Flash for Lumix G1

[santaprakash]

<p>I recently bought a Panasonic Lumix G1 and don't know what would be a good flash to go with it. I am not looking for something pricey and fancy. I am looking for simple TTL flash used to shoot in-door parties , dinners etc. Ability to tilt and bounce the light would be a plus. Can forum friends recommend one?</p>

[godfrey]

<p>The Olympus FL-36R (replacement for the discontinued FL-36) is an excellent dedicated TTL flash unit to use with the G1. It's a nice size and weight, good power, and supports all the camera's flash features. The FL-36 works very well too and supports the same features. </p>

[GerrySiegel]

<p>Ditto on the FL 36 for a low cost but not super cheap dedicated flash. Also see, just for background, some of the alternatives discussed in this older thread, Shanta re G-1 shoe flash shopping. If you are prepared to use the old standby auto mode you can get away for a lot less $ even.<br>

http://www.photo.net/olympus-camera-forum/00WAPX</p>

<p>Nice camera, smart to use an accessory flash for serious stuff too as we can agree for party work and dinners and such .. I am getting to like mine a lot.</p>

<p> </p>

[santaprakash]

<p>Thanks for the info Godfrey and Gerry. I have seen several of both your responses to forum questions in various subjects. Indeed, you both are very helpful forum friends.</p>

[santaprakash]

<p>Godfrey, I saw your post on the thread that Gerry was pointing to. True? That Nikon SB-30 will work with G1? With TTL features? Also can you tilt it upwards for bouncing light? Looks like you can, but checking with the expert anyways.<br>

I am excited because I found one for $55. Seems perfect for me. Thanks in advance for your response.</p>

[godfrey]

<p>I appended this to the thread Gerry linked as several people have contacted me to ask about the SB-30 ... <em>"No, it does not support dedicated auto TTL operation of any kind with the G1. It supports manual operation and in-flash auto metering (with its own metering cell, camera in manual exposure mode: you set the aperture to match its chart and any exposure time down to 1/160 second)." It also doesn't swing up to bounce flash. </em></p>

<p>It's a great little flash unit nonetheless. I've used it on a variety of cameras over the past five-six years as a small auxiliary flash or as a trigger flash for optical slaves and it does a terrific job. </p>

[santaprakash]

<p>Thank you. Interesting that I read a review post in epinions.com stating that it works as a good bounce flash!! Somehow, the swivel looks like it will tilt up. May be just my imagination.<br>

But, I believe you entirely. I will probably order this and use a diffuser to soften the light a little bit. Thanks for the clarification. You're the best. Where do you find time for all this? Ammmmazing.</p>

[godfrey]

<p>You're welcome. <br /><br /> The SB-30 was designed to be used with the Nikon D1 model, which did not have a built-in flash unit, so they gave the foot the ability to hold the flash at 75, 50 and 13 degree angles relative to the lens axis. The 75 degree angle is the normal case, 50 degrees is designed to change the flash direction for close up shooting, and 13 degrees was designed as a "stowed down for compactness" position. It does not swing any further back or swivel side to side. <br /><br /> Here's a side-view of the SB-30's range of motion: <br /><br /> <img src="http://homepage.mac.com/godders/SB30-tilt.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[akira]

<p>Shanta,<br>

if you know you would often bounce the light, I would suggest you to invest on the most powerful Olympus FL-50, 50R, or Panasonic DMW-FL500. I preferred the bounced light rather than the direct light for more natural image and decided on the FL-50 (bought new cheaply as surplus stock). Yes, it is bulky and weight balance when it is mounted on my G1 is awkward, but I've never regretted.</p>

<p>If the direct lighting would suffice, Olympus FL-14 or Panasonic DMW-FL220 would be a lightweight unobtrusive companion. FL-14 is more compact, and FL220 is one stop more powerful. Olympus FL-20 looks nice, but it is NOT compatible with G1 in terms of TTL auto mode.</p>

[wmc718]

I purchased a new Vivitar 283 TTL flash for my G1. It swivels, bounces and does it all. Should be around $75 to $85 on most sites.

[santaprakash]

<p>Thanks Michael. After further research, I went ahead and ordered a Vivitar DF-283 for Panasonic. Thanks for the post.</p>

[rdm]

<p>So Shanta , how do you like your Vivitar DF-283?</p>