Any Flash suggestions?

[AndyW69]

Hi have a GH1 mostly for video, have the chance to take some stills at an award ceremony, any thoughts on a flashgun?

Andy

[yslee]

I believe the GH1 will take Olympus speedlights for the 4/3s system. I think you should be looking at the FL36 and the FL50.

[JamesBenet]

What about the Vivitar compatibles like the DF 383 for around $130, it has an LCD and much more power than the base oly or panasonic 2 AA ones that sell for almost twice the price!

[yslee]

That'll depend on how skilled the user is at setting the flash to match the camera settings.

[AndyW69]

just ordered a Metz 48 AF-1, founa a reference on a photo forum which says works well wit the G1, lets hoe it also works with the GH1

Andy

[Mike@AF]

I'm currently looking at flashes as well. I'm torn between the Metz 48 AF1 and the much less expensive Vivitar DF-383 or Olympus FL-36R. Admittedly, I know very little about what makes one flash better over the other. Anyone have any suggestions or advice?

[yslee]

What do you need to know, Mick? I just bought the FL-36R myself. Tried mounting my SB-900 but it was ridiculously top-heavy.

In my case, I got lazy, so wanted a TTL flash. Since the GH1 is fairly small, I went with something small, but can bounce and swivel.

My main grouses so far are limited to the design of the flash:

1) Separate release controls for bounce and swivel. That is so 1990s. Even Canon has moved away from that!

2) Plastic hotshoe with a screw-lock mechanism rather than a metal hotshoe with a lever-lock. Not as smooth or fast.

[Mike@AF]

I think I was pretty clear with my question. What makes one flash better than the other?

[yslee]

Let me make a list of what makes a good flash:

1) Reliability
2) Flash Output - this is determined by the Guide Number (GN). Make sure when comparing GNs, that the ISO, distance unit and zoom head setting (if there's one) are the same.
3) Recharge time - If you use the flash at the limit you might not want to wait 8 seconds for the flash to recharge.
4) TTL capability - For modern cameras, whether the flash and the camera communicate with each other. Otherwise you'll have to either set the flash to match the camera's settings or vice-versa.
5) For some, size and weight - I really didn't like the way Nikon upsized the SB-900 from the SB-800.

In your case, the FL-36R is the smallest, but also the one with the least output (on average by a couple of metres in actual use). It however has probably the best compatability. Without having tried the 4/3s flash system much, I cannot say how well the others will perform in that regard.

Metz flashes are pretty reliable, that much I can say. I still have a 20 year old flash that I use as a wireless slave.

Oh, two more things: The Olympus has a slightly retarded design of using two separate controls for unlocking the tilt and swivel capabilities. It also only uses two batteries, which contribute to the slower flash recharge and shorter usage time.

[Mike@AF]

Thanks. That helps a lot!

[MadHMC150]

I found a flash thread! Sucks you cant search for gh1 - to short :)

So whats your guys concenses after making your orders?

I was looking at the Panasonic FL360 and Oly FL36 (are they exactly the same?)

The Metz 48 AF-1 looks interesting... I do want flash charging time and a pretty bright flash since I soften it with a Gary Fong...

Sorry, I am a video guy and moving away from my canon ex420... I don't know much about flashes. Any help appreciated.

[swyzlstyx]

I found a flash thread! Sucks you cant search for gh1 - to short :)

So whats your guys concenses after making your orders?

I was looking at the Panasonic FL360 and Oly FL36 (are they exactly the same?)

The Metz 48 AF-1 looks interesting... I do want flash charging time and a pretty bright flash since I soften it with a Gary Fong...

Sorry, I am a video guy and moving away from my canon ex420... I don't know much about flashes. Any help appreciated.

I've had the Olympus FL-36. It was weak and slow to recharge. I sold it after one vacation trip with it on my E-500. It's also way overpriced at almost $200. However...size-wise it would fit well on the GH1.

Now I use my Olympus FL-50R with my GH1, which is an awesome flash, albeit very expensive at $385. However, size-wise it is HUGE mounted on the tiny GH1...I'm scared it would tweak the GH1's body or snap the hot shoe off if I used it for anything other than pictures of my cats playing at home. :Drogar-Happy(DBG):

I also have a Sunpak Auto 383 which seems to work well on the GH1...and isn't huge...but of course it doesn't communicate with the camera...so you need to shoot in full manual. It's also really cheap...but apparently not made anymore. Maybe they have a replacement? I mostly use mine with my 35mm camera or with a cheap eBay wireless flash trigger for off-camera lighting.

If I were shopping for a TTL flash today for the GH1...I'd probably check out the Metz ones like someone else suggested.

Good luck.

[MadHMC150]

Thanks for that info.

All those that use the Metz 48 AF-1, whats your thoughts? Fast enough recharge and bright?

Thinking about ordering one, just want something better than the oly 36 i think.

[Cavemandude]

I would use the Panasonic DMW-FL500 flash which I assume is the equivalent of the Olympus FL-50R flash. You need to remember that the AF Assist lamp on any external flash for the GH1 won't work since it is not a true DSLR but it will still use the AF Assist lamp on the camera to focus in low light.

Here are some shots I took of a Mardi Gras Ball using the DMW-FL500 flash on my GH1 and a Stofen diffuser on the flash. I used the kit lens on all shots and the flash was angled up with the diffuser on it:

http://www.randywheeler.com/ball/

Randy

[MadHMC150]

Thanks Randy, What kind of general settings are you shooting to get those ?

Those pics are exactly what I am going to need it for over the next couple months. We are shooting a bunch of nightlife. I have the Fong softener, which I love from my canon 420ex.

I went ahead an ordered the Metz on Amazon - can't really see the need to spend more $$ than I have to get some decent stuff.

[Cavemandude]

Flash was set to "Auto" so there was no pre-flash for people to blink on. I then throttled down the flash to -1 EV in the GH1 "Flash Adjust" menu. Used the "Multiple" metering mode.

Shutter priority 1/100, f4, 14mm and a combination of 400 and 800 ISO.

These were RAW shots processed using the SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.0 SE software that came with the GH1. They were then resized and smart sharpened in Photoshop CS3.

Randy

[Cavemandude]

Just read this on Amazon from a customer review on the Metz 48 AF-1, don't know if it's true or not:

"Not designed for four thirds sensors, December 8, 2009

By Noirist (USA)

I've been shopping for an external flash for my GH1 and had narrowed it down to the Metz 58, the Metz 48 (this one), and the Olympus FL-50R. All had excellent reviews and quick recycle times. I was about to pull the trigger on the Metz 58, when I learned that the Metz's are originally designed for a 2:3 format sensor (eg., full frame or aps-c). To obtain proper coverage on a 4:3 format sensor such as a Panasonic G1/GH1/GF1 or Olympus EP-1, they must use a lower focal length than the camera is at, which reduces the power of the flash and also means that it uses more battery per direct flash and it can't cover an ultrawide lens with a direct flash. So this Metz 48 AF really has a guide number of 38 when used as a direct flash with an Olympus or Panasonic camera, which is a lot lower than advertised (and only a little bit more than the Olympus FL36)[...]. This issue shouldn't affect you when you are using bounce flash. So if you're looking for an external direct flash for your 43rds format camera, the Olympus FL36 or FL50R might be a better fit."

Randy

[Paul Hudson]

I am not sure if the Canon flash works but they are great,

[MadHMC150]

I tried the canon 420ex on there, it was ok... I just sold it on ebay with the rebel...

I don't think I will be worried about the Metz, I only use diffuser/bounce flash....

[MadHMC150]

And WHY does my metz say for CANON on it?!?

Please advise that I was sent the wrong flash... seems like it works 1 time, and the green light never comes back on!!!!! ERRR I needed a flash by tomorrow.....

I ordered: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00117DOEU/ref=oss_product

Update: So they have the canon version labeled as the Panasonic version... errr... Spoke with Amazon and the will have the replacement here tomorrow :)

[krass66]

I'm using Vivitar 383 and very happy with it. I think it is the best bang for the buck for GH1. For $130 you have pretty much everything that the flash is suppose to do.And the built-it white bounce card is very handy. IMO it's better than Panasonic, but a little bit below the Metz. It tends to underexpose a bit in TTL mode when bounced but I'm shooting mostly RAW so I'm OK with it.
I have Metz 54 MZ4 and a couple of Sigmas 500super, but all for Canon. Metz is a great flash but for GH1 it is a little overkill imo. Too bad Sigma doesn't make flashes for Panasonic.
And also, I wouldn't even tried to use a Canon mount flash on GH1. Even if it fits, the difference in contacts and current, etc. can damage the camera or flash or both.

[MadHMC150]

Got the right one, ah works like a charm...

[Camera Expert]

Here's a quote from an Amazon review of the FL500:
"The only reason to own this flash is really for the FP (Focal Plane) flash mode. The G1, G2, GH1, GF1 all have a crappy flash sync speed of 1/160. That means there is no way to shoot at a large aperture in bright light using the flash. To accomplish this you need to use FP mode. This is also called high speed sync and allows the use of flash at very fast shutter speeds (1/4000). Most other camera manufactures allow access to the FP mode in the camera body. Panasonic, in an effort to sell more flashes I am sure, puts access to that mode in the flash itself. If you don't why this would be important then you don't need FP mode and I would recommend not wasting your money on this flash."
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMW-FL500-External-Digital-Camera/dp/B000GBSA14/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Is this also relevant to the GH2? Would this mean I'd be better off with the Panasonic than the Olympus version? Or does the Olympus version also have that feature? I really should get a flash for my GH2 and I was thinking about the FL360 at first but since the FL36 is a little bit cheaper and people say their is no difference, I'd be better of with that but after reading that review, I'm not sure which way to go now. Still, these flashes are really getting old so perhaps a much newer flash from another company can be better if it's specifically made for M43 systems.



(http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-DMW-FL500-External-Digital-Camera/dp/B000GBSA14/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)

[MR Fanny]

i got myself the olympus fl50-R for the FP high shutter speed mode. It's exy but a great well built flash. the price you pay really to have that feature.

[Camera Expert]

So your saying it definitely does the same thing as the Panasonic one on a GH2? That would save me about $31. $200 is still something I need to think about since I also have to get another tripod. At least it's a good thing the new 12-35mm lens wont be out soon or I'd go crazy with wanting so much and not being able to afford everything.

[MR Fanny]

i bought it with my old gh1 in mind. still yet to test it on my gh2 though i do not see why it would differ. the flash looks pretty much identical to the olympus one which was made for the 4/3rds system if i remember....looks like they just rebadged the thing with a lumix sticker but dont take my word for it =)