C5000 flash in supermacro mode?

[rhlee]

I'm trying to work out some close-up focus issues, and it was suggested that I investigate my camera's super-macro mode. However, my camera doesn't fire its flash in super-macro mode but I was told that there is some kind of "code" that can be used to trick it into firing and was told to ask around on camera forums online. Does this sound familiar to anybody, and if so, how can I do this?

I was told this was likely to bring greater success than getting a macro lens. My goal here is to be able to shoot close-up (<12") on small subjects like nudibranchs.

thanks.

 

[herman]

Not sure about the C5000 but the C5050 must be in manual mode (M) and the flash set to slave mode before it will work in supermacro. It will not fire in any of the other modes- P/A/S. I suspect the C5000 is the same. If you are not shooting in manual, it's well worth learning to use. I took a look at the 5000 manual, go to the page that describes using it with an exteral flash and set the flash like you were using an external strobe. You can also vary the strobe power in the C5000, that comes in useful on some reflective objects.

 

[rhlee]

I tried this, but the internal flash still does not fire.

I'm in M mode, with S-macro on and the flash setting set to external (well, I also tried internal + external), but it still does not fire. Any other ideas?

thanks.

 

[alcina]

do you have a slave mode for your flash? On the 5050 there are at least three choices:
- internal
- external + internal
- slave

For it to shoot in supermacro, you have to choose slave (and you can set the intensity 1 to 10).

 

[rhlee]

:frown:

Unfortunately no. I just double-checked both the camera and the manual, and it only lists internal+external, and external.

Oh the things I wish I knew before I selected a camera... :frown:

 

[Gilligan]

I'm trying to work out some close-up focus issues, and it was suggested that I investigate my camera's super-macro mode. However, my camera doesn't fire its flash in super-macro mode but I was told that there is some kind of "code" that can be used to trick it into firing and was told to ask around on camera forums online. Does this sound familiar to anybody, and if so, how can I do this?

I was told this was likely to bring greater success than getting a macro lens. My goal here is to be able to shoot close-up (<12") on small subjects like nudibranchs.

thanks.

The camera was designed not to have the internal flash fire in the super macro mode because the lens is too close to the subject. So even if you could get it too fire your pictures would be no good unless you were using a slave strobe and blocking the cameras internal strobe.

Try using the camera in the "M" mode and with manual white balance calibrated at the depth of your subject. You can then do some post adjustments in Photoshop or the like. You will be surprised at the quality you will get in the super macro mode with good visibility and ambient light. Of course greater depths will cut the ambient light.

Assuming you are not using an external slave strobe, these photos were all taken using manual white balance and no strobe. The last one was with super macro.

I am using an Olympus C4000Z which also does alow me to use the flash in macro mode and I have no slave mode.