Olympus FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras
The Olympus FL-36R TTL Shoe Mount Flash is a compact and lightweight shoe mount flash that also offers wireless flash operation. Control is possible directly from the camera without the need for cables. This flash unit is the ideal accompaniment to the Olympus E-3, which features a newly-developed RC Data Transfer System that transmits data optically. This significantly reduces the power consumption of the built-in flash when being used as the system commander. Flash control is available in three groups, allowing flash mode and compensation settings to be set independently for each group - thus enabling ultra-precise illumination. Four remote control communication channels can be set by the user to avoid interference with other peripherals in the vicinity.
The FL-36 Electronic Flash is specifically designed for digital cameras, 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 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-36R also features an energy circuit that improves recharge rates and enables the flash to operate on just two AA batteries or one CR-3 volt lithium. The FL-36 is compact, lightweight and extremely portable, and 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 will always get the right amount of control for your shooting needs. Flash Modes include TTL Auto, Auto, Manual, FP TTL Auto, FP Manual, RC, SL Auto, SL Manual.
- Compact and Lightweight 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.
- 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 synchronization and second curtain synchronization.
| Type | TTL Shoe Mount Flash |
| Guide No. |
65'/20 m @ 12mm position (equiv. to 24mm on 35mm camera) 118'/36 m @ 42mm position (equiv. to 85mm on 35mm camera) |
| Angle of Coverage | 84-29&DEG: |
| Vari-Power | Yes |
| TTL Dedication | Yes (with Olympus E-System digital Cameras) |
| Bounce Head | Yes (-70 - +90°) |
| Swivel Head | Yes (0-180°) |
| Zoom Head |
|
| Off Camera Terminal | No |
| Recycle Time | Less than 8 seconds |
| Power Source |
2x AA Batteries (Alkaline, Lithium, NiCD, NiMH) 1x LB-O1 (CR-V3) Lithium Battery |
| Dimensions | 2.6 x 3.7 x 4.2" (67 x 95 x 108mm) WxHxD |
| Weight |
9.2 oz (260 g) without batteries |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 75 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (61)
- Lightweight (57)
- Consistent output (50)
- Versatile (42)
- Good power output (32)
Cons
- Slow recycling (20)
Best Uses
- General purpose (58)
- Portraits (50)
- Fill flash (49)
- Night photography (30)
- Photojournalism (15)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (34), Casual photographer (12), Enthusiast (11), Semi-pro photographer (8), Pro photographer (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (36)
Most Liked Positive Review
Highly recommended for u4/3 cameras
I'm EXTREMLY happy with the FL-36R purchase. However I was worried at first it might not have enough power under normal situations, but this is not the case. I've been shooting in all...Read complete review
I'm EXTREMLY happy with the FL-36R purchase. However I was worried at first it might not have enough power under normal situations, but this is not the case. I've been shooting in all rooms in my house with f/5.6 auto ISO mode (using bounce method), and the ISO never goes past 200 on my E-PL1! This is even in almost complete darkness in the basement with a ceiling that is not finished (plywood). It then recharges in about 2 seconds so I know it's not even trying that hard. I have a very large unfinished double garage and there it did go to 400-800 in almost complete darkness. I'll be using the FL-36R mostly in regular homes 99% of the time so it should do very well for me. Perhaps one day for a wedding I may treat myself to the FL-50R, but I'm plenty satisfied now! It's just too bad the focus assist lamp does not work on Olympus PEN cameras, but I knew this going in.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Great for amateur photography
I bought this flash for my daughter's wedding. I did get some great shots but missed some because of slow recycle time. Have batteries ready to replace. If I was a professional I would...Read complete review
I bought this flash for my daughter's wedding. I did get some great shots but missed some because of slow recycle time. Have batteries ready to replace. If I was a professional I would not purchase this flash, but for the price it does it's job.
Reviewed by 75 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Heavy
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I'm starting to use flashes and this one is just perfect for me, because it was cheaper than the average flashes and it does the job the way it is supposed to do.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Works great!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I used this flash for the first time last week for a wedding. I couldn't ask for anything more. It's very easy to use and light weight, which is a plus. I can't say anything bad about it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Weak Output
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I use this flash mostly for wireless flash photography. Using this flash makes it easy to get creative with your lighting. The menu system is pretty easy to navigate, and it doesn't take long to change the settings. It comes with a nice carry case that has a pocket to hold the little flash stand. The only downside is it might not have sufficient power for your shooting situation. I haven't really had a problem with that, but I can see how some people might prefer the FL-50R. I chose this flash over the FL50R because it suites my needs and it's smaller/lighter than the FL-50R. If you want to get creative with your lighting this flash will definitely help you!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Enclosed areas
- Home studio
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I bought this flash not to use with an Olympus camera but to use with two Panasonic cameras that I own, the G1 and GH2. The flash unit works well with both these cameras. Most importantly, the TTL-Auto mode in which the camera controls the flash settings works as advertised. The wireless control mode doesn't work, but that's the fault of the Panasonic cameras, which don't have any built-in support for wireless flash control.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I use this compact flash with an Olympus E-3 body and 12-60 zoom lense to shoot indoor portraits of my twin boy Grandchildren. I usually bounce flash off the ceiling in TTL mode. The photos have depth and beautiful resolution, instead of a flat perspective with the built in flash. I also use this flash with my 50-200mm zoom shooting wildlife outdoors, which gives a very nice catchlight in the eye and fills in the shadows.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Works well , could be more powerful
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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 FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
The remote control is excellent, the flash about as small as you
could make it and still have swivel and tilt
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Small LCD
Best Uses
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
SALES PERSONNEL WAS EXCELLENT BUT MY CAMERA FLASH IS NOT AS BRIGHT AS I TOUGHT IT WOULD. BUT MOST DEFINITELY BRIGHTER & BETTER THAN USING THE FACTOR FLASH THAT CAME ATTACHED TO MY CAMERA.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Good for portrait and fast recycling
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
The most useful piece of equipment that I have ever purchase...I would strongly suggest this flash to anyone Roland
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
This inexpensive little brother to the FL-50R model by Olympus is a great addition to my kit. I've owned it for over a year now, and can say I have used it for close up macro, still life, studio portraits, fill for harsh mid-day sun outdoors for people shots & mid-distance animal shots. To all of which I have been pleased with the results using my E30 body and either 12-60 or 50-200 lenses.
I plan on extending the lineup now as I know this flash does an excellent job.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Better AF
- Consistent Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Low Light
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Was never really happy with indoor shots of my Oly 510. This flash makes a huge difference, should have bought one much earlier.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I have FL-50R flashes for my 4/3 Olympus camers and wanted something smaller for my Pen E-PL2. After throwing money away on a cheaper off brand flash, I bit the bullet and bought the FL-36R. It is exaclty what I need for the smaller camera body.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Great little flash works seamlessly with my Olympus E-30 and E-620.
The wireless feature, compact in size and powerful flash are the main reasons i have chosen it.
Have been using it for portraits and macro picture taking. A flash diffuser is also recommended with its use. Will definitely recommend this flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
Using for fill flash and also to stop harsh shadows on indoor photos and it works great! First time ordering from B&H and they are great too! [...]
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I use it with my e-pl2 and it create beatiful light, this is my first Shoe Mount Flash and i'm strongly recommend to buy this one to everyone if you want to tace nice shots in low quality light conditions!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
This is a very capable flash with full TTL to complete manual controls. Nothing to dislike so far as I accept the reduced guide number for the smaller size which is appropriate for a micro 4/3 camera body.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
- Small
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Casual indoor shots
- General Use
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I'm EXTREMLY happy with the FL-36R purchase. However I was worried at first it might not have enough power under normal situations, but this is not the case. I've been shooting in all rooms in my house with f/5.6 auto ISO mode (using bounce method), and the ISO never goes past 200 on my E-PL1! This is even in almost complete darkness in the basement with a ceiling that is not finished (plywood). It then recharges in about 2 seconds so I know it's not even trying that hard. I have a very large unfinished double garage and there it did go to 400-800 in almost complete darkness. I'll be using the FL-36R mostly in regular homes 99% of the time so it should do very well for me. Perhaps one day for a wedding I may treat myself to the FL-50R, but I'm plenty satisfied now! It's just too bad the focus assist lamp does not work on Olympus PEN cameras, but I knew this going in.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Easy To Use
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about FL-36R Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus Digital Cameras:
I use this flash on my Oly e520. I got this flash because I find the built in flash lacking (produced hard shadows and not enough reach). With this flash, I can bounce the flash off the ceiling to create a natural bright image even at ISO100. It's particularly important for me to capture at high shutter speeds, because I needed it to catch my toddler in action, and he never keeps still. :)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $1.50
-
- Original: $13.99
- Save: $1.40
- Price: $12.59
Flash Diffusers
-
- Original: $9.50
- Save: $0.95
- Price: $8.55
Reflectors
- Price: $39.95
Brackets
- Price: $49.00
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $50.00
Flash Pouch
- Price: $24.99
Flash Accessories
- Price: $103.95
What's in the Box
- Soft Case
- FLST-1 Flash Stand
- 1-Year U.S.A. Warranty
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