The OM System PEN series (and classic Olympus PEN predecessors like the PEN-F and E-P7) remains one of the most iconic, stylish, and ultra-portable camera lineups in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem. Designed for street photography, daily walkaround snapshots, and travel vlogging, these retro rangefinder-style bodies thrive on compact efficiency.
However, navigating the endless sea of third-party camera accessories can be overwhelming. To help you build a lean, functional setup without cluttering your kit bag, this guide breaks down the best OM System PEN accessories you actually need—focusing on essential lenses, power solutions, ergonomic grips, and street-ready protection.
Daisy’s Take: The beauty of the Micro Four Thirds PEN series lies in its lightweight rangefinder aesthetics and compact form factor. Don’t ruin that portability by mounting massive zoom lenses or heavy battery grips! Stick to pancake prime lenses, a fitted leather half-case, and a spare OM SYSTEM BLS-7 battery for extra power while keeping your camera kit compact.
Quick Summary: Essential OM System PEN Accessories
| Accessory Category | Top Recommendation | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Street Prime Lens | OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 II | 34mm equivalent, bright f/1.8 aperture, snapshot focus clutch mechanism. |
| Compact Portrait Prime | Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 | 90mm equivalent, featherlight (116g), razor-sharp with creamy background bokeh. |
| Spare Battery | OM SYSTEM BLS-7 9.95Wh 7.7V 1285mAh Lithium-Ion Battery | A compatible spare battery for extending your shooting time; the camera can also charge the battery in-camera via USB. |
| External Battery Charger | OM SYSTEM BCS-7 Battery Charger for BLS-7 | Charges a spare BLS-7 battery outside the camera; useful when you want to keep shooting with another battery. |
| Ergonomic Protection | Gariz Leather Half-Case for PEN | Adds bottom protection, improves grip ergonomics, allows battery door access. |
| High-Speed Memory Card | SanDisk Extreme PRO 128GB UHS-I SDXC | Reliable V30 write speeds for 4K video recording and burst shooting. |
| Compact Street Flash | OM SYSTEM FL-300R Electronic Flash | Compact, tilting hot-shoe flash compatible with the OM SYSTEM PEN. It runs on two AAA batteries; it is not powered by the camera. |
1. Top Lenses That Match the PEN Aesthetics
A PEN camera body deserves optics that complement its vintage rangefinder silhouette while keeping overall weight minimal.
OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f/1.8 II
Delivering a classic 34mm full-frame equivalent field of view, the M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 is the definitive street lens for PEN cameras. It does not have the manual-focus clutch or snapshot ring found on the original 17mm f/1.8.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45mm f/1.8
Weighing only 116g, the M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 provides a flattering 90mm portrait focal length. It produces tack-sharp subject detail and smooth background blur at an unbeatable price point, making it a must-have secondary prime in any PEN setup.
2. Power & Charging Solutions
The OM SYSTEM PEN uses the BLS-7 lithium-ion battery, rated at 1,285mAh and 9.95Wh. It is listed for approximately 410 shots per charge. A spare is useful for long days of street photography, and the battery can be charged in-camera via USB. The BCS-7 can fully charge a BLS-7 in approximately 90 minutes with the F-7AC adapter and CB-USB13 cable, or approximately 130 minutes with the F-5AC adapter and a Type-A-to-C cable.
Recommended Power Setup
-
- Genuine OM SYSTEM BLS-7 Battery: Carry a compatible spare to extend your shooting time. The BLS-7 is rated for approximately 410 shots per charge.
- USB Charging: The BLS-7 supports in-camera USB charging, so you can top up the battery without removing it from the camera. Check the camera’s instructions for the appropriate USB power source and charging setup.
- OM SYSTEM BCS-7 Battery Charger: Charge a spare BLS-7 battery outside the camera while continuing to shoot with the battery in your camera.
3. Protection, Leather Cases & Ergonomics
Because PEN camera bodies feature flat front grips to maintain a sleek retro profile, adding targeted ergonomic accessories improves handling stability without compromising style.
Leather Half-Cases
A high-quality leather half-case protects the bottom plate from scratches, improves finger purchase on the grip, and incorporates a tripod mount thread along with a trapdoor cutout so you can change batteries without removing the case.
Peak Design Cuff Wrist Strap
For street shooters who prefer keeping their camera ready in hand rather than hanging around their neck, an anchor-based wrist strap offers quick attachment and drop protection while walking through crowded urban areas.
4. Lighting & Compact Storage
Olympus FL-LM3 Flash
Many PEN bodies feature a standard hot shoe without a pop-up flash. The ultra-compact Olympus FL-LM3 is powered directly by the camera’s hot shoe pins—requiring no extra batteries—and features a tilt-and-swivel flash head for bouncing soft light off ceilings and walls during indoor social gatherings.
Daisy’s Pro Tip: Keep your SD card choice simple! PEN cameras utilize UHS-I SD card slots, so paying a high premium for expensive UHS-II cards won’t yield faster write speeds in-camera. A fast 128GB UHS-I V30 card gives you all the speed required for 4K video recording and raw photo bursts without overspending!
The OM SYSTEM PEN blends portability, durability, and creative power into a compact everyday camera. With its electronic viewfinder, weather sealing, computational features, and versatile kits, it is positioned as a go‑to option for travelers, enthusiasts, and creators seeking a balance of tradition and innovation.
For more coverage, see our Olympus/OM SYSTEM archive, OM SYSTEM rumors section, and our Micro Four Thirds tag.
OM SYSTEM PEN at B&H Photo,
OM SYSTEM PEN on Amazon,
M.ZUIKO 14‑42mm F3.5‑5.6 III at B&H Photo,
M.ZUIKO 14‑42mm F3.5‑5.6 III on Amazon,
M.ZUIKO 40‑150mm F4.0‑5.6 R at B&H Photo,
M.ZUIKO 40‑150mm F4.0‑5.6 R on Amazon,
Micro Four Thirds lenses at B&H Photo,
Micro Four Thirds lenses on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do OM SYSTEM PEN cameras support in-camera USB charging?
A: USB charging depends on the model. The PEN E-P7 supports USB charging, but check your specific camera’s manual before assuming it can charge in-camera; some PEN models require an external battery charger.
Q: What is a good everyday lens for a PEN camera?
A: The M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 is a compact everyday prime. Its 17mm focal length gives a 34mm-equivalent field of view on Micro Four Thirds, making it a versatile option for street photography and general shooting.
Q: Do I need UHS-II memory cards for my PEN camera?
A: Not necessarily. Supported card types and speed requirements vary by camera model and recording settings. Check your camera’s specifications or manual, and choose a card that meets those requirements.
Final Verdict
Maximizing your OM System PEN setup comes down to choosing gear that enhances portability and street usability. Pairing a compact prime like the M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 with spare BLS-50 batteries, a comfortable wrist strap, and a fitted leather half-case gives you a stylish, lightweight kit ready for any street or travel adventure. Explore our recommended links above to equip your PEN body today!
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The new OM System Pen uses a OM SYSTEM BLS-7 9.95Wh 7.7V 1285mAh Lithium-Ion Battery vs the BLS-50.
Thx. Updated the article!
The new PEN does not support the FL-LM3 flash, and neither does the OM-5 Mk II. The 17mm f1.8 lens you describe as having a manual focus clutch has been discontinued and was replaced with a splash and dust proof Mk II version which has no focus clutch.