OM SYSTEM Has a Solution for Photographers Who Can’t Feel Their Fingers

Winter photography is a great way to capture snowy landscapes, frosty wildlife, and the special moment when you realize you can no longer feel your fingers. Unfortunately, camera controls do not get any easier to operate when your hands are freezing.

OM SYSTEM and outdoor clothing brand Foxfire are trying to solve that problem with their new Octa Mitten Gloves, which keep your hands warm while letting you free your fingertips when the perfect shot comes along.

Released on October 8, the OM SYSTEM × Foxfire Octa Mitten Gloves cost 11,680 yen (around $73), including tax. They come in black in unisex sizes S, M, and L, with a pair of inner gloves included.

Mittens that let you get a grip

Unlike conventional gloves with separate compartments for each finger, the Octa Mitten Gloves use a flat mitten design that allows photographers to expose their fingertips when needed. The thumb can also be uncovered, making it easier to operate camera controls, adjust settings, and use a smartphone without removing the entire glove.

When the mitten section covers the fingers, it helps retain warm air inside. Pulling it back allows for more precise movements when handling camera equipment. The palm uses stretchy microfleece designed to improve grip when holding a camera.

The back of the hand and mitten section use CORDURA 2 Way Ripstop, an abrasion resistant, stretchy fabric with a water repellent finish. The lining features Octa CPCP from Teijin Frontier, a lightweight material made with hollow, eight fin shaped fibers that trap air for insulation. The construction aims to retain heat while allowing moisture to escape during active shooting.

A pocket for your lens cap, too

The gloves include two pockets designed with photographers in mind. A slit pocket on top of the mitten section can hold a small hand warmer, while a pocket underneath can accommodate a lens cap measuring up to 72mm in diameter.

That lower pocket also stores the mitten section when it is folded back. Tucking away the loose fabric can help keep it from getting in the way while handling camera equipment.

The included inner gloves offer another way to adjust warmth for different temperatures and shooting conditions. Photographers can wear both layers in colder weather or adapt their setup when conditions change.

The Octa Mitten Gloves are available through the OM SYSTEM STORE, the brand’s official Rakuten Ichiba store, and OM SYSTEM PLAZA in Japan.

At just $73, they are a specialized accessory for photographers who regularly work in freezing conditions. After all, missing a shot because a bird flew away is frustrating enough. Losing it because your fingers cannot find the shutter button is a different kind of wildlife photography story.

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