Flash for OMD for event.

[hsw21]

Hi Guys
Im new in Olympus world.
Im thinking to use OMD camera in event, but not sure about the flash.
I think the top of the line flash for OMD is the FL600R ? If yes, even this, I think still too small and doesnt have external power pack connection, right ?
Is there an Olympus flash that equivalent of Canon 580ex or Nikon SB 800/900/910 (well those mostly use flash in events).
i appreciate if anyone can point me the right info for this.
Thanks.

 

[OzRay]

The Olympus FL-50R is the most powerful flash and accommodates an external FS-SHV1 Flash High Voltage power pack.

 

[christofp]

There are also some very fine Metz flashes for m43.

From a small GN 24 flash, an easy to use 44 flash to GN52 or (very new and powerful) a GN 64 flash.

The Metz 52 and 64 are fully functional and offer high speed flash.

https://www.metz.de/en/flash-units/product-ranges/system-flash-units.html

Unfortunately the company has severe financial problems (they also produced TVs which did not work well ) and I hope their flash department will survive the current problems ...

Note: Olympus flashes tweak the guide numbers because they assume ISO200 instead of ISO100 which "doubles" the power in the Olympus brochures. If I calculate correct, FL600r actually has a GN of 36.

I have a FL600r as a convenient and compact master-flash and a Metz 52 as a very reliable TTL-Slave doing the "hard work". Side note: As the Metz has standard DSLR flash size, it is a little bit unbalanced on my EM1 without the HLD7 grip, on a PEN it would be even worse. That's why I prefer to use it as a slave.

Christof

 

[Growltiger]

You can use your Nikon SB800 etc. on the camera. Put it in A mode.

 

[Deleted member 20897]

Do you require that the flash be on camera or have TTL capability?

If not, really, the world is your burrito! Find a suitable wireless trigger system that you can afford/like and use any flash you want.

I've been using my Nikon SB22/26/28/600 on just about every camera that I've ever used including Nikon/Olympus/Fuji. I prefer the Radio Popper branded triggers, but I'm sure there are some cheaper options.

 

[Clint]

For TTL,HSS, and with external power packs all of which will meet or exceed the capabilities of the Nikon/Canon top of the line flashes-

The Olympus FL-50R is the only Olympus flash that will take an external power pack. I believe Olympus quit making the FS-SHV1 power pack and one will be hard to find. Amazon UK has three left in stock.

An alternative power pack is a Quantum Turbo SC or Turbo3, but Quantum no longer sells the cable for the FL-50R (part# CO5). I did find a FS-SHV-1 cable and had two cables made from it for the FL-50R with Turbo batteries.

Other than the FL-50R the others include Metz's 58 AF (this has been replaced with newer models), 64 AF-1, and 76 MZ-5 that are compatible with Metz's P76 power pack. Quantum makes compatible cables for use with their Turbo batteries.

One other option but requires a flash bracket is to use a Quantum T5d-R with a Quantum D10W QTTL adapter and Turbo SC or Turb3 battery. This is without a doubt the most powerful, longest lasting, best quality of light, and most expensive of the items I mentioned.

If you do not desire TTL and HSS there are several other options that also use external battery packs.

 

[hsw21]

Thank you all for replying.

The way I wanna use it is mostly manual but with some TTL capability for a quick grab shot where I dont have time to set flash power.

Currently Im using Canon camera with Canon 580ex flash for weddings, so for example, mostly I can use it in manual for general situation for the day, but need some TTL feature in some part of the day, like in processional/recessional in the church, grand entrance, and some situation when Im in manual mode shooting something else and suddenly some guests just asking for a quick grab shot. Yes, you can adjust it manually quickly (like how my friend/ shooting partner do it), but I just dont have that skill yet.

I think Im gonna check out the FL50R with the external power pack for now. Unless someone has better idea.
For manual only flash Im already set with NEEWER TT850.

 

[inkista]

Do you have the 580EX or the 580EXII?

Because if you have the MkII, then you can do something very similar to what growltiger suggested: use the E (external sensor) mode and get automated power-setting of the flash, without TTL. This is the 580EXII's autothyristor mode, which uses an external sensor on the flash, rather than a pre-flash and TTL metering to set the power on the flash. This autothyristor mode doesn't need a camera and flash to communicate with each other, while TTL does. It works pretty well, and I've done it from my GX-7 with my 580EXII.

 

[hsw21]

I only have the 580ex, not the version II.

BTW Guys, this FL50R is from what era ? From Olympus film, FT, MFT ?

Thanks.

 

[OzRay]

The FL-50 and FL-50R, are both from the 4/3 digital era, but work fine with m4/3. I have both types, as well as the power pack and you will have no problem with using them in conjunction with m4/3 cameras. I might point out that the FL-50 units can also use the power pack.