K-30 and old Metz flash

szmatefy · 11-14-2013, 09:02 AM

Hi

Is it possible to use an old Metz flash (32CT3) as an off camera flash via adapter cable?

**Canada_Rockies** · 11-14-2013, 10:00 AM

You will need the adapter for the flash mount on the camera and a cable, but yes. One serious caution is to make sure that the flash trigger voltage is low. Some older flashes have trigger voltages that can damage the camera's electronics.

TaoMaas · 11-14-2013, 10:01 AM

You have to be careful about the trigger voltage on the flash. Digital cameras won't tolerate the high voltages that old film cameras could deal with. For what it's worth, I recently wrote to Pentax to see what levels of voltage my DSLR would handle. They were very non-commital. Here's the response I got:

RICOH Japan has never released the trigger voltage specification for any of the PENTAX DSLR cameras. Older PENTAX brand flashes are safe to use on the cameras. These older flashes that are not P-TTL compatible have to be used with the cameras in manual mode. We do not test or recommend using third-party brand flashes with our DSLRs but if you are contemplating it we strongly recommend using a Wein SafeSync hotshoe adapter to protect the camera. Damage to the camera resulting from use of a non-Pentax brand accessory will void your warranty.

If you are in need of further assistance, please respond to this email or call our technical support center at 800-877-0155.

I opted to buy a Wein SafeSync for use with my flashes. Another option might be to use a wireless trigger to fire your flash, rather than attaching it directly by cable. There's a chart out there that lists the trigger voltages for quite a few flashes, but I don't have a link to it right off-hand.

Edited to add: Here's a link to that chart of trigger voltages.

Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

szmatefy · 11-14-2013, 10:18 AM

Thanks!

I have a Metz 372 mount adapter for the flash, and Metz assured me that this flash is no danger for my K-30. All I'd like to now is to use this flash as an off-camera flash. Could you suggest me such a trigger?

Cheers

Szabolcs

SteveB · 11-15-2013, 11:06 AM

You can easily measure the trigger voltage with a DVM on the centre contact and the side sprung contact. Try not to touch the probes just in case there is a high voltage. I once measured 260v on a tiny old flash that run on one AA. I've never had a problem with 10v trigger voltage flashes on a K100D and K-30..

hnikesch · 11-15-2013, 02:32 PM

Originally posted by szmatefy

Thanks!

I have a Metz 372 mount adapter for the flash, and Metz assured me that this flash is no danger for my K-30. All I'd like to now is to use this flash as an off-camera flash. Could you suggest me such a trigger?

Cheers

Szabolcs

The trigger I use with my Kr and K30 is listed below

Hans

Amazon.com: CowboyStudio NPT-04 4 Channel Wireless Trigger for External Speelights with 1 Trigger and 2 Receivers (NPT-04+extra receiver): Camera & Photo

hnikesch · 11-15-2013, 02:42 PM

I also use several old film camera Pentax flashes on my K30 the AF200T works quite well with the camera in manual mode, set the shutter speed to 1/160 sec or slower and the ISO and aperture per the flash chart. I find the old auto flashes are quite good at determining exposure.

11-14-2013, 09:02 AM	#1
szmatefy Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 77	K-30 and old Metz flash Hi Is it possible to use an old Metz flash (32CT3) as an off camera flash via adapter cable?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
K-30 and Metz mecablitz 50 AF-1 flash incompatibility	donfenix	Pentax K-30 & K-50	61	07-06-2013 07:38 AM
K-30 and Metz mecablitz 50 AF-2 flash incompatibility	lister6520	Pentax K-30 & K-50	6	06-18-2013 10:45 PM
K-30 and old 35 mm lenses	pippin65	Pentax K-30 & K-50	5	02-11-2013 01:06 PM
K-30 and external flash: Metz 50/52 Sigma 610 SG or?	bcorson	Pentax K-30 & K-50	13	12-31-2012 05:38 AM
K-30 Battery and old lenses	Old Film Guy	Pentax K-30 & K-50	9	11-13-2012 09:31 PM

11-14-2013, 10:00 AM	#2
Canada_Rockies Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sparwood, BC, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,385	You will need the adapter for the flash mount on the camera and a cable, but yes. One serious caution is to make sure that the flash trigger voltage is low. Some older flashes have trigger voltages that can damage the camera's electronics.

11-14-2013, 10:01 AM	#3
TaoMaas Pentaxian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Oklahoma City Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,574	You have to be careful about the trigger voltage on the flash. Digital cameras won't tolerate the high voltages that old film cameras could deal with. For what it's worth, I recently wrote to Pentax to see what levels of voltage my DSLR would handle. They were very non-commital. Here's the response I got: RICOH Japan has never released the trigger voltage specification for any of the PENTAX DSLR cameras. Older PENTAX brand flashes are safe to use on the cameras. These older flashes that are not P-TTL compatible have to be used with the cameras in manual mode. We do not test or recommend using third-party brand flashes with our DSLRs but if you are contemplating it we strongly recommend using a Wein SafeSync hotshoe adapter to protect the camera. Damage to the camera resulting from use of a non-Pentax brand accessory will void your warranty. If you are in need of further assistance, please respond to this email or call our technical support center at 800-877-0155. I opted to buy a Wein SafeSync for use with my flashes. Another option might be to use a wireless trigger to fire your flash, rather than attaching it directly by cable. There's a chart out there that lists the trigger voltages for quite a few flashes, but I don't have a link to it right off-hand. Edited to add: Here's a link to that chart of trigger voltages. Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages

11-14-2013, 10:18 AM	#4
szmatefy Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 77 Original Poster	Thanks! I have a Metz 372 mount adapter for the flash, and Metz assured me that this flash is no danger for my K-30. All I'd like to now is to use this flash as an off-camera flash. Could you suggest me such a trigger? Cheers Szabolcs

11-15-2013, 11:06 AM	#5
SteveB Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: U.K. Posts: 685	You can easily measure the trigger voltage with a DVM on the centre contact and the side sprung contact. Try not to touch the probes just in case there is a high voltage. I once measured 260v on a tiny old flash that run on one AA. I've never had a problem with 10v trigger voltage flashes on a K100D and K-30..

11-15-2013, 02:32 PM	#6
hnikesch Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,316	Originally posted by szmatefy Thanks! I have a Metz 372 mount adapter for the flash, and Metz assured me that this flash is no danger for my K-30. All I'd like to now is to use this flash as an off-camera flash. Could you suggest me such a trigger? Cheers Szabolcs The trigger I use with my Kr and K30 is listed below Hans Amazon.com: CowboyStudio NPT-04 4 Channel Wireless Trigger for External Speelights with 1 Trigger and 2 Receivers (NPT-04+extra receiver): Camera & Photo

11-15-2013, 02:42 PM	#7
hnikesch Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,316	I also use several old film camera Pentax flashes on my K30 the AF200T works quite well with the camera in manual mode, set the shutter speed to 1/160 sec or slower and the ISO and aperture per the flash chart. I find the old auto flashes are quite good at determining exposure.