Olympus Camera Flash FL 36 User Manual

Thank you for purchasing the OLYMPUS Electronic Flash (FL-36). Before use, please read this instruction manual to ensure your

safety, and keep it handy for future reference.

ꢀ

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

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

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.

ꢀ

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.

DANGER

WARNING

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.

Failure to observe the

precautions indicated by this

symbol may result in serious

injury or death.

Failure to observe the

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.

Symbols for prohibiting action

Symbol instructing action

ꢀ

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.

Disassembly

prohibited

Prohibited

Mandatory

For customers in Europe

ꢀ

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.

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.

ꢀ

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

may result.

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.

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.

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.

ꢀ

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

CAUTION

ꢀ

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

vice. 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.

ꢀ

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.

ꢀ

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.

BATTERY PRECAUTIONS

ꢀ

Use only the specified batteries. (see page 14)

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

■

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.

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, deterioration

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.

• Some brand-new batteries may also have their outer coating (insulation) peeled off completely or partially.

Never use these batteries.

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.

■

Do not use the following kinds of batteries.

Outer coating (insu-

lation) is peeling or

has peeled off (even

if the battery is brand-

new).

The negative end is

flat (whether or not a

part of the negative

pole is covered by

the coating).

• Under direct sunlight, on a beach, etc.

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

The negative end is

slightly swollen and

is not covered by the

coating (insulation).

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

• Near an air conditioner or air humidifier.

• Any place subject to vibrations.

• Near a fire.

• Any place exposed to water or moisture.

• Inside an automobile.

All rechargeable batteries must be recharged using the specified battery charger, simultaneously and completely.

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

ꢀ

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.

■

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.

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).

■

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

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

Before reading this manual

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

water.

○

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.

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.

○

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.

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 termi-

nals well with a dry cloth before using the batteries.

Trademark information

Do not throw a battery in fire or heat it.

All brand names and product names mentioned in this manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respec-

tive owners.

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.

CHECKING THE PACKAGE CONTENTS

CONTENTS

Selecting the control mode ................ 34

AUTO ................................................. 35

MANUAL ............................................ 37

• Other Operations ....................................... 39

Bounce Shooting ............................... 39

Close-up Flash................................... 41

Manual Switching of Firing angle (ZOOM) .................. 42

Using the Wide Panel ........................ 43

Various Flash Shooting Methods ....... 45

• Custom Setup ............................................ 47

• All Reset ..................................................... 50

• Continuous Firing ....................................... 51

• Guide Number (GN) List ............................ 52

• Warning Display List .................................. 55

• Q&A ........................................................... 58

• Main Specifications .................................... 61

Check that all parts and accessories are present.

If any item is missing or damaged, contact your dealer.

• Checking the Package Contents.................. 9

• Nomenclature............................................. 10

• Control Panel Indicators............................. 12

• Loading Batteries ....................................... 14

• Checking Batteries ..................................... 16

• Attaching to the Camera/Removing from

the Camera ................................................ 18

• Picture Shooting Using a Digital Camera

with Communication Capability ................. 20

Selecting the control mode.................. 20

TTL AUTO ........................................... 22

AUTO .................................................. 24

MANUAL ............................................. 27

FP TTL AUTO ...................................... 29

FP MANUAL........................................ 32

• Picture Shooting Using a Digital Camera

without Communication Capability ............ 34

• Electronic flash, main body

• Flash case

• Batteries must be purchased separately.

NOMENCLATURE

Bounce lock release button

(left-right direction)(Page 40)

Wide panel (Page 43)

Bounce lock release button

(up-down direction)(Page 40)

AF illuminator light-emitting area

When the subject is dark or low-

contrast, the built-in AF illuminator

emits light to facilitate focusing.

The AF illuminator can also be

defeated. (Page 47)

• The AF illuminator only works

with the Olympus Four Thirds

System digital SLR camera. It

does not work with other cam-

eras.

Accessory shoe

Bounce up/down angle indices

(Page 40)

Bounce left/right angle indices

(Page 40)

M O D E b u t t o n

(Pages 21 & 34)

AUTO CHECK lamp

(Page 22)

Battery compartment cover

(Page 15)

Light-emitting

area

Control panel (Page 12)

Auto light receptor

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.

Charge lamp/Test button

(Page 16)

Lock pin (Page 18)

Select dial (Page 23)

Lock ring (Page 18)

Electric contact

(Page 18)

Power button

ZOOM button (Page 42)

CONTROL PANEL INDICATORS

Control mode

FP emission

(Pages 29 & 32)

Light intensity adjustment

26 28 31 33)

(Pages 20 & 34) (Pages 23

FOUR THIRDS

(Page 47)

Notes on This Manual

• The indications on the control panel may differ from those shown in the illustra-

tion above depending on the setup of the electronic flash, the camera in use,

and the shooting conditions.

Wide panel warning

(Page 43)

Zoom mode

(Page 42)

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

modes.

Close-up flash

shooting (Page 41)

Zoom value

(Page 42)

ISO speed

(Page 25)

Lens iris (F)

(Page 47)

① FOUR THIRDS : Focal length of a Four Thirds System digital camera

Guide Number (GN)

(Pages 52 & 54)

② 135

: Focal length converted to an equivalent angle of view

on a 135 type (35 mm film) camera

Feet

(Page 47)

Meter

(Page 47)

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

selection of the display modes, see page 47 .

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.

How to load the batteries

LOADING BATTERIES

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

• AA (R6) alkaline batteries (LR6 type)................................... x 2

• AA (R6) Ni-Cd batteries ....................................................... x 2

• AA (R6) Ni-Mh batteries ....................................................... x 2

• AA (R6) Ni-Mn batteries (ZR6 type) ..................................... x 2

• AA (R6) lithium batteries (FR6 type) .................................... x 2

• AA (R6) oxyride batteries (ZR6Y type) ................................. x 2

1. Open the battery compartment cover.

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

3. Close the battery compartment cover.

• Lithium battery pack (CR-V3 type) (Olympus LB-01) ........... x 1

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

Recommended Batteries

The flash’s charging circuitry is optimized for use with the following batteries:

• AA (R6) Ni-Mh battery

• Lithium battery pack (CR-V3 type) (Olympus LB-01)

CR-V3

AA (R6) batteries

ꢀ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.

ꢀFlash Interval and Flash Count

CHECKING BATTERIES

The following table shows the flash intervals and flash counts for various batteries. Data is

based on using batteries all of the same type.

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.

Batteries used

Flash interval

Approx. 7.5 sec.

Approx. 6.5 sec.

Approx. 5.5 sec.

Approx. 6.5 sec.

Approx. 7.5 sec.

Approx. 6.5 sec.

Flash count

AA (R6) alkaline dry cell batteries (LR6 type)

AA (R6) Ni-Cd batteries (P3SPS type, 1000 mAh)

AA (R6) Ni-Mh batteries (HHR-3SPS type, 2230 mAh)

AA (R6) Oxyride batteries (ZR6Y type)

AA (R6) lithium batteries (FR6 type)

Approx. 140 times

Approx. 100 times

Approx. 200 times

Approx. 140 times

Approx. 260 times

Approx. 320 times

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, Oxyride or Ni-Mh batteries: 10 sec.

• If the Charge lamp and AUTO CHECK lamp blink alter-

nately, it means that the battery capacity is running low. In

this case, replace the batteries.

CR-V3 lithium battery packs (Olympus LB-01)

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

Memo: To perform test flash activation, press the Test button.

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

Turn 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.

How to remove

ATTACHING TO THE CAMERA/REMOVING FROM THE CAMERA

Confirm that both the camera and electronic flash are off.

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

flash out of the hot shoe.

Attaching or removing the electronic flash while either the flash or the camera is on may result in malfunction.

How to attach

2. Attach the hot shoe cover to the camera.

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

(horizontal, front). If it is in the locked position, press and

2. ^tR^ue^rnm^to^hv^ee^Bth^oe^unh^co^et s^loh^co^ke^reco^lev^ae^sr^efr^bo^um^ttothⁿe^.camera.

• Store the hot shoe cover in the pocket located on the inner

3. L^sio^do^es^oe^fn^thth^ee^fll^ao^sc^hk r^ci^an^sg^e. ^.

•

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.

ꢀ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).

Lock pin

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

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

5. T^itu^sr^tn^opth^se^wlo^itc^hk^arin^cg^lica^kl^.l the way into the direction of [←LOCK]

until it stops.