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m4/3 flash compatibility


keith_anderson7

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<p>I have a GF1 and a DMW-FL360 TTL flash. The flash isn't powerful enough for me in general, and I'm also thinking of upgrading the body to the OM-D E-M5 and want to use the GF1 as a backup body. Ideally I'd like a more powerful flash but would like it to be cross compatible with both bodies. </p>

<p>Anyone have feedback on the Metz 58 AF-1? On paper it seems spectacular. One review on Amazon says the tilt and swivel joint feels flimsy. Anyone have direct experience with it who can comment?</p>

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<p>The Panasonic DMW-FL36o flash is a clone of the Olympus FL36, just like the Panasonic DMW-FL500 is a clone of the Olympus FL50. All Panasonic did was add an extra zero to the model number, put their name on it and charged a lot more than the Olympus models back when they were first marketed!</p>

<p>I'm not surprised. The "36" models are under-powered, with slow recycle times. My limited experience with Metz flash units is very positive. I doubt the one you are looking at is any more flimsy than a comperable model from another maker, but I have no user knowledge of that exact model.</p>

<p>You could always look at the Olympus FL50R. Very high-end flash with excellent performance, especially if you use it with nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries. I have both an original FL50 and the current FL50R. No Panasonic Micro Four-Thirds camera model supports wireless TTL of the "R' model so it wouldn't matter whether you found a used FL50 or bought a new FL50R.</p>

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<p>Fully, completely compatible except for the wireless option. Panasonic uses the Olympus TTL flash system. Back in 2007 I was even using a Panasonic FZ50 digicam with my Olympus FL50 flash. Fully compatible, including TTL.</p>

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<p>I can second Greg's statement. Panasonic and Olympus flashes, except for the obvious fact that Panasonic cameras don't have built-in wireless capability, are 100% compatible with one another, because it's overall the same flash. If you can find an older Olympus FL-50, jump on it, as it is exactly the same flash as the DMW-FL500. The "R" at the end of the name on Olympus flashes signify wireless compatibility, which while it wouldn't hurt, would be a feature that you're paying for without the capability to use it (like the FL-50R). I can vouch for the Nissin flash, but they don't make a m4/3 version that swivels. I would say that if you can't find a reasonably-priced FL-50, go ahead and try the Metz. They've been in the flash game long enough that I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them. Just in case, you can always buy from a place like B&H or Adorama that has a lenient return policy.</p>
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<p>The Cactus AF50 that gadgetinfinity.com sells might be worth a look (be sure to get the model supporting Olympus/Panasonic).</p>

<ul>

<li>It can support FP-TTL mode (high speed sync). This is useful if you want to do fill flash in bright sun to lighten the shadows. It is the first clone flash besides Metz to support FP-TTL.</li>

<li>It can swivel and tilt (Nissan only does tilt which means you can't do a ceiling bounce when shooting in portrait orientation).</li>

<li>Like the Nissan and unlike the Olympus/Metz flashes, it can be used as a slave flash for Panasonic, but IMHO, since Panasonic doesn't have a manual flash mode, it is better to use radio triggers than using the pop-up flash for optical triggers.</li>

<li>Like the Nissan, it is roughly FL-36 sized instead of FL-50, which means it doesn't overwhelm your micro 4/3rds camera like the larger flashes do.</li>

<li>The one downside I've read about is the recycle time is on the slow side. If you want fast recycle time, go with the medium/high end Metz flashes, as they have faster recycle times when using AA batteries than Olympus or the other clone flashes.</li>

<li>However, in terms of power, I don't recall whether it is more power or not. In general, if you boost the ISO, it extends the range that you can shoot.</li>

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<p>Since the same factory (icorp) makes most of the clone flashes supporting Olympus and Panasonic except Metz (and maybe Promaster), I would expect to see Vivitar, Polaroid, Tumax, Bower, and other clones supporting features similar to the AF50 shortly.</p>

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