Metz 58 and HSS

[NeverSatisfied]

It has been documented that the Metz 58 AF-1 flash unit does NOT function as a controller/master when trying to wirelessly activate a second, off-camera flash in High-Speed Sync. However, the Metz CAN be used as the HSS slave. This seems to be a bug, or something overlooked in the development of this flash for Pentax.

I had called Bogen Tech Support (U.S.) and related the issue. I did candidly tell the gentleman that it was fortunate I still had a Pentax 540 as my second flash, rather than a second Metz, so that IT (the Pentax) could be used as controller for the Metz. (Needless to say I didn't go into detail about how the placement of the Metz sensor causes it to be rather "hit & miss" as far as reliability.) His response was, "Well it sounds like you've been able to work out a solution to the problem." I would have rather heard, "Yes, we're working on a firmware update which should be out shortly"!

Well, he did at least forward my concerns to the parent company in Germany, and I have received their response:

Thank you for your e-mail enquiry of 02 June 2009 .

We regret that in wireless “Pentax Remote Control” the master/controller function in HSS mode is not available by the flash unit “mecablitz 58 AF-1P digital” (for Pentax).

We have forwarded this problem to our developing department (laboratory) to have it checked whether it is possible to retrofit this function to flash unit by a firmware update.

Unfortunately, I was told at the present there is no firmware update in preparation for this type of flash unit.

We regret to have no other info rmation for you and remain

With kind regards

Wolfgang Becker
Technical Support



Too bad. It's disappointing that they tacitly acknowledge the need to buy into their competion to get the full functionality out of -their- unit, rather than fix the problem. That being said, this issue is of no concern for the majority of uses, and the Metz 58 is still a great flash. Just thought I'd share this follow-up for anyone interested.
Paul

[mattdm]

Well, he did at least forward my concerns to the parent company in Germany, and I have received their response:

It's important to note that Bogen is not a subsidiary company at all, just the US distributor. They don't do any engineering or manufacturing.