Service Engineer Secrets: Button Codes in Olympus Menus

Micro 4/3 cameras (Olympus OM-D, PEN, and Panasonic Lumix) store service diagnostics in a unique way. Unlike Nikon, where actuations are read from metadata inside an image file, Olympus bodies allow you to view mechanical usage directly on the rear LCD screen via a secret button combination!

Over years of servicing bodies, our technicians have learned these button sequences by heart.

Step-by-Step Guide: Accessing the Hidden Menu on Olympus (OM-D E-M1, E-M5, E-M10)

1. Hold down the MENU button while turning the camera power switch ON.
2. Release MENU and re-enter the menu -> navigate to LCD Display Settings (Wrench Icon).
3. Highlight Display and press OK. The camera model name will appear on screen.
4. Press the direction pad buttons sequentially: UP -> DOWN -> LEFT -> RIGHT -> Shutter Release -> UP.
5. The hidden engineering diagnostic menu Page 1 will appear! Press RIGHT to navigate to Page 2.

Understanding Letters in the Olympus Diagnostic Menu

• R (MS Count): Exact mechanical shutter actuations count.
• S: Flash firing count.
• C: Sensor cleaning cycle counter (SSWF).
• U: Ultrasonic wave filter activation count.

Secret Key Code for Panasonic Lumix Cameras (GH5, G85, GX85)

Panasonic follows a similar procedure: hold down DISP + AF/AE LOCK + Shutter Release while powering ON the camera, then press MENU/SET -> LEFT -> LEFT -> WB. A screen showing SHTR (Shutter count) and STB (Flash count) will display.

Micro 4/3 Diagnostic Parameter Reference

Menu Code	Diagnostic Parameter Description	Rated Lifespan Standard
R (Shutter Count)	Mechanical shutter actuations	Up to 150,000 shots (E-M1 II / III)
S (Flash Count)	Internal popup flash trigger count	Strobe indicator
U (Ultrasound Count)	Ultrasonic sensor cleaning cycles	Equal to camera power-on count