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12-29-2019, 08:17 AM   #1
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Metz 52 or 64 for Pentax K30 (& K20D)

Hi!

I'm looking to buy a flash for my old K30 and older K20D. Will possibly upgrade to camera KP or upcoming APS-C camera at some point.

Shooting mostly family and kids, sometimes macro. Would be great if flash can work (semi) automatically with old K/M lenses or M42 lenses. I think Metz 64 has an "A" setting that could be used?

Metz 64 is almot twice the price and might be too large, but if the A setting makes using flash with old lenses much easier it might be worth it.

All input would be appreciated. I actully once had read up on all possible flash options and decided to go for the Metz 58, but never pulled the trigger. And it seems to be discontinued now...

12-29-2019, 02:43 PM - 1 Like   #2
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Important thing often forgotten when comparing specs is the weight of the flash mounted on top of the camera.

I advise you to mount any of these excellent Metz flashes and take some pictures.
For me the camera looses a lot of balance because of the top weight.
Please note I am used to carry around MF cameras that certainly are not light weights.

After the Metz I came across a Pentax 360 flash unit.
The 360 does not have the power output the Metz units have but is better balanced on top of the Pentax bodies.
When you take some test shots with the Metz you only carry the camera with the flash for half an hour.
Think of it what it means to carry that combo during a wedding shoot for many hours.

The output difference between the Metz units and the small Pentax flash is about 1 stop.
You can compensate for that using a higher ISO setting.
12-29-2019, 03:47 PM   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by wowtip Quote
Shooting mostly family and kids, sometimes macro. Would be great if flash can work (semi) automatically with old K/M lenses or M42 lenses. I think Metz 64 has an "A" setting that could be used?
This is where another pitch for the Pentax AF360FGZ and AF540FGZ comes in. Both feature auto-thyristor flash control as well as the full range of Pentax TTL/P-TTL protocols. Prices used have moderated in recent years such that both are accessible.

Another option to consider might be to get a second, inexpensive, flash for non-P-TTL and auto-thyristor use in addition to a moderately-priced P-TTL unit. My Pentax AF280T fulfills that function on my K-3 with the advantage over many other vintage flash in that it has a safe trigger voltage. Might I also add that it also offers a surprising degree of flash dedication with Pentax dSLRs. When paired with an A-contact lens and depending on camera mode, mine will set the proper aperture and x-sync speed and also signal flash ready and whether the flash exposure was adequate. On many Pentax film SLRs as well as *ist series digital, it will also do TTL automation. I think I paid $35 USD for mine.

BTW...depending on feature and power requirements, one might want to take a close look at the Godox TT350P or the equivalent Flashpoint model.


Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 12-29-2019 at 03:52 PM. Reason: Pitch for the Godox
12-29-2019, 04:02 PM   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by wowtip Quote
Hi!

Would be great if flash can work (semi) automatically with old K/M lenses or M42 lenses. I think Metz 64 has an "A" setting that could be used?

Metz 64 is almot twice the price and might be too large, but if the A setting makes using flash with old lenses much easier it might be worth it.
Your research is correct in that you would need to get the Metz 64 if you wanted P-TTL, manual, and semi-auto modes for different apertures with older lenses.

However, that's a steep price just for that option. You could get a more than capable Metz 44 or 52 for when you want P-TTL and then get a Vivitar 385HV for cheap to handle your non-TTL auto flash needs.

12-29-2019, 04:14 PM   #5
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A Metz 52 balances quite well on my K-5 with a battery grip. On my wife's K-x--not so much.
12-29-2019, 05:27 PM   #6
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You are quite right adding weight at the bottom will improve the balance of the camera with the Metz on top of it.
The question is would you carry that combination with you for several hours?
12-29-2019, 05:54 PM   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by stevebrot Quote
Might I also add that it also offers a surprising degree of flash dedication with Pentax dSLRs.
I'd forgotten about this, but the AF200T also worked surprisingly well with my K-30 before I got a Metz 52 AF-1. I am very happy with the Metz 52 and its implementation of P-TTL, can't say that I find it makes the K-30 unbalanced and the extra power comes in handy when bouncing flash off walls and ceilings.

12-30-2019, 01:31 AM   #8
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For what it's worth, I can also say that the Metz 50 AF-1 is a good in-between model. Offers pretty good output in a decent sized package at a good price. It is a bit heavy but balances well on my K-3II with a 50-135. I'm getting a 52 AF-1 soon to try it out.

Last edited by MikeyBugs95; 01-05-2020 at 11:46 PM.
12-30-2019, 07:00 AM   #9
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The 52 AF-1 is more than enough, I think. In term of power and in term of weight.
For more softer light, use a small lightbox...
12-30-2019, 08:54 AM   #10
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I use Metz 45CT-1 and 64 AF-1, also Metz 15 MS-1 (wireless control by build-in flash or by 64 AF-1) for macro photography, Although the Metz 64 AF-1 can be called a top-of-the-line model, its features and output are very powerful, but its touch screen is very inconvenient to me, it does not have a button control feel to come directly.
12-30-2019, 10:36 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by fs999 Quote
The 52 AF-1 is more than enough, I think. In term of power and in term of weight.
For more softer light, use a small lightbox...
My 52 AF-1 has plenty of power for bounce flashing and interfaces well with my K-5. I've used it on my K-5 for a number of multi-hour events and haven't felt too worn down by the extra weight (Though I am glad to put it away afterward).
12-30-2019, 12:17 PM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by ecostigny Quote
My 52 AF-1 has plenty of power for bounce flashing and interfaces well with my K-5. I've used it on my K-5 for a number of multi-hour events and haven't felt too worn down by the extra weight (Though I am glad to put it away afterward).
I never said the contrary
12-30-2019, 02:27 PM   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by fs999 Quote
I never said the contrary
No, you didn't. My apologies.
12-30-2019, 03:31 PM   #14
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There is the Godox TT350P which has P-TTL Godox TT350P Mini Thinklite TTL Flash for Pentax Cameras TT350P

or the more expensive Godox V1 flash Godox V1 Flash for Pentax V1-P B&H Photo Video

I have no experience with Godox flashes, just thinking about buying the TT350P
12-30-2019, 06:07 PM   #15
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I used a lightweight stand that reaches close to the ceiling., Metz unit on top of the stand. The ceiling must be white, walls preferably too.
Trigger the Metz with a low output setting of the built in flash or use a radio controlled trigger. Bounced light is not only softer, it bothers subjects like family less.
That gives you flexibility without carrying the weight of the Metz unit with you.
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