Author Topic: Flash for the E-P1: Olympus, Metz, or Nissin? (Read 2023 times)

Centauri27 · « **on:** June 03, 2011, 01:21:18 PM »

I'm looking to upgrade my flash capabilities beyond what my little FL-14R can do. Like most of you, I seldom use flash, but when I do, I want better results. I'm not willing to spend a fortune on something I might use a couple of times a year.

Right now, B&H Photo has the Olympus FL-36R for $30 off to $199, making it especially attractive for us Canadians (compared to the Cdn prices). I see there is a Metz 36-AF for $150, and I've heard good things on this forum about the Nissin Di446, which can be had on eBay for just over $100. The Oly is at the high end at what I'm willing to spend. The Nissin sounds very attractive, and is cheap.

Does anyone have experience two or more of these units? I was thinking of staying with Olympus, but am put off by the fact that I can't use the remote trigger nor the AF focus assist of the FL-36R on my E-P1. Maybe the Metz is the best compromise all around? I know Metz has been making flashes for years, but I've never heard of Nissin until now.

adash · « **Reply #1 on:** June 03, 2011, 11:55:54 PM »

Quote

Right now, B&H Photo has the Olympus FL-36R for $30 off to $199

That would be my choice. Much greater flexibility than the rest.

Quote

I see there is a Metz 36-AF for $150

That's too much for what it does. The FL-36R is a much better choice than this.

Quote

The Nissin sounds very attractive, and is cheap.

It ain't bad, as far as I know, and if you can get it for $100, that's a bargain. Again AFAK, it is better than the Metz 36-AF. I can only compare it to Metz 36-AF 4 however.

Centauri27 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 04, 2011, 09:12:33 AM »

Quote from: adash on June 03, 2011, 11:55:54 PM

Quote
Right now, B&H Photo has the Olympus FL-36R for $30 off to $199
That would be my choice. Much greater flexibility than the rest.

Thanks, adash. But by "much greater flexibility", what do you mean? As far as I can tell, the FL-36R allows for side swivelling that the other two doesn't have. That's the only real difference I can see.

adash · « **Reply #3 on:** June 04, 2011, 08:32:13 PM »

Quote

As far as I can tell, the FL-36R allows for side swivelling that the other two doesn't have.

Nissin is supposed to have side swiveling too. Metz does not.
With more flexibility I mean that this flashgun AFAK can be manually controlled via its back panel, also has an independent auto, and can be a part of a more complicated Wireless TTL scheme with more FL-36r or FL-50r. Unfortunately wireless TTL is not compatible with E-P1.
It can also be used as a high-speed flash, allowing faster-than-1/180 exposures with flash (FP mode).
You're welcome to check the details yourself and not rely on my opinion. I don't have the FL-36r, but I would buy it in an instance at that price.

bigfoot · « **Reply #4 on:** June 26, 2011, 03:18:51 PM »

Vivitar DF-183 (Oly model). About $44 on Amazon. Tilt head, 2xAA batteries, small enough to fit in a cargo or jacket pocket.

Centauri27 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 27, 2011, 09:33:16 AM »

I settled on getting a used FL-36R off of eBay. Now I just hope it doesn't get lost in the mail as our backed-up postal service recovers from the strike/lockout... $:-\$

adash · « **Reply #6 on:** June 27, 2011, 09:43:54 AM »

Congrats then. I hope it arrives safely!

Centauri27 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 27, 2011, 12:46:39 PM »

Thanks, adash. It was your endorsement that made me decide to go for the used FL-36R versus a new Di466 (which would have still been 1/3 cheaper!).

Flash for the E-P1: Olympus, Metz, or Nissin?