Metz 58 AF-2, HSS and Controller

Sol Invictus · 07-22-2012, 09:59 AM

I will be buying the Metz 58 AF-2 to complement my Yongnuo manual flashes in the near future. One function of the Metz will be off-camera work outdoors using HSS.

From my readings, it appears that I can't use the pop-up flash as a controller for HSS. Is this correct? If it is, it appears I would need to pick up another flash to act as a controller. Any suggestions for a cheap flash that can act as a controller? I have enough flashes that the features and power rating of this controller flash don't really matter.

Are there any other alternatives to a controller flash?

steve1307 · 07-22-2012, 11:02 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Sol Invictus

I will be buying the Metz 58 AF-2 to complement my Yongnuo manual flashes in the near future. One function of the Metz will be off-camera work outdoors using HSS.

From my readings, it appears that I can't use the pop-up flash as a controller for HSS. Is this correct? If it is, it appears I would need to pick up another flash to act as a controller. Any suggestions for a cheap flash that can act as a controller? I have enough flashes that the features and power rating of this controller flash don't really matter.

Are there any other alternatives to a controller flash?

Your readings are correct. Built in flash is only capable of 1/180s so no HSS for the off camera flash, regardless of what type it is.

I can confirm that the Pentax AF360 or the AF540 can be set as master(or control) and wirelessly trigger a Metz flash (set to SL "slave"mode) in HSS mode.
(Tested with my K-7 + AF540 on camera and Metz 50 remote.)

.
.
...but you can't set the Metz to controller mode on camera and trigger another off camera flash in P-TTL or in HSS. (Thats a whole other can o' worms).

Sol Invictus · 07-22-2012, 03:39 PM

Originally posted by steve1307

Your readings are correct. Built in flash is only capable of 1/180s so no HSS for the off camera flash, regardless of what type it is.

I can confirm that the Pentax AF360 or the AF540 can be set as master(or control) and wirelessly trigger a Metz flash (set to SL "slave"mode) in HSS mode.
(Tested with my K-7 + AF540 on camera and Metz 50 remote.)

.
.
...but you can't set the Metz to controller mode on camera and trigger another off camera flash in P-TTL or in HSS. (Thats a whole other can o' worms).

Thanks for the info. The AF540 is too expensive to use as just a master. I would go for the AF360, but the fact that it does not swivel means I can't point it away from the subject and use it just as a master. I don't know if that will have a big impact (I can always point it straight up) but there are hopefully cheaper master flashes.

Do you have any experience with the Sigma EF-610 DG Super?

L33tGreg · 07-22-2012, 08:01 PM

Af-360fgz

steve1307 · 07-23-2012, 12:50 AM

Originally posted by Sol Invictus

Thanks for the info. The AF540 is too expensive to use as just a master. I would go for the AF360, but the fact that it does not swivel means I can't point it away from the subject and use it just as a master. I don't know if that will have a big impact (I can always point it straight up) but there are hopefully cheaper master flashes.

Do you have any experience with the Sigma EF-610 DG Super?

No experience with the Sigma but heres the compatability page.

EF-610 DG Super

It seems to say that it can be used as a Master but only with 2 DG super units. I guess they are saying the slave unit would also have to be a DG super to function properly with P-TTL?
A bit confusing.

Surely it could trigger simple manual flashes in wireless (but maybe not not P-TTL or HSS)

edit: Pdf manual link found courtesy of mattdm' s handy site

Wireless - Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison

http://www2nd.sigma-photo.co.jp/downloads/manual/EF610DGSUPER_Manual_PA.pdf

Page 21 says that EF-610 DG super can be used on camera to trigger another EF-610 DG Super apart from the camera and it can do P-TTL and work in HSS.

It doesn't specifically say it could trigger other brands of P-TTL and HSS compatible units like your Metz 58-AF2.

Matts page linked above only mentions that the 2 Pentax flashes are able to (be master or control) and that the Metz can't (slave only)

Sol Invictus · 07-23-2012, 05:37 PM

Looks like the AF360 is my only option.

Sol Invictus · 07-24-2012, 03:55 PM

Could I use a TTL cable to activate the HSS?

steve1307 · 07-25-2012, 08:39 AM

Originally posted by Sol Invictus

Could I use a TTL cable to activate the HSS?

Yes of course, use a TTL cable like the Pentax 5PL and the hot shoe adaptors F or FG and the flash will behave exactly as if it is directly on the camera.

I bought a set of these for a 2 flash setup from a forum member recently and they work great. More reliable outdoors than wireless but a little more cumbersome of course.

Flash Accessories (Genuine Pentax) - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

There are third party alternatives but for full P-TTL functions you have to have the version with all the 5 wires. (4 pins and the shoe mounting/ground)
I longest one I know of is the 10 foot Pentax 5PL cable

most "Sync cables" only have the ground and the wire to trigger so not for TTL.

Sol Invictus · 07-25-2012, 05:32 PM

You are a fountain of knowledge Steve. Thanks a lot!

I would kiss that adorable seal face of yours but being Canadian, I would then have to club you to death.

Sol Invictus · 07-29-2012, 07:23 PM

Just to clarify, I would need a hotshoe adaptor F (or FG) to go one the hotshoe of the camera and a F5P cord to go to the flash? Do I need another hotshoe adaptor for the flash or can I plug the cord into the flash itself?

steve1307 · 07-31-2012, 10:27 AM

Originally posted by Sol Invictus

Just to clarify, I would need a hotshoe adaptor F (or FG) to go one the hotshoe of the camera and a F5P cord to go to the flash? Do I need another hotshoe adaptor for the flash or can I plug the cord into the flash itself?

Yep that's right,

The hot shoe adapter FG goes on the camera of course and you can use the pop up flash with it fitted.

alternatively ...the hot shoe adapter F can go on the camera and it has another hot-shoe on top of it so you can stick another flash on top of it. The popup flash physically won't go up though.

The off camera adapter F has a 1/4" threaded hole underneath for mounting on tripod/stand and the hotshoe on the top for the remote flash.

This picture of the 3 different adaptors on camera FG, on camera F and the off camera F (left to right)
the picture is from forum member "SoldBear" who knows lots about everything.

The Pentax AF540 flash has a socket on the side so the 5 pin cable goes directly in and you don't need the off camera adapter F.
I dont know of any other flash that has this socket. The smaller AF360 doesn't & neither does my Metz 50 (I dont think any 3rd party flashes do)

07-22-2012, 09:59 AM	#1
Sol Invictus Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Calgary, Alberta Photos: Gallery Posts: 392	Metz 58 AF-2, HSS and Controller I will be buying the Metz 58 AF-2 to complement my Yongnuo manual flashes in the near future. One function of the Metz will be off-camera work outdoors using HSS. From my readings, it appears that I can't use the pop-up flash as a controller for HSS. Is this correct? If it is, it appears I would need to pick up another flash to act as a controller. Any suggestions for a cheap flash that can act as a controller? I have enough flashes that the features and power rating of this controller flash don't really matter. Are there any other alternatives to a controller flash?

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Metz 58 and HSS	NeverSatisfied	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	11	06-21-2013 04:47 AM
Wireless HSS w/ AF 360 & Metz 58 AF-1?	gsrokmix	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	0	08-24-2011 05:02 PM
Metz 58 AF-2 and Wireless HSS	5shot	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	2	01-07-2011 08:14 PM
For Sale - Sold: Metz 54 MZ-4i Digital Fully Automatic 54 GN P-TTL HSS Strobe Flash for Pentax	wallyb	Sold Items	4	11-12-2009 12:32 AM
Pentax K20D and Metz 58 AF (HSS Mode)	jasper	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	7	01-22-2009 02:41 PM

07-22-2012, 11:02 AM - 1 Like	#2
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	Originally posted by Sol Invictus I will be buying the Metz 58 AF-2 to complement my Yongnuo manual flashes in the near future. One function of the Metz will be off-camera work outdoors using HSS. From my readings, it appears that I can't use the pop-up flash as a controller for HSS. Is this correct? If it is, it appears I would need to pick up another flash to act as a controller. Any suggestions for a cheap flash that can act as a controller? I have enough flashes that the features and power rating of this controller flash don't really matter. Are there any other alternatives to a controller flash? Your readings are correct. Built in flash is only capable of 1/180s so no HSS for the off camera flash, regardless of what type it is. I can confirm that the Pentax AF360 or the AF540 can be set as master(or control) and wirelessly trigger a Metz flash (set to SL "slave"mode) in HSS mode. (Tested with my K-7 + AF540 on camera and Metz 50 remote.) . . ...but you can't set the Metz to controller mode on camera and trigger another off camera flash in P-TTL or in HSS. (Thats a whole other can o' worms).

07-22-2012, 03:39 PM	#3
Sol Invictus Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Calgary, Alberta Photos: Gallery Posts: 392 Original Poster	Originally posted by steve1307 Your readings are correct. Built in flash is only capable of 1/180s so no HSS for the off camera flash, regardless of what type it is. I can confirm that the Pentax AF360 or the AF540 can be set as master(or control) and wirelessly trigger a Metz flash (set to SL "slave"mode) in HSS mode. (Tested with my K-7 + AF540 on camera and Metz 50 remote.) . . ...but you can't set the Metz to controller mode on camera and trigger another off camera flash in P-TTL or in HSS. (Thats a whole other can o' worms). Thanks for the info. The AF540 is too expensive to use as just a master. I would go for the AF360, but the fact that it does not swivel means I can't point it away from the subject and use it just as a master. I don't know if that will have a big impact (I can always point it straight up) but there are hopefully cheaper master flashes. Do you have any experience with the Sigma EF-610 DG Super?

07-22-2012, 08:01 PM	#4
L33tGreg Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Charleston, SC Photos: Gallery Posts: 369	Af-360fgz

07-23-2012, 12:50 AM	#5
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	Originally posted by Sol Invictus Thanks for the info. The AF540 is too expensive to use as just a master. I would go for the AF360, but the fact that it does not swivel means I can't point it away from the subject and use it just as a master. I don't know if that will have a big impact (I can always point it straight up) but there are hopefully cheaper master flashes. Do you have any experience with the Sigma EF-610 DG Super? No experience with the Sigma but heres the compatability page. EF-610 DG Super It seems to say that it can be used as a Master but only with 2 DG super units. I guess they are saying the slave unit would also have to be a DG super to function properly with P-TTL? A bit confusing. Surely it could trigger simple manual flashes in wireless (but maybe not not P-TTL or HSS) edit: Pdf manual link found courtesy of mattdm' s handy site Wireless - Pentax P-TTL Flash Comparison http://www2nd.sigma-photo.co.jp/downloads/manual/EF610DGSUPER_Manual_PA.pdf Page 21 says that EF-610 DG super can be used on camera to trigger another EF-610 DG Super apart from the camera and it can do P-TTL and work in HSS. It doesn't specifically say it could trigger other brands of P-TTL and HSS compatible units like your Metz 58-AF2. Matts page linked above only mentions that the 2 Pentax flashes are able to (be master or control) and that the Metz can't (slave only)

07-23-2012, 05:37 PM	#6
Sol Invictus Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Calgary, Alberta Photos: Gallery Posts: 392 Original Poster	Looks like the AF360 is my only option.

07-24-2012, 03:55 PM	#7
Sol Invictus Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Calgary, Alberta Photos: Gallery Posts: 392 Original Poster	Could I use a TTL cable to activate the HSS?

07-25-2012, 08:39 AM	#8
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	Originally posted by Sol Invictus Could I use a TTL cable to activate the HSS? Yes of course, use a TTL cable like the Pentax 5PL and the hot shoe adaptors F or FG and the flash will behave exactly as if it is directly on the camera. I bought a set of these for a 2 flash setup from a forum member recently and they work great. More reliable outdoors than wireless but a little more cumbersome of course. Flash Accessories (Genuine Pentax) - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database There are third party alternatives but for full P-TTL functions you have to have the version with all the 5 wires. (4 pins and the shoe mounting/ground) I longest one I know of is the 10 foot Pentax 5PL cable most "Sync cables" only have the ground and the wire to trigger so not for TTL.

07-25-2012, 05:32 PM	#9
Sol Invictus Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Calgary, Alberta Photos: Gallery Posts: 392 Original Poster	You are a fountain of knowledge Steve. Thanks a lot! I would kiss that adorable seal face of yours but being Canadian, I would then have to club you to death.

07-29-2012, 07:23 PM	#10
Sol Invictus Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Calgary, Alberta Photos: Gallery Posts: 392 Original Poster	Just to clarify, I would need a hotshoe adaptor F (or FG) to go one the hotshoe of the camera and a F5P cord to go to the flash? Do I need another hotshoe adaptor for the flash or can I plug the cord into the flash itself?

07-31-2012, 10:27 AM	#11
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,130	Originally posted by Sol Invictus Just to clarify, I would need a hotshoe adaptor F (or FG) to go one the hotshoe of the camera and a F5P cord to go to the flash? Do I need another hotshoe adaptor for the flash or can I plug the cord into the flash itself? Yep that's right, The hot shoe adapter FG goes on the camera of course and you can use the pop up flash with it fitted. alternatively ...the hot shoe adapter F can go on the camera and it has another hot-shoe on top of it so you can stick another flash on top of it. The popup flash physically won't go up though. The off camera adapter F has a 1/4" threaded hole underneath for mounting on tripod/stand and the hotshoe on the top for the remote flash. This picture of the 3 different adaptors on camera FG, on camera F and the off camera F (left to right) the picture is from forum member "SoldBear" who knows lots about everything. The Pentax AF540 flash has a socket on the side so the 5 pin cable goes directly in and you don't need the off camera adapter F. I dont know of any other flash that has this socket. The smaller AF360 doesn't & neither does my Metz 50 (I dont think any 3rd party flashes do)