Getting my internal flash fixed on 5050

[Gizmo]

Hi there,

Does anyone know how difficult a task is it to replace the bulb in the internal flash on a 5050. My blew a while ago and it hasn't bothered me as I don't use the flash underwater yet.... but want to get a strobe and utilise the preflash to trigger the Strobe, so need to get it fixed.

Mark

[Cussy]

Mark,
No experience of this, but my experience of getting anything done by Olympus is that they want a considerable amount of money just to look at the camera and that fixing is then quite costly. As a result I wrote off my C4000.

I think I was quoted £75 by Jessops just to get Olympus to assess my camera. If I was in your shoes with this sort of quote, I would consider getting one of proper TTL adaptors from Heinrich (http://www.heinrichsweikamp.net/blitz/indexe.htm). I just checked and the 5050 is compatible. You don't need an internal flash when using this and can get a slightly better strobe and control it properly with TTL. I'm considering this option for my 7070 and YS25 as the strobe was bought for the C4000.

Rob

[Gizmo]

Originally Posted by Cussy

... I would consider getting one of proper TTL adaptors from Heinrich (http://www.heinrichsweikamp.net/blitz/indexe.htm). I just checked and the 5050 is compatible. You don't need an internal flash when using this and can get a slightly better strobe and control it properly with TTL. I'm considering this option for my 7070 and YS25 as the strobe was bought for the C4000.

Rob

Hey Rob, I have had a look at this website some time back, I think I got a link from here and tbh the idea of cutting into my housing etc has put me off somewhat. I haven't quite got my head around what is required yet, it also looks like it is just the hotshoe adapter so still would have to get all the other components... BTW, looking at the website it didn't mention that the YS25 was compatable with the hotshoe attachment?

Mark

[TimIngmire]

Hi Mark,

TBH, as Rob said you may find that is not cheap to get the camera repaired if it is out of warranty. I posted a link back a while ago to a shop that sold recon 5050's for about £150 - this may be an option for you.

Or, use the adapter as Rob has suggested. I don't think that you need to cut into the housing - AIUI the new receiver can be glued on. Or failing that try and buy a Mark 1 adapter where the receiver is held on with cable ties. I have one and it works well but you need to make sure that it is aligned well with the emitter. I don't use mine any more BTW

If you want a strobe to go with the adapter just see what works from the website and then keep an eye on ebay and the 2nd hand bits of this site, digital diver et al and also site like Alan James Photography.

HTH

Tim

[Gizmo]

Thanks Tim, tbh I got myself a bit lost with it all.

I thought that there were two options

Using the hotshoe adapter then the cable from the strobe (whichever that may be) needs to connect direct onto that, hence the hole in the housing.

Or

A sensor mounted infront of the internal flash to trigger the strobe in a non TTL but almost TTL sort of manner.

However

Is there a mystic third way...... {que music from the twilight zone} that my meagre understanding of this topic hasn't grasped that involves some sort of emitter & sensor connected to the hotshoe onto the strobe giving full TTL and a very happy chap..... Hence no hole and full TTL.......

Please tell me this is so and if it is I got your hint....... '' send me a pm with the gorry details please......

Mark

[TimIngmire]

Mark, I would never drill a hole into any housing - its more than I would risk.

Yep, the third way is dead simple because of the clear housing, you have a little emitter that sits in your hot shoe and send a signal to a receiver that you attach to the outside of the housing - This receiver takes a standard cable (in my case a Sea and Sea Nikonos type) which is attached at the other end to my Inon Strobe. All very clever.

Are you at the Stoney YD meet this Saturday? If so then I can show you there.

Tim

[Gizmo]

Originally Posted by TimIngmire

Mark, I would never drill a hole into any housing - its more than I would risk.

Yep, the third way is dead simple because of the clear housing, you have a little emitter that sits in your hot shoe and send a signal to a receiver that you attach to the outside of the housing - This receiver takes a standard cable (in my case a Sea and Sea Nikonos type) which is attached at the other end to my Inon Strobe.* All very clever.

Are you at the Stoney YD meet this Saturday?* If so then I can show you there.

Tim

I am hoping to be at Stoney, depends on family commitments though.
I will look out for you, I shall be the one with children hanging off every arm.....!!!

It definitely seems the third way is the way to go. Thanks Tim & Rob, this has definitely cleared up things for me on this.... next off to ebay........... anyone selling a strobe, arm, cable......

[TimIngmire]

Mark, I have a few other bits and peices that I'm no longer using inc tray, handle, WAL and lens dock (for you you're not using the WAL underwater).

I'll bring it all on Saturday.

Tim

[Gizmo]

Originally Posted by TimIngmire

Mark, I have a few other bits and peices that I'm no longer using inc tray, handle, WAL and lens dock (for you you're not using the WAL underwater).

I'll bring it all on Saturday.

Tim

That'll be great.. Thanks once again

Mark

[Cussy]

Tim
If Mark isn't interested in the WA lens dock, I would be if its 67mm. What's the handle like? Could I put it on a Sea & Sea tray?
Rob