Need HELP Fast for Stacking with STF-8 and OM1 mk1

[Dennis Russ]

Hi All, I have tried n tried to solve this but can't..I need to do Stacking in camera with the STF-8 flash so that the flash goes off quickly just like it does on my M1X.
No matter how I try it takes ages for each flash output to flash (hope you can follow me lol). Please can someone give me the settings. I use aperture priority NOT Manual. Full settings like S-IS Auto & M-IS-1. On the OM-1 it is S-AF & the stack with heart. Sorry I cant remember proper names for most of these as my slight dementia blocks me.

[Dave in Wales]

So are you saying that it works satisfactorily on the M1X ?

[Dennis Russ]

YES...On the OM1 mk2 it is slow flash but a tad faster when stf-8 is set to 1/4 still not fast enough. on my godox flash on m1x it is very fast
just tried the godox tt685 on the om1 and it is very very fast. alas i want to use the stf-8 and have that fast.

[Dennis Russ]

i need the correct settings if you now them. i have tried nearly all settings now my head is done in. lol

[Dennis Russ]

Phil Hadley is going to contact david to see if he will do a video on it. OMSystems sent me an email with settings for C1-C2-C3 for Macro/Birding etc. Going to see if I can install them by the weekend.

[RedRobin]

I am resurrecting this thread because I am about to buy a OM 90mm Macro and I already have a STF-8 which has hardly ever been used because I couldn't get on with the weirdly unique controls of the OM 60mm Macro. The 90mm controls are the same as all my other OM lenses. My bodies are E-M1X (still a favourite) and OM-1 first version.

So what's the update on STF-8 flash settings please for onboard Focus Stacking? Thanks for any help.

[blackfox]

Weirdly enough robin I have just bought another e.m1x .. 556 shutter count so should be a good one ,bought from Wex as I trust them

[RedRobin]

Hi Geoff, as you already know, the E-M1X is still an awesome camera. In some ways I should have stayed with two of them instead of trading one for the OM-1. Thank goodness I was so lazy about selling my second E-M1X and still have it.

Unfortunately reliable sources say that there won't be a E-M1X Mk2.

[Dennis Russ]

Works a TREAT! I think it goes on TTL not sure as I not used it for stacking for a while. 1/60.

[Geoff]

My experience trying focus stacking with the STF-8 is that I could never get it to work reliably. The power output is too low, but more importantly, the recycle time between flashes is too long. Perhaps it would work on a tripod, with a slower shutter speed, but I wouldn't recommend it for hand-held stacking. Much better to use a regular flash in my opinion.

[RedRobin]

Thanks Geoff ~ Very helpful information.

I am used to using a monopod to help steady my onboard focus stacking and currently do so in natural light but the long recycle time on a flash would be a big risk when shooting live insects with legs and/or wings.

My research so far suggests a Godox V350 series with lithium battery known for its fast recycling time. Plus an AK Pro Macro Diffuser as link below :

https://akdiffuser.com/product/ak-om-90-pro/

[Dennis Russ]

https://www.google.com/search?q=Setting+for+Twin+flash+olympus+STF-8+and+In+Camera+Stacking&sca_esv=3c1b2768c64ab720&source=hp&ei=-pHhZ6mAC96vhbIPoeqNYQ&iflsig=ACkRmUkAAAAAZ-GgCjPzCKkaVJsjdVzqWsnGDFlrmdmJ&ved=0ahUKEwip5b7tmqOMAxXeV0EAHSF1IwwQ4dUDCBs&uact=5&oq=Setting+for+Twin+flash+olympus+STF-8+and+In+Camera+Stacking&gs_lp=Egdnd3Mtd2l6IjtTZXR0aW5nIGZvciBUd2luIGZsYXNoIG9seW1wdXMgU1RGLTggYW5kIEluIENhbWVyYSBTdGFja2luZzIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAFI9YwCUJcMWLqFAnABeACQAQCYAZQBoAHRJqoBBTQ1LjEwuAEDyAEA-AEBmAI3oAK3J6gCCsICChAAGAMY6gIYjwHCAgoQLhgDGOoCGI8BwgILEAAYgAQYsQMYgwHCAg4QLhiABBixAxjRAxjHAcICERAuGIAEGLEDGNEDGIMBGMcBwgIIEAAYgAQYsQPCAhEQLhiABBixAxiDARjUAhiKBcICDhAuGIAEGLEDGIMBGIoFwgIFEAAYgATCAgsQLhiABBixAxiDAcICDhAAGIAEGLEDGIMBGIoFwgILEAAYgAQYsQMYigXCAgsQLhiABBjRAxjHAcICCBAuGIAEGLEDwgIEEAAYA8ICBhAAGBYYHsICCBAAGBYYChgewgILEAAYgAQYhgMYigXCAgUQABjvBcICCBAAGIAEGKIEwgIHECEYoAEYCsICBBAhGBXCAgUQIRifBcICCBAAGKIEGIkFwgIEECEYCpgDBfEFVrkcIu1WfkSSBwU0My4xMqAH4_UBsgcFNDIuMTK4B7In&sclient=gws-wiz

[RedRobin]

Gavin Hoey explains the STF-8 operation well but this was 6 years ago and there is absolutely no mention of onboard camera Focus Stacking and the problems the STF-8 has with flash recycling times which render it a poor choice for handheld focus stacking on living subjects ~ The only reason I want artificial light for sometimes.

[Dennis Russ]

The Above is By Gavin Hoey. He is GOOD.

[Dennis Russ]

I found the STF-8 to be Quite quick when Stacking. less than 1 second I think. My Maths are useless so could be 1 second or 0.1. Mind you, My Godox was very good as well.

[blackfox]

I have done focus stacking with the base level godox flash if I recall you have to set it to 1/64th will check in morning
UPDATE

my mistake focus stacking hand held with 60mm macro and godox 350O flash ,requires a setting of 1/32 on the flash to achieve full stack coverage

[RedRobin]

My 90mm Macro has now arrived and after I have got used to it without any flash I shall try it with my STF-8 but anticipate that I might exchange the STF-8 for a Godox V350(O) plus a Neewer softlight diffuser.

Camera gear, eh? GAS!! A constant wish to improve one's potential.

[blackfox]

As I just posted in the other thread robin set the 350O to multi at 1/32 and it flashes in sequence with the stack .very useful