Olympus FL-36 Flash
The Olympus FL-36 Electronic Flash is specifically designed for digital with an accurate 1/8 step illumination control to provide the precision required by digital cameras, while minimizing illumination reduction. The built-in wide-angle diffuser panel will allow the flash to provide even illumination with wide angle lenses like the new Zuiko Digital 14mm-45mm zoom. The inclusion of a lockable bounce and swivel mechanism offers a variety of bounce photography options including left-right, as well as top-bottom in addition to a compact zoom head to accommodate lenses from wide angle to telephoto.
The FL-36 also features a newly designed energy circuit that improves recharge rates and enables the flash to operate on just two AA batteries or one CR-3 Volt lithium. In addition, the FL-36 incorporates an ultra-precision mounting technology communicating with the E-1 and new EVOLT E-300 for control. The FL-36 is compact, lightweight and extremely portable. Additionally, it is approximately 25% shorter and 35% lighter than the larger FL-50 flash, a significant space and weight savings.
- Selectable Flash Modes
- With several different TTL and manual modes available, you'll get the right amount of control for your shooting needs. (Flash Modes include TTL AUTO, AUTO, MANUAL, FP TTL AUTO, FP MANUAL)
- Compact and Light Weight Design
- The smaller size and lighter weight of the flash (as compared to the FL-50) is well suited to the latest E-series digital cameras (E1, E300).
- Super-Energy-Saving Circuitry
- The Super-Energy-Saving circuitry improves recharge rates and enables the flash to operate on just two AA batteries or one CR-V3 (LB-01) lithium battery.
- Variable Coverage Angle
- Flash coverage is automatically adjusted to the image area in several steps during zooming.
- Variable and Controllable Output
- With the Olympus digital SLR, you can adjust the flash intensity in 1/3 EV steps, and it also offers features such as red-eye reduction, slow synchronisation and second curtain synchronisation
| Type | TTL Shoe Mount Flash |
| Guide No. |
Automatic switching from 36 - 20 (14 - 12 with the built in wide panel) |
| Angle of Coverage |
At 12mm: 61° (vertical) x 78° (Horizontal) At 42mm: 21° (vertical) x 28° (Horizontal) |
| Vari-Power | Yes |
| TTL Dedication | Yes (with Olympus E-System digital Cameras) |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes (90° - -1.5° Vertical; 150° - -90° Horizontal |
| Zoom Head | Yes |
| Off Camera Terminal | No |
| Recycle Time | Less than 8 sec |
| Power Source |
2x AA Batteries (Alkaline, Lithium, NiCD, NiMH) 1x LB-01 Lithium Battery |
| Dimensions | 2.6 x 4.2 x 3.8" (65 x 105 x 95mm ) |
| Weight |
9.6 oz (270g) without batteries |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 13 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (7)
- Consistent output (6)
- Durable (6)
- Easily interchangeable (3)
- Quiet (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- General purpose (7)
- Night photography (6)
- Portraits (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
A pretty good one for its cost
I’ve got my FL-36 for a few months now. It fits really well with Olympus E-410 because they both are pretty compact and lightweight. This is very convenient when us...Read complete review
I’ve got my FL-36 for a few months now. It fits really well with Olympus E-410 because they both are pretty compact and lightweight. This is very convenient when using E-410 + FL-36 as a travel kit that gives you mach more possibilities then using just internal flash. Besides it’s more convenient to handle the E-4xx series cameras with FL-36, than with more powerful and at the same time mach bigger flashes. The both bounce and swivel head should be also noticed.
The only negative feature is comparatively long time for recharging, but it is noticeable only after firing the full power. Also using rechargeable NiMH batteries with capacity 2300 mA and more can partly solve this problem. Finally one should keep in mind that this one is not for professional use.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
It's just okay
I've had this flash for about 8 months. When you first turn it on - with brand new batteries - it takes about 15 seconds to charge. Subsequent flashes - with BRAND NEW batteries ...Read complete review
I've had this flash for about 8 months. When you first turn it on - with brand new batteries - it takes about 15 seconds to charge. Subsequent flashes - with BRAND NEW batteries - will take about a second between. After about 10 flashes, though, the batteries (Duracell and Energizer) both die and recycle times go to the toilet. After about 18 flashes the recycle time is probably near 15 seconds. Far too slow to do any real photography with. Do yourself a favor and get a better flash. You'll be disappointed with this one after your FIRST picture.
Expertise: Experienced Amateur
Problems Encountered: VERY slow recycle timesPoor power - GN seems exaggeratedEats up batteries like candy.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Metz 48AF-1
Items I Recommend: Patience
Reviewed by 13 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-13
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
I bought to use with a Panasonic LX5. I read reviews about the lag time between flashes and did a little research. All you do is get NIZN batteries 4/with charger for $14.00 on [@] and your set "4 second lag". This is a better flash than the same priced competitors because it's small and rotates and tilts allowing more options. I also like the plus minus wheel vs a button. GREAT FLASH FOR THE $. I got mine for [$] refurbished and it looks and works like brand new.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
Very nice flash, usefull and light.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easily Interchangeable
- Easy To Clean
- Lightweight
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Back-Up
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
I use this flash for "party pics" and other low-light photojournalism type work. It's well made, with great features and works seamlessly with my E-500.
It's range is a little limited and I don't think that it really lives up to it's guide-number specs but it works perfectly for me.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Easy To Clean
- Lightweight
- Quiet
Cons
- Slow Focus
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
Small, compact, sturdy construction - and GREAT illumination. Controls were not immediately understandable (you have to read the directions, you know), but they seem appropriate in function and form. Uses AA batteries (2), and gets pretty good life out of regular alkalines (I haven't tried it with rechargables or high performance alkalines yet). What I really like about this flash is its illumination ability (did I already mention that?) - for a unit of this size and price range. I am very satisfied with it.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
This flash for my camera is a great addition, the flash does all the work and calculations, it was also very easy to setup and use. A manual is also included.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Recharging
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
I’ve got my FL-36 for a few months now. It fits really well with Olympus E-410 because they both are pretty compact and lightweight. This is very convenient when using E-410 + FL-36 as a travel kit that gives you mach more possibilities then using just internal flash. Besides it’s more convenient to handle the E-4xx series cameras with FL-36, than with more powerful and at the same time mach bigger flashes. The both bounce and swivel head should be also noticed.
The only negative feature is comparatively long time for recharging, but it is noticeable only after firing the full power. Also using rechargeable NiMH batteries with capacity 2300 mA and more can partly solve this problem. Finally one should keep in mind that this one is not for professional use.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Recycling time
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
Great flash, easy to use great looking photos. Only problem is the flash cycle time is slow. It only takes 2 AA batteries where other 3rd party flashes take 4 and hence cycle more quickly. Other than that am happy with product
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
I have a FL-36 for a year now, and I've used it with my old C5050 as well as with the new Evolt 510. I've never used any plain batteries as they don't last long enough - I use NIMH rechargeables instead and they perform OK.When the FL-36 fires with less than maximum power, it recharges quickly and it is even possible to use it for sequential shooting. BUT, if you crank it up to max power, it takes 5-8 seconds to recharge, and that means you can miss the moment, which is something that should not happen with pro equipment.I've improvised a bounce diffuser (taped a piece of white glossy paper to the head) and the results are satisfactory.The FL-36 is small enough to be carried in a jacket pocket.Conclusion: Being an amateur photographer, I am more than satisfied with the FL-36. Pros will probably be better off with something more powerful, like the FL-50.
Expertise: Advanced amateur
Problems Encountered: Recharges slowly. Ships without a bounce diffuser.
Items I Recommend: Rechargeable NiMh batteries
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
Don't bother with this one I have it and it is very slowon the recycling, too bad it has no external battery backconnection, 2 AA batteries are not enough to warrant this asa dependable flash unit.
Expertise: Semi-Pro
Problems Encountered: Slow recycle time not effective flash.
Items I Recommend: FL-50R
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
I've had this flash for about 8 months. When you first turn it on - with brand new batteries - it takes about 15 seconds to charge. Subsequent flashes - with BRAND NEW batteries - will take about a second between. After about 10 flashes, though, the batteries (Duracell and Energizer) both die and recycle times go to the toilet. After about 18 flashes the recycle time is probably near 15 seconds. Far too slow to do any real photography with. Do yourself a favor and get a better flash. You'll be disappointed with this one after your FIRST picture.
Expertise: Experienced Amateur
Problems Encountered: VERY slow recycle timesPoor power - GN seems exaggeratedEats up batteries like candy.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Metz 48AF-1
Items I Recommend: Patience
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
I got this flash to go with my E-510 camera, along with a few other accessories. I don't use flashes much, so I tested it when I got it, removed the batteries, and put it in my hard case. A few months later, I needed it, but it wouldn't turn on. Tried brand new batteries. Nothing. Rather expensive for the 5 or so pictures it worked for. I'll see how Olympus deals with the problem, but this issue shouldn't have come up.
Expertise: Enthusiastic beginner
Problems Encountered: Broken - won't turn on.
Items I Recommend: 3 more so you may get one that works
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
I have one of this for my e-500 and it`s not verypowerful,it takes a long to charge and it`s just a flash oftwo batteries.decent for just one picture,but if you are on thefashion,weddings and events this will be useless i get verydisappointed with this one.
Expertise: Student
Problems Encountered: Takes around 6 seconds to charge between shoots,that`s theonly problem i found.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Fl-36
Comments about Olympus FL-36 Flash:
Decent flash for family pictures in your living room, etc.Not powerful enough for weddings, events, etc.Recycle time is slow. However it is a nice compact flashthat performs extremely well for the price.
Expertise: Amateur photographer
Problems Encountered: Slow recycle time.
Items I Recommend: better bounce card
Displaying reviews 1-13
- Soft Case
- Instruction Manual
- 1-Year U.S.A. Limited Warranty
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