Recommended Flash for Digilux 3

[rjgleason]

I tested my Canon 580ex on the Digilux3 and while it worked I am not sure this is the right flash to use.

Anyone have any options or experience?

Thanks

Bob

[dwcolvin]

Depending on your needs, either the Olympus FL-36 or FL-50.

The FL-36 is very cost-effective, but having only 2 AA batteries, can be a little slow to recycle.

The FL-50 is more powerful, has 4 AA batteries and has provision for external power.

Functionally, both flashes have both TTL (sync to 1/160) and FP-TTL (reduced power, sync at any speed, for fill flash) in addition to Auto (and Manual, if you really want it), and track the zoom setting on the lens.

[rjgleason]

Originally Posted by dwcolvin

Depending on your needs, either the Olympus FL-36 or FL-50.

The FL-36 is very cost-effective, but having only 2 AA batteries, can be a little slow to recycle.

The FL-50 is more powerful, has 4 AA batteries and has provision for external power.

Functionally, both flashes have both TTL (sync to 1/160) and FP-TTL (reduced power, sync at any speed, for fill flash) in addition to Auto (and Manual, if you really want it), and track the zoom setting on the lens.

Thanks Denny.....I'll check out the FL-50.

Bob

[Riley]

just to add

FL36 lacks any sync chord plug, instead depending on a more expensive hotshoe to flash cable for 'off' camera support.

An alternate battery is also available for FL36 to improve the repeat flash capability, when cells get low it can take as much as 10 seconds for the flash to regenerate. That said additional cells would no doubt outlast FL50 in shot for shot capacity.

[dwcolvin]

Originally Posted by Riley

FL36 lacks any sync chord plug, instead depending on a more expensive hotshoe to flash cable for 'off' camera support.

Of course, if you want off camera support with TTL/FP-TTL, you need one of those more expensive hotshoe to flash cables (Olympus FL-CB05 or Canon cord 2)... and the D3 lacks a sync cord jack. in any event.

p.s. The FL-50 doesn't have a sync cord plug, either.

[moikle]

I have the FL-50 and find it versatile with the D3. The head is fully moveable so bounce flash in any orientation is good. The Stofen off my Metz flash also fits so that was a bonus. Go with the FL-50 you'll not regret it.

Mike

[jdlaing]

One note.....

Panasonic is marketing flashes for the Lumix DMC L1 that are Oly clones with just a minor number change. They call them the FL 500 and the FL 360 and are more expensive. Just don't get steered into spending more for the same flash. Ebay has some pretty fair pricing from reputable sellers right now.

[dwcolvin]

Originally Posted by jdlaing

Ebay has some pretty fair pricing from reputable sellers right now.

Why would anyone choose to buy on eBay when legitimate stores sell for about the same price (current B&H price for the FL-50 is $374.95 plus a $20 rebate).

eBay is great for obtaining things not otherwise available (even then, it's a crapshoot), but I fail to see the attraction vs. actual stores for new merchandise.

[jdlaing]

Originally Posted by dwcolvin

Why would anyone choose to buy on eBay when legitimate stores sell for about the same price (current B&H price for the FL-50 is $374.95 plus a $20 rebate).

eBay is great for obtaining things not otherwise available (even then, it's a crapshoot), but I fail to see the attraction vs. actual stores for new merchandise.

Well, for example there is a FL50 on a buy it now price of $315.00 from a reputable seller. They do crop up now and then for someone trying to save a few bucks. I have nothing against stores and I buy quite a bit from B&H and the like. Sometimes you get a nice bargain......

[dwcolvin]

Originally Posted by jdlaing

Well, for example there is a FL50 on a buy it now price of $315.00 from a reputable seller.

Used, Note that it's not pictured with the cover for the external battery connector. Given the paranoia some have for the piece of plastic covering the hotshoe (the D3 doesn't even come with one), some would find this an omission in the item description.

And, not to be paranoid, but that plastic cover doesn't come off of the flash by itself, implying someone has been using external power. Since few amateurs have the need for the battery pack, it might suggest the FL-50 has been used (really used) professionally, by the seller or a previous owner.

[Bo_Lorentzen]

Just to add one more input - I bought the FL-36 because I wanted something a little more compact, and while it is not "fast" it really is great in that it is fully articulated yet very compact. for photography not requiring high recycle speeds or extra strong output, this flash does 90% for a good bit less and is smaller in the pocket. Its a good pick for general use, and yes I would pick up the bigger one for bigger needs.

just my 2 cents.


Bo


My Leica scratch page - random thoughts , pictures and such.