TTL flash with MF legacy lens: I would like to use my OMD camera, a 300mm OM legacy lens and a matched flash to improve images of birds at a distance. I know I would be happier with a...

rb61 Loc: Maple Grove, MN

I would like to use my OMD camera, a 300mm OM legacy lens and a matched flash to improve images of birds at a distance. I know I would be happier with a fully compatible M.Zuiko lens, but I am not ready to spend that much.

Where do I start? Can the camera/flash combination do anything automatically- exposure?

Looking for a starting place.

Thanks

User ID

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Use A or M mode, and realize that
the TTL flash operates before the
exposure to acquire a reading and
memorizes that reading to apply it
during the actual exposure. IOW a
TTL flash causes some release lag.

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

rb61 wrote:

I would like to use my OMD camera, a 300mm OM legacy lens and a matched flash to improve images of birds at a distance. I know I would be happier with a fully compatible M.Zuiko lens, but I am not ready to spend that much.

Where do I start? Can the camera/flash combination do anything automatically- exposure?

Looking for a starting place.

Thanks

What size is the flash and what is the distance? It is difficult to get good flash results at distance outdoors. I use legacy omd lenses from time to time..just be aware that the metering may not be as precise as with the m.zuiko lens.

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

rb61 wrote:

I would like to use my OMD camera, a 300mm OM legacy lens and a matched flash to improve images of birds at a distance. I know I would be happier with a fully compatible M.Zuiko lens, but I am not ready to spend that much.

Where do I start? Can the camera/flash combination do anything automatically- exposure?

Looking for a starting place.
'
Thanks

It is unlikely that a flash shooting birds at a distance would have much affect. How large is the flash and what is the distance?

scubadoc Loc: Sarasota, FL

There are fresnel lens flash modifiers that will extend the reach of the flash up to 50’ with a tightly focused beam. I’ve used it to obtain catch lights in the subjects eyes.

BebuLamar

As all other's replies, the fact that you use an MF lens has no effect on TTL flash. It would work as well as native lenses.

jcboy3

rb61 wrote:

I would like to use my OMD camera, a 300mm OM legacy lens and a matched flash to improve images of birds at a distance. I know I would be happier with a fully compatible M.Zuiko lens, but I am not ready to spend that much.

Where do I start? Can the camera/flash combination do anything automatically- exposure?

Looking for a starting place.

Thanks

You can use a TTL flash with a manual lens. I recommend using a flash extender to focus the flash. There are a number of products available by Better Beamer and others. These have different models that are sized for different flash heads (usually, one size does not fit all). Or, you can by a fresnel lens and build a DIY version (I did one with poster board and duct tape and velcro; worked well enough).

rb61 Loc: Maple Grove, MN

Thanks to everyone for your all the responses so far.

The flash is advertised as having a guide number of: 190' at ISO 100 and 105mm
It also has a motorized zoom, but I have not tested its effectiveness. I looked at the flash extenders that were recommended. I will purchase one if the zoom fails to meet the need.

I plan to practice at a distance of less than 50 feet.

Thanks again

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

The easiest way to assure you can dial in the settings you want is to do some testing. This is not just go out and bang off a few shots and try to figure out what happened.

Don't go out and try to photograph your intended subject. First, take your camera to areas that are your usual locations to photograph and setup. Then take shots and inspect each one and see what needs to be adjusted. By doing this sort of testing, you'll know ahead of time and be very prepared to use the equipment at hand and successfully capture what you want.
--Bob

rb61 wrote:

I would like to use my OMD camera, a 300mm OM legacy lens and a matched flash to improve images of birds at a distance. I know I would be happier with a fully compatible M.Zuiko lens, but I am not ready to spend that much.

Where do I start? Can the camera/flash combination do anything automatically- exposure?

Looking for a starting place.

Thanks

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

rb61 wrote:

I would like to use my OMD camera, a 300mm OM legacy lens and a matched flash to improve images of birds at a distance. I know I would be happier with a fully compatible M.Zuiko lens, but I am not ready to spend that much.

Where do I start? Can the camera/flash combination do anything automatically- exposure?

Looking for a starting place.

Thanks

I can not commend on your OMD camera, but I routinely use older lenses with my Canon DSLR's when using flash and there is no difference to using new ones, since I rarely use TTL anyway. I like using the flash in manual, because I like to have control over it!