Leica Digilux3 - Questions about the best flash to use

[benburling]

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Hi,

I'm looking a good flash to use with the digilux, the built in one only seems to sync to 160th /s - which is crazy/rubbish.

 

im looking to use a gary fong diffuser with the flash too.

 

please send me some suggestions guys

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[DonQuijote]

Hi Ben

 

I use an Olympus FL50 flash unit (identical to DMW-FL500 from Panasonic) with my Digilux-3. Actually the Panasonic flash unit is a rebadged Olympus flash.

 

Here is the product description I copied from amazon.com:

 

Along with the standard bounce and swivel capability, power zoom and a full range of TTL Automatic, Automatic and Manual flash modes, the FL-50 offers the Super FP Mode. This allows for flash sync at speeds up to 1/4000th second so fill-flash can be used in the brightest of situations. This is achieved by the flash's ability to fire before the shutter opens and stay illuminated until after the shutter closes. Designed specifically for digital photography, the FL-50 flash also has more even illumination with less corner fall-off than traditional film flashes. The Guide Number is 164 feet/50 meters at ISO 100. The FL-50 can be powered by multiple power sources, including standard AA-type Alkaline, NiCad, Ni-MH, Lithium batteries, LB-01 (CR-3V) batteries or be used in conjunction with the separate HV-1 High Voltage Power Pack or Power Flash Grip for additional power and speed capabilities.

 

Something to check is the high speed shutter sync with the D3 since the flash is designed to work with the E1 for high speed - so the fastest sync time with a D3 may be different.

 

Excellent Olympus E-system DSLR flash

Strengths: Excellent power output • Seemless integration with E-system DSLR cameras • Outstanding user interface • Intuitive operation

Weaknesses: Slow maximum flash sync speed in non-FP modes • Flimsy battery cover door

Summary: Overall, this is an excellent dedicated TTL flash for Olympus E-system DSLR cameras, even if it's a bit underpowered relative to comparable flash units from C & N. One design flaw is that in non-FP modes, even Auto and Manual, the maximum flash sync shutter speed is limited to 1/180 sec, even though the E-1 (and presumably other E-DSLRs as well) can safely sync at 1/250 sec. FP mode overcomes this flash sync limit, allowing the use of shutter speeds as high as 1/8000 sec, but at the cost of significantly reduced power output. One very nice feature of the FL-50 is that exposure compensations can be made via a dial on the back of the flash. I'd give the FL-50 a 4.5 star rating if it were an option on this site, but since it's not, I'm giving it a 5 star ratng.

 

Here is another link:

Olympus FL-50 Flash Reviews

 

The flash has more power and features I will need - at the time I researched carefully to buy the best possible flash for my Digilux-3 as I do not tend to replace flash units often plus I can use this flash if I should buy an Olympus body at some point. Some people has commented that the cycle time could be faster, but I do not have any complaints.

 

Good luck

[dugby]

I use a Metz 40MZ-3i with the required SCA3202-M5 and advise that this is NOT a great combination on a D3/L1. It works as a basic automatic flash, without utilising the advanced features of neither the Metz nor the camera. :-(

 

This is quite a disappointment.

 

 

When I use the SCA3502-M4 on the 40MZ-3i with my D2, I get all the advanced features of both the Flash and the Camera, together with data exchange, communications, Zoom head and aperature control.

 

It's a shame PanaLeica didn't get the external flash right the second time around with the D3 after getting it right with Metz on the D2

 

This is a real disappointment that I can't have one common external flash for both a D2 and D3(L1)

[rsh]

Actually, there is an M6 adapter that will work beautifully with the Leica/Panasonic cameras. I have a 54MZ4i that I use with the M8 and the R9/DMR. When my wife or kids need a more powerful flash that the built in flash on the V-Lux 1, the Metz works well after switching to the M6 Adapter.

[hpu]

I use an Olympus FL-36, together with a diffuser. I like the results + the weight and size. It uses also 2x AA batteries.

The output is good for me, no problems at all.

Good luck with your choice.

[dugby]

Actually, there is an M6 adapter that will work beautifully with the Leica/Panasonic cameras. I have a 54MZ4i that I use with the M8 and the R9/DMR. When my wife or kids need a more powerful flash that the built in flash on the V-Lux 1, the Metz works well after switching to the M6 Adapter.

 

yes the MZ54-4i is really the right flash according to Home: Metz for a D3/L1

[jdlaing]

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Olympus FL-36/FL36R, FL-50/FL-50R work very well with the Digilux-3

[dugby]

Ben, I got your PM..... However the system would not accept my response to your PM.

 

Just ask your questions here, so we can all share on the responses.

[benburling]

hi guys - thanks for all your responses

 

as i mentioned, im using a digilux 3, i was also considering buying a ring flash. (martin parr style) to give a nice even spread. i mainly use flash as a "fill in"

 

this is an example of what i want to achieve

 

do you think i need a ring flash for this or can i use an external flash and a diffuser

 

 

also, if anyone has the time, could they take a look at my flickr stream and give me an opinion on photos ive already taken (i really like feedback, good or bad)

 

Flickr: Ben Burling's Photostream

 

thanks once again!

 

ben

[benburling]

DONQUIJOTE

 

sorry for the delay - i think ill get an FL-50 - i want to use it for fill in flash on high shutter speeds, i.e martin parr style fill in flash in daylight.

 

my only question is - will the FL-50 acheive this for me?

 

yours in anticipation

 

ben

[moipogi]

hi guys - thanks for all your responses

 

as i mentioned, im using a digilux 3, i was also considering buying a ring flash. (martin parr style) to give a nice even spread. i mainly use flash as a "fill in"

 

this is an example of what i want to achieve

 

do you think i need a ring flash for this or can i use an external flash and a diffuser

 

 

also, if anyone has the time, could they take a look at my flickr stream and give me an opinion on photos ive already taken (i really like feedback, good or bad)

 

Flickr: Ben Burling's Photostream

 

thanks once again!

 

ben

 

FL36 will do this for you. The effect is basically fill-in flash. Using a Gary Fong Lightsphere, you face the dome directly at the subject for a diffused flash look.

 

Thanks!

[bjmike]

I'm using an Oly FL-36 with my V-Lux 1 and also with my Oly kit (which is what I originally bought it for). Seems to work fairly well, altho the Leica doesn't apparently recognize its TTL features. Seems to work well, though. I'll know better when I've had the time to work with it more.