Flash for Olympus E-P1

[nsd]

Hey guys,

I picked up the Olympus E-P1 not too long ago, and was wondering if you have any recommendations in terms of a flash to go with it. No, I am not interested in the one that "matches" with the camera style (I forget the model number).

Let's say the price range is $3-4-500ish.

Thanks.

[KorruptioN]

How important is size to you? A standard-sized flash will be pretty big on the E-P1.

[nsd]

It's fine, there's nothing I can do about it. Are you saying it will look dumb ? :D Cause I can handle the extra space it will take.

[GunnerX]

I highly suggest getting the FL-50 if you can find it still being sold. You can probably get it very cheap on forums. If not, you can get the newer FL-50R. Not really worth it for the E-P1 though as you can't use the wireless feature of it.

[slomo]

FL-14 if you want to use it solely for fill flash and have the colour matched. ;)
FL-20 if you want to use it solely for fill flash.
FL-36 or the R version if you want tilt/bounce.
FL-50 or the R version if you want tilt/bounce, faster recharge, and range.

The size, weight, and price increase as the model number goes up. ;)

Or you can get one of the third party tilt/bounce TTL flash for Four Thirds standard that you can get from e-Bay.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/TTL-DIGITAL-FLASH-FOR-OLYMPUS-E-410-E-510-E-550-E-500_W0QQitemZ190342911912QQcmdZViewItemQQptZDigita l_Camera_Flashes?hash=item2c515257a8

[nsd]

I'm fine with the FL-50, read some good things about it. Now if only I could find a used one. Do you guys know of any local photography forums with a BST section ?

[GunnerX]

I buy a lot from here: http://forum.fourthirdsphoto.com/

You can also find them on sale at Fred Miranda forums.

[NuggyBuggy]

I have an E-P1, and would probably buy the FL-36. I understand the -50 is substantially bigger, but I've never seen or held either. As for where - there have been several on the local Craigslist. Every time they come up, though, something always prevents me from meeting up with the seller, so haven't gotten around to doing it.

If I really needed one I'd post a WTB on Craigslist. I probably wouldn't spend the extra money for an R, unless there was some functionality or feature (say, PC-sync port) that the non-R didn't have. I have no idea if there is or isn't.

[GunnerX]

I have the FL-36, FL-50 and FL-50R. I found the FL-36 to be too slow to charge and not powerful enough. It was too slow and got quite painful. The FL-50 is much faster charging up but it's also a lot bigger.

[nsd]

It seems the FL-36 takes 8 seconds to recharge. That's very long ...
On the other hand, here's what the E-P1 looks like with the FL-50 attached: http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/shared/picture.asp?f=26909
So it's safe to say I won't be picking that one up, as tempted as I was before :(

[slomo]

It seems the FL-36 takes 8 seconds to recharge. That's very long ...

I'll say up to 8 seconds if the capacitor is discharged completely. I think it takes that long only when powering up the FL-36. Where you don't want to use the FL-36 is in event photography like weddings where unpredictable important moments can happen relatively quickly.

[Blue7thGen]

If you can find a FL50 definitely go for that I had a FL36 upgraded to a FL50 and I haven't looked back but having it mounted on the EP1 though...