Flash modifications

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Having recently acquired an Olympus FL-LM3 for use on a mk3, I thought that it should work on a Panasonic GX8, as it has the same contacts.

Unfortunately there is a slight difference in the hot shoes of the two cameras. However, a very minor modification to the flash, involved the removal of some plastic from the front of the hot shoe allowed the unit to be pushed forward far enough on the GX8 to engage and function completely correctly.

The yellow line is where the excess plastic was removed

[Ian]

Lumix and Olympus definitely share the same flash communication protocols and connectors introduced with Four Thirds cameras. I can't remember if that includes the wireless flash system, though?

Can you set up multiple flash units with your Lumix?

Ian

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Lumix and Olympus definitely share the same flash communication protocols and connectors introduced with Four Thirds cameras. I can't remember if that includes the wireless flash system, though?

Can you set up multiple flash units with your Lumix?

Ian

No RC of multiple guns. However it can do flash from 1s to 1/8000s with what they call “Slow sync”, as well as all the usual functions

It will serve as a much better mini flash than the Panasonic one, as it has swivel and tilt

If I was to ever need more power then I can easily “slave” the FL50Rs

If anything it was more of an exercise in making it work and very handy to have available.

[Dave in Wales]

The FL-LM3 is a "lovesome" thing.

Never, ever, used one in anger..just liked having one around.

Sadly no longer.

[griffljg]

I must admit that I have the same opinion of the FL-LM3 and like having it around as a "security blanket" just in case it is needed. But, although one wasn't included with my E-M1 III, it was included with my OM-1. That must be another difference between the British version and the Australian version.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

They have just enough power to be useful and if you wind up the ISO it can make the difference between getting a reasonable image and something mediocre.

While I mostly use radio triggers for studio flash, I still have three FL-50Rs and a 36R which are ideal for location shoots, especially when they’re all controlled from the back of the camera.