Mecablitz 45 questions

Alan Browne wrote:
Q.G. de Bakker wrote:
Alan Browne wrote:


There is a used Metz 45 at a local store that I almost bought yesterday.


A Metz 45 what?
CT-1, CT-3, CT-4, CT-5. CL instead of CT?
snip

I forgot to mention, check the "trigger voltage" voltage of your digital
camera and that of the flashgun you want to buy.

Regards
Charles


--
Please remove _removeme_ to reply.

Alan Browne wrote:
Q.G. de Bakker wrote:
Alan Browne wrote:


There is a used Metz 45 at a local store that I almost bought yesterday.


A Metz 45 what?
CT-1, CT-3, CT-4, CT-5. CL instead of CT?

Not sure. As I'll be shooting Sync, does it matter? It does have a
"ring" on the top with ISO and aperture settings - I guess that implies
some "Auto" function?

The all have that.

Are there known "issues" with this flash?

The high trigger voltages of early CT-1s can fry electronic cameras.

Otherwise they are indestructible.


What is a used 45 worth?


Depending on type, about US$ 30 - 50.

!!! They want CAD$225... (about US$200).

*Way* too much for any CT- model, and especially for a CT-1!

Charles C. wrote:
Alan Browne wrote:

Not sure. As I'll be shooting Sync, does it matter? It does have a
"ring" on the top with ISO and aperture settings - I guess that implies
some "Auto" function?


Hi,


If you use it with a digital camera it may fry it up.

The CT-1 (I don't know if this applied to all 45s) puts out some 400V
through the sync cable ... it will fry the camera. Check out carefully
http://www.metz.de/en/

No problem: Minolta sync circuits are rated ±400V and the Hasselblad
will be no problem either.

Some Canon models have a very low voltage tolerant sync circuit. (The
Elan 7e comes to mind, but I may be off). Later pro Canon's such as the
1D series tolerate higher voltages. (±250 comes to mind, but again I
may be off).


There are some devices which will reduce voltage but none that could
bring the CT-1 down to digital camera expected voltage. For example:
http://www.teamworkphoto.com/wein.html (such devices may work with other
than CT-1 flash guns).

Sorry I am not very exact I what I am saying, it is a while since I
looked up the information.

The ring on the top ... you set the iso speed of the film and the
aperture you are using and the flash adjusts how much light to put out.
It has a sensor underneath the head.

Thanks for that, IOW an AUTO flash.

Merry Christmas,
Alan

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Alan Browne wrote:

Thanks for that, IOW an AUTO flash.

Yes, all of them are.

The 3, 4 and 5 models offer TTL-mode too.
The 5 only with the SCA500-system, which is very rare, and not well
supported.
The other too use the SCA-300 system, and there's no problem finding
300-series SCA adapters for most cameras.

All of them offer manual flash too.

The 4 and 5 models have a small secondary tube below the main tube, which
you can switch on or off at will, offering direct fill-light when tilting
the main reflector up for indirect light.

Alan Browne wrote:
Charles C. wrote:
Alan Browne wrote:

Not sure. As I'll be shooting Sync, does it matter? It does have a
"ring" on the top with ISO and aperture settings - I guess that implies
some "Auto" function?


Hi,


If you use it with a digital camera it may fry it up.

The CT-1 (I don't know if this applied to all 45s) puts out some 400V
through the sync cable ... it will fry the camera. Check out carefully
http://www.metz.de/en/

No problem: Minolta sync circuits are rated ±400V and the Hasselblad
will be no problem either.

Some Canon models have a very low voltage tolerant sync circuit. (The
Elan 7e comes to mind, but I may be off). Later pro Canon's such as the
1D series tolerate higher voltages. (±250 comes to mind, but again I
may be off).


Careful, some early CT-1s (including mine) can reach 600V. Don't know if
the 400V to 600V difference can be dangerous for the camera.

"Chris Loffredo" wrote

Careful, some early CT-1s (including mine) can reach 600V. Don't know if
the 400V to 600V difference can be dangerous for the camera.

Later Metz electronic flashes are quite safe: my 45 CT-3 measures
6.4 volts at the synch connector.

400-600V is well over the standard voltage limit for a design
like the PC connector. Creep distance between conductors at 500V+
is normally 12.5mm + 0.005mm/V min.* ~= 5/8", 13mm. If that sounds
more like the spacing on the bi-pin synch connectors on old Flash
Supermatic shutters ...

* Working from memory, advice worth price charged.

--
Nicholas O. Lindan, Cleveland, Ohio
Darkroom Automation: F-Stop Timers, Enlarging Meters
http://www.nolindan.com/da/index.htm
n o lindan at ix dot netcom dot com

Chris Loffredo wrote:
Alan Browne wrote:

Charles C. wrote:

If you use it with a digital camera it may fry it up.

The CT-1 (I don't know if this applied to all 45s) puts out some 400V
through the sync cable ... it will fry the camera. Check out carefully
http://www.metz.de/en/


No problem: Minolta sync circuits are rated ±400V and the Hasselblad
will be no problem either.

Some Canon models have a very low voltage tolerant sync circuit. (The
Elan 7e comes to mind, but I may be off). Later pro Canon's such as
the 1D series tolerate higher voltages. (±250 comes to mind, but
again I may be off).


Careful, some early CT-1s (including mine) can reach 600V. Don't know if
the 400V to 600V difference can be dangerous for the camera.

For the Hassy I won't be too worried as the 500 C/M and the 45 have been
partners in crime for a looooong time. I'm less likely to use it with
the Minolta gear (I have 3 Minolta flashes and 5 sync flashes of various
kinds...). I can always use the -45 slaved and then it's a non-issue.

I believe it's a CL-1 (IAC).

Thanks,
Alan

--
-- r.p.e.35mm user resource: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpe35mmur.htm
-- r.p.d.slr-systems: http://www.aliasimages.com/rpdslrsysur.htm
-- [SI] gallery & rulz: http://www.pbase.com/shootin
-- e-meil: Remove FreeLunch.

The price really depends on the model! CT series are older,
lower number models have fewer features (but a perfect match
for a 'blad). 45CT-1 with bracket and Ni-Cad could be
anywhere from $50US or up depending on condition and
cosmetics. There is now a Ni-MH battery and charger that
will fit 45's, but if shooting enough to justify the Metz
price I'd buy a Quantum 2 battery. For low volume just use
alkaline batteries or the included Ni-Cad.
darkroommike

Alan Browne wrote:
Nicholas O. Lindan wrote:
"Q.G. de Bakker" wrote

Alan Browne wrote:

There is a used Metz 45 at a local store that I almost bought
yesterday.
As the store couldn't find the accessories (offhand) I left it there
until they locate all the bits and pieces.


Make sure you get them all. If you are going to hook on to a 'blad
you only need a plain PC cable. For other cameras you need a special
adapter to hook to the TTL.


Good match for the 500 C/M?

Perfect.

Ditto


Can the power pack be converted to NiMH?


This flash is used with a Quantum Turbo battery 99%
of the time. This flash is used to shoot weddings
98% of the time.


What is a used 45 worth?

Depending on type, about US$ 30 - 50.


I would put it higher than that. Check ebay and KEH...

Thanks for your comments (in partiucular the QT battery). I thought
QG's estimate a bit low, but it also suggests that the store/owner are
puffing it a bit too high at CAD$225.

Thanks,
Alan

Wein safe synch adapter will put your digital worries at
ease. No worries with the mechanical leaf shutter in the
Hasselblad.
darkroommike

Alan Browne wrote:
Charles C. wrote:
Alan Browne wrote:

Not sure. As I'll be shooting Sync, does it matter? It does have a
"ring" on the top with ISO and aperture settings - I guess that implies
some "Auto" function?


Hi,


If you use it with a digital camera it may fry it up.

The CT-1 (I don't know if this applied to all 45s) puts out some 400V
through the sync cable ... it will fry the camera. Check out carefully
http://www.metz.de/en/

No problem: Minolta sync circuits are rated ±400V and the Hasselblad
will be no problem either.

Some Canon models have a very low voltage tolerant sync circuit. (The
Elan 7e comes to mind, but I may be off). Later pro Canon's such as the
1D series tolerate higher voltages. (±250 comes to mind, but again I
may be off).


There are some devices which will reduce voltage but none that could
bring the CT-1 down to digital camera expected voltage. For example:
http://www.teamworkphoto.com/wein.html (such devices may work with other
than CT-1 flash guns).

Sorry I am not very exact I what I am saying, it is a while since I
looked up the information.

The ring on the top ... you set the iso speed of the film and the
aperture you are using and the flash adjusts how much light to put out.
It has a sensor underneath the head.

Thanks for that, IOW an AUTO flash.

Merry Christmas,
Alan