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RE: [OM] OM2S With Sunpak Flash

Subject: RE: [OM] OM2S With Sunpak Flash
From: jowilcox <jowilcox@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 14 Feb 2001 13:54:49 -0600
Original message from Bill Miller:
>I just purchased a Sunpak Flash which supports TTL in program and auto
>mode.
>1). Should I set the the lens to f/16 when using program mode?

Yes, probably, although there are no advantages to using TTL flash in program 
mode, and the disadvantage is that you probably won't get the DOF of the 
actual stop it is set to.  Use auto mode because you'll get exactly the lens 
setting you want.

>2). How can determine the distance that the flash can be used?

I use the flash's manual guide slide rule as the resource for this.

>3). Sunpak states that the shutter speed should be a 30th of a second,
>    with all other flashes I have used I have always used a 60th,
>    Is a 30th common?

There is a very obscure statement like this in one of the Olympus manuals too.
 1/60 is the fastest sync you can use with TTL, but slower speeds are 
possible.  I think the 1/30 setting may be "recommended" in order to blend 
some ambient light in under most circumstances.  But I find it a somewhat 
bizarre recommendation.

>4). What are the pro/cons using TTL for Flash?

There is no short answer to this.  It beckons with the illusion of convenience 
and precision, let's say.  But TTL is frequently the opposite.  In very many 
situations it will cause the flash to overpower your subject (this could have 
something to do with that 1/30 sec recommendation, but why don't they say 
so?).  When in doubt about this, take a bracket in which you use the exposure 
comp dial to decrease exposure -2/3 stop.

>5).  Does anyone have any suggestions using TTL with a flash or
>     know where I might get more information?

There are lots of books on this since the principles are pretty much the same 
from one camera brand to the next.  You might try securing a copy of Shipman 
("How to Buy and Use Olympus Cameras").  I'm pretty sure he covers it and the 
books are otherwise pretty good general reference.  One or the other of your 
OM-2S manuals covers it too I believe.

Since you're used to figuring manual flash, keep doing that even though you 
shoot in TTL mode.  Use auto mode only.  Then you'll have the good sense to 
stop down when you get closer to the subject so that the flash will be able to 
work correctly and that sort of thing.  Good luck and have fun!

Joel W.


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