18 Feb Review: The Olympus Mini Flash FL-LM3 – super small and versatile
If you see it for the first time, the FL-LM3 literally looks like a toy, almost like a miniature version of a “real” flash.
At less than golf ball size, this is probably the smallest flash I have ever had in my hand.
Since I am using a flash for macro photography almost all the time, I am a big fan small and compact lighting solutions.
In particularly those, that you can have with you all the time and then effortlessly get out and use when needed.
Features of the Olympus FL-LM3 Mini Flash
In 2015 the FL-LM3 was released together with the E-M5 Mark II.
It was often included when buying the body in a kit version.
Cross-brand use: I have read comments, that the FL-LM3 also works on Panasonic cameras (like the GX8) after trimming a bit of an edge for better fit.
Specifications of the Olympus FL-LM3
The flash head can be tilted straight upwards and also be rotated by 180 degree both sides, to cover all possible angles.
There are different guide numbers (GN) to be found on the web (even on the OM/Olympus website), that range from GN9 to GN22 to GN30.
I suspect GN9 is correct (probably at ISO 100 and 14mm).
Also keep in mind that GN are often measured at different zooms, so without knowing the respective zoom, it´s difficult to compare to other flashes´ GN.
Weight: 51 grams
Reading: TTL-Auto
Flash Power Adjustments: 1/1 – 1/64
Price: 64,90 €
OM SYSTEM Onlineshop – buy here (send me an email for an extra discount)
Foto Koch – buy here
Mini-sized for every pocket
With the FL-LM3, there is definitely no excuse anymore to not have a flash with you at any time!
It is so compact that it fits just everywhere.
Olympus / OM SYSTEM obviously had to sacrifice all buttons to change flash settings directly on the flash unit, though.
Changing the power setting is still possible, but takes a bit more time than if we could directly dial it into the flash unit.
Tip: to change the flash power, set it to FULL (Manual Value) on the Super-Control-Panel (OK-menu) and change the output power there (by pressing the INFO button on the OM-1 II).
The only physical controls of the FL-LM3, is an ON/OFF lever on the back, and the unlock botton on the side, to get it off the camera´s hotshoe smoothly.
No batteries needed
No battery changing or loading required with the FL-LM3 flash: it is powered through the hotshoe of and by the camera.
That allows it to be super compact, lightweight and at the same time saves time.
However, the downside of this feature is, that you cannot use it as an off-camera flash (except by using a flash-cord), due to the missing standalone power source.
If you plan on using the flash a lot, the missing battery could also be a problem – whereas it is perfect as a compact backup solution to always have with you.
Commander at your service
You can use the FL-LM3 as a command unit to trigger wireless flashes off-camera.
Weather sealed
Just like we are used from the OM SYSTEM (Olympus) products, the FL-LM3 is also sealed agsinst dust and splashes and hence perfectly integrates into the OM outdoor concept.
This also sets it apart from other super compact flashes (like the Ulanzi SL03).
Modes
Don´t expect too much here, this is a simple flash.
Aside from changing the flash power, it does not have any fancy features or modes.
Knowing that, it is what it is and should be used accordingly – if more is needed, please get a standard speedlite flash.
The shortcomings of the FL-LM3
While it would be great to have setting controls on the flash and it would make it the perfect tiny flash, it is understandable that these features are missing, given the super compact size.
However, the abundance of direct control features are definitely the weakness of the small flash, when compared to its larger relatives.
For quick adjustments, the need to go to the camera menu, simply breaks any optimized workflow.
Careful: the FL-LM3 does not work in any of the silent modes! While it is a great little flash this makes it useless if you are going for smaller focus stacks or focus brackets.
Not compatible: I have no idea why OM decided to do that, but the FL-LM3 mini flash is NOT compatible with the recently released OM-5 II.
Can the FL-LM3 replace a battery-powered speedlite?
A side-by-side comparison of the specs of both the FL-LM3 and any other small and compact flash / speedlite, shows that the FL-LM3 lacks the power of those in comparison.
However, all these other flashes have their own batteries and hence an independent and standalone power source.
Comparing these, is like comparing apples to pears – they are fruits but they look and taste different.
Given for what the FL-LM3 is created for, it does a great job, even though it does lack the reliable power source of battery-powered flashes.
It is a cheap flash to always have on you – just in case.
And given its compactness, it is actually stronger than you might assume at first glance.
An alternative with USB-C rechargeable battery: Ulanzi SL03
The Ulanzi SL 03 Spark Lite Mini Flash has an additional mini LED panel.
It is even lighter than the FL-LM3, despite having a rechargeable battery built-in.
However it is lacking the TTL metering, can only be dialed down to 1/8, cannot be rotated and is purely manual.
It has other strengths though.
Read my review on the Ulanzi SL03 here.
Ulanzi SL03 Spark Lite Mini Camera Flash
Is the FL-LM3 a good investment for macro photography?
So, can the FL-LM3 be used for macro photography?
Yes, to an extent: if you have time to control it via the camera menu and also manage to get the flash channelled towards the front end of the lens via a reflector and/or diffuser, then its more than suitable to photograph macro with it.
Recently I have experimented with it to be used in combination with wide angle lenses with a very short minimum focusing distance.
You have to be careful to not cast a shadow with the lens on the widest end, though.
Proper diffusion helps here.
Also, using it on an off-camera cord on an articulated arm, combined with a diffuser, makes for a flexible yet super light macro setup.
It is considerably more compact and lightweight than an off-camera setup with Godox MF12 units, for example.
However the FL-LM3 is not suitable for automated focus stacking and focus bracketing with OM SYSTEM, as it does not work with the electronic shutter and lacks power for bigger stacks.
When dialed down to 1/64 or 1/32, the flash can actually be used for sequential shooting and can easily fire 50 shots and more at about a guessed 1/3s (I did not measure the exact time).
If you work with multi-unit flash setups, for mushroom photography for example, then the FL-LM3 can be a nice and compact trigger, if compatible with the other flashes.
Conclusion
If you know me, you know I am a sucker for multi-purpose and portable lighting equipment.
My collection of USB-C-chargeable LED lights in all forms and small flashes is ever growing, with the Godox MF12 flashes being my favorites so far, when it comes to super compact flashes.
The Olympus FL-LM3 cannot compete with the MF12, but that was never the intention.
Measured at only a fraction of the Mf12´s dimensions, the FL-LM3 is great to have portable lighting with you anywhere and at any time.
As it is powered via the camera´s battery, there is no need to recharge it or change batteries – ever.
Despite being controlled via camera only, it is nice that the FL-LM3 can be dialed down to 1/64 power for controlled lighting.
Do I actually use the FL-LM3?
It is my always-on-me fall back solution and hence always in my bag.
I do not use it often during field trips, but I have used it for specific setups that require a low flash profile and it has indeed saved me a couple of times when I was out with empty flash batteries.
Buying the FL-LM3
Foto Koch Onlineshop: 64,89 Euro
OM SYSTEM Onlineshop: 79,90 Euro (send me an Email to get an additional account for the onlineshop)
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