Flash suggestion...

[eap_44]

having this discussion, everytime you use your flash, do you just put them at TTL Auto, Auto or Manual? I'm talking about simple and regular indoor shots.

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eap_44

Olympus E-30
14-54mm mk1
40-150mm mk2
FL-36

coming soon... 12-60mm / 70-300mm

 

[E_ B]

I always always shoot at home with camera in Aperture mode and flash in TTL Auto mode, as in the Indoor setup I recommended.

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Good Shooting,

English Bob

 

[eap_44]

Many thanks, E_B!

This is what I've been using but the refresh rate on my FL36 was too slow. I am suspecting that the culprit was probably a weak battery. I will try the Sanyo eneloops and will use your recommended settings on our next party.... that is tomorrow.

I always always shoot at home with camera in Aperture mode and flash in TTL Auto mode, as in the Indoor setup I recommended.

--
Good Shooting,

English Bob

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eap_44

Olympus E-30
14-54mm mk1
40-150mm mk2
FL-36

coming soon... 12-60mm / 70-300mm

 

[E_ B]

I always thought that alkaline batteries gave me better performance.

--
Good Shooting,

English Bob

 

[Barry Stewart]

I'd agree with ISO 400 shooting, as it asks a lot less of the flash than ISO 100 (for example). Going too high on the ISO leads to grain and (I find) burned out hot spots.

In predictable indoor light, I often set the camera in manual — with wide open f-stop and 1/60th or less shutter speed.

I set the flash to TTL, or even manual... usually at around 1/16th power for starters. Where ceilings are white and low, I go for bounce. I'm talking FL-50 — but more frugal settings could help you get some life out of your FL-36.
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Barry

 

[ginsbu]

i think that i will be OK with the Metz 48 AF-1 flash for my needs and style. i will pick up another 4 pack of Sanyo eneloop as a back up battery.

I think this is a good plan. If you need one of the higher-end flashes, the choice between Metz and Oly might be tougher. But at only $200, the Metz 48 is by far the best value of the bunch. I've got it and the refresh is indeed very, very quick.

Feel free to follow up if you've got specific questions.

 

[eap_44]

could you comment on the build quality of Metz 48 AF-1 flash? I've read that the construction of this flash is so flimsy that it might break when you try to twist it.

Also with Metz 48 AF-1, would you recommend a separate diffuser like Sto-Fen?

i think that i will be OK with the Metz 48 AF-1 flash for my needs and style. i will pick up another 4 pack of Sanyo eneloop as a back up battery.

I think this is a good plan. If you need one of the higher-end flashes, the choice between Metz and Oly might be tougher. But at only $200, the Metz 48 is by far the best value of the bunch. I've got it and the refresh is indeed very, very quick.

Feel free to follow up if you've got specific questions.

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eap_44

Olympus E-30
14-54mm mk1
40-150mm mk2
FL-36

coming soon... 12-60mm / 70-300mm

 

[ginsbu]

could you comment on the build quality of Metz 48 AF-1 flash? I've read that the construction of this flash is so flimsy that it might break when you try to twist it.

I think the build quality of the Metz is just fine. I certainly wouldn't describe it as flimsy. Fit and finish on mine is good (no loose panels, gapping, etc.). The rotation mechanism for the head feels smooth and solid, the tilt mechanism somewhat less so, but not so a worrisome degree.

The Olympus flashes (like Oly's HG/SHG lenses) have exceptional build quality, by all accounts. While Metz may be comparatively weak in this area, I don't think Metz is poor in absolute terms.

Also with Metz 48 AF-1, would you recommend a separate diffuser like Sto-Fen?

That really depends on your style of shooting/lighting and not so much on the particular flash, I think. Personally, I've been bouncing indoors (sometimes using the Metz's small built-in bounce card) without a diffuser. Paying attention to what I'm bouncing off of and at what angle, I have been quite happy with the results, though I have been considering getting a Demb Flash Diffuser for additional control.

 

[eap_44]

so given the price tag of $200, do you think Metz is a better choice than the $350 price tag of FL50R?

my main use of flash will only be attached to my camera and will use the TTL Auto for most of the time.

I think this is a good plan. If you need one of the higher-end flashes, the choice between Metz and Oly might be tougher. But at only $200, the Metz 48 is by far the best value of the bunch. I've got it and the refresh is indeed very, very quick.

Feel free to follow up if you've got specific questions.

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eap_44

Olympus E-30
14-54mm mk1
40-150mm mk2
FL-36

coming soon... 12-60mm / 70-300mm

 

[David J Barber]

I wanted the 50 but had to settle for the fl36, but I've been very please with its performance. I try to use a faster lens when using my flash (50mm f2 mostly) and with a diffuser I seem to always be trying to turn down amount of flash to minimize harsh light and shadows. I'll have to admit I'm not firing off shots in continous mode, but the 36 refresh rate has worked well for me.

[SNIP]

I know the fl50 is a faster unit and a better unit but I'd have to agree with one of the other posts as cost vs need. Good luck

I have to agree. I had normal incandescent ambient room lighting, and my FL36R (New) has almost instant re-pop. (Enelopop 2000mAh)

People quoting 7-10 seconds must have either a faulty flash or batteries, or shooting in pitch-black at full zoom. (Though even FP flash is only about 3-4 secs.)

I'm shooting in Aperture with auto-TTL, using 9-18mm and 14-42. It was even keeping up with the a/f-assist strobe when I had it off-camera. The flash was lighting the whole room in wide angle. 200 shots and no chabge of battery, so I can't tell you how long they last. Plenty of wasted pops as well, as when on slave to muck around with my reflectors, others were popping it with their photos!

So, I would caution against spending extra money unless you can see a real benefit in your shooting. Perhaps a shop where you can try and return if not suitable?

DavidJ.

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If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.

 

[Phill D]

Got the Fly FL36 for Christmas after deliberating on the Metz 48. Went for the FL36 as it was more compact and for me a good deal at the time. Reading this thread maybe not the best technical decision who knows but I'll enjoy finding out. The settings in this thread will be really valuable thanks guys for posting them.
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Phill D

 

[David J Barber]

I just used the Eneloops at 14mm and 42mm that have taken over 200 shots.

Recycle time instant for the first 2, then 2 seconds for the third.
Wait four seconds, and it's back to instant for the next 2.

Recharged Eneloops from 2 days ago, instant.

All this in a room with incandescent lighting, so not totally dark!

Not scientific, but I never had a problem except when I had crazy people wanting me to take action shots.



As you do...
True burst flash would have made timing easier!

So, for my uses, it's perfectly adequate. YMMV. I almost went for the Mwtz 48, but was reassured by others that for normal everyday use it's perfectly adequate. I agree.

I don't anticipate needing a faster flash. If you do, then a 4-battery unit should by all accounts be faster. I think the Metz 48 represents better value than the 58, as I seem to recall from a different thread that the power difference isn't that great compared to the FL50 when connected to 4/3rds.

DavidJ.
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If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.

 

[E_ B]

You're very welcome.

--
Good Shooting,

English Bob

 

[FoFoF]

--
Packrat
What if the Hokey Pokey is really what it's all about?

 

[Michael Meissner]

However, the Metz 76 uses the SCA-3202 adapter. Maybe Metz has finally fixed all of the incompatibilities in the latest version of the adapter, but for a couple of years, people who bought the Metz flashes that used the adapter all complained about various incompatibilities compared to the Olympus branded flashes. The Metz 48/58 that are dedicated to Olympus seems to be much, much more compatible. The only thing people routinely complain about is how hard the menu system is on the flash.

 

[BayAreaWZ]

Not sure if this matters to you, but the Metz 48 just comes with the flash while the FL-36R comes with a nice pouch and flash stand.

Just remembered and thought it might help.

 

[Olivetti]

E_ B:

Thank you very much for taking the time to put together those flash settings. I found them last night. I have a quick question, what settings would you use to take pictures inside during the day when the windows providing natural light are not in the picture but you might need some help from the flash?

Thanks again,
Jerry

 

[E_ B]

Use the first suggested setting, for indoor night shots, unless you've got bright sunlit windows in the image and are trying to match indoor lighting with outdoor lighting so the outdoor scenery is not blown.

--
Good Shooting,

English Bob

 

[ProElite22]

a beaut of a headache which being on the computer isn't helping, so I am not going to read through all the replies. I will simply state that I went through the same decision that you have. I would have gone with the FL50R or Metz 58 EXCEPT I can't afford either. I went with the Metz 48.

Haven't read the manual yet (ya, I know, my bad), but so far I am very pleased with it. I mounted it on the camera and started shooting. Recycle is very fast. I've read that the foot isn't all that strong, but my experience with flashes is very limited. I have the 380EX on my Elan IIE. Sorry, but I don't see any difference in the quality of the foot.

I do like the fact that the Metz also swivels.

 

[Olivetti]

Thanks E_ B.