Olympus Imaging Corporation (President Masaharu Okubo) has announced plans for the release of accessories, including electronic flahes, eye cups and a power battery holder, for the Olympus E-System of interchangeable-lens digital SLR cameras.

The new FL-50R and FL-36R Electronic Flashes add wireless multi-flash photography capability (when used with the forthcoming E-3 D-SLR camera). To help users make the most of the outstanding performance available from these new flashes, Olympus will also be releasing a variety of accessories to expand, enhance, and improve their lighting effects.

Also scheduled for release this year are the DE-P3 and DE-N3 Diopter-Correcting Eye Cups, which extend the diopter correction range towards the positive side and negative side respectively. When these eye cups are used, the diopter correction range of the camera body can be extended to cover from -6 to +4m^-1.

In addition, Olympus also plans to release various dedicated accessories for the E-3 camera at the same time as the camera. These include the HLD-4 Power Battery Holder, which can hold up to two Lithium Ion Batteries BLM-1 together with the same battery accommodated in the E-3 body, the CS-7SH Semi-Hard Case, and the FS-3 Focusing Screen* featuring a grid matte screen.

Release Information

Common accessories for Olympus E-System Cameras

Product Name		Release Schedule
Electronic Flash	FL-50R	Nov. 23 , 2007
	FL-36R	Dec. 2007
Diopter-Correcting Eye Cup	DE-P3 (for positive correction extension)	Nov. 23 , 2007
	DE-N3 (for negative correction extension)
Eye Cup	EP-7
Grip Strap	GS-3

E-3-dedicated accessories

Product Name		Release Schedule
Power Battery Holder	HLD-4	Nov. 23 , 2007
Semi Hard Case	CS-7SH

Product Name		Release Schedule
Focusing Screen	FS-3	Nov. 23 , 2007

*	Focusing Screen FS-3 can be purchased or serviced for replacement only at an Olympus service agent or Olympus Plaza.

Common accessories for Olympus E-System Cameras

[ Electronic Flashes FL-50R & FL-36R ]

FL-50R	FL-36R

Product Outline

In the past, when the film camera was dominant, wireless multi-flash photography tended to be restricted only to professional photographer with the requisite knowledge and experience. However, with the arrival of the digital age, the ability to check pictures immediately after shooting them has greatly mitigated the risk of failure, helping to make wireless multi-flash photography increasingly popular among amateurs as well as professionals.

The advantages of wireless and multi-flash operations lie in the reduction in the size and volume of the equipment and the easy creation of effective lighting thanks to easy setting.

Also new on the FL-50R and FL-36R are also compatible with the "Olympus Wireless RC Flash System" based on the "RC data transfer" wireless communication format developed originally by Olympus. This makes possible versatile wireless multi-flash photography when combined with the E-3 D-SLR camera that will be released at the same time.

(Note)

The E3 is the only camera compatible with the Olympus Wireless RC Flash System as of October 2007. The traditional clip-on flash system is usable with any camera model.

Main Feature

FL-50R/FL-36R common features

1. Wireless multi-flash photography
   Made possible by the implementation of compatibility with the "Olympus Wireless RC Flash System" based on the Olympus-original "RC data transfer" wireless communication format, this function is available when these flashes are used with the new E-3 D-SLR camera. Three wireless flashing control groups can be set up independently so that control of multiple flashes is possible even in an environment in which both the FL-50R and FL-36R coexist. In addition, four information channels are available to prevent interference with the control of other users. Any of the flashing modes available with the clip-on flash system (TTL-AUTO/AUTO/MANUAL/FP TTL-AUTO/FP MANUAL) can be used and the intensities of different flash groups can be set according to the user's preference.
   When these flashes are used in combination with the new E-3 D-SLR camera, which features a commander function incorporated in the built-in flash, wireless multi-flash photography is possible without using an outside commander. This system also ensures the same body balance as in normal photography.
   In addition, the centralized control/display system makes it possible to enter and check all of the selected items on the Super Control Panel directly on the back of the camera body. This ensures excellent operability and mobility without stress for the user.
2. 
   
3. Slave function
   The slave function allows these flashes to be used with other Olympus SLR cameras with manual flashing capability and SP Series compact cameras with slave mode operation capability. In addition, they can also be interlocked with a large strobe in the studio.

FL-50R unique features

1. High performance thanks to digital-dedicated design
   Exclusively designed for digital, the light emitting and brightness control circuitry achieve uniform irradiation in the picture area and high brightness control accuracy. The FL-50R has a rotary head that can be rotated in four directions. Thanks to the high light intensity, the guide number is as high as 28 at 12 mm (equivalent to 24 mm with 35 mm camera) and 50 at 42 mm (equivalent to 85 mm with 35 mm camera) (when the ISO speed is 100).
   The irradiation angle is set either by automatic zooming according to the interchangeable lens or by manual setting, while the built-in wide panel makes it possible to effectively cover the wide irradiation angle required with a focal distance of 8 mm (equivalent to 16 mm with 35 mm camera).
   When the SHV-1 Flash High-Voltage Set (optionally available) is used, it is possible to charge the flash within less than 1.3 second.
2. 
   
3. Accessories for enhanced lighting effects
   For enhanced lighting effects, the FL-50R comes with FLBA-1 Bounce Adapter and FLRA-1 Reflected Adapter as standard accessories. The FLBA-1 mounts on the flash head and diffuses the irradiation light to soften the bounce light by attenuate the contours of shadows produced in bounce shooting.
   The FLRA-1 mounts on the flash head using a special rubber belt. It not only provides a catch light effect, but also softens the effect of the bounce lighting by offering auxiliary frontal irradiation to eliminate the shadows produced in bounce shooting. It can mount on the shorter edge of the flash head as well as on the longer edge. This allows it to be used in both ceiling bouncing in vertical shooting and wall bouncing in horizontal shooting, and makes it possible to take advantage of bounce lighting in a much wider range of shooting situations.

FL-36R unique features

1. High performance in a compact unit thanks to digital-dedicated design
   Exclusively designed for digital, the light emitting and brightness control circuitry achieve uniform irradiation in the picture area and high brightness control accuracy. The FL-36R has a rotary head that can be rotated in four directions. The guide number is 20 at 12 mm (equivalent to 24 mm with 35 mm camera) and 36 at 42 mm (equivalent to 85 mm with 35 mm camera) (when the ISO speed is 100).
   The irradiation angle is set either by automatic zooming according to the interchangeable lens or by manual setting, while the built-in wide panel makes it possible to effectively cover the wide irradiation angle required with a focal distance of 8 mm (equivalent to 16 mm with 35 mm cameras).
   Powered by two "AA-size" batteries, the FL-36R exemplifies the compatibility of high performance and compact size.

Compatibility	FL-50R	FL-36R
E-1	Clip-on	Clip-on
E-3	Clip-on / Wireless	Clip-on / Wireless
E-300	Clip-on	Clip-on
E-500	Clip-on	Clip-on
E-330	Clip-on	Clip-on
E-400	Clip-on	Clip-on
E-410	Clip-on	Clip-on
E-510	Clip-on	Clip-on

Accessories for Electronic Flashes FL-50R/FL-36R

Product Name	Release Schedule
Bounce Adapter FLBA-1 (Provided as standard with FL-50R)	Nov. 23, 2007
Reflector Adapter FLRA-1 (Provided as standard with FL-50R)
Flash Stand FLST-1 (Provided as standard with FL-50R/FL-36R)

FLBA-1	FLRA-1	FLST-1

Bounce Adapter FLBA-1
The FLBA-1 mounts on the flash head and diffuses the irradiation light to soften the bounce lighting by attenuating the contours of shadows produced in bounce shooting. It can also mount on the previous FL-50 Electronic Flash.

Reflector Adapter FLRA-1
The FLRA-1 not only provides a catch light effect, but also softens the effect of bounce lighting by providing auxiliary frontal irradiation to eliminate the shadows produced in bounce shooting. It can be mounted on the shorter edge of the flash head as well as on the longer edge. This allows it to be used in both ceiling bouncing in vertical shooting and wall bouncing in horizontal shooting, and makes it possible to take advantage of bounce lighting in a much wider range of shooting situations. The FLRA-1 can also be mounted on the previous FL-50 and FL-36 Electronic Flashes, as well as on the newly released FL-36R Electronic Flash.

Flash Stand FLST-1
The FLST-1 is an easy-to-install flash stand equipped with highly durable metallic screws. It is designed for use with both the FL-50R and FL-36R.

 

[ Diopter-Correcting Eye Cups ]

DE-P3 (for positive correction extension) & DE-N3 (for negative correction extension)

DE-P3 (for positive correction extension)	DE-N3 (for negative correction extension)	EP-7

Product Outline

Previous Olympus E-Series cameras had a diopter adjustment range between -3 and +1m^-1, but many users wanted diopter correction with a wider range. To meet their requirements for a more precise viewfinder image, we have developed new and more advanced diopter-correcting eye cups.
In order to ensure coverage of the total diopter correction range from -6 to +4m^-1, two types of diopter-correcting eye cups will be released. These will ensure an accurate, stable viewfinder image that corresponds with the user's eyesight.

Main Features

Diopter-Correcting Eye Cup DE-P3 (for positive correction extension)
The DE-P3 provides diopter extension in the positive direction by shifting the diopter by +3m^-1. When installed on the viewfinder eyepiece, the diopter can be extended up to +4m^-1 so that even farsighted users can see the viewfinder images clearly. The DE-P3 is a large-sized eye cup with an easy-to-attach/detach slide-in type mechanism. To help screen out extraneous light (including sunlight) the cup is made of a soft rubber material that is comfortable and eye-friendly.

Diopter-Correcting Eye Cup DE-N3 (for negative correction extension)
The DE-B3 provides diopter extension in the negative direction by shifting the diopter by -3m^-1. When installed on the viewfinder eyepiece, the diopter can be extended down to -6m^-1 so that even shortsighted users can see the viewfinder images clearly.
Like the DE-P3, the DE-N3 is also a large-sized eye cup with an easy-to-attach/detach slide-in type mechanism. To help screen out extraneous light (including sunlight) the cup is made of a soft rubber material that is comfortable and eye-friendly.

Eye Cup EP-7
The EP-7 is a large-size eye cup with slide-in design for easy attaching. Suitable for users who wear glasses while shooting. Provided as standard with the E-3.

*	These eye cups cannot be attached to the E-1. They are compatible with any E-System camera body except for the E-1 as shown below.

Compatibility	DE-P3	DE-N3	EP-7
E-1	No	No	No
E-3	Yes	Yes	Yes
E-300	Yes	Yes	Yes
E-500	Yes	Yes	Yes
E-330	Yes	Yes	Yes
E-400	Yes	Yes	Yes
E-410	Yes	Yes	Yes
E-510	Yes	Yes	Yes

[Grip Strap GS-3]

GS-3

The GS-3 grip strap makes it easier to hold the camera when the HLD-4 Power Battery Holder is used in combination with the E-3 camera. The GS-3 strap can also be attached to FP-1 Flash Power Grip.

[ E-3-dedicated accessories ]

HLD-4	AABH-1

CS-7SH	FS-3

Power Battery Holder HLD-4
Main Features

1. Excellent operability in vertical shooting
   In addition to a shutter button for vertical shooting, a 2-button, 2-dial control system is provided to ensure the same operability as in horizontal shooting.
2. 
   
   
3. Reliable dust/drip-proof mechanism
   The exterior is sealed at several points to provide dust- and drip-proof performance at the same level as the E-3 camera body. This ensures strong support for photography even under severe conditions.
4. 
   
   
5. Versatile battery system
   To deal with a large shooting volume, the HLD-4 holds up to two BLM-1 Lithium Ion Batteries. These are the same as the battery used in the E-3 camera body. The AABH-1 AA-size Battery Holder is also provided to enable use of easily available AA-size batteries while traveling or in the case of an emergency.

Accessories for Power Battery Holder HLD-4

Product Name	Release Schedule
"AA-size" Battery Holder AABH-1 (Provided as standard with HLD-4)	Nov. 23, 2007

AA-size Battery Holder AABH-1
Specially designed to accommodate AA-size batteries, the AABH01 battery holder can be used with the HLD-4 in place of the BLM-1 type rechargeable batteries in situations in which recharging is difficult such as when traveling or in the case of an emergency.

Semi-Hard Case CS-7SH
The CS-7SH is a dedicated semi-hard case designed to accommodate the E-3 camera and an interchangeable lens ^(*) such as the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 SWD lens. The case provides excellent shock and impact protection for the camera and lens.

Focusing Screen FS-3
The FS-3 is a focusing screen with a grid matte screen, on which the image area is divided into 4 x 6 areas. The bright screen facilitates focusing and makes it easier to frame shots with horizontal/vertical check capability in landscape shooting. It also enables accurate duplication of printed photos with the macro lens.

*	Focusing Screen FS-3 can be purchased or serviced for replacement only at an Olympus service agent or Olympus Plaza.

• World's fastest AF speed New digital SLR camera E-3—providing spend, image quality and reliability at the highest level
• 3 types of new interchangeable lens (two types of standard zoom lens and one super-telephoto lens) featuring Supersonic Wave Drive for quiet, ultra-fast AF
• New high and double performance teleconverter lens, ZUIKO DIGITAL 2x Teleconverter EC-20