Super macro with flash on Oly SP-350

As I've taken more trips with the new rig (SP-350/PT-030) I've been doing a lot of macros. Because I wanted a full frame and lots of detail, as I've become aquainted with the settings and started to play more with personal settings and RAW, I decided to set up a "My" setting on super macro. In terms of detail, it works great (see photos on Scuba Board member gallery, Larry C.) The only hang up is with the reason that Oly doesn't allow a flash on Super macro (you have to set it for slave to get a flash) The lens obscures part of the light at distances closer than 4 inches. While I can edit out a lot of the shadow, I'd like better light, obviously. I have a strobe coming (Sunpak). Hopefully, correctly aimed that will help. If I go to an add on macro lens, will that exacerbate the problem or let me get the same pic from a little greater distance? What about reflected light. Anybody try a mirror down there, or maybe a white reflective surface?

Larry,

You'll also have the same problem with a WA lens on. I've been talking with Inon America. They're coming out with an adapter that will allow the SP350 to use either their macro or WA wet lenses at the end of March.

PS.. I've used the Oly strobe in super macro and it will work. The problem with the sunpak will be the rigid, non-flexible arm. In order to get my strobe to work with super macro the flash had to be directly over the subject without casting a shadow from the lens.

Sounds like I should order some of that flex link gas line that people are using to extend their strobe arms. Any more dives with yours? How's the Oly flash working out with that oil derrick you've got it on? Have you messed with different TTL settings or anything?

Larry

Larry,

"Oil Derrick" ...haha. Its actually working out fairly well. Its not as flexible as I'd like but after some fidgeting I can get it in the right position. The TTL is great for fast pics and portraits. For super macro it doesn't work out so great. I did some shots of stuff on the bottom of the pool. The flash has an auto mode where you can disable ttl and then select 10 different flash outputs in the camera menu. I can set it extremely low and not overexpose those really close shots. Although after experimenting with regular macro with optical zoom versus super macro, I find there's not any difference in picture clarity using one over the other. The flash also has a manual mode which gives a full dump on every picture. Handy for WA. I'll know more this summer when I actually do some more diving. That flexible gas line sounds like a sure DIY hit.

Later,

Gary

I found a huge difference between the focus on macro and supermacro on my last couple of dives. Where I couldn't get closer than about 8-12 inches on macro and get a crisp picture, on super macro I can get right on top, like and inch or two and get good crisp detail. Check my newer close-ups of the nudibranchs on Scubaboard gallery. The macro is great if you're not too close, but you can't get those beautiful translucent details at that distance. What I've been doing is using the shadow contrast setting to reduce the shadow and turning down the exposure to bring back the detail. Also blackens some of the background for a more dramatic look. With the supermacro, I've got some awesome detail shots of nearby stuff like eggs and larva that I didn't even notice when I was taking the picture. I'm salivating at the thought of adding a macro lens to get even closer. I'm sure there'll be a second learning curve for the strobe though-probably screw up all my shots. On your auto strobe settings, are you using it as a slave or using the camera auto flash or what?

The macro is great if you're not too close, but you can't get those beautiful translucent details at that distance.

I didn't notice any "beautiful translucent details" when I was photographing pool debris

On your auto strobe settings, are you using it as a slave or using the camera auto flash or what? Yes the camera is set to slave mode, the strobe is set to auto and then you go in and adjust the flash levels 1-10. Pretty cool. If found on a couple of supermacro shots the strobe was just overwhelming when set on TTL. Worked great no regular macro. In any case, being able to manually adjust the strobe was cool.

Speaking of that, I don't want to disappoint you but here's a discussion link I joined in on because I was thinking about getting a 2nd slave strobe. http://wetpixel.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=12180 the reason I bring this up is if your sunpak requires the internal flash in order to fire will it work in supermacro mode?

BTW, I just checked out your gallery again. My two favorites are still the old pic of the starfish with the (name escapes me...looks like cauliflower). My second favorite is the fish under the rock. Its a great composition. There is another great composition of a fish that is somewhat ruined by silt. Then you also have some great photos of anenomes and starfish. BTW..you must be part polar bear to be diving in the Pacific NorthWest at this time of year. What's the water temp up there this time of year?

The cauliflower thing is probably a metridium. It's usually about 54 degrees here, but the last month or so, it's been between 48 and 52. Brrr. Needless to say, my wife is about ready for a drysuit, and lately I'm tempted as well. Usually I'm OK in my 7-8-9 semidry down to about 52, but at 48 I was truly cold. One problem with the camera is I can't wear my new 5mil gloves because they're too thick to differentiate between buttons. The 3's work, but my hands are freezing! Thanks for the compliments. Hopefully with practice I'll get my settings down and all my pictures will look as good.

Larry

B)