Introduction:
- Metz flash guns have historically been the workhorses of pro
photographers for weddings, etc and were fantastic for their modular
design which allowed use on a number of different camera systems just
by changing the module to give analog TTL functionality with film
cameras.
- they are still great flashes for manual use (especially if you
have a flash light meter) and also for flash-unit controlled aperture
set auto exposure use (just set the flash to the same aperture and
ISO/ASA as the camera and ensure flash sensor is pointing at the
subject).
- BUT TTL auto-exposure with digital SLRs becomes more problematic,
and in general, for this to function you need a flash designed for
digital TTL (eg. 54MZ-4i; 45CL4 digital; 44MZ-2; 76MZ-5 digital) and
the correct digital SCA 3000 module and cord.
- THUS for most people using digital SLRs and requiring TTL flash
exposure, they may find it simpler to use the camera manufacturer's own
branded flash which is also likely to give the correct white balance
for that camera rather than run the risk of complexity and
incompatibilities with a Metz.
TTL flash using Metz on Olympus/Panasonic Four
Thirds and
Micro FT digital cameras:
- there are three separate approaches:
- using a "system" Metz flash which will ONLY work in
TTL on Olympus/Panasonic (ie. don't buy the Canon or Nikon version!):
- Mecablitz 58 AF-1 digital
- Mecablitz 48 AF-1 digital
- Mecablitz 36 AF-4 digital
- using the new remote TTL slave ring flash - the
mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital:
- using a digital SCA Metz flash with interchangeable
adpaters to allow use on other camera systems:
- for Olympus/Panasonic you will need the SCA 3002 adapter
with latest firmware update and a digitally-designed Mecablitz flash
unit such as:
Metz flash system:
- see here
and here
for camera/flash/adapter combinations and available functionality
- see here
for Metz manuals
- for TTL, each Metz flash connects to the camera via a SCA adapter
module +/- cord. The SCA adapter module has a hotshoe on its
under-surface, while its top surface has connections for a slide on
Metz flash or Metz adapter cable. Obviously, handle flashes such as
45CL/CT series, 70MZ5 communicate to a module via cord as they cannot
sit on a module directly.
- remember digital TTL is different to analog film camera TTL
- most modern Metz flashes have a AF illuminator beam in the SCA
3000 control, but as this gives a striped pattern, usually the camera
must be set to using its central AF sensor only to utilise it. Some
cameras do not support external AF illuminator beams.
- there are various versions of each module adapter with
sequentially number Mx that adds functionality for each new camera that
comes out, all being backwardly compatible with earlier cameras of that
make.
- there are 2 main systems, each requiring their own adapter/cord:
- SCA 300 for analog TTL flash communications
- modules are:
-
- standard hotshoe (no TTL) SCA 301
- Olympus OM SCA 321
- Canon SCA 311
- Nikon SCA 343 (344)
- Leica SCA 351
- Bronica SCA 386
- Mamiya 645 SCA 396
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- accessories:
- SCA 301 module - also has a minijack connection,
useful for connecting to Pocket Wizards, etc., but you lose TTL.
- SCA300 cord from flash to hotshoe adapter module,
12-36" coiled.
- SCA300a System Adapter cord, for 45 & 60 series,
connected to G15/16 Power Grip; 12-36" coiled.
- SCA300D - spacer to permit the use of 32CT7, 32MZ-3,
40 and 50 Series with SCA 300 AF and SCA 356 Modules.
- SCA3008A - extension cord - Connects 300 series
modules to 45CT/CL 3/4 and 60CT4 flashes connected to power grip.
- SCA300E - converter - SCA344,373,386 and 396 to SCA
Shoe mount and 50 series.
- SCA307a Module to flash ext. cord, 12-36" coiled.
- SCA500c converter to 300 series modules for 45CT-5
& 60CT-2 flashes, connected to G15/16 Power Grip; 12-36" coiled.
- SCA 3002 for more advanced digital flash communications:
- modules are:
- Canon SCA 3102
- Canon E-TTL and high speed synch supported on
54MZ, 76MZ-5 digital, 45CL4 digital
- Metz normal TTL or Metz Remote Cordless TTL is
not compatible with Canon digital SLRs
- Nikon SCA 3402
- Nikon i-TTL supported on 54MZ-4i, 76MZ-5 digital,
45CL4 digital, 70MZ-5 (later models), 44MZ-2
- Nikon 3D multi-sensor fill-in flash supported on
54MZ-4i, 76MZ-5 digital, 45CL4 digital, 70MZ-5
- Metz normal TTL or Metz Remote Cordless TTL is
not compatible with Nikon digital SLRs
- Olympus SCA 3202
- older Olympus digitals such as the C-3000Z,
C-3030Z, C-3040Z & C4040Z have a 5-pin system for the flash socket,
so the Metz adapter must be mounted on a Olympus FLBK01 flash bracket
which must be connected to the camera via the Olympus FLCB01 flash
bracket cable.
- any version is compatible with the Olympus C8080 (and presumably
the Olympus C5060):
- pre-flash TTL even with spot-metering - now
that is impressive!! sure beats non-spot-metering.
- AF illuminator beam works in tandem with
camera's beam (but can't turn off camera beam without turning off the
SCA beam)
- motor zoom works on the MZ flashes
- SCA control unit displays camera settings
- for some reason, red-eye reduction works in
TTL mode but severely under-exposes in A mode on the flash.
- 2nd curtain mode works.
- M3 or later is needed for compatibility with the
E-1
- M4 or later is needed for compatibility with the
E300/330/500 else no camera data is
sent to flash.
- M5 or later is needed for compatibility with
45CL-4 digital flash and needs SCA 3045 connection cable but does not
seem to support SuperFP flash sync as does the Olympus FL50.
- Metz TTL support for Olympus E series digital
SLRs is only with the following Metz flashes:
- 54MZ-4i; 45CL4 digital; 44MZ-2; 76MZ-5
digital;
- limited TTL capabilities may be available
with 54MZ, 70MZ, 50MZ-5
- I get variable results with my E330 and
Metz 50MZ-5.
- limited TTL capabilities is only possible
with 45CL4 & 40MZ with some non-SLR Olympus digitals
- in addition, 45CL-4 does not support Shutter
Priority and Programmed Exposure modes in non-TTL mode, nor correct
exposure confirmation but AF measuring beam does work via the SCA 3000C
cable's inbuilt AF measuring beam (the 45CL-4 digital uses the SCA 3045
cable instead for this).
- flash bracketing in auto mode A only with
54MZ, 70MZ-5, 76MZ-5
- Metz Remote Cordless TTL is not compatible with
Olympus E digital SLRs
- Metz Slave Flash mode is not supported on Olympus
E-1 and E-300;
- Olympus E-1, E-10, E-20 do not support external
AF illuminator function, and for some reason it does not seem to work
with my E330 and a Metz 50MZ-5
- Pentax SCA 3702
- Sony SCA 3602
- Mamiya SCA 3952
- Leica SCA 3502
- accessories:
- SCA3007a ext. cord, hotshoe to hotshoe, 13"-4.5'
coiled. AF sensor.
- SCA3000a adapter cord hotshoe to G16, 13"-4.5'
coiled. AF sensor.
- SCA3000c converter
- 3002 Series module to 45 CT/CL 3/4 and 60CT4 when
connected to G16 Power Grip. 23"-4.5' coiled;
- Built-in AF sensor retains accuracy of focus.
Requires 4 AAA batteries.
- probably not worth getting unless you are using
older digitals or film cameras as TTL may not be compatible with the
newer digital SLRs.
- Metz flash guns:
- BEWARE TTL is not available with all Metz flash and digital
cameras, check Metz website for compatibility.
- 45 series:
- handle style flashes with GN45 using alkaline or Metz
45-40 NiCd AA battery clusters or P50 power pack;
- coloured filters: 45-32;
- early models were the CT ones, replaced by the TTL
capable & SCA 3002 capable CL ones
- 35mm wide angle with diffuser for 28mm;
- optional telephoto
attachment 45-33 which effectively doubles the GN but is big,
although light - I have got one
- 45CL-4
digital:
- supports Canon's E-TTL, Nikon's i-TTL and D-TTL,
Olympus TTL and Konica Minolta's ADI, as well as providing optional new
power pack P-76 which attaches to your belt.
- 45CL-4:
- secondary light; TTL; 6 auto settings
(f/2.8-16);
- 3 manual modes (GN 45, 32, 22) + "Winder" mode
(1/64th) for 2fps GN8;
- $US420 new; $A200-$A250 on EBay 2nd hand.
- requires additional SCA300 cord for analog TTL to
connect to a SCA 300 module for film cameras with TTL
- requires additional SCA3000c adapter for digital TTL
to connect to a SCA 3002 digital hotshoe adapter but limited digital
TTL capabilities (see under SCA adapters)
- 45CL-3:
- as for CL-4 but no secondary light
- optional Mecamat 45-46 to give more output control
- 45CL-1:
- as for CL-3 but no TTL and only 1 manual mode
- optional Mecamat 45-46 to give more output control
- 45CT-5:
- as for CL-4 but CT version, but:
- only 2 manual settings M (full) and W (winder =
1/64th), thus need Mecamat for further control
- no digital TTL or SCA 3002 capability
- as with the 60CT-2, uses unique discontinued Metz
SCA 500C cables for analog TTL with only some cameras
- uses same PC sync cord as 60CT-1 & 60CT-2
- THUS AVOID this model
- 45CT-4:
- similar to CL-4 but CT version and fortunately
doesn't have the cord incompatibility issues of the CT-5.
- voltage appears to be safe.
- 45CT-3:
- TTL; 6 auto settings (f/2.8-16); M, M/2, M/4 and
Winder modes
- single flash tube
- uses sync cords 45-49, 45-47 as for 45CL-4
- 45CT-1:
- single light; 1 manual mode; auto modes; no
TTL/Winder mode; ~$A100 Ebay;
- optional Mecamat 45-43 to give more output control
(model 45-20 for serial no's below 534,000)
- voltage issues according to the Metz website:
- "Metz mecablitz 45-CT 1 units featuring a model
number that is smaller than 534 000 are fitted with a so-called
high-voltage ignition circuit. These flash units must not be directly
connected to modern cameras as this could even damage the camera!
All other flash units of the Metz mecablitz 45 CT and 45 CL series
feature a low-voltage ignition circuit in keeping with the current
standard."
- uses special PC sync cord (45-52), different from all
other models, thus avoid if possible
- batteries:
- runs on 6 batteries housed as either an 9V alkaline
kit or a 7.2V rechargeable NiCd kit.
- Metz advise against using NiMH rechargeable batteries
in the alkaline kit as they are lower voltage and your GN will be
reduced - in my tests, your GN of 45m at ISO 100 becomes GN 32m.
- the terminal of each type of battery kit is placed
differently so that the flash capacitor can manage the final voltage
appropriately and this voltage is usually within 3% variance otherwise
there is risk of damage to the flash capacitor.
- the current drawn is said to average 2-4 amps with
peak 5-12 amps after a full power shot is discharged.
- Quantum manufacture 9V external lead acid battery
kits such as the Quantum 2 - I bought one.
- 60 series:
- as for 45 series but GN60 & use external dryfit or
NiCd cells
- 35mm wide angle with diffuser for 28mm;
- 60CT-4: secondary light; TTL; 8 auto settings;
- $US850 new with dryfit battery;
- 60CT-2: avoid - see under 45CT-5;
- 60CT-1: 6 auto settings; $US620 new;
- MZ series:
- motorised zoom 24-105mm, GN reflects that at 50mm focal
length; AF assist beam; diffuser for 20mm;
- note: non-handle style MZ's can be used off camera via
the SCA 3008A connecting cable;
- 76MZ-5
digital: as for 70MZ-5 but i-TTL, D-TTL, E-TTL and GN76 at 105mm
and GN54 at 50mm;
- 70MZ-5: secondary light; handle style; 12 auto settings;
cordless TTL; modelling lamp; strobe; slave; $US800 new;
- 70MZ-4; as above but no secondary light/modelling
lamp/strobe; $US550 new;
- 54MZ-4i: i-TTL compatible; secondary light; 12 auto;
cordless TTL; modelling lamp; strobe;
- $US380 (std foot) / $US400 (3002 foot) new;
- 50MZ-5: handle style; limited TTL with newer digital
SLRs; secondary light; modelling lamp; strobe; cordless TTL; slave;
- 44MZ-2: $US200 new;
- accessories:
- 76MZ:
- P50 or P76 power packs;
- same filters, diffuser and bounce reflector as
70MZ;
- 50MZ and 70MZ:
- batteries: 50-40 (NiCd); 50-45 (NiMH but needs
different charger to 50-40); P50 power pack;
- coloured filters: 50-32;
- 54MZ:
- P50 or P40 power packs;
- coloured filters: 44-32;
- camera-dedicated shoe-mount flashes:
- usually only for one of either
Nikon/Canon/Minolta/Olympus/Sony
- 44AF series
- 36AF series
- 48 AF-1 digital and 58 AF-1 digital:
- non-TTL shoe mount flashes:
- 36C-2 - 3 auto settings; manual zoom; $US80 new;
- 36M-1 - manual only; $US62 new;
- 34C-2 - digital cameras; 3 auto settings; built-in slave;
non-TTL but can also work as a wireless TTL slave; $US160 new;
- other Metz accessories:
- G15/16 power grip for module-mounted flashes to use off
camera & holds 4xAA batteries; $US130
- Mecalux II auto slave - optical slave trigger
- P50 Power Pack - requires V40 cable for 45 series & V50
cable for 70 series
- P76 power pack - for 45CL-4 digital & 76MZ-5 digital;
- 60 Series can use dryfit or NiCd cells
- 45 series can use NiCd cluster pack $A90 new or a new NiMH
pack with its own charger (~$A139 new);
- Reflex screen - removable 8"x10" reflector for 45/60 series;
2-stop decrease; $US50 new;
- Bounce diffusers for 54 or 70 series $US60 for either version.
- Color filter sets - 45 series $US30; 70 series $US36;
- Tele attachment: Doubles the light output by concentrating
the flash beam to 11 x 19 degrees +1stop increase; 45 series or 60
series versions $US100;
- digital
slave trigger SCA-3083 which allows light-triggered wireless TTL
control of other compatible Metz units such as the 54MZ-3, 70MZ-5,
70MZ-4. $US75;
- umbrella brackets for 45 models:
Third party accessories for Metz flashes:
- Paramount cords:
- Quantum Turbo Rechargeable
Battery Power Pack:
- RRP $A1309 see pdf catalogue from
Adeal.com.au
- Turbo charger AC QT43 $A127
- Turbo charger car QT46 $A275
- cable to power Metz:
- CM1 for Metz 45CT 1,5 $A127
- CM4 for Metz 45CT 3,4 and 45 CL 1,3,4 $A127
- CM5 for Metz 54MZ-3 and 70MZ 4,5 $A154
- modules available for some other Metz flashes see
catalogue
- can also get cables specific for other flashes and some
digital cameras
- connector for powering two flashes QT48 Dual $A226
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