Olympus FL-20 flash and M8

[hammam]

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Hi,

 

Anybody has experience with the little FL-20 flash from Olympus on their M8? How does it perform? No voltage problem?

 

Thanks.

[pklein]

I got an FL-20 flash with "my other camera," an Olympus DSLR. The FL-20 is a great little unit. I always carry it with me because it's so small and light, and I use it now and then.. It works fine. I measured the trigger voltage, I think it was only about 5 volts. I've had no issues with the extra contacts (the ones other than the main flash trigger) causing any interaction.

 

On the M8, the FL-20 works in manual and auto modes, but not TTL, of course. I've even used it as fill flash in manual mode. With the 1/180 or 1/125 second synch speed, 100 ISO and the right f-stop, you can take a picture in bright sunlight and illuminate your subjects that are shadowed. To lower the flash speed about a stop, use the old trick of a handkerchief over the flash. (A Kleenex tissue works, too).

 

I prefer to not use flash unless absolutely necessary, and when I do use flash, I prefer to use bounce flash. I've got a couple of larger old flashes with bounce heads (and 8-12 volt trigger voltages) that I use most of the time when I actually plan to use flash. But the little Olympus FL-20 stays in my bag for those occasions when I didn't bring the big flashes and I need one.

 

The guide numbers and f-stops to use in auto are approximate. Take a couple of test shots, check your histogram and adjust accordingly. Hope this helps!

 

--Peter

[hammam]

Thanks, Peter. That's exactly what I need. With the holiday season, and all those family and friends reunions, it's good to have a little, light and unobstrusive flash for quick snaps.

 

And a very merry Christmas to you.