Olympus FL-50 User Manual 2

Thank you for purchasing the OLYMPUS Electronic Flash (FL-50). Before use, please read this instruction manual to ensure

DANGER

Failure to observe the
precautions indicated by this
symbol may result in serious
injury or death.

WARNING

Failure to observe the
precautions indicated by this
symbol may result in injury
or death.

CAUTION

Failure to observe the
precautions indicated by this
symbol may result in injury or
property damage.

Symbols for prohibiting action Symbol instructing action

Prohibited

Disassembly

prohibited

Mandatory

your safety, and keep it handy for future reference.

■ If the electronic flash is dropped in water or any fluid gets inside, immediately remove the batteries and contact

your dealer or Olympus. Continued use could result in fire or electric shock.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (Be sure to read and observe the following.)

■

If you notice any abnormalities such as leakage, discoloration, deformation, overheating, or odor, stop using this

This instruction manual uses a variety of common symbols and icons to assist you in proper handling and usage of this
product properly, and to warn you of potential hazards to yourself and others as well as to property. These symbols and their
significance are described below.

For customers in Europe

The “CE” mark indicates that this product complies with the European requirements for safety, health, environ­ment and customer protection. CE-mark products are for sale in Europe.

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.
Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would void the user’s authority to operate.

For customers in CANADA

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

■ 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.

DANGER

■ The electronic flash incorporates high-voltage circuitry. Never attempt to disassemble or modify it, as this may

result in electric shock and/or injury.

■ Do not use the electronic flash in a place where it may be exposed to flammable or explosive gas. Otherwise,

fire ignition or explosion may result.

■ To prevent a traffic accident, do not direct the flash towards the driver of a car.

WARNING

■ Do not fire the flash or AF illuminator light immediately in front of a person’s eyes (particularly an infant).

Exposure to the light from the flash at a very short range may cause irreparable injury to the eyes. Be espe­cially careful to avoid using the electronic flash at a distance of less than 1 meter from an infant.

■ Do not leave the electronic flash and batteries within reach of children.

• If a child swallows a battery or small accessory, see a doctor immediately.

• If the flash is emitted near a child, their eyes may be injured irreparably.

•Moving parts of the electronic flash could injure a child.

■

Avoid the following actions to prevent fire or injury due to battery fluid leak, overheating, fire ignition or bursting.

• Do not use batteries that are not specified for use with this electronic flash.

• Do not throw the battery in a fire, expose it to heat, short-circuit it, or disassemble it.

• Do not mix old and new batteries, or batteries of different types or brands.

• Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries such as alkaline batteries.

• Do not load batteries with the +/– polarity reversed.

■ Do not store the electronic flash in a place exposed to excessive dust or moisture. Otherwise, fire or electric

shock may result.

■ Do not use the flash when it is covered by a flammable object such as a handkerchief.

Do not touch the light-emitting area after use. It will be very hot and could burn you.

36 37

device. Continued use could result in fire, overheating or explosion. Remove the batteries carefully to avoid burn­ing yourself and to prevent exposure to gas or dangerous fluids that may be released. For repair, contact Olympus.

■ 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.

■ Do not use a leaking battery. Doing so could result in fire or electric shock. Please contact your dealer or

Olympus.

■ Do not handle the electronic flash with wet hands. Doing so could result in electric shock.

■ Do not leave the electronic flash in a place where it may be exposed to high temperatures. Otherwise, deterio-

ration of parts or fire may result.

■ Do not take out the batteries immediately after using the electronic flash continuously for a long period.

Otherwise, the hot batteries may cause burns.

■ Do not deform the battery compartment or allow any foreign objects to get inside.

HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

■ The electronic flash is composed of precision electronic parts. Absolutely avoid using or storing the electronic

flash in the following places, as this may result in malfunction or failure.

• Under direct sunlight, on a beach, etc.

•Anywhere exposed to high temperatures and humidity or rapid fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

•Any place exposed to excessive sand, dust or dirt.

• Near a fire.

• Near an air conditioner or air humidifier.

•Any place exposed to water or moisture.

•Any place subject to vibrations.

• Inside an automobile.

■ Do not apply a strong vibration or shock to the electronic flash by dropping it or hitting it against something.

■ When the electronic flash has not been used for a long period, mold or moss may form. This can cause a

malfunction. To prevent this, it is recommended to check the operations before using the electronic flash
after a long period of storage.

■ Do not touch the electric contacts of the electronic flash to prevent malfunction.

■ To prevent overheating and deterioration of the light-emitting section, do not continue full activation more than 10

times in a row. After 10 successive operations, stop firing for a while until the light-emitting section cools down.

BATTERY PRECAUTIONS

■ Use only the specified batteries.

• AA (R6) alkaline dry cell batteries (LR6 type) .................... x 4

• AA (R6) Ni-Cd batteries ..................................................... x 4

• AA (R6) Ni-Mh batteries ..................................................... x 4

•AA (R6) Ni-Mn batteries (ZR6 type) ................................... x 4

• AA (R6) lithium batteries (FR6 type) .................................. x 4

• Lithium battery packs (CR-V3 type) (Olympus LB-01) ....... x 2

• AA (R6) manganese batteries cannot be used.

■ 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.

• Do not load or use the batteries with the +/– polarity reversed. If the batteries do not fit smoothly in the battery
compartment, do not force them.

•Never use a battery if its outer coating (insulation) has been partially or entirely peeled off. Otherwise, leak­age, overheating or explosion may result.

• Some brand-new batteries may also have their outer coating (insulation) peeled off completely or partially.
Never use these batteries.

CAUTION

■ Do not use the following kinds of batteries.

Outer coating (insu­lation) is peeling or
has peeled off (even
if the battery is
brand-new).

■ All rechargeable batteries must be recharged using the specified battery charger, simultaneously and com-

pletely. Be sure to read the battery and battery charger instruction manual.

■ Improper use of batteries may result in fluid leak, heat generation and/or damage. Sweat and oil smudges may

cause battery contact failure. To prevent this, remove any stain completely with a dry cloth and insert the
batteries by observing the +/– polarity.

■ In general, battery performance will be temporarily reduced as the ambient temperature drops. When using

batteries in a cold place, keep them warm by keeping the electronic flash in cold protection gear or clothing.

■ If battery fluid gets on your skin or clothes, it may irritate your skin. Immediately rinse your skin or clothes with

clean water.

■ If battery fluid comes in contact with your eyes, blindness may result. Rinse your eyes with clean water without

rubbing them and see a doctor immediately.

■ Do not apply a strong shock to a battery or throw it.

■ When traveling, it is a good idea to carry spare batteries with you. In some countries, it may be difficult to

obtain certain batteries.

■ Do not immerse batteries in water or expose to moisture including rain, seawater and animal urine.

■ If the +/– terminals of a battery are stained with sweat or oil smudges, contact failure may result. Clean the

terminals well with a dry cloth before using the batteries.

■ Do not throw a battery in fire or heat it.

■ When disposing of batteries, be sure to follow local regulations.

■ When disposing of a rechargeable battery, insulate the +/– terminals with pieces of tape and take them to your

nearest rechargeable battery recycling center.

The negative end is
slightly swollen and is
not covered by the
coating (insulation).

The negative end is
flat (whether or not a
part of the negative
pole is covered by
the coating).

Note on the cameras used with the Electronic Flash

● The functions available from the electronic flash are limited with certain digital cameras. For details, please check the

Olympus website (http://www.olympusamerica.com/E1).

Before reading this manual

○ The information in this manual may be subject to change without notice.
○ This manual has been compiled as carefully as possible. However, if you have any questions or wish to report an error

or omission, please contact Olympus.

○ Duplication of this manual in part or in whole without permission of Olympus is prohibited except for personal use.

Reproduction of the contents of this manual without permission of Olympus is strictly prohibited.

○ Olympus will not assume any liability for the damages, loss of profit or claims from any third party incurred due to

improper use of this product.

○ Olympus will not assume any liability for the damages and loss of profit related to the loss of image data due to a failure

of this product, servicing by a third party not designated by Olympus or any other reason.

○ Note that the quality of the pictures shot using this product differs from that of the pictures of ordinary film-based

cameras.

CONTENTS

• Checking the Package Contents .................................................................................................. 39

• Nomenclature .............................................................................................................................. 40

• Control Panel Indicators............................................................................................................... 41

• Loading Batteries ......................................................................................................................... 42

• Checking Batteries ....................................................................................................................... 43

• Attaching to the Camera/Removing from the Camera ................................................................. 44

• Picture Shooting Using a Digital Camera with Communication Capability .................................. 45

Selecting the control mode ................................................................................................. 45

TTL AUTO ........................................................................................................................... 46

AUTO .................................................................................................................................. 47

MANUAL ............................................................................................................................. 49

FP TTL AUTO .....................................................................................................................50

FP MANUAL .......................................................................................................................52

• Picture Shooting Using a Digital Camera without Communication Capability ............................. 53

Selecting the control mode ................................................................................................. 53

AUTO .................................................................................................................................. 54

MANUAL ............................................................................................................................. 55

• Other Operations ......................................................................................................................... 56

Bounce Shooting ................................................................................................................ 56

Close-up Flash ................................................................................................................... 57

Manual Switching of Firing angle (ZOOM) ......................................................................... 57

Using the Wide Panel ......................................................................................................... 58

Var ious Flash Shooting Methods ........................................................................................ 59

• Optional Accessories ................................................................................................................... 60

• Custom Setup .............................................................................................................................. 61

• All Reset ...................................................................................................................................... 62

• Continuous Firing ......................................................................................................................... 62

• Guide Number (GN) List .............................................................................................................. 64

• Warning Display List .................................................................................................................... 66

• Q&A ............................................................................................................................................. 67

• Main Specifications ...................................................................................................................... 68

CHECKING THE PACKAGE CONTENTS

Check that all parts and accessories are present.
If any item is missing or damaged, contact your dealer.

Tr ademark information

All brand names and product names mentioned in this manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respec­tive owners.

• Electronic flash, main body • Flash case

38 39

• Batteries must be purchased separately.

NOMENCLATURE

Light-emitting
area

External power connector

Connect the optional flash
power grip FP-1 or flash high
voltage pack HV-1.

Te r minal cover

Lock ring (Page 44)

Wide panel (Page 58)

AF illuminator light-emitting area

When the subject is dark or low­contrast, the built-in AF illuminator
emits light to facilitate focusing.
The AF illuminator can also be
defeated. (Page 61)

•The AF illuminator only works
with the Olympus Four Thirds
System digital SLR camera. It
does not work with other cam­eras.

Auto light receptor

Lock pin (Page 44)

Electric contact
(Page 44)

Bounce lock release button
(Page 56)

CONTROL PANEL INDICATORS

Wide panel warning (Page 58) FP emission (Pages 50 & 52) Control mode (Pages 45 & 53)

Close-up flash
shooting (Page 57)

FOUR THIRDS
(Page 61)

Zoom mode (Page 57)

ISO speed (Page 47)

Guide Number (GN)
(Pages 64 & 65)

Setting display
(GN, ISO, F, light control range, optimum shooting
range, and light intensity adjustment value)

• To simplify explanation, this figure shows the panel with all indicators lit.

Zoom value
(Page 57)

Light intensity
adjustment
(Pages 46, 48,
49, 51 & 52)

Lens iris (F)
(Page 61)

Feet
(Page 61)

Meter
(Page 61)

Accessory shoe

Bounce up/down angle indices
(Page 56)

Bounce left/right angle indices
(Page 56)

Control panel (Page 41)

LIGHT button

Press to light up the control
panel for about 15 sec.
The panel also lights under
control by a digital camera with
communication capability.

Dial A

Dial B

MODE button (Pages 45 & 53)

ZOOM button (Page 57)

AUTO CHECK lamp
(Page 46)

Battery compartment cover
(Page 42)

Charge lamp/Test button
(Page 43)

Power button

• 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.
For example, the firing angle (ZOOM) can be displayed in either of the following
modes.

①FOUR THIRDS : Focal length of a Four Thirds System digital camera
②135 : Focal length converted to an equivalent angle of view

The text in this manual employs the FOUR THIRDS display mode and puts value
in the 135 display mode inside parentheses, such as “(XX mm with 135)”. For the

Notes on This Manual

on a 135 type (35 mm film) camera

selection of the display modes, see page 61.

40 41

LOADING BATTERIES

The batteries are available separately. Always use one of the following battery combinations.

• AA (R6) alkaline batteries (LR6 type) .................................. x 4

• AA (R6) Ni-Cd batteries ....................................................... x 4

• AA (R6) Ni-Mh batteries ....................................................... x 4

• AA (R6) Ni-Mn batteries (ZR6 type) ..................................... x 4

• AA (R6) lithium batteries (FR6 type) ....................................x 4

• Lithium battery packs (CR-V3 type) (Olympus LB-01) ......... x 2

• The AA (R6) manganese batteries cannot be used.

How to load the batteries

1. Open the battery compartment cover.

2. Insert the batteries with correct +/– polarity.

3. Close the battery compartment cover.

CHECKING BATTERIES

After loading the batteries, check the remaining battery capacity by turning the electronic flash on.

1. Press the Power button to turn the electronic flash on.

• The control panel lights up and battery charging starts.

2. Ensure that the Charge lamp lights up.

• Replace the batteries if the time taken for the Charge lamp
to light up is longer than the values specified below.

Alkaline or Ni-Mn batteries: 30 sec.
Lithium, Ni-Cd or Ni-Mh batteries: 10 sec.

• If the Charge lamp and AUTO CHECK lamp blink alter­nately, it means that the battery capacity is running low. In
this case, replace the batteries.

To perform test flash activation, press the Test button.

Memo:

3. Press the Power button again to turn the electronic flash off.

Tu rn the electronic flash off in the following cases:

• Before mounting it on the camera or dismounting it from

the camera.

• When flash emission is not required.

• When not using the electronic flash.

■Flash Interval and Flash Count

AA (R6) batteries

The following products (optional) can also be used as an external power supply:

FlashPowerGrip FP-1
FlashHighVoltageSet SHV-1

CR-V3

■Notes

• Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries of different types together.

• Remove the batteries when the electronic flash is not going to be used for a long period.

• Carry spare batteries when traveling or when using the flash in cold areas.

The following table shows the flash intervals and flash counts for various batteries. Data is
based on using batteries all of the same type.

Batteries used Flash interval Flash count

AA (R6) alkaline dry cell batteries (LR6 type) Approx. 6 sec. Approx. 150 times

AA (R6) lithium batteries (FR6 type) Approx. 7 sec. Approx. 170 times

AA (R6) Ni-Mn batteries (ZR6 type) Approx. 5 sec. Approx. 160 times

Lithium battery packs (CR-V3) Approx. 5 sec. Approx. 220 times

AA (R6) Ni-Cd batteries, 1000 mAh Approx. 4 sec. Approx. 110 times

AA (R6) Ni-Mh batteries, 1900 mAh Approx. 4 sec. Approx. 170 times

• The flash emission interval and count data were obtained from in-house tests at Olympus.

42 43

AT TACHING TO THE CAMERA/REMOVING FROM 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.

PICTURE SHOOTING USING A DIGITAL CAMERA WITH COMMUNICATION CAPABILITY

<Selecting the control mode>

1. Turn the camera on.

How to attach

1. Place the light-emitting section in the standard position

(horizontal, front). If it is in the locked position, press and
turn the Bounce lock release button.

2. Remove the hot shoe cover from the camera.

•Store the hot shoe cover in the pocket located on the inner
side of the flash case.

3. Loosen the lock ring.

• If the lock pin is in the out position, press it in by turning it
all the way in the opposite direction to [←LOCK] until it
stops.

Lock pin

Electric contact

• Do not apply excessive force to the lock pin.

• Do not touch the electric contact with a finger or metallic object.

• Do not attach the electronic flash while the lock pin is in the out position.
Otherwise, malfunction may result.

4. Slide the electronic flash all the way into the hot shoe until

it stops with a click.

5. Turn the lock ring all the way into the direction of [←LOCK]

until it stops.

How to remove

Flash control
mode

TTL AUTO

AUTO

MANUAL

FP
TTL AUTO

FP
MANUAL

Control panel
display

2. Turn the electronic flash on. The batteries are recharged

when the Charge lamp lights up.

3. Press the Shutter button of the camera gently to start com-

munication of shooting information including ISO speed,
lens iris and shutter speed between the camera and elec­tronic flash.

4. Press the MODE button of the electronic flash to select

the flash control mode.

• The selected mode is shown in the control panel.

• The mode is switched every time the MODE button is
pressed.

Control operation Main application

Flash is controlled automatically
by performing pre-flash accord­ing to the camera setup.

Flash light intensity is controlled
according to the light detected
through the auto light receptor of
the flash and to the camera setup.

Flash is performed according to
the manually set guide number
(GN).

TTL AUTO and MANUAL modes
with Super FP emission that can
synchronize with the high-speed
shooting of the single-lens-reflex
focal plane shutter.

Usually use this mode with a
camera with communication
capability.

If the camera has communica­tion capability, this mode can be
used only when the camera is
an AUTO-compatible model.

Shooting using manual flash.

Outdoor shooting using flash,
such as sync shooting in the
daytime.

50 & 52

Ref.
Pages

46

47

49

1. Loosen the lock ring completely, then slide the electronic

flash out of the hot shoe.

2. Attach the hot shoe cover to the camera.

■Notes

• Certain modes may be unavailable depending on the shooting mode set on the camera and the functions of the
camera in use.

• It is not possible to select an unavailable mode.

■Notes

To use the electronic flash with a digital camera not equipped with hot shoe:

• If the camera has an external flash terminal, the electronic flash can be attached and connected using the flash
bracket and bracket cable (optional).

• The electronic flash cannot be used with a camera that is not equipped with a hot shoe or external flash terminal.

44 45

<TTL AUTO>

Lens iris

ISO speed

F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 F2 F1.4

F11 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 F2 F1.4

F16 F11 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 F2 F1.4

F22 F16 F11 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 F2

F32 F22 F16 F11 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8

F32 F22 F16 F11 F8 F5.6 F4

F32 F22 F16 F11 F8 F5.6

F32 F22 F16 F11 F8

F32 F22 F16 F11

3200 1600 800 400 200 100 50 25

<AUTO>

In this mode, pre-flash is performed to measure the optimum flash intensity and then actual flash
is performed.

Displayed according to the
focal length of the lens.

1. The control panel shows the light control range according

to the camera setup.

2. Confirm that the distance to the subject is within the light

control range.
If not, adjust the lens iris (F) or the subject distance.
The light control range varies according to the camera type
and camera setup (ISO speed, lens iris (F) and lens focal
distance (ZOOM)).

3. When flash activation has been performed correctly, the

Light control range

■Light intensity adjustment

The flash light intensity can be adjusted between +3 and –3.

AUTO CHECK lamp blinks for about 5 seconds after the
shutter is released.

The light intensity adjustment must be set to ON in the
custom setup operation (page 61).

• The indicator appears in the control panel.

1. Turn dial B to select a light intensity adjustment value in

the following steps.
(This selection is also possible with dial A.)

In this mode, the flash light intensity is controlled automatically according to the lens iris (F)
setting and the amount of light input to the auto light receptor.

Displayed according to the
focal distance of the lens.

1. The control panel shows the light control range according

to the camera setup.
The light control range is not displayed if the camera setup
(ISO speed and lens iris (F)) does match one of the us­able ISO speed/lens iris (F) combinations.
In this case, the ISO and F indicators blink to alert you.
Change the camera setup (ISO speed and/or lens iris (F)).

2. Confirm that the distance to the subject is within the light

control range.
If not, adjust the lens iris (F) or the subject distance.

Light control range

The light control range varies according to the camera setup
(ISO speed, lens iris (F) and lens focal length (ZOOM)).

■Combinations of ISO speeds and lens irises

controllable in AUTO mode

0 → +0.3 → +0.7→ +1.0 ... +3.0
0 → –0.3 →–0.7→ –1.0 ... –3.0

2. The display shows the light intensity adjustment value ex-

cept when the value is 0, in which case the display does
not show the light control range.

3. If the camera’s flash adjustment mode is selected, the

actual flash light intensity will be the total of the light
intensity adjustment value set on the FL-50 and that

46 47

Light intensity adjustment value

set on the camera. The light intensity adjustment value
displayed is that of the FL-50 only.

[Example]

Selected
adjustment value

FL-50 +0.3

Camera +0.3

Adjustment value
displayed on FL-50

+0.3 +0.6

Actual light intensity
adjustment

3. When flash activation has been performed correctly, the

AUTO CHECK lamp blinks for about 5 seconds after the
shutter is released.

Memo:

Test flash activation
Flash activation can be tested before actually releasing
the shutter.
Press the Test button for test flash activation.
The light control is OK when the AUTO CHECK lamp blinks
for about 5 seconds after the test flash activation.
If the lamp does not blink, change the lens iris (F), ISO
speed, subject distance, etc.

• The light check by means of test flash activation is pos­sible only in the AUTO mode.

■Light intensity adjustment

The flash light intensity can be adjusted between +3 and –3.

The light intensity adjustment must be set to ON in the
custom setup operation (page 61).

• The indicator appears in the control panel.

1. Turn dial B to select a light intensity adjustment value in

the following steps.
(This selection is also possible with dial A.)

0 → +0.3 → +0.7→ +1.0 ... +3.0
0 → –0.3 →–0.7→ –1.0 ... –3.0

2. The display shows the light intensity adjustment value ex-

cept when the value is 0, in which case the display does
not show the light control range.

3. If the camera’s flash adjustment mode is selected, the

actual flash light intensity will be the total of the light
intensity adjustment value set on the FL-50 and that
set on the camera. The light intensity adjustment value
displayed is that of the FL-50 only.

Light intensity adjustment value

[Example]

Selected
adjustment value

FL-50 +0.3

Camera +0.3

Adjustment value
displayed on FL-50

+0.3 +0.6

Actual light intensity
adjustment

<MANUAL>

In this mode, the flash is emitted according to the guide number (GN) setting.

Displayed according to the
focal distance of the lens.

1. The control panel shows the current guide number (GN)

together with the optimum shooting distance according to
the camera setup.

2. Turn dial A to set the guide number (GN).

(This is also possible by turning dial B.)
Set the guide number (GN) so that the optimum shooting
distance is equal to the subject distance.
When the optimum shooting distance is 0.6 m (0.5 m in
case of close-up flash) or less, the displayed figure blinks
to warn that the subject is located outside the flash light
emission area.
The optimum shooting distance varies according to the

Guide number (GN)

Optimum shooting distance

■Light intensity adjustment

The flash light intensity can be adjusted between +0.7 and –0.7.

camera setup (ISO speed, lens iris (F), lens focal distance
(ZOOM), and shutter speed). See page 64 for details.

Assuming that the ISO speed is 100, the optimum shoot-

Memo:

ing distance can be calculated with the following formula.
Optimum shooting distance = Guide number (GN)/Lens iris (F)
(See page 64.)

The light intensity adjustment must be set to ON in the
custom setup operation (page 61).

• The indicator appears in the control panel.

1. Turn dial B to select a light intensity adjustment value in

the following steps.

0 → +0.3 → +0.7
0 → –0.3 →–0.7

2. The display shows the light intensity adjustment value ex-

cept when the value is 0, in which case the display does not
show the guide number (GN) or optimum shooting distance.

3. Even if the camera’s flash adjustment mode is selected,

only the FL-50’s adjustment setting will work. The camera’s
setting will not work.

[Example]

Selected

Light intensity adjustment value

48 49

FL-50 +0.3

Camera +0.3

adjustment value

Adjustment value
displayed on FL-50

+0.3 +0.3

Actual light intensity
adjustment

<FP TTL AUTO>

• In this mode, the flash uses Super FP emission to synchronize with high shutter speeds.

•For details on using the camera’s built-in flash, see “Various Flash Shooting Methods” on
page 59.

The following operations are possible at high shutter speeds in this mode.

• Attenuation of shades when shooting a picture against the light.

•Outdoor portrait shooting using daytime sync shooting with the lens iris opened up to blur the
background.

■Light intensity adjustment

The flash light intensity can be adjusted between +3 and –3.

The light intensity adjustment must be set to ON in the
custom setup operation (page 61).

• The indicator appears in the control panel.

1. Turn dial B to select a light intensity adjustment value in

the following steps.
(This selection is also possible with dial A.)

Shooting against
light

With lens iris adjusted With lens iris open

Portrait shooting

Mode Zoom display

Without flash With flash (FP TTL AUTO)

1. The control panel shows the light control range according

to the camera setup.

2. Confirm that the distance to the subject is within the light

control range.
If not, adjust the lens iris (F) or the subject distance.
The light control range varies according to the camera setup
(ISO speed, lens iris (F) and lens focal distance (ZOOM).
The light control range is smaller than that in the TTL mode.

Light intensity adjustment value

0 → +0.3 → +0.7→ +1.0 ... +3.0
0 → –0.3 →–0.7→ –1.0 ... –3.0

2. The display shows the light intensity adjustment value ex-

cept when the value is 0, in which case the display does
not show the light control range.

3. If the camera’s flash adjustment mode is selected, the

actual flash light intensity will be the total of the light
intensity adjustment value set on the FL-50 and that
set on the camera. The light intensity adjustment value
displayed is that of the FL-50 only.

[Example]

Selected
adjustment value

FL-50 +0.3

Camera +0.3

Adjustment value
displayed on FL-50

+0.3 +0.6

Actual light intensity
adjustment

3. When flash activation has been performed correctly, the

Light control range

AUTO CHECK lamp blinks for about 5 seconds after the
shutter is released.

50 51

<FP MANUAL>

In this mode, Super FP emission is performed at the set light intensity.

PICTURE SHOOTING USING A DIGITAL CAMERA WITHOUT COMMUNICATION CAPABILITY

<Selecting the control mode>

Displayed according to the
focal distance of the lens.

1. The control panel shows the current guide number (GN)

together with the optimum shooting distance according to
the camera setup.

2. Turn dial A to set the guide number (GN).

Set the guide number (GN) so that the optimum shooting
distance is equal to the subject distance.
When the optimum shooting distance is 0.6 m (0.5 m in
case of close-up flash) or less, the displayed figure blinks
to warn that the subject is located outside the flash light
emission area.
The optimum shooting distance varies according to the
camera setup (ISO speed, lens iris (F), lens focal length

Guide number (GN)

Optimum shooting distance

(ZOOM) and shutter speed). See page 65 for details.

The optimum shooting distance can be calculated with

Memo:

the following formula.
Optimum shooting distance = Guide number (GN)/Lens iris (F)

■Light intensity adjustment

The flash light intensity can be adjusted between +0.7 and –0.7.

The light intensity adjustment must be set to ON in the
custom setup operation (page 61).

• The indicator appears in the control panel.

1. Turn dial B to select a light intensity adjustment value in

the following steps.

Flash control
mode

AUTO

MANUAL

Control panel
display

1. Turn the electronic flash on. The batteries are recharged

when the Charge lamp lights up.

2. Press the MODE button to select the flash control mode.

• The selected mode is shown in the control panel.

• The mode is switched every time the MODE button is
pressed.

Control operation Main application

Flash light intensity is controlled
according to the light detected
through the auto light receptor of
the flash and to the lens iris (F).

Flash activation is performed
according to the manually set
guide number (GN).

Usually use this mode.

Shooting using manual flash.

Ref.
Pages

54

55

0 → +0.3 → +0.7
0 → –0.3 →–0.7

2. The display shows the light intensity adjustment value ex-

cept when the value is 0, in which case the display does not
show the guide number (GN) or optimum shooting distance.

3. Even if the camera’s flash adjustment mode is selected,

only the FL-50’s adjustment setting will work. The camera’s
setting will not work.

[Example]

Light intensity adjustment value

Selected
adjustment value

FL-50 +0.3

Camera +0.3

Adjustment value
displayed on FL-50

+0.3 +0.3

Actual light intensity
adjustment

52 53

ISO speed

AUTO light control range (m)

F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 F2 F1.4

F11 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 F2 F1.4

F16 F11 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 F2 F1.4

F22 F16 F11 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8 F2

F32 F22 F16 F11 F8 F5.6 F4 F2.8

F32 F22 F16 F11 F8 F5.6 F4

F32 F22 F16 F11 F8 F5.6

F32 F22 F16 F11 F8

F32 F22 F16 F11

1.1 - 12.8 1.2 - 14.2 1.7 - 20.0 1.9 - 21.4 2.2 - 25.7 2.5 - 28.5 2.8 - 32.1 3.1 - 35.7

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

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

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

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

0.5 - 2.2 0.5 - 2.5 0.5 - 3.5 0.5 - 3.7 0.5 - 4.5 0.5 - 5.0 0.5 - 5.6 0.5 - 6.2

0.5 - 1.6 0.5 - 1.8 0.5 - 2.5 0.5 - 2.7 0.5 - 3.2 0.5 - 3.6 0.5 - 4.0 0.5 - 4.5

0.5 - 1.1 0.5 - 1.2 0.5 - 1.7 0.5 - 1.8 0.5 - 2.2 0.5 - 2.5 0.5 - 2.8 0.5 - 3.1

0.5 - 0.7 0.5 - 0.8 0.5 - 1.2 0.5 - 1.3 0.5 - 1.5 0.5 - 1.7 0.5 - 1.9 0.5 - 2.2

3200 1600 800 400 200 100 50 25

8 (W panel)

10 (W panel)

12 14 17 25 35 42

16 (W panel) 20 (W panel)

24 28 35 50 70 85

Firing angle (mm) Upper row: FOUR THIRDS. Lower row: 135

Lens iris

<AUTO>

<MANUAL>

In this mode, the flash light intensity is controlled automatically according to the lens iris (F) setting.

ISO speed

1. Turn dial A to adjust the ISO speed.

2. Adjust Zoom according to the focal length of the lens.

3. Turn dial B according to the lens iris (F).

If the camera setup (ISO speed and lens iris (F)) does not
match one of the usable ISO speed/lens iris (F) combina­tions, the ISO and F indicators blink to alert you. In this
case, change the camera setup (ISO speed and/or lens
iris (F)).

Lens iris (F)

■Light control range in AUTO mode

In this mode, the flash is emitted according to the guide number (GN) setting.

Guide number (GN)

1. The control panel shows the current guide number (GN)

together with the light intensity ratio.
Light intensity ratio: Ratio of emitted light intensity with
respect to the intensity at full emission.

2. Adjust Zoom according to the focal length of the lens.

3. Turn dial A to set the guide number (GN).

(This is also possible by turning dial B.)

Light intensity ratio

How to determine the lens iris (F) and guide number (GN)

1. When the shooting distance and lens iris are already

determined:
Determine the guide number (GN) with the following
formula and set the GN on the FL-50.

Guide number (GN) =

Lens iris (F) x Shooting distance (m)

ISO speed coefficient

2. When it is necessary to determine the lens iris (F):

Determine the lens iris (F) with the following formula and
set F on the FL-50.

Lens iris (F) =

Guide number (GN) x ISO speed coefficient

Shooting distance (m)

The above table shows the light control ranges in the off-flash condition.
The displayed nearer value is 0.6 or more when the light emission section faces the front and 0.5
or more when it faces downward.

4.When flash activation has been performed correctly,

the AUTO CHECK lamp blinks for about 5 seconds
after the shutter is released.

54 55

Memo:

By selecting an ISO speed and lens iris (F) different from those
set on the camera, the light intensity can be adjusted in 1/3 steps.

Test flash activation

Memo:

Flash activation can be tested before actually releasing
the shutter.
Press the Test button for test flash activation.
The light control is OK when the AUTO CHECK lamp blinks
for about 5 seconds after the test flash activation.
If the lamp does not blink, change the lens iris (F), ISO
speed, subject distance, etc.

• The light check by means of test flash activation is pos­sible only in the AUTO mode.

3. When it is necessary to determine the optimum shooting

distance:

Optimum shooting
distance (m)

ISO speeds and their coefficients

ISO speed

Coefficient

25 50 100 200 400 800 1600 3200

0.5 0.71 1.0 1.4 2.0 2.8 4.0 5.6

See page 64 for the guide number list.

Guide number (GN) x ISO speed coefficient

=

Lens iris (F)

OTHER OPERATIONS

180˚

7˚

90˚

90˚

90˚

90˚

Close-up Flash

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 Bounce shooting

Operation

1. While holding the Bounce lock release button, revolve the

light-emitting section in the up-down and left-right direc­tions.
The light-emitting section can be revolved in the range
shown in the figure on the left.

Down: 7°
(See “Close-up Flash” on page 57.)

If the position of the light-emitting section is locked, press
and hold the Bounce lock release button and then change

Bounce lock release button

the position.

The flash activation area is inaccurate when the subject distance is between 0.5 and 1.5 m. In this
case, point the flash to the down-most angle (7°) using the Bounce lock release button.

1. While holding the Bounce lock release button, tilt the flash

to the down-most angle (7°). The close-up flash indicator
lights in the control panel.

Close-up flash indicator

（0.5〜1.5m）

• The flash light may be blocked when the lens is long or large in diameter. Be sure to perform
test shooting.

•Do not use this function for any purpose other than close-up shooting. If it is used in normal
shooting, there will be insufficient illumination for the upper half of the picture.

Manual Switching of Firing angle (ZOOM)

The firing angle can be adjusted manually.

1. Press the ZOOM button to adjust the firing angle.

• The M ZOOM indicator lights in the control panel.

• The firing angle can be set to one of 12, 14, 17, 25, 35 and
42 mm (24, 28, 35, 50, 70 and 85 mm with 135 type).
Each press of the ZOOM button switches the firing angle
as follows.

AUTO 12 14 17 25 35 42

ZOOM (24) (28) (35) (50) (70) (85)

• The light control range and optimum shooting distance are not displayed in the control panel.

• The color of the surface (ceiling and/or walls) off which the light is bounced will affect the
pictures you take. Whenever possible, bounce the light off a neutral surface.

• When the firing angle adjustment is automatic (ZOOM), the ZOOM display on the control
panel shows “- -” and the firing angle is set to 25 mm (50 mm with 135 type).

• When the firing angle adjustment is based on manual switching (M ZOOM), the firing angle
can be varied manually (see page 57).

When the wide panel is used:

AUTO 10 8

ZOOM (20) (16)

•AUTO ZOOM can be selected only when the camera in
use is equipped with the communication capability.

■Note

Selecting a value larger than the focal length of the lens in use will
darken the peripheral areas of the image.

56 57

Using the Wide Panel

Various Flash Shooting Methods

Use the built-in wide panel in flash shooting when the lens focal length is set to a wider position
than 12 mm.

1. When the lens focal length is shorter than 12 mm (24 mm

with the 135 type), the wide panel warming indicator lights
in the control panel.
(This does not occur if the camera is not equipped with
communication capability.)

2. Slide out the wide panel and place it on the light-emitting

area.

• The wide panel indicator lights in the control panel.

Wide panel indicator

3. Press the ZOOM button to select the firing angle from 8

mm and 10 mm (16 mm and 20 mm with the 135 type).

The following flash shooting methods are possible according to the camera setup.

•Some flash shooting methods may be unavailable depending on the function and design of the
camera.

•For details on operating procedure, refer to the instruction manual for your camera.

1. Red eye-reduction flash

Reduces the appear­ance of red eyes due
to flash emission.

2. Slow sync

The flash is emitted
with slow shutter.
This makes it possible
to take clear pictures
of subjects against a
night background.

3. Background screen sync

Slow shutter is used and the flash is emitted immediately
before the end of exposure period.
This makes it possible to take pictures of moving objects
such as car taillights with a streaming effect.

4. Combination with camera’s built-in flash

• When the wide panel is used, the actual guide number
(GN) will be lower than set. In the TTL AUTO, AUTO and
FP TTL AUTO modes, this results in a reduction of the
available shooting range. In the MANUAL and FP MANUAL
modes, this results in a reduction of the optimum shooting
range.

• Be sure to store the wide panel again after shooting.

•To prevent damage to the wide panel, do not flip it in the
upward direction.

•If the wide panel is damaged when it is slid out, the ZOOM
button will no longer be operable. If that happens, disable
the wide panel switch to restore operability (page 61).

58 59

When the camera in use has a built-in flash, it can be used
simultaneously with the electronic flash.

• Advanced shooting techniques are possible. For example, you
can bounce the light from the electronic flash off the wall or ceil­ing while using the camera’s built-in flash for a catch-light effect.

•With certain camera models, the built-in flash may be disabled
when the electronic flash is mounted on the camera’s hot shoe.

■Note

The electronic flash control mode should be set to TTL AUTO or FP
TTL AUTO.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

●Power grip

CUSTOM SETUP

Custom setup allows each user to customize flash setup to suit his or her preferences.

• Flash Power Grip FP-1
(The RG-1 remote grip cable and FL-CB01 or FL-CB02 flash bracket cable [depending on the
digital camera used] are required.)

This accessory allows the electronic flash to be used as a
grip-on type flash powered from four C (R14) alkaline dry cell
batteries.
Using these batteries together with the electronic flash bat­teries makes it possible to charge the flash at a higher speed
and increase the available flash emission count.

●External power supply

• Flash High Voltage Set SHV-1
(High Voltage Pack HV-1, Ni-Mh Battery Pack BN-1, and AC Adapter AC-2)

The Ni-Mh 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.

Battery used in Battery used in Battery used in

FL-50 FP-1 HV-1

AA/R6 alkaline
battery

• The flash emission interval and count data were obtained from in-house tests at Olympus.

C/R14 alkaline
battery

BN-1 Approx. 1 sec. Approx. 780 times

BN-1 Approx. 1 sec. Approx. 400 times

Flash interval Flash count

Approx. 2.5 sec. Approx. 510 times

■Note

Up to 10 successive full flashes are permitted. To allow the light-emitting surface to cool, the flash should not be
used for at least 10 minutes after 10 m flashes have been fired. See page 28 for details.

Setup mode

AF illuminator

Only works with the
Olympus Four Thirds
System digital SLR cam­era. It does not work with
other cameras.

Flash cable

Firing angle
(ZOOM) display

Distance display
unit

Light intensity
adjustment

Wide panel
switch disabling

Setup procedure

1. Turn the electronic flash on.

2. Press and hold the MODE button for more than 2 sec-

onds, until the setup mode display appears in the control
panel.

3. Turn dial A to select the setup mode.

4. Turn dial B to select the value.

5. Press the MODE button to exit from setup and return to

the previous control panel display.

Mode display Value display

Dial A Dial B

Function Default

AF illuminator is activated according to the
control from the camera.

AF illuminator is defeated.

Use this setting when not using the flash
cable (clipping on to the hot shoe).

Use this setting when using the flash cable
(off flash cable).

Firing angle (ZOOM) is displayed in terms
of the lens focal length of a FOUR THIRDS
digital camera.

Firing angle (ZOOM) is converted into the fo­cal distance of the 135 type. This allows the
flash to be used in the same feeling as the
flash for a 135 type (35 mm film) camera.

Distance is displayed in meters.

Distance is displayed in feet.

Light intensity cannot be adjusted.

Light intensity can be adjusted.

The wide panel switch is activated. Use
this setting to detect that the wide panel
has been slid out.

The wide panel switch is deactivated. Use
this setting when the wide panel is dam­aged so that the firing angle can be
changed with the ZOOM button.

A

on

4-3

m

OFF

on

60 61

ALL RESET

All Reset resets the custom setups to the factory default settings.

• Press the MODE and LIGHT buttons simultaneously for 2
or more seconds to reset the custom setups (except for
the distance display unit (m/ft)) to the default settings.

• The distance display unit (m/ft) is not altered by the all
reset operation.

CONTINUOUS FIRING

Continuous firings make the light-emitting section hot and may cause it to deteriorate or malfunc­tion. 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.

■Limit counts of continuous firings

Flash control mode Flash intensity Flash interval Limit count

TTL AUTO
AUTO
MANUAL
FP AUTO
FP MANUAL

FULL; 1/1 1 sec. 10

1/2 0.5 sec. 20

1/4 0.3 sec. 40

1/8 to a/128 0.2 sec. or less 80

•Available counts of flash emission in synchronism with continuous shooting

The following table shows the flash emission count that can be synchronized to successive
shooting of the camera. Note, however, that the electronic flash should be left unused for more
than 10 minutes once the maximum continuous flash emission count has been reached.

■Number of frames that can be synchronized successively
(assuming that the continuous shooting rate of the camera is 8 frames/sec.)

External power supply

None

Flash Power Grip FP-1
(C/R14 alkaline batteries/
C/R14 Ni-Cd batteries)

High Voltage Pack HV-1
(Ni-Mh battery pack BN-1)

Batteries in FL-50

AA (R6) alkaline batteries

AA (R6) lithium batteries

AA (R6) Ni-Mn batteries

AA (R6) Ni-Cd batteries

AA (R6) Ni-Mh batteries

CR-V3 lithium battery pack

AA (R6) alkaline batteries

AA (R6) lithium batteries

AA (R6) Ni-Mn batteries

AA (R6) Ni-Cd batteries

AA (R6) Ni-Mh batteries

CR-V3 lithium battery pack

None

AA (R6) alkaline batteries

AA (R6) lithium batteries

AA (R6) Ni-Mn batteries

AA (R6) Ni-Cd batteries

AA (R6) Ni-Mh batteries

CR-V3 lithium battery pack

None

1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/64 1/128

251016 30 40

frames frames frames frames frames frames

251240 40 40

frames frames frames frames frames frames

251618 40 40

frames frames frames frames frames frames

44040404040

frames frames frames frames frames frames

42040404040

frames frames frames frames frames frames

Light intensity ratio

62 63

GUIDE NUMBER (GN) LIST

FOUR THIRDS 8 10 12 14 17 25 35 42

With 135 16 20 24 28 35 50 70 85

Full emission 18 20 28 30 36 40 45 50

ZOOM (mm)

ISO100, m

TTL AUTO/AUTO

• TTL AUTO/AUTO

FOUR THIRDS 8 10 12 14 17 25 35 42

With 135 16 20 24 28 35 50 70 85

1/1 18 20 28 30 36 40 45 50

1/2 13 14 20 21 26 28 32 35

1/4 9.0 10 14 15 18 20 23 25

1/8 6.4 7.1 9.9 11 13 14 16 18

1/16 4.5 5.0 7.0 7.5 9.0 10 11 13

1/32 3.2 3.5 4.9 5.3 6.4 7.1 8.0 8.8

1/64 2.3 2.5 3.5 3.8 4.5 5.0 5.6 6.3

1/128 1.6 1.8 2.5 2.7 3.2 3.5 4.0 4.4

ZOOM (mm)

ISO100, m

MANUAL

• MANUAL

FOUR THIRDS 8 10 12 14 17 25 35 42

With 135 16 20 24 28 35 50 70 85

1/125 13 14 20 21 26 28 32 35

1/160 11 13 18 19 23 25 28 32

1/200 10 11 16 17 20 23 25 28

1/250 9.0 10 14 15 18 20 23 25

1/320 8.0 8.9 13 13 16 18 20 22

1/400 7.1 7.9 11 12 14 16 18 20

1/500 6.4 7.1 9.9 11 13 14 16 18

1/640 5.7 6.3 8.8 9.4 11 13 14 16

1/800 5.0 5.6 7.9 8.4 10 11 13 14

1/1000 4.5 5.0 7.0 7.5 9.0 10 11 13

1/1250 4.0 4.4 6.2 6.7 8.0 8.9 10 11

1/1600 3.6 4.0 5.6 5.9 7.2 7.9 8.9 9.9

1/2000 3.2 3.5 5.0 5.3 6.4 7.1 8.0 8.9

1/2500 2.8 3.1 4.4 4.7 5.7 6.3 7.1 7.9

1/3200 2.5 2.8 3.9 4.2 5.1 5.6 6.3 7.0

1/4000 2.2 2.5 3.5 3.7 4.5 5.0 5.6 6.3

1/5000 2.0 2.2 3.1 3.3 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.6

1/6400 1.8 2.0 2.8 3.0 3.6 4.0 4.5 5.0

1/8000 1.6 1.8 2.5 2.7 3.2 3.5 4.0 4.4

ZOOM (mm)

ISO100, m

Shutter speed

• FP TTL AUTO

FOUR THIRDS 8 10 12 14 17 25 35 42

With 135 16 20 24 28 35 50 70 85

1/125 13 14 20 21 26 28 32 35

1/160 11 13 18 19 23 25 28 32

1/200 10 11 16 17 20 23 25 28

1/250 9.0 10 14 15 18 20 23 25

1/320 8.0 8.9 13 13 16 18 20 22

1/400 7.1 7.9 11 12 14 16 18 20

1/500 6.4 7.1 9.9 11 13 14 16 18

1/640 5.7 6.3 8.8 9.4 11 13 14 16

1/800 5.0 5.6 7.9 8.4 10 11 13 14

1/1000 4.5 5.0 7.0 7.5 9.0 10 11 13

1/1250 4.0 4.4 6.2 6.7 8.0 8.9 10 11

1/1600 3.6 4.0 5.6 5.9 7.2 7.9 8.9 9.9

1/2000 3.2 3.5 5.0 5.3 6.4 7.1 8.0 8.9

1/2500 2.8 3.1 4.4 4.7 5.7 6.3 7.1 7.9

1/3200 2.5 2.8 3.9 4.2 5.1 5.6 6.3 7.0

1/4000 2.2 2.5 3.5 3.7 4.5 5.0 5.6 6.3

1/5000 2.0 2.2 3.1 3.3 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.6

1/6400 1.8 2.0 2.8 3.0 3.6 4.0 4.5 5.0

1/8000 1.6 1.8 2.5 2.7 3.2 3.5 4.0 4.4

ZOOM (mm)

ISO100, m

Shutter speed

• FP MANUAL

The following guide number (GN) figures have a 1/1 light intensity ratio.

Light intensity ratio 1/1 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16

Coefficient 1.0 0.71 0.5 0.35 0.25

The guide numbers (GN) for light intensity ratios other than 1/1 in the FP MANUAL mode
can be calculated with the following formula.

Guide number (GN) = Guide number at 1/1 x Light intensity ratio coefficient

Light intensity ratios and their coefficients

64 65

WARNING DISPLAY LIST

Camera that dis­plays warnings

Warning details

Out of light control
range in AUTO mode

Control panel display

Remedy

Change the camera’s ISO
speed or lens iris (F) set­ting.

Ref. Page

47

Q&A

Q Is multi-flash shooting possible in the TTL AUTO mode?
A No, it is not possible.

Q When are test flash activation and auto checking effective?
A Checking the optimum flash activation based on the AUTO CHECK lamp is particularly effec-

tive in bounce flash (in AUTO modes only).

Digital camera with communication capability

Subject too close in
MANUAL mode

Subject too close in
FP MANUAL mode

Wide panel request
in all modes

Downward bounce

Digital camera without communication capability

in all modes

Wide panel warning
in all modes

Out of light control
range in AUTO
mode

①Change the camera’s

ISO speed or lens iris
(F) setting.

②Change the guide num-

ber (GN) setting.

①Change the camera’s

ISO speed or lens iris
(F) setting.

②Change the guide num-

ber (GN) setting.

Set the wide panel.

The light-emitting section
is set at 7° downward.
Cancel this setting except
for close-up flash photog­raphy.

The wide panel is set.
Pay attention to the dis­tance to the subject since
a lower guide number (GN)
is selected.

Change the camera’s ISO
speed or lens iris (F) set­ting.

Q What will happen if the electronic flash is activated simultaneously with the camera’s built-in

flash?

A In the TTL mode, both flashes emit light simultaneously and the optimum exposure is deter-

49

mined according to the combined total light intensity (provided that the camera is in the P or A
shooting mode). In bounce flash photography, the camera’s built-in flash can also be used for
catch-light photography (see page 59).

Q Why does the electronic flash get hot after successive firing?
A The batteries generate heat when flash firing is repeated successively. In this case, use the

52

electronic flash at intervals until the flash emission section and batteries cool down.

Q Why can’t I mount the electronic flash on the camera?
A The electronic flash cannot be mounted if the lock pin is in the out position. If this is the case,

turn the lock ring all the way in the opposite direction to [←LOCK] until it stops. Once the lock
pin is in the in position, you can mount the electronic flash on the camera (see page 44).

58

Q Why doesn’t the control mode change when I press the MODE button?
A When the electronic flash is connected to certain types of communication-capable camera,

the flash control mode can only be controlled from the camera.

Q What is the recommended white balance setting for the camera when using the flash?
A The auto white balance mode is recommended. If you use the manual white balance mode,

57

set the color temperature to 5500K. Note that the color temperature varies depending on the
flash shooting conditions.

Q The light control range is not displayed on the control panel. What is wrong?
A The light control range is not displayed in the following cases:

• When the Extension Tube EX-25 (optional) is used

58

• When the lens is removed

• During bounce photography

• During light intensity adjustment

• When the ISO speed and lens iris (F) are out of the setting range

Q When the Olympus E-1 digital camera enters the sleep mode, the FL-50 control panel displays

54

turn off. Is this normal?

A Ye s, it is normal. When the E-1 enters the sleep mode, the FL-50 does as well. When the

camera wakes up, so does the FL-50.

Q Does the FL-50 also turn off when the Olympus E-1 digital camera is turned off?
A When the E-1 is turned off, the FL-50 enters the sleep mode. When the E-1 is turned on again,

the FL-50 also turns on. When you want to turn off the FL-50, turn off the FL-50 before turning
off the E-1. In addition, when connected to a camera without communication capability, the
FL-50 enters the sleep mode if it is not operated for about 60 minutes.

66 67

MAIN SPECIFICATIONS

Model Number : FS-FL50
Type : External electronic flash for digital still camera
Guide number : Automatic switching

50: When in 42 mm (85 mm with 135 type)
28: When in 12 mm (24 mm with 135 type)
18/20 switching: When the wide panel is used.

Firing angle : Automatic switching.

At 12 mm: Up-down 61°, left-right 78°(equivalent to image angle of 12 mm lens)*
At 42 mm: Up-down 21°, left-right 28°(equivalent to image angle of 42 mm lens)*
When the wide panel is used for 8 mm: Up-down 83°, left-right 101°
(equivalent to image angle of 8 mm lens)*
* ZOOM values are the FOUR THIRDS camera values.

Flash emission period : Approx. 1/20000 to 1/500 sec. (Variable according to the light intensity,

except in FP emission.)
Flash emission count :
(at full activation) Approx. 220 times (using the LB-01 type lithium battery packs)

Recharge time :
(from full activation to Approx. 4.5 seconds (using the LB-01 type lithium battery packs)
charge lamp lighting)
Flash modes : TTL AUTO, AUTO, MANUAL, FP TTL AUTO, FP MANUAL
Bounce angles : Up 0 to 90°, down 7°, right 0 to 90°, left 0 to 180°
Auto power OFF : Interlocks with the auto power OFF operation of a camera with com-

AF illuminator : Automatic firing at low intensity, possible only when a camera with

Power supply :

External power supply : Flash Power Grip FP-1 and Flash High Voltage Set SHV-1.
Dimensions :
Weight : 375 g (13.2 oz) (excluding batteries)
Operating environment : Temperature: 0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F)

Specifications are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

Approx. 150 times (using the LR6-type AA (R6) alkaline dry cell batteries)

(Variable depending on shooting conditions)

Approx. 6.5 seconds (using the AA (R6) alkaline manganese batteries)

munication capability

communication capability is connected.

Standard effective distances (Variable depending on the camera and lens in use.)

0.7 to 7 m (2.3 to 23 ft)

AA (R6) alkaline dry cell batteries (LR6) x 4, AA (R6) Ni-Cd batteries x 4,

AA (R6) Ni-Mh batteries x 4, AA (R6) Ni-Mn batteries (ZR6) x 4, AA (R6)

lithium batteries (FR6) x 4 or 3 V lithium battery pack (Olympus LB-01) x 2

78(W) x 141(H) x 107(D) mm (3.1 x 5.6 x 4.2 in) (excluding protrusions)

Humidity: No more than 80% (without condensation)

68

●Technical Support (USA)

24/7 online automated help: http://www.olympusamerica.com/E1
Phone customer : Tel.[phone] (Toll-free)
Our phone customer support is available from 8 am to
10 pm (Monday to Friday) ET
E-Mail : [e-mail]

●European technical Customer Support

Please visit our homepage http://www.olympus-europa.com
or call NUMBER : Tel.[phone] (Toll-free)
[phone] or [phone] (Charged)

7170

7372

7574

7776

7978

8180

8382

8584

8786

8988

9190

9392

9594

9796

9998

101100

MEMO

102