Olympus FL-50R Flash

[Hemlockwood]

I am experiencing major problems with this flash unit. When turned on the unit will begin to charge up however, the yellow light does not come on and after a few minutes the green auto check light and the yellow test/charge light flash together. This is usually an indication that I need to replace the batteries but the batteries are brand new so I am very perplexed. When the batteries are removed they are very hot. I really like this unit/model and have used it on numerous occasions for macro work. Any ideas? Is there any hope of recovery/repair

[Ian]

What kind of batteries are they - if you are using disposable you really need decent quality alkaline batteries. The best type of battery to use is NiMH rechargeable as these can delivery plenty of current.

Ian

[Hemlockwood]

Thanks for responding Ian. I am using Duracell. However, I could not obtain Duracell a couple of weeks ago and used Energiser batteries instead. These batteries quickly failed. The new Duracell batteries become very hot and I cannot use the test flash facility. It does not appear to be building up a charge so that I can discharge the flash.

[Wee man]

Heat would suggest a short I am sure you have but check all batteries are inserted correctly. Failing that sounds like a faulty unit?

[Ian]

In my experience the symptoms you are experiencing are down to bad batteries. Old NiMH batteries build up too much impedance. Now although you are using new alkalines is there any chance the Duracells you have are fakes? I would try a good quality set of freshly charged NiMH AAs before writing the FL50R off.

Ian

[Ross the fiddler]

Originally Posted by Ian

In my experience the symptoms you are experiencing are down to bad batteries. Old NiMH batteries build up too much impedance. Now although you are using new alkalines is there any chance the Duracells you have are fakes? I would try a good quality set of freshly charged NiMH AAs before writing the FL50R off.

Ian

And the good (best) NiMH batteries are Eneloop (by Panasonic).

[Ian]

Do we know if the flash was indeed U/S or just the batteries?

Ian

[Hemlockwood]

I put new batteries in the unit. The orange lit up after a couple of minutes. The unit did not flash green and amber as it had done in the past. However, test flash does not work. I have tried the unit on the camera but it still refuses to fire. Very strange Thanks for your interest Ian. I was hoping it was a battery problem but I think it is the end for this unit. I am lost without it!!