Olympus EM flash unit failure...again!

[jlyle]

I've been diving with an EM5 for several years. I've had three camera flash units fail; randomly not firing or doing a full dump. Thankfully, I now carry spares as backup.

Is anyone else having this problem? Is it the capacitor failing? Is this a know problem to Olympus?

 

[bvanant]

I have been on trips where at least 3 people had failures. I always carry a bunch of spares to lend out. I am now using the Nauticam LED trigger and that has been reliable so far (cross your fingers).
Bill

 

[Reefwalker]

I've seen three OM10's with failed flash units, problem is with these is the flash is built-in... doh !

 

[Gdog]

I havent had any trouble yet with my EM5 (knocking on wood....) but thanks to you jlyle I now have a spare on hand!

 

[abernat]

I was on a liveaboard when another photographer had a complete flash failure. So on my return I bought a spare. When checking a year later, one of the two was dead so I bought another spare. Then I read this thread and bought the Nauticam LED trigger. Be careful out there!

 

[HAK888]

just returned on live aboard Xmas/NY Raja Ampat and flashed failed. Initially thought it was connection problem and on/off camera and took off/inserted flash during surface interval. worked 3-4 times during tests. Took down for last dive of trip taking photos of pygmy seahorse and boom....died on me. Will look into the Nauticam LED. Users beware - plan accordingly.

 

[uke4chris]

Are you refering to the Olympus LM3 flash? or the Olympus LM2?

 

[jlyle]

LM2

 

[Ardy]

I only use them on UW trips and have had no failures YET. I am off end of April and will take all 3 of the LM2's I have.
Thanks for the tip, this could ruin a trip.
Q! does the LED trigger work in an Olympus housing? I am guessing not but thought I would ask....

 

[bvanant]

The nauticam LED trigger works in the nauticam housing only but the Turtle might work in the OLY housing.
Bill