Olympus FL 50R Instruction Manual
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Olympus FL 50R Instruction Manual

Electronic flash
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Electronic Flash
FL-50R
Instruction Manual

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Summary of Contents for Olympus FL 50R

  • Page 1 Electronic Flash FL-50R Instruction Manual...

  • Page 2: Names Of Parts

    Names of parts Flash Wide panel gP. 26 Light-emitting area External power connector Connect the optional flash power grip FP-1 or flash high voltage pack HV-1. Terminal cover Lock ring gP. 9 Checking the package contents The following items are included with the electronic flash.
  • Page 3 Bounce up/down angle indices gP. 22 Bounce left/right angle indices gP. 22 Control panel gP. 4 LIGHT button Press to light up the control panel for about 15 sec. The control panel also lights under control by a digital camera with communication capability.

  • Page 4: Control Panel

    Control panel Wide panel gP. 26 Close-up flash gP. 27 FOUR THIRDS gP. 31 Firing angle (ZOOM) mode gP. 21 ISO sensitivity gP. 31, 47 Guide number (GN) gP. 17, 39, 45 Notes on this manual The indications on the control panel may differ from those shown in the illustration above depending on the setup of the electronic flash, the camera in use, and the shooting conditions.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Table of contents Names of parts ... 2 Flash ... 2 Control panel ... 4 Basic shooting ... 7 Loading batteries ... 7 Attaching to the camera ... 9 Turning on the electronic flash ... 11 Shooting ... 12 Flash intensity control ... 14 Other flash photography modes ...
  • Page 6 Guide number (GN) list... 45 Light control range in AUTO mode ... 47 Continuous firing... 48 Safety precautions (Be sure to read and observe the following) ... 49 Caution for usage environment ... 53 Specifications ... 55...

  • Page 7: Basic Shooting

    AA (R6) alkaline batteries/AA (R6) NiMH batteries/ AA (R6) lithium batteries/AA (R6) oxyride batteries/ AA (R6) NiCd batteries Lithium battery packs (CR-V3 type) (Olympus LB-01) : × 2 Notes AA (R6) manganese batteries cannot be used. Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries of different types together.
  • Page 8 AA (R6) NiMH batteries (2,400 mAh) AA (R6) lithium batteries AA (R6) oxyride batteries CR-V3 lithium battery pack * Measurements obtained from in-house tests at Olympus. Actual figures may vary depending on shooting conditions. Flash interval Flash count Approx. 6 sec.

  • Page 9: Attaching To The Camera

    Attaching to the camera Confirm that both the camera and electronic flash are off. Attaching or removing the electronic flash while either the flash or the camera is on may result in malfunction. Bounce lock release button Hot shoe cover Lock pin Electric Lock ring...
  • Page 10 (optional). The electronic flash can be used as a wireless flash with cameras compatible with the Olympus wireless RC flash system. g “Wireless flash” (P.33) The electronic flash can be used as a slave flash with cameras equipped with the slave mode or manual flash mode.

  • Page 11: Turning On The Electronic Flash

    Turning on the electronic flash Turn on the electronic flash only after attaching to the camera. After turning on the electronic flash, be sure to check the remaining battery charge. AUTO CHECK lamp POWER button CHARGE lamp/ TEST button Press the POWER button. The control panel lights up and battery charging starts.

  • Page 12: Shooting

    Shooting Let’s try shooting pictures using the TTL AUTO mode. In TTL AUTO mode the flash intensity is controlled automatically according to the camera’s settings. Firing angle Displayed according to the focal length of the lens. Flash control mode MODE button Light control AUTO CHECK range...
  • Page 13 Flash control modes Select the flash control mode according to the subject and the shooting conditions. Press the MODE button repeatedly to change the flash control mode. Control Control operation panel display The flash light intensity is controlled automatically according to the camera’s setup. The flash will be adjusted based on the brightness taken through the camera’s lens.

  • Page 14: Flash Intensity Control

    Operation of the flash in each shooting mode Values and operation details in the table will vary depending on the camera. Refer to your camera’s instruction manual. Shooting Flash emission mode The flash is emitted automatically when either backlight or a brightness level requiring flash is detected.
  • Page 15 Flash intensity control Flash intensity value (The light control range will not be displayed while an adjustment value is set.) e.g.) Selected adjustment value Flash +0.3 Camera +0.3 Notes In MANUAL and FP MANUAL mode settings on the camera will be ignored.

  • Page 16: Other Flash Photography Modes

    Other flash photography modes AUTO The flash light intensity is controlled automatically by measuring the amount of light through the auto light receptor. This mode uses the settings on the camera together with the settings on the electronic flash. Firing angle Displayed according to the focal length of the lens.

  • Page 17: Manual

    MANUAL In this mode, the flash is emitted according to the guide number (GN) setting. Firing angle Displayed according to the focal length of the lens. Guide Optimum shooting number distance Optimum shooting distance When the ISO sensitivity is set to 100, you can calculate the optimum shooting distance by dividing the guide number (GN) by the aperture value (F).

  • Page 18: Fp Ttl Auto

    FP TTL AUTO In this mode, the electronic flash uses Super FP flash to synchronize with high shutter speeds. The following operations are possible using Super FP flash. Attenuation of shades when shooting a backlit picture. Outdoor portrait shooting using daytime fill-in flash shooting with the aperture opened up to blur the background.
  • Page 19 Mode Firing angle Light control AUTO range CHECK lamp Notes With Super FP flash the highest guide number will be lower than in TTL AUTO mode. As a result, the light control range will be shortened. The control panel shows the light control range according to the camera’s setup.

  • Page 20: Fp Manual

    FP MANUAL In this mode, Super FP flash is performed at the set flash intensity. Firing angle Displayed according to the focal length of the lens. Guide Optimum shooting number distance Optimum shooting distance When the ISO sensitivity is set to 100, you can calculate the optimum shooting distance by dividing the guide number (GN) by the aperture value (F).

  • Page 21: Setting The Firing Angle (Zoom)

    Setting the firing angle (ZOOM) The firing angle can be adjusted manually. ZOOM button Notes Selecting a value larger than the focal length of the lens in use will darken the peripheral areas of the image. Press the ZOOM button to adjust the firing angle.

  • Page 22: Bounce Shooting

    Bounce shooting Bounce shooting refers to a method in which the light from the flash is bounced off the ceiling or walls. This allows the light to go all around the subject, resulting in a soft picture without harsh contrast or shadow. Shooting without bounce 90°...
  • Page 23 Using the bounce adapter When you attach the supplied bounce adapter, the light passes through it and is diffused even further, allowing for bounce shooting with an even softer light. Also, the light diffuses to a larger area attenuating any shadows on the subject and softening the picture.
  • Page 24 Using the reflector adapter When you use the supplied reflector adapter to shoot with bounce flash, you can divert part of the light toward the subject to reflect it off the subject. In this way you can achieve a catch-light effect — the light reflection on people’s eyes.
  • Page 25 Shooting with bounce alone You can achieve different bounce effects depending on how you position the camera, the direction of the electronic flash, where you attach the reflector adapter, etc. Shooting with the camera positioned horizontally with the flash bouncing off the ceiling Shooting with reflector adapter To achieve the catch-light effect, turn the light-emitting section directly up or directly...

  • Page 26: Using The Wide Panel

    Using the wide panel Use the built-in wide panel in flash shooting when the lens focal length is set to a position wider than 12 mm. Wide panel ZOOM button Notes To prevent damage to the wide panel, do not flip it in the upward direction.

  • Page 27: Close-Up Flash

    Close-up flash When the distance to the subject is between 0.5 m (1.6 ft.) and 1.5 m (4.9 ft.), the flash light emission area will not match the range included in the shot. In this case, point the flash to the down-most angle (7°) using the bounce lock release button.

  • Page 28: Various Flash Shooting Methods

    Various flash shooting methods The following flash shooting methods are possible according to the camera’s setup. Some flash shooting methods may be unavailable depending on the function and design of the camera. For details on how to use these modes, refer to the instruction manual for your camera.
  • Page 29 Second curtain synchronization A slow shutter is used and the flash is emitted immediately before the end of the exposure period. This makes it possible to take pictures of moving objects such as car taillights with a streaming effect. Combination with camera’s built-in flash When the camera in use has a built-in flash, it can be used simultaneously with the electronic flash.

  • Page 30: Custom Setup

    Custom setup Custom setup allows you to customize the electronic flash to suit your preferences. MODE button Dial B Dial A Mode display Setup mode AF illuminator Flash cable Press and hold the MODE button for more than 2 seconds, until the setup mode display appears in the control panel.
  • Page 31 Mode display Setup mode Dial A Firing angle (ZOOM) display Distance display unit Flash intensity control Wide panel switch disabling ISO, F communication in AUTO mode Available only in AUTO mode, with cameras with communication capability. Value display Function Dial B Firing angle is displayed in terms of the lens focal length...

  • Page 32: All Reset

    All reset All reset resets the custom setups to the factory default settings. MODE button LIGHT button Press the MODE and LIGHT buttons simultaneously for 2 or more seconds to reset to default settings. The distance display unit (m/ft) is not altered by the all reset operation.

  • Page 33: Wireless Flash

    Wireless flash This flash is compatible with the Olympus wireless RC flash system. Using the electronic flash with an Olympus digital camera that is also compatible with this system, gives you wireless remote control over the flash emission. The flash mode and other controls are set on the camera and it controls the electronic flash automatically.

  • Page 34: Basic Wireless Photography

    Basic wireless photography This function will be explained using an example of the electronic flash used together with an Olympus digital SLR camera E-3. Refer to the camera’s instruction manual for details on the setup range of flash and the operations on the camera.
  • Page 35 Channel Group Begin shooting while checking the charging completed indications of the camera and the electronic flash. The charge condition of the electronic flash is not communicated to the camera. Shoot the picture only after checking that the CHARGE lamp at the back of the electronic flash is on, or that the AF illuminator part at the front of the electronic flash is blinking.

  • Page 36: About The Placement Of The Electronic Flash

    About the placement of the electronic flash The remote control signal is sent using the built-in flash of the camera so the maximum range for the placement of the electronic flash will vary depending on the camera. For details, refer to the camera’s instruction manual.
  • Page 37 Placement examples: Placement of three flashes Group A 50° 50° 100° 100° 50° 50° Changing the amount of light of each flash When shooting with multiple flashes you can create different effects of the flash photography by changing the amount of light of each flash. First, try to change the flash mode and flash intensity value for each group.

  • Page 38: Picture Shooting Using A Digital Camera Without Communication

    Picture shooting using a digital camera without communication capability When using the electronic flash with a camera without communication capability, adjust the ISO sensitivity and aperture value in AUTO mode to the same values as on the camera or change the shooting distance in MANUAL mode.

  • Page 39: Manual

    MANUAL In this mode, the flash is emitted according to the guide number (GN) setting. Guide number Flash intensity ratio ZOOM button How to determine the aperture value and guide number When the shooting distance and aperture value are already determined: Determine the guide number with the following formula and set the value on the electronic flash.

  • Page 40: Slave Flash

    Slave flash The electronic flash is equipped with the slave function. In this function you can emit the flash with a wireless remote control by synchronizing it to the emission of another flash. MODE button Slave mode Notes The slave flash mode cannot be used with cameras that perform a pre- flash because the electronic flash will be emitted simultaneously with the pre-flash.

  • Page 41: Warning Display List

    Warning display list Control panel Warning details display (camera with communication In AUTO mode: capability) Out of light control range (camera without communication capability) In MANUAL mode: Subject too close In FP MANUAL mode: Subject too close In all modes: Wide panel request warning In all modes:...

  • Page 42: Q&A

    The AF illuminator does not light up. What is wrong? The AF illuminator only works when you use the electronic flash with Olympus Four Thirds System digital SLR cameras. It does not work with other cameras. The AF illuminator will not work also when lenses large in diameter that can obstruct it are attached to the camera.
  • Page 43 Yes, it is normal. When the camera enters the sleep mode, the FL-50R does as well. When the camera wakes up, so does the FL-50R. Does the FL-50R also turn off when the Olympus digital camera is turned off? When the camera is turned off, the FL-50R enters the sleep mode.

  • Page 44: Optional Accessories

    The NiMH battery pack BN-1 incorporated in this accessory makes it possible to charge the flash at a higher speed and increase the available flash emission count. (Measurements obtained from in-house tests at Olympus) Battery used Flash in the HV-1 interval Approx.

  • Page 45: Guide Number (Gn) List

    Guide number (GN) list TTL AUTO/AUTO FOUR THIRDS ZOOM (mm) With 135 TTL AUTO/AUTO Full emission MANUAL FOUR THIRDS ZOOM (mm) With 135 MANUAL 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128 FP TTL AUTO FOUR THIRDS ZOOM (mm) With 135 1/125 1/160 1/200 1/250 1/320 1/400...
  • Page 46 FP MANUAL The following guide number figures have a 1/1 flash intensity ratio. ZOOM (mm) Shutter speed The guide numbers for flash intensity ratios other than 1/1 in the FP MANUAL mode can be calculated with the following formula. Guide number = Guide number at 1/1 × Flash intensity ratio coefficient Flash intensity ratios and their coefficients FOUR THIRDS With 135...

  • Page 47: Light Control Range In Auto Mode

    Light control range in AUTO mode Usable ISO sensitivity/aperture value (F) combinations for light control in AUTO mode ISO sensitivity 3200 1600 800 400 200 100 50 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 F2 F1.4 F11 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 F2 F1.4 0.8 - 9.0 0.9 - 10.0 1.2 - 14.0 1.3 - 15.0 1.6 - 18.0 1.7 - 20.0 2.0 - 22.5 2.2 - 25.0 F16 F11 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 F2 0.5 - 6.4 0.6 - 7.1 0.8 - 10.0 0.9 - 10.7 1.1 - 12.8 1.2 - 14.2 1.4 - 16.0 1.5 - 17.8 F22 F16 F11 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 0.5 - 4.5 0.5 - 5.0 0.6 - 7.0 0.6 - 7.5 0.8 - 9.0 0.8 - 10.0 1.0 - 11.2 1.1 - 12.5 F32 F22 F16 F11 F8 F5.6 F4 0.5 - 3.2 0.5 - 3.5 0.5 - 5.0 0.5 - 5.3 0.5 - 6.4 0.6 - 7.1 0.7 - 8.0 0.7 - 8.9...

  • Page 48: Continuous Firing

    Continuous firing be sure to observe the following. Continuous firings make the light-emitting section hot and may result in its deterioration, malfunction or deformation. Therefore, continuous firing should be limited to the counts shown in the following table. Always leave the electronic flash unused for at least 10 minutes after continuous firing up to the limit count.

  • Page 49: Safety Precautions

    This electronic flash has been designed exclusively for use with Olympus digital cameras. Do not connect the electronic flash to a camera not manufactured by Olympus, as this may result in a malfunction or damage to the camera and/or flash.
  • Page 50 If the electronic flash is dropped in water or any fluid gets inside, immediately remove the batteries. Contact your dealer or consult your Olympus Authorized Service Station. Continued use could result in fire or electric shock. Do not expose the electric flash to dripping or splashing.
  • Page 51 Contact your dealer or consult your Olympus Authorized Service Station. Always remove the batteries when you don’t expect to use the electronic flash for a long period. Otherwise, heat generation or fluid leak from the batteries may result in fire, injury and/or contamination of the surroundings.
  • Page 52 Use only the specified batteries. Be sure to observe the following points. Otherwise, battery fluid leak, overheating, fire ignition and/or bursting may result. Do not mix old and new batteries, recharged and discharged batteries, batteries of different capacities, or batteries of different types or brands. Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries such as alkaline batteries.

  • Page 53: Caution For Usage Environment

    Caution for usage environment To protect the high-precision technology contained in this product, never leave the flash in the places listed below, no matter if in use or storage: • Places where temperatures and/or humidity are high or go through extreme changes.
  • Page 54 For customers in USA FCC Notice This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 55: Specifications

    Specifications Model number : FS-FL50R Type : External electronic flash for digital still camera Guide number : Automatic switching 50: When in 42 mm (85 mm with the 135 type) 28: When in 12 mm (24 mm with the 135 type) 18/20 switching (when the wide panel is used) Firing angle : Automatic switching...
  • Page 56 Specifications are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. : Available when used together with cameras compatible with the Olympus wireless RC flash system. Effective distance : Up to approx. 10 m (32.9 ft.)
  • Page 57 Memo...
  • Page 58 Memo...
  • Page 59 Memo...
  • Page 60 Printed in Singapore VS161301...

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