Metz 64 AF-1 Auto Zoom

gruber_69 · 04-01-2015, 02:36 AM

Hi,

I bought Metz 64 AF-1 and I'm not sure if my unit is working as it should work.
My local service center cannot answer any question because the don't have this flash in their hands.
My issue is auto (motorized) zoom.
I'm using Pentax k-5 IIs with 18-135 lens and the zoom is working for focal lenths up to 70mm but wont move any closer to 135mm in auto zoom, neither the value on display or reflector position is changed. I can select values between 70 and 135mm manually and it's working just fine, reflector is moving. As soon as i go back to auto it goes back to 70mm or lower if the focal length is lower than 70mm. Same goes for my other lens with fixed focal length of 100mm. Flash sits on 70mm.
Can anyone confirm that it's normal behaviour?

elektrolitr · 04-01-2015, 11:39 PM

Do you use direct flash or bounce it?

gruber_69 · 04-02-2015, 12:45 AM

Direct flash. Auto zoom doesn't work in bounce flash.

Oldbayrunner · 04-06-2015, 12:50 PM

Go to the Metz web site for that model and look under hints and guides - TTL. That will explain it.

gruber_69 · 04-06-2015, 01:12 PM

Looked there already. There isn't any information why the reflector stays at max 70mm for APS-C (135 for full frame). I just need information if other units are working the same way as it can be related to firmware bug. The flash should zoom more as it is possible in manual zoom control.

sterretje · 04-06-2015, 09:40 PM

I don't think that there are many people with a Metz 64AF-1. I suggest that you contact Metz; they can verify with the cameras that they tested against.

One thing I can think of is that your camera does not pass on longer focal lengths as the Pentax flashes don't have that option; that would indicate a bug in the camera firmware.

Oldbayrunner · 04-07-2015, 05:44 AM

Originally posted by gruber_69

Looked there already. There isn't any information why the reflector stays at max 70mm for APS-C (135 for full frame). I just need information if other units are working the same way as it can be related to firmware bug. The flash should zoom more as it is possible in manual zoom control.

I don't know if this could have something to do with it but read page 168 in the K5 lls manual regarding the AF 360fgz . Possibly the same angle of view calculation is being applied when you are using your Metz in P-ttl. Which would indicate to me the flash firmware is not communicating the digital information the K5 lls needs for it to not make the decrease. I know my AF540fgz's are selectable from 35mm to digital and it does make a difference.

Last edited by Oldbayrunner; 04-07-2015 at 06:11 AM.

gruber_69 · 04-08-2015, 09:13 AM

I got reply from Metz and they stated that it's possibly bug in flash firmware and that it will be addressed in the firmware update.

Here's he reply, I removed the name of person that replied as I don't know if he would like to share his name here:

Quote:

Many thanks for your e-mail as of 04. April 2015.

Basically the mentioned flash unit mecablitz 64 AF-1 digital is equipped with a power zoom reflector with several fixed positions. These are the positions 24 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 70 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm, 135 mm, 180 mm and 200 mm for the 35 mm film format. However, in combination with a camera which is equipped with a smaller sensor the flash unit automatically actives the zoom size mode. Thereby these positions are changed in the positions 16 mm, 20 mm, 24 mm, 35 mm, 45 mm, 55 mm, 70 mm, 90 mm, 120 mm and 135 mm. These is done in combination with the digital-camera Pentax K-5 II.

But please note reflector positions among the afore-mentioned positions aren't possible. If such a focal length is used the flash unit sets the next smaller reflector position. For example if you use a focal length of 80 mm on the Pentax K-5 II the reflector is set to the 70 mm position.

However, concerning your complaint we checked the flash unit with the mentioned lenses. Unfortunately we have to realise that the zoom reflector is always set to 70 mm whereas a focal length of 100 mm or 135 mm is used. Obviously this is caused by a firmware bug of the flash unit. We will solve it by a firmware modification. As soon as this new firmware is available we will inform you again.

We regret that we are unable to give you a more positive reply at the moment and remain
with best regards

sterretje · 04-08-2015, 10:41 AM

Great; now you just have to be patient

Good luck

gruber_69 · 04-09-2015, 05:34 AM

I got another reply from Metz employee that the firmware should be released midyear.

gruber_69 · 04-21-2015, 03:09 PM

Originally posted by sterretje

I don't think that there are many people with a Metz 64AF-1. I suggest that you contact Metz; they can verify with the cameras that they tested against.

One thing I can think of is that your camera does not pass on longer focal lengths as the Pentax flashes don't have that option; that would indicate a bug in the camera firmware.

Unfortunately you were right.
Pentax cameras (tested with K-5IIs and K-3) doesn't transmit focal lengths longer than 70mm.

Metz tested it and it looks like any focal lenthg longer or equal to 70mm is transmitted as 70mm so no hope for auto zoom going any further.
Only manual override can set longer values in flash.
Pentax flashes are unaffected as the doesn't zoom that far.

sterretje · 04-21-2015, 07:35 PM

Sad.

Time to contact Pentax

With a massive amount of luck they might fix it; but at least they will be aware that some people need it.

gruber_69 · 04-22-2015, 01:46 PM

Is there any contact that I can use for this?
I found only local service centers emails and the one in Poland simply ignored this issue

sterretje · 04-22-2015, 08:53 PM

No idea; maybe contact Adam via a PM. He might have contacts or ideas.

Anguel · 05-05-2015, 02:57 PM

Hi!

Same problem here. Today I got my Metz 64 AF-1 here in Germany and just tested it with my Pentax K-30 and Pentax 55-300 mm lens. Unfortunately, zoom reflector stops at 70 mm with auto zoom mode. So 55 mm is recognized properly, then 70 mm and there it stops. Very disappointing, as the Metz is advertised as fully compatible with K-30. Looks like you can't trust any company these days. They sell you untested stuff. And in this case maybe we also pay the price for having a Pentax, not Canon or Nikon. BTW, I am also disappointed by the bad old-style resistive touch screen Metz put in. Simply annoying. Those guys sacrifice usability for some stupid marketing stuff.

Are there any news regarding the Metz zoom problem?

Anguel

04-01-2015, 02:36 AM	#1
gruber_69 New Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Lodz Posts: 17	Metz 64 AF-1 Auto Zoom Hi, I bought Metz 64 AF-1 and I'm not sure if my unit is working as it should work. My local service center cannot answer any question because the don't have this flash in their hands. My issue is auto (motorized) zoom. I'm using Pentax k-5 IIs with 18-135 lens and the zoom is working for focal lenths up to 70mm but wont move any closer to 135mm in auto zoom, neither the value on display or reflector position is changed. I can select values between 70 and 135mm manually and it's working just fine, reflector is moving. As soon as i go back to auto it goes back to 70mm or lower if the focal length is lower than 70mm. Same goes for my other lens with fixed focal length of 100mm. Flash sits on 70mm. Can anyone confirm that it's normal behaviour?

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04-01-2015, 11:39 PM	#2
elektrolitr Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Riga Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 47	Do you use direct flash or bounce it?

04-02-2015, 12:45 AM	#3
gruber_69 New Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Lodz Posts: 17 Original Poster	Direct flash. Auto zoom doesn't work in bounce flash.

04-06-2015, 12:50 PM	#4
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	Go to the Metz web site for that model and look under hints and guides - TTL. That will explain it.

04-06-2015, 01:12 PM	#5
gruber_69 New Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Lodz Posts: 17 Original Poster	Looked there already. There isn't any information why the reflector stays at max 70mm for APS-C (135 for full frame). I just need information if other units are working the same way as it can be related to firmware bug. The flash should zoom more as it is possible in manual zoom control.

04-06-2015, 09:40 PM	#6
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	I don't think that there are many people with a Metz 64AF-1. I suggest that you contact Metz; they can verify with the cameras that they tested against. One thing I can think of is that your camera does not pass on longer focal lengths as the Pentax flashes don't have that option; that would indicate a bug in the camera firmware.

04-07-2015, 05:44 AM	#7
Oldbayrunner Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 1,665	Originally posted by gruber_69 Looked there already. There isn't any information why the reflector stays at max 70mm for APS-C (135 for full frame). I just need information if other units are working the same way as it can be related to firmware bug. The flash should zoom more as it is possible in manual zoom control. I don't know if this could have something to do with it but read page 168 in the K5 lls manual regarding the AF 360fgz . Possibly the same angle of view calculation is being applied when you are using your Metz in P-ttl. Which would indicate to me the flash firmware is not communicating the digital information the K5 lls needs for it to not make the decrease. I know my AF540fgz's are selectable from 35mm to digital and it does make a difference. Last edited by Oldbayrunner; 04-07-2015 at 06:11 AM.

04-08-2015, 09:13 AM	#8
gruber_69 New Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Lodz Posts: 17 Original Poster	I got reply from Metz and they stated that it's possibly bug in flash firmware and that it will be addressed in the firmware update. Here's he reply, I removed the name of person that replied as I don't know if he would like to share his name here: Quote: Many thanks for your e-mail as of 04. April 2015. Basically the mentioned flash unit mecablitz 64 AF-1 digital is equipped with a power zoom reflector with several fixed positions. These are the positions 24 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 70 mm, 85 mm, 105 mm, 135 mm, 180 mm and 200 mm for the 35 mm film format. However, in combination with a camera which is equipped with a smaller sensor the flash unit automatically actives the zoom size mode. Thereby these positions are changed in the positions 16 mm, 20 mm, 24 mm, 35 mm, 45 mm, 55 mm, 70 mm, 90 mm, 120 mm and 135 mm. These is done in combination with the digital-camera Pentax K-5 II. But please note reflector positions among the afore-mentioned positions aren't possible. If such a focal length is used the flash unit sets the next smaller reflector position. For example if you use a focal length of 80 mm on the Pentax K-5 II the reflector is set to the 70 mm position. However, concerning your complaint we checked the flash unit with the mentioned lenses. Unfortunately we have to realise that the zoom reflector is always set to 70 mm whereas a focal length of 100 mm or 135 mm is used. Obviously this is caused by a firmware bug of the flash unit. We will solve it by a firmware modification. As soon as this new firmware is available we will inform you again. We regret that we are unable to give you a more positive reply at the moment and remain with best regards

04-08-2015, 10:41 AM	#9
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	Great; now you just have to be patient Good luck

04-09-2015, 05:34 AM	#10
gruber_69 New Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Lodz Posts: 17 Original Poster	I got another reply from Metz employee that the firmware should be released midyear.

04-21-2015, 03:09 PM	#11
gruber_69 New Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Lodz Posts: 17 Original Poster	Originally posted by sterretje I don't think that there are many people with a Metz 64AF-1. I suggest that you contact Metz; they can verify with the cameras that they tested against. One thing I can think of is that your camera does not pass on longer focal lengths as the Pentax flashes don't have that option; that would indicate a bug in the camera firmware. Unfortunately you were right. Pentax cameras (tested with K-5IIs and K-3) doesn't transmit focal lengths longer than 70mm. Metz tested it and it looks like any focal lenthg longer or equal to 70mm is transmitted as 70mm so no hope for auto zoom going any further. Only manual override can set longer values in flash. Pentax flashes are unaffected as the doesn't zoom that far.

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04-21-2015, 07:35 PM	#12
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	Sad. Time to contact Pentax With a massive amount of luck they might fix it; but at least they will be aware that some people need it.

04-22-2015, 01:46 PM	#13
gruber_69 New Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Lodz Posts: 17 Original Poster	Is there any contact that I can use for this? I found only local service centers emails and the one in Poland simply ignored this issue

04-22-2015, 08:53 PM	#14
sterretje Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Roodepoort, South Africa Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,561	No idea; maybe contact Adam via a PM. He might have contacts or ideas.

05-05-2015, 02:57 PM	#15
Anguel New Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 9	Hi! Same problem here. Today I got my Metz 64 AF-1 here in Germany and just tested it with my Pentax K-30 and Pentax 55-300 mm lens. Unfortunately, zoom reflector stops at 70 mm with auto zoom mode. So 55 mm is recognized properly, then 70 mm and there it stops. Very disappointing, as the Metz is advertised as fully compatible with K-30. Looks like you can't trust any company these days. They sell you untested stuff. And in this case maybe we also pay the price for having a Pentax, not Canon or Nikon. BTW, I am also disappointed by the bad old-style resistive touch screen Metz put in. Simply annoying. Those guys sacrifice usability for some stupid marketing stuff. Are there any news regarding the Metz zoom problem? Anguel