| Author: | | Pentaxian Registered: May, 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 836 | | Review Date: March 16, 2019 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 10 |
| Pros: | Easy to use once you figure out buttons, lightweight and powerful, wireless PTTL | | Cons: | learning curve with buttons, plastic mount | |
Have always been a big fan of Metz flashes. I find they are an excellent value for money.
The Metz 44 AF-1 is no exception. I've owned a few over the years and have always had excellent luck with them. Never an issue. Reliable as the day is long.
Be prepared to spend some time learning the UI your first time out with one of these flashes. Some operations require multiple simultaneous button presses, and navigating through the menu takes some time. This is how Metz is able to use a single flash body for multiple camera systems. For the price savings and added features over Pentax brand units, I'll take the compromises with UI since I typically don't touch my flash much once I get started. I do most of my controls on-camera.
Highly recommend this model, as well as most other, Metz flashes.
| | | | | | | Veteran Member Registered: September, 2011 Location: Vaasa Posts: 818 | | Review Date: November 2, 2015 | Recommended | Price: None indicated
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Easy, Simple, Power, PTTL | | Cons: | No slow sync | |
My first PTTL Flash.
I find this flash to be easy to use. Both in manual and PTTL mode.
If you are looking for something easy to use for the occasional flash work then get this
| | | | | Senior Member Registered: January, 2014 Posts: 269 | | Review Date: May 29, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $180.00
| Rating: 5 |
| Pros: | Relatively cheap, easy operation, wireless p-ttl | | Cons: | No dumb slave option, not fully compatible with new pentax models | |
I bought this when my AF540fgz was under repair. This flash is ok depending on the camera model. On my k-30 AF assist light works as well as the wireless slave option. On my k-s2 however, the camera kept using its built-in af assist lamp instead of flash beam assist.
The k-s2 doesnt support wireless p-ttl on its built-in flash, so you cant do wireless pttl on this model also, which is very limiting since it doesnt have a dumb slave option either. Radio triggers will work, but no wireless P-TTL. Rear curtain sync doesnt seem to work on my cameras either. Manual flash has 4 settings but doesnt give an estimate distance, a lot of guessing if you dont have a flash meter. I would recommend the first version of the AF540fgz for a first flash, considering that its price has dropped significantly, I think the AF540fgz's features and compatibility are worth the extra price. And this metz flash for a back-up.
Its a good flash with basic p-ttl features. Its an adequate choice if you can live with the limitations.
| | | | | Veteran Member Registered: August, 2013 Posts: 731 | | Review Date: February 19, 2015 | Recommended | Price: $200.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Price, Features, Build Quality, Compatibility | | Cons: | Manual Mode, Slave/Master Controler | |
While it isn't the most feature packed P-TTL flash out there, it certainly packs some punch for the price. To get any more features you would need to spend $250 and buy the Sigma 610 Super. The Metz should meet my needs nicely. I will be using this flash for an upcoming wedding. I primarily purchesed this for the P-TTL feature as my Youngo flash doens't have this. I and going ot use this as a on camera bounce flash and will use my Youngo for off camera flash.
Over all I am happy with my purchase.
| | | | | | | Junior Member Registered: March, 2011 Location: Netherlands Posts: 26 | | Review Date: March 9, 2013 | Recommended | Price: $180.00
| Rating: 9 |
| Pros: | Easy to use, simply good, affordable | | Cons: | None (for me) | |
I was looking for a good and affordable external flash, but I only need it occasionally, so I bought this one for 139 euro ($180). The MB 44 - AF1 works perfectly in P-TTL mode, first on my K-x, now on a K-5. Just switch it on and set the simple user interface to P-TTL, that's all. It has more power than I need, and the flash intensity can be adjusted to your taste through the camera (+/-). It has a tilt&swivel head, a (very handy!) extractable reflector for indirect flashing and a diffusor for use with wide lenses (up to 12 mm FF). It lacks a few advanced functions (HSS/second curtain), which I do not miss. It suites my purpose perfectly and I would recommend it without any doubt.
| | | | | Pentaxian Registered: April, 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Posts: 18,076 | | Review Date: April 28, 2012 | Recommended | Price: $235.00
| Rating: 8 |
| Pros: | Easy of use, tilt & swivel, slave possible, cost/value, USB update | | Cons: | None for the moment ... except purchased in France = $$$ | |
Bonjour,
I was considering this flash but was hesitating ... See: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5-forum/174525-k-5-metz-44-auto-...periences.html
After having used it for several months now, I am quite satisfied and this flash fits my current needs set ... thus, for me, it deserves a "9" rating ... very few drawbacks and/or reservations to be stated as of the moment.
Here are a few photos of this flash in case you are curious ...
Salut, John le Frog
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