Olypmus TG4 with Seafrog Case - what flash can I get?

[Schenkeli]

Hi,
I have a TG4 with a seafrog case and would like to add a flash to it but I can't find any information which flash would work. The Olympus UFL-3? Is it compatibel with my case? Do I also need an extra arm to connect it to the case? And the cable also needs to be bought seperatly?

Are there other cheaper and / or better alternatives? Thanks for your help!

TG4 seafrog case: https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B077VHYVDT
Olypmpus UFL-3 Flash: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00MVOVF9I
Arm: https://www.amazon.de/Olympus-PTSA-03-Short-Underwater-Housing/dp/B001CETX9M
Cabel: https://www.amazon.de/Olympus-PTCB-E02-optisches-Fiberkabel-Lichtwellenleiterkabel/dp/B001CETX9W

 

[CanadaDan]

Any strobe that can be triggered with a fibre optic cable will work.The combo you have put together is compatible.

The arm referenced is fine. It's rather short so you may end up with backscatter in your shots. The other option is a ball mount on the case shoe, a longer arm and then the strobe. Would cost about the same but would give a greater angle between the strobe and lens.
Backscatter in underwater photography, cause and prevention

You're already in the entry level options so there isn't much cheaper that would be worth it. My last Sea&Sea strobe was twice the price.

I've rarely had a cable included with anything. Don't skimp on the cable... there is really a difference in quality.

References:

Housing Olympus TG-3 / TG-4 60m/195ft SeaFrogs Underwater Camera Housing (Pink)
Note the reference to dual fibre optic ports

Strobe https://cs.olympus-imaging.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/manual/pen/man_ufl3_e.pdf
Note the fibre optic socket on the face of the strobe (pg 12)

 

[Schenkeli]

Hi Dan, thanks for your help.
Do you have an example for a ball mount and a longer arm that you would recommend? I don't mind to invest a little bit more if it makes a real difference (or provides more upgrade options in the future) but I do not want to invest like 2.000$ to "only" get a flash on my camera. I'm not that much into UW-photography (yet).
Or is there any article that describes basic setups?
Cheers,
Thomas

 

[CanadaDan]

2.5"/6.9cm Cold shoe - 1" ball adapter

1" Ball Clamp For underwater arm system

8"/20.5cm Aluminium one inch ball & YS head adapter arm

 

[Schenkeli]

Thanks a million - so these three items instead of the one arm I posted will give me more distance between camera and flash and thus less backscatter - and also more flexibility for future inverstments.

And the original flash from Olympus and the fibre cabel I posted are fine for an entry level or would you recommend something else for these items as well?

Very much appreciated,
Thomas

 

[CanadaDan]

Yes, the arm setup I pointed out will certainly be more adaptable down the road... it's also cheaper.

While you COULD spend more money and get a higher power and faster cycling strobe I would start with the Olympus and learn with it.

The biggest thing you can do for your photography is dive more. Instinctual buoyancy control and situational awareness is key for diving safely while getting good pictures. Take something like the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy course from a seasoned instructor (one of those divers that just seems to hover, ascend and descend seemingly by mind control). You also want to be trimmed perfectly so you're not finning towards the bottom and kicking up silt. Don't get so focused on taking pictures that you loose your buddy, loose track of your depth, air & time or otherwise endanger yourself, your buddy or the environment.

 

[Schenkeli]

Thanks Dan, exactly my thinking: Experience is worth more than expensive equipment. And good to hear, that other more experienced UW-photographers see it the same way.
Happy diving.