Metz 45CT5 any experience?

axl · 06-12-2011, 03:05 PM

Hi all,

just quick question.
Anybody has any experience with Metz 45CT5 hammer head flash? CT4 & CT3 experiences would do...

Thanks for any info and pointers

Peter

SOldBear · 06-12-2011, 07:10 PM

I've been using 45CT-1, 45CT-4, and 45CL-4, also 60CT-1 and 60CT-4.

Anything I can help you with?

axl · 06-13-2011, 11:47 AM

Thanks,
I hoped you chime in as I gathered from lots of other threads that you are kind of flash guru

Anyway, as far as I can see from pictures the flashes work via X sync cable. Correct?
The questions are:
Do they have AUTO settings? Do they support TTL or PTTL? What movements can the head do?
How does the double head work?

I think that's it for now.

Thanks in advance

Peter

SOldBear · 06-13-2011, 03:46 PM - **1 Like**

As stated, I have experience with 45CT-1 & 4, and 45CL-4. I've never used the 45CT-5. What I write below is based partly on my experience with Metz flashes and partly on what I learned on the internet.

All Metz 45CT models have the same guide number: 45 (meter, 35mm FOV, ISO 100). The CT-4 and CT-5 have a "secondary reflector" that can be used as fill flash (15% power) when the main head (85% power) is in bounce position. IMHO, in most cases, the light from the secondary reflector is too powerful. A "neutral density" lens is available for the secondary reflector. It reduces the output of the secondary reflector by 40%.

The main head can tilt from 0 to 90 degrees (straight up), and rotate from -180 to +180 degrees.

In auto mode, there are 6 aperture settings. The light sensor is very accurate. There are 2 manual power ratio settings: full and W (for "winder," 1/40).

The accessory "Mecamat 45-30" (somewhat rare) will give you more control of the flash, including 7 manual power settings (from full to 1/64) and 8 (I think) aperture settings in auto mode. Note that other Mecamat models don't work with the 45CT-5.

60CT-1, 60CT-2, and 45CT-5 share the same sync cord, Metz model 5524. This sync cord has a PC terminal. I've seen sync cord that works with camera's hotshoe but don't know the model number.

I don't think the 45CT-5 supports TTL or p-TTL.

Last edited by SOldBear; 06-13-2011 at 06:16 PM.

mtansley · 06-14-2011, 03:13 AM - **1 Like**

Please excuse me for jumping in here but I own two CT-5s with the matching 45-30 Mecamat.

The CT-5 did support TTL but using the now totally obsolete Metz SCA 500 system of adapters. It certainly wouldn't support P-TTL. However, in all other respects it is the same as the CT-4.

The only real big difference is the 'MDS', Microcomputer Display System. This was a bright red LED system on the back of the flash head that would display distance and f stops values based on how you set the flash. It was an early attempt to display what most flashes now display on their LCDs.

It was always a sort of 'oddball' unit in the Metz 45 series although I personally love my two.

Hope this helps.

Michael

axl · 06-14-2011, 04:53 AM

thanks guys, rep added...

PS: what is difference between CL and CT series?

mtansley · 06-14-2011, 05:29 AM

Probably some internal changes but I believe the only real external difference that you can notice is that the flash ready light is an LED rather than a neon lamp.

It amuses me that the CT-1 was introduced around 1976 but you can still purchase brand new AA battery holders & sync cords that will work with that CT-1 and the latest CL-4 that is still in the Metz catalogue. I guess they don't think about planned obsolescence the way some companies do!

SOldBear · 06-14-2011, 11:42 AM

Originally posted by axl

what is difference between CL and CT series?

From what I know, not a whole lot.

The most visible difference is the "ready" lamp. CT series uses a neon lamp while CL uses LED.

I notice that when using with a Quantum Turbo battery pack, the CT-4 does not require the low voltage supplied by the 6-AA battery pack while the CL-4 does. I guess the LED ready lamp of the CL-4 needs low voltage.

Trigger voltages of the CT-4 and the CL-4 are the same (20 V with a simple sync cord, 6V with SCA3000 module).

My CT-1 has trigger voltage of 180V. I added a voltage reducing circuit in the Mecamat 45-20 to bring the trigger voltage down to 7V.

I think the CL-Digital series is a totally different animal. It has low trigger voltage and with appropriate module, supports p-TTL.

axl · 06-14-2011, 01:05 PM

I wanted to add rep again but some stupid script popped up saying: you must spread some reputation around before giving it to xyz.... whatever, thanks again guys, thumbs up!

I can get CT3, 4 or 5 for £50-75 with sync cord and bracket. In comparison AF400T (the most similar Pentax unit) from the same shop is £120-170...

PS: on CT4 or CT5 is it possible to switch the "secondary reflector" off?
PPS: what are the f stop settings on AUTO? I'd assume 4-5.6-8-11, but I'd wish for 2.8-4-5.6-8

mtansley · 06-14-2011, 02:26 PM

I don't have my Metz to hand at the moment for the f stops but you can certainly turn the secondary reflector off and on as you wish. I believe that when it's on, the flash power from the main head drops about 15% which means the secondary provides about 15%. When it's off, of course the main head generates the whole flash.

SOldBear · 06-14-2011, 03:02 PM

Originally posted by axl

I can get CT3, 4 or 5 for £50-75 with sync cord and bracket. In comparison AF400T (the most similar Pentax unit) from the same shop is £120-170...

I'd definitely get the 45CT-4. It's the best in the 45CT series and IMHO is better than the AF400T.

With SCA3000C cable and SCA3702 module, the 45CT-4 has near-IR autofocus assist lamp. If the camera is in Av mode, the flash can set the sync speed and activate the "flash ready" and "flash sufficient" indicators in the viewfinder.

You can also use the SCA300 cable & module. But I don't know what features are available (my SCA372 had been dead when I got it).

Originally posted by axl

PS: on CT4 or CT5 is it possible to switch the "secondary reflector" off?

The secondary reflector has its own on-off switch.

Originally posted by axl

PPS: what are the f stop settings on AUTO? I'd assume 4-5.6-8-11, but I'd wish for 2.8-4-5.6-8

The f stop settings are 2.8 - 4 - 5.6 - 8 - 11 - 16, at least for ISO 100. I don't remember if the f stop settings change with ISO setting. I can check it tonight when I get home.

In manual mode, the CT4 has full, 1/2, 1/4, and W (1/40) settings.

With the Mecamat 40-46, you have 11 aperture settings in auto mode, 7 ratio power settings in manual mode (full to 1/64).

Notes: I don't know about your side of the pond, but on this side, SCA cable and modules, and Mecamat units occasionally show up on eBay and from used camera stores (KEH, B&H, and Adorama). You just need to be patient.

06-12-2011, 03:05 PM	#1
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Metz 45CT5 any experience? Hi all, just quick question. Anybody has any experience with Metz 45CT5 hammer head flash? CT4 & CT3 experiences would do... Thanks for any info and pointers Peter

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06-12-2011, 07:10 PM	#2
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	I've been using 45CT-1, 45CT-4, and 45CL-4, also 60CT-1 and 60CT-4. Anything I can help you with?

06-13-2011, 11:47 AM	#3
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183 Original Poster	Thanks, I hoped you chime in as I gathered from lots of other threads that you are kind of flash guru Anyway, as far as I can see from pictures the flashes work via X sync cable. Correct? The questions are: Do they have AUTO settings? Do they support TTL or PTTL? What movements can the head do? How does the double head work? I think that's it for now. Thanks in advance Peter

06-13-2011, 03:46 PM - 1 Like	#4
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	As stated, I have experience with 45CT-1 & 4, and 45CL-4. I've never used the 45CT-5. What I write below is based partly on my experience with Metz flashes and partly on what I learned on the internet. All Metz 45CT models have the same guide number: 45 (meter, 35mm FOV, ISO 100). The CT-4 and CT-5 have a "secondary reflector" that can be used as fill flash (15% power) when the main head (85% power) is in bounce position. IMHO, in most cases, the light from the secondary reflector is too powerful. A "neutral density" lens is available for the secondary reflector. It reduces the output of the secondary reflector by 40%. The main head can tilt from 0 to 90 degrees (straight up), and rotate from -180 to +180 degrees. In auto mode, there are 6 aperture settings. The light sensor is very accurate. There are 2 manual power ratio settings: full and W (for "winder," 1/40). The accessory "Mecamat 45-30" (somewhat rare) will give you more control of the flash, including 7 manual power settings (from full to 1/64) and 8 (I think) aperture settings in auto mode. Note that other Mecamat models don't work with the 45CT-5. 60CT-1, 60CT-2, and 45CT-5 share the same sync cord, Metz model 5524. This sync cord has a PC terminal. I've seen sync cord that works with camera's hotshoe but don't know the model number. I don't think the 45CT-5 supports TTL or p-TTL. Last edited by SOldBear; 06-13-2011 at 06:16 PM.

06-14-2011, 03:13 AM - 1 Like	#5
mtansley Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ajax, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,139	Please excuse me for jumping in here but I own two CT-5s with the matching 45-30 Mecamat. The CT-5 did support TTL but using the now totally obsolete Metz SCA 500 system of adapters. It certainly wouldn't support P-TTL. However, in all other respects it is the same as the CT-4. The only real big difference is the 'MDS', Microcomputer Display System. This was a bright red LED system on the back of the flash head that would display distance and f stops values based on how you set the flash. It was an early attempt to display what most flashes now display on their LCDs. It was always a sort of 'oddball' unit in the Metz 45 series although I personally love my two. Hope this helps. Michael

06-14-2011, 04:53 AM	#6
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183 Original Poster	thanks guys, rep added... PS: what is difference between CL and CT series?

06-14-2011, 05:29 AM	#7
mtansley Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ajax, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,139	Probably some internal changes but I believe the only real external difference that you can notice is that the flash ready light is an LED rather than a neon lamp. It amuses me that the CT-1 was introduced around 1976 but you can still purchase brand new AA battery holders & sync cords that will work with that CT-1 and the latest CL-4 that is still in the Metz catalogue. I guess they don't think about planned obsolescence the way some companies do!

06-14-2011, 11:42 AM	#8
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by axl what is difference between CL and CT series? From what I know, not a whole lot. The most visible difference is the "ready" lamp. CT series uses a neon lamp while CL uses LED. I notice that when using with a Quantum Turbo battery pack, the CT-4 does not require the low voltage supplied by the 6-AA battery pack while the CL-4 does. I guess the LED ready lamp of the CL-4 needs low voltage. Trigger voltages of the CT-4 and the CL-4 are the same (20 V with a simple sync cord, 6V with SCA3000 module). My CT-1 has trigger voltage of 180V. I added a voltage reducing circuit in the Mecamat 45-20 to bring the trigger voltage down to 7V. I think the CL-Digital series is a totally different animal. It has low trigger voltage and with appropriate module, supports p-TTL.

06-14-2011, 01:05 PM	#9
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183 Original Poster	I wanted to add rep again but some stupid script popped up saying: you must spread some reputation around before giving it to xyz.... whatever, thanks again guys, thumbs up! I can get CT3, 4 or 5 for £50-75 with sync cord and bracket. In comparison AF400T (the most similar Pentax unit) from the same shop is £120-170... PS: on CT4 or CT5 is it possible to switch the "secondary reflector" off? PPS: what are the f stop settings on AUTO? I'd assume 4-5.6-8-11, but I'd wish for 2.8-4-5.6-8

06-14-2011, 02:26 PM	#10
mtansley Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ajax, Ontario, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,139	I don't have my Metz to hand at the moment for the f stops but you can certainly turn the secondary reflector off and on as you wish. I believe that when it's on, the flash power from the main head drops about 15% which means the secondary provides about 15%. When it's off, of course the main head generates the whole flash.

06-14-2011, 03:02 PM	#11
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by axl I can get CT3, 4 or 5 for £50-75 with sync cord and bracket. In comparison AF400T (the most similar Pentax unit) from the same shop is £120-170... I'd definitely get the 45CT-4. It's the best in the 45CT series and IMHO is better than the AF400T. With SCA3000C cable and SCA3702 module, the 45CT-4 has near-IR autofocus assist lamp. If the camera is in Av mode, the flash can set the sync speed and activate the "flash ready" and "flash sufficient" indicators in the viewfinder. You can also use the SCA300 cable & module. But I don't know what features are available (my SCA372 had been dead when I got it). Originally posted by axl PS: on CT4 or CT5 is it possible to switch the "secondary reflector" off? The secondary reflector has its own on-off switch. Originally posted by axl PPS: what are the f stop settings on AUTO? I'd assume 4-5.6-8-11, but I'd wish for 2.8-4-5.6-8 The f stop settings are 2.8 - 4 - 5.6 - 8 - 11 - 16, at least for ISO 100. I don't remember if the f stop settings change with ISO setting. I can check it tonight when I get home. In manual mode, the CT4 has full, 1/2, 1/4, and W (1/40) settings. With the Mecamat 40-46, you have 11 aperture settings in auto mode, 7 ratio power settings in manual mode (full to 1/64). Notes: I don't know about your side of the pond, but on this side, SCA cable and modules, and Mecamat units occasionally show up on eBay and from used camera stores (KEH, B&H, and Adorama). You just need to be patient.