First I must say that I enjoyed learning how to successfully shoot flowers with a black background with my M5i/FL-LM2 flash and a handheld Godox tt350o.
I recently purchased the M1iii which doesn’t come with a flash and I would like to shoot flowers again using a similar method with a small on camera flash trigger.
What would be a similar flash that I should acquire (the M1ii comes with a FL-LM3 is it compatible)?
Thanks for your help,
Barry
M1iii Flash Advice
Re: M1iii Flash Advice
Any small flash would work. I happen to like the Godox X1T-O TTL Wireless Flash Trigger Transmitter. It is radio control with no light. I like that because I can use it to backlight something or set the flash on a stand and a reflector on a stand to control shadows. You TT350O does not need to see the light from the flash so it can be held behind me with an umbrella or soft box and give a nice soft lighting. If your FL-LM2 flash fits (some Oly flashes have an extra tab) then try it.
Re: M1iii Flash Advice
I'm not sure what is more important, having a mini flash or radio transmitter.
I like the idea of non direct light, so it doesn't have to be bright.
Another TT350 could act as a flash and or transmitter, bit bigger than the Olympus FL-LM3.
Right now however when I put the TT350o on the camera, the camera doesn't allow/have access to the Full Power range, I can step up or down 1/3's using the flash unit, but not via the camera, does that sound correct, I'm not sure?
I have used the Olympus FL-LM2 flash on the M5i and it has access via camera, that's sort of why I'm leaning towards the Olympus, but would be giving up the radio and gaining a lighter mini flash that has on camera control plus is powered from the camera. Then again the TT350o can be dialed, so that's sort of on camera, is bigger, will need more batteries. Both cost roughly the same.
I tried the M5i's flash the FL-LM2, its not compatible with the M1iii.
I'm not sure about the Godox operation on the Olympus, is that how its supposed to work (no access to the full power settings)? I'm guessing no access so because the flash has controls, so they override any control setting that might be made by the camera? The Olympus flash unit I'm familiar with only has a disconnect button, all power setting are controlled by the camera.
I like the idea of non direct light, so it doesn't have to be bright.
Another TT350 could act as a flash and or transmitter, bit bigger than the Olympus FL-LM3.
Right now however when I put the TT350o on the camera, the camera doesn't allow/have access to the Full Power range, I can step up or down 1/3's using the flash unit, but not via the camera, does that sound correct, I'm not sure?
I have used the Olympus FL-LM2 flash on the M5i and it has access via camera, that's sort of why I'm leaning towards the Olympus, but would be giving up the radio and gaining a lighter mini flash that has on camera control plus is powered from the camera. Then again the TT350o can be dialed, so that's sort of on camera, is bigger, will need more batteries. Both cost roughly the same.
I tried the M5i's flash the FL-LM2, its not compatible with the M1iii.
I'm not sure about the Godox operation on the Olympus, is that how its supposed to work (no access to the full power settings)? I'm guessing no access so because the flash has controls, so they override any control setting that might be made by the camera? The Olympus flash unit I'm familiar with only has a disconnect button, all power setting are controlled by the camera.
Re: M1iii Flash Advice
I probably do not understand the question. I use TTL and the flash compensation on the camera does adjust the flash level. This is through the radio transmitter. On camera, it does the same.
Re: M1iii Flash Advice
Hi Thanks for your reply,
Most importantly I'm looking for a flash to use with the M1iii.
I have lots to learn regarding flash use and the various setting.
Hopefully I can explain what I'm dealing with.
With the flash off the camera (no flash attached more just to capture options available) I can choose:
Fill-in, Redeye, Flash Off, Redeye Slow, Slow, Slow2 or Full (1-1/64)
With the Godox flash attached I can choose/use:
Fill-in, Flash Off, Slow, Slow2
The Godox tt350 attached works in any above available modes except Full and Full is the only mode I've ever used.
With my the M5i and the Oly FL-LM2, then handholding the Godox as a slave, I then would select a minimal intensity for the Oly flash (within the cameras Full mode) say about 1/64, then on the back of the Godox would use 1/8 or 1/6 etc as required.
Because the Full mode is not available when I use the Godox on its own with the M1iii, what would be the best setting to select in the camera? (keep in mind the setting on the Godox I have only ever used was in M mode (not TTL) and adjusting the intensity on the back of the flash as noted above. I also suspect that Full is only needed if using an Olympus Flash that doesn't have any external dials or settings).
I copied the following from the Camera's manual
Fill In - Shutter speed can be set to values between that selected for Slow Limit and X-Sync.
Redeye - Reduces red-eye in portrait photos. In other respects, the flash functions as it does in fill in mode.
Slow (slow frontcurtain sync) - used to capture both the main subject and the background. Shutter speed is set according to the exposure value metered by the camera and is not restricted by the option selected for Slow Limit.
Red-Eye Slow - Slow sync combined with red-eye reduction. Flash is timed using front-curtain sync.
Slow2 (slow rearcurtain sync) - As for slow sync, the flash fires immediately before the shutter closes. Moving objects appear to leave trails of light behind them.
Full 1/4, etc. - manual value, the flash fires at the selected level.
Most importantly I'm looking for a flash to use with the M1iii.
I have lots to learn regarding flash use and the various setting.
Hopefully I can explain what I'm dealing with.
With the flash off the camera (no flash attached more just to capture options available) I can choose:
Fill-in, Redeye, Flash Off, Redeye Slow, Slow, Slow2 or Full (1-1/64)
With the Godox flash attached I can choose/use:
Fill-in, Flash Off, Slow, Slow2
The Godox tt350 attached works in any above available modes except Full and Full is the only mode I've ever used.
With my the M5i and the Oly FL-LM2, then handholding the Godox as a slave, I then would select a minimal intensity for the Oly flash (within the cameras Full mode) say about 1/64, then on the back of the Godox would use 1/8 or 1/6 etc as required.
Because the Full mode is not available when I use the Godox on its own with the M1iii, what would be the best setting to select in the camera? (keep in mind the setting on the Godox I have only ever used was in M mode (not TTL) and adjusting the intensity on the back of the flash as noted above. I also suspect that Full is only needed if using an Olympus Flash that doesn't have any external dials or settings).
I copied the following from the Camera's manual
Fill In - Shutter speed can be set to values between that selected for Slow Limit and X-Sync.
Redeye - Reduces red-eye in portrait photos. In other respects, the flash functions as it does in fill in mode.
Slow (slow frontcurtain sync) - used to capture both the main subject and the background. Shutter speed is set according to the exposure value metered by the camera and is not restricted by the option selected for Slow Limit.
Red-Eye Slow - Slow sync combined with red-eye reduction. Flash is timed using front-curtain sync.
Slow2 (slow rearcurtain sync) - As for slow sync, the flash fires immediately before the shutter closes. Moving objects appear to leave trails of light behind them.
Full 1/4, etc. - manual value, the flash fires at the selected level.
Re: M1iii Flash Advice
With the Godox X1T you can use TTL where the camera will meter and control the flash. Using a flash as the trigger, you cannot do this and have to set it manually as you mentioned. For non studio use I prefer the TTL mode as I do not need to meter or do test shots. Rob has a video about using a flash as a trigger.