Canon camera + Olympus flash = ?

Google Glass Google Glass

08/15/2008 11:53:20 PM · #1

I really would like a flash, I've looked at some of the neat effects you can do with bounced flash, freezing motion in long exposures with a strong flash, etc. I'd like to try some.

However, being a poor college student, the options are limited. No nice 580ex or 430ex for me. I looked at a few used ones...not sure how well they'd do what I want tho.

However, my meijer (like walmart, kinda, only better :) ) has a pretty advanced photo spot, and they had a brand new olympus flash...for $64.

So my question is, would this olympus flash work on my Rebel XT?

ambaker

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

08/15/2008 11:57:57 PM · #2

It will probably work like a basic flash. In other words, none of the fancy communications between flash and camera will likely work. So you won't get through the lens metering, or any other automatic functions, except for what automatic control is on the flash itself.

The advantage of shooting digital is that unless you are shooting action that moves around, you can check the exposure and adjust the flash for another take.

-alex

one2one

Olympus E-5

Olympus 7-14mm f/4.0 Zuiko Digital Zoom

08/16/2008 12:15:42 AM · #3

Which Olympus flash is it?

08/16/2008 12:15:42 AM · #4

Well, yeah, I think that should be ok. I've been admiring the work of these people on the photography-on-the.net forums. (Some images may be nsfw) My boyfriend and I are pooling photo equipment (yay college studentness!), as far as lighting goes all we have is his dad's old Vivitar that puts out a good 120V on fire (so he bought an optical trigger) and a posterboard-style reflector, lol.

Photography (at least the equipment-gaining part) works so much better when you're not trying to afford a private education, lol!

Olympus 7-14mm f/4.0 Zuiko Digital Zoom

08/16/2008 12:16:21 AM · #5

Originally posted by Jac:

Which Olympus flash is it?

I'm not sure, probably the newest one or one down. I will go look it up.

ETA: Meijer doesn't seem to have it listed on their website (altho they do have a few yummy canon lenses!).

Message edited by author 2008-08-16 00:25:32.

one2one

Olympus E-5

08/16/2008 12:41:19 AM · #6

Originally posted by JesiLynR:

Originally posted by Jac:
Which Olympus flash is it?

I'm not sure, probably the newest one or one down. I will go look it up.

ETA: Meijer doesn't seem to have it listed on their website (altho they do have a few yummy canon lenses!).

Olympus flashes aren't cheap. At that price I would want to check if it is gray market gear you're buying. The smallest Oly flash is the FL20 and that goes for about 120USD. I have the FL36 and that was close to 200. So be careful if you buy that Olympus flash. Also if indeed it is the FL20 model I wouldn't buy it. Look for something more powerful on ebay for the same price from other manufacturers.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

08/16/2008 01:45:31 AM · #7

It was marked down a good 50% at least...I'll go back and check next time I happen to be in town.

Anti-Martyr

Fujifilm FinePix S5 Pro

08/16/2008 01:56:28 AM · #8

I've kinda got a similar question... If I have an SB-900 in Master on my D300, can I use any flash that can trigger wirelessly as a slave? I saw a bunch of Minolta wireless flashes at a camera store tent sale today, and was tempted till I learned all sales were final and I had no guarantee it'd work.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

08/20/2008 11:51:15 PM · #9

Ok so I looked and the Olympus flash model is the FL-36. It's about 60% off. Is this a good flash, as olympus flashes go?

MattO

Nikon D4

08/21/2008 12:04:32 AM · #10

Originally posted by JesiLynR:

Ok so I looked and the Olympus flash model is the FL-36. It's about 60% off. Is this a good flash, as olympus flashes go?

The FL36 is a good flash. I used it for about a year with a E300 and E1 before moving to the FL50. But I dont think I'd use it on my canon system. ETTL is just too good these days not to buy one that will offer you that.

Matt

08/21/2008 04:41:01 AM · #11

Originally posted by MattO:

Originally posted by JesiLynR:
Ok so I looked and the Olympus flash model is the FL-36. It's about 60% off. Is this a good flash, as olympus flashes go?

The FL36 is a good flash. I used it for about a year with a E300 and E1 before moving to the FL50. But I dont think I'd use it on my canon system. ETTL is just too good these days not to buy one that will offer you that.

Matt

I really want it to use off-camera, mostly, I've been reading strobist religiously and have some ideas I want to try...