Olympus FC-01 Macro Flash Controller (for use with TF-22 & RF-11 Flash Heads)

The FC-01 has 3 outputs - 2 are for the twin flash flasheads, and one is for the ring flash assembly. The twinflashes are rated at GN22 and the ringflash is rated at GN36. You can only use one at a time.

Doing macro flash photography (even ttl) is difficult because the flash tube is often only 5 inches from the subject it is lighting. Because of this the +/- control for exposure in the camera does not work well, hence the FC-01 takes over the job of adjusting exposure over a +/- 3.0 EV step.

Additionally, the FC-01 turns on the modelling lamps in either flash head when the camera calls for extra illumination for focusing, and has a feature to lock the modeling lights on for a given period of time not to exceed 3 minutes for you to compose the shot. This is a very useful feature to get the flash reflection OUT of the picture before shooting it. If you can see the modeling lights in your composition, they will be bright spots from the flash in the final shot.

You only need to buy one FC-01. Olympus makes this easy by indicating which products include the FC-01. They are prefixed by an S (i.e. SRF-01 or STF-22) After you purchase one of these and have the controller you can for a lower cost add the opposite macro flash by purchasing the model without the S in front (i.e. RF-11 or TF-22).

Because of its greater light output most people will start with the ring flash kit (SRF-01) then add the twin flash later when precise control of lighting is desired. The light from the ring flash will be parallel with the lens, while the twin flash can be rotated and angled inwards for complicated small items. The twin flash can also be dialed down much further than the ring flash in light output by turning off one flash head and setting the other at the minimum guide number. Extremely close objects can be illuminated this way without blooming.

Finally - so long as you start out buying a kit (beginning with an S) you will have the FC-01 and not likely need to buy another one unless you want a ring flash camera and twin flash camera, in which case it's probably cheaper to just buy two kits. If your FC-01 dies later in life, this can be used as a replacement. The LCD is in the same location in back as the FL-50 but does a different function depending on ring flash or twin flash usage.

If you are buying this product be sure to ask why - it is included in the kits with flashtubes, and not an item most people use so often as to need more than one of. It is nice to be able to replace it without having to purchase a whole kit. Note that the unused jacks have caps that must be inserted prior to use to prevent high voltage. There is a safety interlock system in the head that is simple to use and must be secured before charging the capacitor.
Buy Olympus FC-01 Macro Flash Controller (for use with TF-22 & RF-11 Flash Heads)!