkus-kleine-uebersicht/> (use google
translate if you don't read German) tested a lot of third party BLN-1's,
that might help you. Lots of information in various articles on his site.
One of his conclusions is that there is sample variation even between the
batteries of the same brand, even in size. I'm not surprised, as I suspect
a limited amount of suppliers and many 'sticker' brands.
Unfortunately, third party batteries lack temperature sensors and they
don't load on a cell level (a bln-1 contains two cells). If the battery is
compatible with the original charger, they typically don't contain the
advance loading electronics which you find in a bln-1 (for balanced loading
of the cells). They instead have a cheaper/ simpler circuit which tricks
the charger in assuming it is an Olympus battery. Which is also the reason
some wear a lot faster. I wouldn't buy more expensive batteries that are
compatible with the Olympus charger, but buy a seperate (double) charger
with an usb connection. That way, you can use a batterypack to charge (or a
car). Quite convenient if you don't have an AC outlet nearby. You can
charge the original battery a few times with it as well, but then you
should use the OEM charger again some times to balance the cells.
So if you can't order them anymore, or find secondhand, I'd go for a brand
with some garantee/ reputation, but would always be cautious about aging
effects. And maybe better to replace them after a few years then to wait
for problems. Since they use to be significant cheaper then the OEM
batteries, replacing them every three year won't be more expensive (how
long will your camera last?).
I went for the cheapest I could find and so far have not run in any
problems. I don't test them very precise for capacity but operate them next
to some original ones. So far, I do not notice a significant difference. I
have some third party batteries for Sony (de smaller battery W50 for my A7R
II), those are clearly finished (but older).
Some OM content: I used the OM 50mm f2 macro for these pictures
<https://photos.app.goo.gl/zHitNzxnDTfSwFan6> on my Fujifilm GFX 50S ii.
Limited dark corners, most pictures F8-F11.
Good luck with the replacement batteries. Love the 12-100mm. I just visited
our national fairy-tale themed entertainment park with it, the Efteling
<https://photos.app.goo.gl/wtcrefRHXQJmjA7M7>.
Frank
wijsmuller.eu
instagram.com/we_photo
Op wo 11 feb 2026 om 21:35 schreef Martin Walters via olympus <
olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>:
> My OEM batteries seem to be wilting.... One, ironically the youngest, in
> particular discharges quite quickly. Interestingly, none have swollen.
>
> As the 12-100 IS activity is battery intensive, I'm starting to think
> about replacements. OEM BLN-1s are no longer available, so it will be
> aftermarket units. Looking around the internet suggests that the quality
> is variable, either between brands or within batches of the same brand,
> and that battery life may only be several years.
>
> The two most commonly mentioned, at least for North America are Wasabi
> and Watson. Grateful for any comments on these - or other brands. And,
> yes, I realize that I will need to get a matching charger.
>
> I also realize that there's always the option of getting a new camera
> with OEM batteries. Not sure I want to go that route at this time.
>
> Regards to all,
>
> Martin
>
> --
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