Olympus E-20N - Manual (Page 100)

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Using Other Flash Units with the Camera
An external flash unit not designed for this camera can be connected to either the hot
shoe or the synchro socket on the left side of the camera and used, provided that it
meets the conditions described below. However, please remember that a generic
external flash unit, unlike the dedicated FL-40 flash unit, cannot be used to control the
intensity of the flash.
Requirements for other flash units used with this camera
1. Use a flash unit with an angle of illumination wider than the range of the camera.
The focal length of this camera is 35 mm - 140 mm (1.3 in. - 5.6 in.), calculated based on 35 mm
film, and requires that the angle of illumination be wider than the focal length used. In order to
use the full focal length area, over 35 mm is required. In order to bring into use the remaining
portion of the illumination area, use an external flash with a wide adapter.
2. When using full flash, set the flash timing shorter than 5ms.
With a ring flash, or other flash unit with long flash duration, the shutter may close during the
flash and part of the light might not be used in the exposure.
3. Do not attempt to use any flash unit (other than the FL-40) which employs electronic flash
control between the flash unit and the camera.
Setting a non-dedicated flash unit
1. Using auto flash (controlled by the external flash)
The intensity of the flash must be adjusted with the controls on the flash unit. The f/stop and ISO
settings on the flash unit must match these settings on the camera. Depending on the shooting
conditions, you may not be able to achieve satisfactory exposure. In this case, you will have to
adjust the aperture values and ISO settings on both the camera and the external flash unit. Flash
control settings performed on the camera are ignored by the flash unit.
2. If you want to set the guide number on the external flash, calculate the aperture value
from the guide number, camera-to-subject distance, and the ISO setting.
Cautions about using external flash units other than the FL-40
Even when is displayed, a generic external flash fires for every shot. If you do not want the flash
to fire, switch if off. If the flash continues to fire after the flash is switched off, disconnect the flash
from the camera. Further, the intensity of such a flash must be controlled by adjustments on the
external flash unit. The results in your pictures could differ, depending on the shooting conditions,
type of external flash unit used, and the camera settings. Please understand that we cannot
guarantee the performance of the camera and picture quality when a flash unit not designed for this
camera is used.