Wireless PRO Flash for Mirrorless Cameras

Wireless PRO Flash for Mirrorless Cameras

Pro photographers and serious non-pros need a TTL flash solution for the Lumix GH3. Although there are some good / ok speedlite flashes available for it and the GH2 and G5, none have the big power, fast recycle time, nor the radio-based triggering system needed for using flash outdoors...until now.

The top of the line flash brand for battery powered pro lighting is Quantum, a long time trusted American company known for outstanding reliability and service. But, it ain't cheap.

The Quantum Qflash Trio is a rather oversized shoe mount flash that has a built-in transceiver for connecting limitless flash units to most pro brands of cameras with full manual, auto, a sweet auto-fill flash mode, and the best TTL mode there is. Yes, Quantum's QTTL mode is widely considered better than Canon or Nikons - try it and see?

Hats off to Quantum for listening to the pros moving into Lumix GH3 cameras when they were told how much pros need Qflash to work both on-camera; and wirelessly off-camera with Lumix. To say thanks (more like to finally shut us up! ha!), Quantum sent us over the very first Trio for Lumix and first CoPilot (wirless transmitter) for Lumix. Here's a happy-faced Will Crockett as he shows you this simple, powerful (and HSS!) solution.

[HybridphotoPro]

We are pretty biased here buddy and cannot give you a straight answer. We've been SO happy with our Qflash gear that we only think that way and we do not even test drive other flash in that category. The things Will C can do using the Pilot remote controller - using TTL for the mail, manual for the fill, then auto for the backlight - no other tools will do that. go Qflash!!! : )

[HybridphotoPro]

Yes sir! In high speed sync mode no less. Will says he got it to fire at 1/2000th second shutter speed too! Can you imagine THAT? Wow!!

[Martialist]

I called the company since I live in North New Jersey. One of the reps I spoke with said that they are still working on it.. I hope that they can release the product soon. I am tired of waiting and need a good flash.

come on Quantum, make this happen asap!

[HybridphotoPro]

Hey J, Absolutely! If this Qflash is successful for the daily pro shooters, then others will jump in and give us a more affordable version too. Good thinking!

[HybridphotoPro]

Hey Wattmeister!
The firmware we had last week was allowing for HSS up to 2000 using front curtain. We did not change to rear to test because we knew the firmware would change. The 1/160 lockout is with Lumix flashes (Olympus too) but the Qflash folks can change that for HSS. Don't buy a Qflash just yet ok? This is only a report on Will's testing for a client (Quantum is a consulting client) and this may all change at the next revision. Dunno. We will have the final Qflash for GH3 next week

[HybridphotoPro]

Howdy utu, we think you are 100% right on the success of the Quantum flash and the GH3 - its a good matchup. Will is getting a few changes in the firmware made before he takes the Trio made for Lumix to the WPPI show next week. If you are going, please swing by and see it? It's REALLY cool! Try it out on your camera.

[HybridphotoPro]

Hey Joachim, It's funny you say that because that's exactly what we have done. Our Ranger kits are collecting dust while we use the Qflash - it's 1/3 of the weight and has TTL. Rangers are the only flash that make Qflash look affordable! Ha!

[utubeady]

Thanks for your quick response. I have been a big fan of M4/3 since grabbing a G1 plus lenses and flash many years ago. But still shoot primarily trad DSLR only because Panasonic have never offered pro level flash, so I do feel if Quantum can let the worls know, then not only will they have a big success on their hands, but they'll also be aiding M4/3 to be accepted as a pro level alternative. As a web master, I tend to think about updating the website first as it only takes a few moments.

[HybridphotoPro]

Hey Steve! Good news! Will spoke to the engineer today and they said the Lumix version works on the OMD they have there as a test camera. Ask your local pro dealer to get one for you and test it?

[Check-it-out]

Do you think i will ever walk around with such a suitcase on my camera ? And a battery-packbrick like that ? Out of your mind !

[mlsboyscout]

That's great news! I will have to chat with my local Quantum dealer and see if they will bring these in. Currently they don't deal with anything Panasonic related, but it's worth a conversation. With all the gear labels and parts involved, what exactly should I ask for to test the TTL capabilities between Quantum and the OM-D?

[HybridphotoPro]

Hey bud! I'm in contact with the new Quantum folks and they are almost ready... the production samples have gone out and they are getting ready to make a move. It's worth the wait.
W

[jshaw]

Hopefully this paves the way for more flash companies to make cheap, high-powered TTL capable hot shoe and off-camera flashes and radio triggers for those of us non-pro MFT enthusiasts. As it stands, this Quantum system is pretty pricey for a lot of MFT users.
I have an Olympus FL600R that I use with my GH3 but I wish it had more power. It's only GN36 Canikon users have access to GN50+ TTL capable flashes for Under $200.

[mlsboyscout]

That's fantastic! A great move in a fantastic direction. Any word about Olympus OMD E-M5 compatibility coming soon?

[HybridphotoPro]

Hang on there utu, Quantum is a small company and all their gear is made in their New York factory. The vast majority of their products are made to fit Canon and Nikon and I had to pester them for months to make the Lumix version. They are not sure how well it will be received, so, please email them and tell them? they are VERY good folks there, no kidding, and the DO listen.

[utubeady]

What a shame Quantum haven't got an up to date website !
...I was so excited by this new product, I looked on there to check out how much a full 2 flash setup would set me back, but alas ... on their website they don't even have Panasonic listed as a camera manufacturer !

[williamburkholder]

That should turn some heads...

Quantum should develop an LED light with color temperature matched strobe in it. Shoot LED when mixing stills and video... Shoot strobe for portraits or when you need more DOF or more reach.

[HybridphotoPro]

Hi Steve, No, not yet. But we are told the GH3 is the toughest one to decode so the OMD will be out next. Sit tight my friend! Please login at qtm.com and ask them when the OMD will come out? They are REALLY good about responding to questions.

[wbrock]

Any updates on when it'll be available...we're dying here!?!!

[turcoyan]

When will it be available That QFlash with LED light matched strobe in it that William is talking about ?