Product Description

The FL-50R is an external flash unit that allows wireless flash settings to be controlled from the camera body. Wireless flash transmission channel settings enable selection of flash/no flash for groups of multiple flash units. In addition it allows TTL auto, auto, and manual modes to be set; offers a bounce and swivel head; and flash coverage is automatically adjusted in several steps to correspond to the image area when zooming. The FL-50 provides GN28 at a 12mm focal length (equivalent to 24mm on a 35mm camera; ISO 100) and GN50 at 42mm focal length (equivalent to 85mm on a 35mm camera; ISO 100).

Product Details

• Brand: Olympus
• Model: 260116
• Dimensions: 2.90" h x 3.90" w x 7.20" l, .75 pounds

Features

• High Power Bounce and swivel Flash
• TTL Dedicated
• TTL Auto, Auto, and Manual

Customer Reviews

Future proof version of the FL50
Update 12/2008

When the "50R" was introduced with the E3 camera body, initial lack of testing and documentation led to speculation on the communications link between the camera & flash when used off the camera. The "R" led to "R"umors of a "Radio" interface because two FL-50Rs were advised as needed to benefit from the E3's full ability. This is true, but not for a radio link but because the E3 groups flashes into 3 groups, and just owning one FL-50R does not allow you to fully utilize this featue. With 2 FL-50Rs you can make two flash groups each with different exposure.


The interface is optical, not radio, the transmitter is the built-in popup flash on the E3, so the FL-50R MUST be able to see the camera's flash.

Two FL-50Rs CAN talk to each other, but it is in the SLAVE mode that they do, not the programmable light output mode.

Additionally, the 50R includes in the flash kit a white bounce card made out of plastic with a notched rubber grip to hold it behind the flash, as well as a diffusing cup to go over the flash head and a "foot" so that the flash may operate remotely off the camera entirely. It is well equipped to use as a supplemental or primary flash.

--- end update, original review below ---

If you ever think you might upgrade your back and are deciding between the FL-50 AND FL-50R then the smart money goes on the R. A few items from the existing 4/3 system (such as the FL-50 and the 50-200 mm zoom lens) have "R" versions that work with the new E3 and also the older models. The FL-50R incorporates a radio trigger so that multiple flashes can be setup and triggered from the camera's flash. That is the added feature you are buying with this flash. All in all, it's worth it when later on in life you have an E3 and 2 flashes (one subject / one background) and want to tie them together. The amount of work doing it with cords is a nightmare, and the radio would sure be nice at times like that.

If you never plan to go to an E3, the FL-50 will do everything you need in a flash and save you some cash.

That's all there is to it - no more power, no more features, works with the existing flash system and is future proof to the E3 camera back.

Olympus FL-50R Wireless Flash
I now own three of these and recently used them along with Gary Fong Lightspheres to create an instant Pet Portrait Studio. The results were fantastic. I shoot with the Olympus E3, but I understand the new E520 also can control the wireless FL-50R. You might want to invest in light stands. The tabletop base has extremely limited uses, especially if you need to tilt the flash along with a Lightsphere!

Olympus FL-50 Flash Review
There is an old saying in photography, which goes something like this: "What really determines the quality of a photo is the lighting and not so much the camera that you are using" I find this to be emphatically true. So to have good lighting I needed a powerful flash. The Olympus FL-50 is one of the most awesome pieces of equipment you could ever add to your photographic arsenal. I have been use the FL-50 since way before I even upgraded to using the Evolt SLRs to take photos. I used my Olympus FL-50 originally with an Olympus C-770 UZ camera. I have shot thousands of photos using this flash and I shoot 99% in bounce mode even if the ceiling is 60 feet above the subject. (Baruch College Relay for Life 2008) Most often times I have the flash heads pointing straight up at the ceiling so I get a nice effect of soft overhead natural lighting. Because the flash works through the Olympus TTL system the exposure comes out right no matter which way the flash head is pointing. I shoot mostly events and gatherings and I use this flash exclusively. You can view hundreds of photos I shot with this flash at "Rutherford High Class of 77" and "Baruch College photos". Just type those words into Google and click on the 1st link to see the photos. I have upgraded my cameras to higher-level models, but the FL-50 is my number 1 flash unit and goes with me on every event.