Olympus 35RC issues

[charjohncarter]

I've used the Flashmatic on two of my semi-disposible 70s P&S cameras: 35RC and C35. It does work, but with the 35RC and an auto-thyristor flash; that combo seemed to work better. I don't think there is anything wrong with the camera. I just think the flash maker 'fake' their GN numbers.

 

[fototaco]

I've used the Flashmatic on two of my semi-disposible 70s P&S cameras: 35RC and C35. It does work, but with the 35RC and an auto-thyristor flash; that combo seemed to work better. I don't think there is anything wrong with the camera. I just think the flash maker 'fake' their GN numbers.

Does this mean you use and auto-flash option on the flash AND the flashmatic mode (thunder bolt option on f-stop ring?)

cheers

 

[BernardL]

update:
I have two questions:
1. Is this flash safe to use with the Olympus RC or is there a chance that it might be too much power and destroy the electronics? (it sure is a lot bigger than the small camera)

It's safe. The flash circuit is just a contact that closes when the shutter is open. The rest of the "electronics" is just a series circuit of battery, CdS cell, and galvanometer. Separate from flash sync; and, anyway, no transistor, integrated circuit, or the like.

2. If I want to use flashmatic mode - I set the flash to manual mode. The flash has a guide number 30 to ISO 100. Can I just set the guide number 30 on my Olympus RC

Yes. Be aware of the distinction between guide numbers in feet or meters.

 

[Solinar]

Yes. Be aware of the distinction between guide numbers in feet or meters.

Don't forget to factor in the film speed. A flash unit that has a GN rating for 100 ISO film of GN14 in meters or GN45 in feet will need to be rated to a higher number for ISO 200 film. In this case a factor of 1.4. So, the exact same flash unit will need to be rated at GN 20 in meters or GN 65, if you switch to ISO 200 film.

There's an inverse square law formula in there somewhere. The GN ratings for ISO 400 film are double the GN for ratings of that particular flash for 100 ISO film.

 

[fototaco]

Thanks a lot for the answers! A lot to learn from you all!

 

[charjohncarter]

Does this mean you use and auto-flash option on the flash AND the flashmatic mode (thunder bolt option on f-stop ring?)

cheers

No, I use the camera f/stops and match those with the auto setting on the flash. One of the great benefits of the 35RC is it does it all (except shutter priority). The flash synch above 1/125 is really a help with fill flash, I've also used 1/500 for beating the sun flash, and sports flash.

This is an uninspired photo but it shows fill flash:


Fuji C-41 200 Olympus 35RC by John Carter, on Flickr

 

[fototaco]

This is an uninspired photo but it shows fill flash:

Okay, thanks that makes sense!