OM‑1 shooters — how are you handling live view underwater?

I’m using the LCD exclusively (AOI housing with magnifier), and I’m curious what others are doing for composition. The OM‑1 gives two LV modes: Standard and S‑OVF.

Standard LV Mode

Gives proper exposure simulation, but at typical macro/CFWA settings, it can be very dark underwater unless the modeling lights are close.

S‑OVF

Brightens the display by removing exposure/WB simulation but doesn’t reflect actual ambient background or color.

For those shooting macro, CFWA, or wide angle with the OM‑1: Are you staying with Standard LV, switching to S‑OVF, or using a different approach to keep the LCD usable underwater?

Hi Adrian

I've just bought an OM-1 to replace my lost D500 but havn't yet got it underwater - not even into a housing!

I'm intrigued though that you compose on the LCD screen rather than in the EVF. Is there a reason for this?

Keep in mind the live view will only show the background exposure unless you are using video lights.

Just now, TimG said:

Hi Adrian

I've just bought an OM-1 to replace my lost D500 but havn't yet got it underwater - not even into a housing!

I'm intrigued though that you compose on the LCD screen rather than in the EVF. Is there a reason for this?

My old eyes 😃 I can use the Fantasea UMG-02 (AOI UMG-01) magnifier to make the image bigger and easier for me to compose. There are no similar magnifiers for the EVF, at least with the AOI housing. Moreover, I cannot see the full EVF display when viewing through the AOI housing.

Edited 3 hours ago3 hr by Adrian Gresores
incomplete thoughts

2 minutes ago, Grantmac said:

Keep in mind the live view will only show the background exposure unless you are using video lights.

Yeah, I know. I still can't get my head around which compromise is best. How do you handle it?

Depends on the situation. With a fair amount of ambient light I use live view. If it's dark I use the other mode (Sony shooter).