Controlling the little DMW-FL70-K flash on a GX8

[Macroramphosis]

I'm trying to set up the little GM series flash, the tiny DMW-FL70-K, to use with the GX8 in the field when I need a little extra light with some insects (particularly spiders this time of year as they start to emerge). I'm struggling to find a way to alter the power of it though. I'd like to get it to work because, (A) I already have it, (B) it needs no batteries, and (C) because it's so tiny I can put it in a shirt pocket and not worry about it. I may get something else in the future.....

Has anyone used this flash with any camera apart from the GM series? Any tips or tricks? All info much appreciated in advance, as always.

 

[0000]

I can't answer your question, but I will say that I spent some time early on going to somewhat extreme lengths to make use of the similar Olympus FL-LM1... but even then the pops tended to drain camera battery faster than I liked... YMMV.

 

[Wasabi Bob]

As far as I know the FL70 isn't going to work with your GX8. This was a tiny flash that was specifically sourced for the GM series cameras.
"If" it manages to get power from the camera, I don't think the TTL data is even compatible.

 

[Sleepy Capybara]

Following.
I have GM-1 and this tiny thing that came with lot buys that I do. GM-1 does not have a flash shoe. Was this unit only for GM-5? I wanted to use it on EM1.2 / EM5.2 as tiny trigger to FL-600R but the pins don't match so its just sitting in the bag. Would be great if there is any hack!

 

[Macroramphosis]

The flash does work with the GX8, but only at 250 sync max. And, of course, I have not found a way to alter the power of it.

Thanks for the comments, and here's hoping someone else may have an answer.....

@Sleepy Capybara - not sure it can act as a radio
trigger, I do not think it has any features like that.... sorry

 

[stratokaster]

I think DMW-FL70 is the standard flash for LX100.

It definitely works on GX85 and even acts as a wireless controller.

 

[Macroramphosis]

It definitely works on GX85 and even acts as a wireless controller.

That's good news! Have you found a way to alter the output at all?

 

[stratokaster]

Sorry, I no longer have it and I never really used it outside of some experimenting to confirm that it's compatible.

 

[cjoliprsf]

It definitely works on GX85

As a matter of curiosity - why would one want to use this tiny flash on the GX85? Is it more powerful than the built-in flash of the GX85?

 

[WaltP]

F-LM3 on my GX85 - works wonderfully. I can alter power in a couple of ways. I think the standard way the camera ships allows you to push the Rear Wheel to get flash exposure compensation. And if you turn on the wireless flash mode on the camera, you can get to a menu that even allows you to put it in Manual mode and specify power level.

Love that little flash.

 

[stratokaster]

As a matter of curiosity - why would one want to use this tiny flash on the GX85? Is it more powerful than the built-in flash of the GX85?

The built-in flash can’t act as a wireless flash controller.

 

[WaltP]

The built-in flash can’t act as a wireless flash controller.

Yes, both more powerful AND it has a tilt and bounce head - allowing you to put the light where you want it. It ALSO acts as a Master for optically slaved units; AND it can be put in Manual mode for consistent exposures. Lovely little unit that fits in a shirt pocket easily.

 

[cjoliprsf]

Yes, both more powerful AND it has a tilt and bounce head - allowing you to put the light where you want it. It ALSO acts as a Master for optically slaved units; AND it can be put in Manual mode for consistent exposures. Lovely little unit that fits in a shirt pocket easily.

Are we talking about the same flash?
The one I have came with my GM5, and the head doesn't tilt...

 

[WaltP]

No. That sounds like a different unit, but the camera controls should be the same.

 

[Sleepy Capybara]

Are we talking about the same flash?
The one I have came with my GM5, and the head doesn't tilt...

No, they talking about Olympus FL-LM3. The tiny Pana doesn’t tilt or anything.