Suitability of Metz flashes

corkcityfcpoolie · 05-17-2009, 06:12 AM

Perhaps my query has been asked and answered before, but I'm new to this forum, and relatively new to photography.
Can someone tell me if Metz 45 (or similar) flashes are suitable for my MZ-M (ZX-M) and P30T cameras, please?
And, if so, are any additional bits and pieces required, e.g. adaptors, leads, etc?

mattdm · 05-17-2009, 10:03 AM

Originally posted by corkcityfcpoolie

Perhaps my query has been asked and answered before, but I'm new to this forum, and relatively new to photography.
Can someone tell me if Metz 45 (or similar) flashes are suitable for my MZ-M (ZX-M) and P30T cameras, please?
And, if so, are any additional bits and pieces required, e.g. adaptors, leads, etc?

The Metz 45 series flashes use the SCA module system. You'll need the SCA adapter number 372 (Metz | SCA 372 Dedicated Module for Pentax | MZ 5492 | B&H Photo).

For newer cameras which support TTL/P-TTL, you'll want the 3072 module instead. (Although you could also use the 372 module on those cameras.)

SOldBear · 05-17-2009, 10:44 AM

I'm currently using a Metz 45 CT-4 with my K10D (digital) and film cameras (SuperA, MX, ...)

It is complete with flash unit, bracket, battery holder, and sync cord. It has its own light sensor so if you don't need TTL/P-TTL (I don't think it supports P-TTL however), you don't need the SCA dedicated module and associated cord. Set the flash to auto mode, match the ISO and the aperture settings on the flash with those on the camera, set the camera to sync speed or lower. That's it.

The head of the 45 series covers only 35mm angle (35mm format) so for wider lenses, you'll need to get a wide-angle diffuser/panel of some sort.

It's a PITA to replace batteries, so getting a spare battery holder for quick battery change is a good idea. Fortunately, they are relatively inexpensive and plentiful on FleaBay.

What I wish I had is a remove sensor (e.g. Mecamat 45-30), but they are difficult to find these days.

mattdm · 05-17-2009, 10:50 AM

According to the metz web site, having the 372 SCA module would give a few niceties, like the camera knowing when the flash is ready and when the flash thinks it was indeed able to deliver the correct exposure. But yeah, I guess that's not really very important.

corkcityfcpoolie · 08-27-2009, 06:21 AM

I recently acquired a Metz 45 CT1.
If I want to use it on my MZ-M (ZX-M) or P30T, I can use a SCA372 adaptor, which is fitted to the hotshoe - am I correct so far?
But if I don't have to use an adaptor, as suggested, how do I connect the flash to the camera?
This may seem an incredibly stupid question to what appears to be a very knowledgeable group of people, but I really don't know.

SOldBear · 08-27-2009, 11:57 AM

Metz flashes of different models may look similar, even the connectors look similar, but they can be very different. Data on older models (e.g. 45CT1) are sketchy, so research before buying anything.

I'm not sure that the 45CT1 can be used with an SCA372. If it can, you'll need a dedicate cord to connect the 45CT1 to the SCA372.

From what I know, the 45CT1 does not work with dedicated module. The connector of the SCA300A dedicate cord fits only the 45CT3/4 and 45CL3/4.

Your 45CT1 should come with a simple sync cord with a pc terminal as in this photo.

The model number of the coiled sync cord is 5520, straight sync cord is 5522.

If your camera has a pc terminal, just plug it in and shoot. If your camera doesn't, you'll need to find an adapter from hotshoe to pc terminal (assuming the flash's trigger voltage is safe for your camera).

But best for the 45CT1 is a Mecamat remote sensor model 45-20. The 45-20 is attached to the camera's hotshoe. Besides providing the sync between the camera and the flash, it does several things:

1. It has a light sensor which takes over the light sensor on the flash body. No matter where the flash is facing, the sensor always faces in front of the camera.

2. The camera has a "normal" and a "tele" (smaller field of view) settings, and a "viewfinder" to accurately aim the light sensor, very useful in macro shooting.

3. It provides power ratio settings in manual (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64). Without the Mecamat, the 45CT1 has only full power manual.

4. As I remember, the trigger voltage of the 45CT1 is about 180V. You can add a little circuit inside the Mecamat to reduce it to a safe level (you can see the label "7.5V" in the last photos below). I tried to add this circuit to the 45CT1 itself but there was no spare space inside to fit the components.

Used Mecamat 45-20 units pop up for sale once in a while. KEH currently has one LN- grade for only $8 + shipping.

Metz 45 CT1 and Mecamat 45-20, manual settings:

Metz 45 CT1 and Mecamat 45-20, auto settings:

corkcityfcpoolie · 08-29-2009, 09:33 AM

SOldBear,
Thank you very much for your assistance. I'll proceed as you suggested, and report back on my progress.

05-17-2009, 06:12 AM	#1
corkcityfcpoolie New Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Blarney, County Cork, Ireland Posts: 14	Suitability of Metz flashes Perhaps my query has been asked and answered before, but I'm new to this forum, and relatively new to photography. Can someone tell me if Metz 45 (or similar) flashes are suitable for my MZ-M (ZX-M) and P30T cameras, please? And, if so, are any additional bits and pieces required, e.g. adaptors, leads, etc?

08-27-2009, 06:21 AM	#5
corkcityfcpoolie New Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Blarney, County Cork, Ireland Posts: 14 Original Poster	Further query on Metz I recently acquired a Metz 45 CT1. If I want to use it on my MZ-M (ZX-M) or P30T, I can use a SCA372 adaptor, which is fitted to the hotshoe - am I correct so far? But if I don't have to use an adaptor, as suggested, how do I connect the flash to the camera? This may seem an incredibly stupid question to what appears to be a very knowledgeable group of people, but I really don't know.

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05-17-2009, 10:03 AM	#2
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	Originally posted by corkcityfcpoolie Perhaps my query has been asked and answered before, but I'm new to this forum, and relatively new to photography. Can someone tell me if Metz 45 (or similar) flashes are suitable for my MZ-M (ZX-M) and P30T cameras, please? And, if so, are any additional bits and pieces required, e.g. adaptors, leads, etc? The Metz 45 series flashes use the SCA module system. You'll need the SCA adapter number 372 (Metz \| SCA 372 Dedicated Module for Pentax \| MZ 5492 \| B&H Photo). For newer cameras which support TTL/P-TTL, you'll want the 3072 module instead. (Although you could also use the 372 module on those cameras.)

05-17-2009, 10:44 AM	#3
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	I'm currently using a Metz 45 CT-4 with my K10D (digital) and film cameras (SuperA, MX, ...) It is complete with flash unit, bracket, battery holder, and sync cord. It has its own light sensor so if you don't need TTL/P-TTL (I don't think it supports P-TTL however), you don't need the SCA dedicated module and associated cord. Set the flash to auto mode, match the ISO and the aperture settings on the flash with those on the camera, set the camera to sync speed or lower. That's it. The head of the 45 series covers only 35mm angle (35mm format) so for wider lenses, you'll need to get a wide-angle diffuser/panel of some sort. It's a PITA to replace batteries, so getting a spare battery holder for quick battery change is a good idea. Fortunately, they are relatively inexpensive and plentiful on FleaBay. What I wish I had is a remove sensor (e.g. Mecamat 45-30), but they are difficult to find these days.

05-17-2009, 10:50 AM	#4
mattdm Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boston, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,948	According to the metz web site, having the 372 SCA module would give a few niceties, like the camera knowing when the flash is ready and when the flash thinks it was indeed able to deliver the correct exposure. But yeah, I guess that's not really very important.

08-27-2009, 11:57 AM	#6
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Metz flashes of different models may look similar, even the connectors look similar, but they can be very different. Data on older models (e.g. 45CT1) are sketchy, so research before buying anything. I'm not sure that the 45CT1 can be used with an SCA372. If it can, you'll need a dedicate cord to connect the 45CT1 to the SCA372. From what I know, the 45CT1 does not work with dedicated module. The connector of the SCA300A dedicate cord fits only the 45CT3/4 and 45CL3/4. Your 45CT1 should come with a simple sync cord with a pc terminal as in this photo. The model number of the coiled sync cord is 5520, straight sync cord is 5522. If your camera has a pc terminal, just plug it in and shoot. If your camera doesn't, you'll need to find an adapter from hotshoe to pc terminal (assuming the flash's trigger voltage is safe for your camera). But best for the 45CT1 is a Mecamat remote sensor model 45-20. The 45-20 is attached to the camera's hotshoe. Besides providing the sync between the camera and the flash, it does several things: 1. It has a light sensor which takes over the light sensor on the flash body. No matter where the flash is facing, the sensor always faces in front of the camera. 2. The camera has a "normal" and a "tele" (smaller field of view) settings, and a "viewfinder" to accurately aim the light sensor, very useful in macro shooting. 3. It provides power ratio settings in manual (1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/64). Without the Mecamat, the 45CT1 has only full power manual. 4. As I remember, the trigger voltage of the 45CT1 is about 180V. You can add a little circuit inside the Mecamat to reduce it to a safe level (you can see the label "7.5V" in the last photos below). I tried to add this circuit to the 45CT1 itself but there was no spare space inside to fit the components. Used Mecamat 45-20 units pop up for sale once in a while. KEH currently has one LN- grade for only $8 + shipping. Metz 45 CT1 and Mecamat 45-20, manual settings: Metz 45 CT1 and Mecamat 45-20, auto settings:

08-29-2009, 09:33 AM	#7
corkcityfcpoolie New Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Blarney, County Cork, Ireland Posts: 14 Original Poster	SOldBear, Thank you very much for your assistance. I'll proceed as you suggested, and report back on my progress.