I own an M6 and a R8 body. I currently use a Metz 40 MZ-3 (and a SF 20) but find the 40MZ-3 a little fiddly with the buttons. Having said that I have always had good results with the Metz 40 MZ-3. Has anyone had any experience with the 54 MZ-3? Is it a worthwhile uograde from the 40 MZ-3? ( I also use a Nikon F100 which can be used with both Metz flashes provided I have the right SCA adaptor).

-- David Yeo (yeo_d@hotmail.com), August 11, 2001

Answers

I've got a whole bunch of Metz flashes including the 40MZ-3i (use them with Hasselblad, Leica R and Nikon) and I admit that the 54MZ-3 tempts me. Not because of the buttons/controls but because it is a cobra-style body. It sits higher above the lens = less red-eye; and it is much easier to fit the velcro-on pocket bouncers and mini- softboxes.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), August 11, 2001.

David,

I use a Metz 54-MZ3 on my Hasselblad TTL cameras with the SCA390 adapter. I also designed a TTL wireless interface to trigger it remotely like I do my Canon 550EX flashes. I am very impressed with the Metz user-interface, feature-set, light-quality, and fit/finish. the beauty of course, is that you can use it across several camera types with the the correct adapter.

-- daniel taylor (lightsmythe@agalis.net), August 11, 2001.

I've just got a 54 myself, and I used to use the 32, not the 40, but I think the advantages to the new design would be similar.

1) it fits in the bag better 2) it has far better swivel and bounce provision 3) zoom out to 20mm

These three things sold it, for me. It also has an array of advanced features which are of limited use, such as the modelling light and strobe modes. I can't imagine using these for what I do photographically, but nonetheless I'm impressed and happy with my purchase.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), August 12, 2001.

I may be asserting a little ignorance here, but the 54 MZ-3 looks a lot like my SB28 to me, specs and all... So, for the price the SB28 would seem a better solution for mating to your F100. Do you really use a flash a lot on your M6? (I assume you have the M6 TTL, or this discussion becomes moot...) I would think that if you use flash a lot, your F100 is a better tool than the M6 due to the slow synch. If you only use flash on the M6 occasionally, it seems to me that you could get by with the SB28 in its very excellent "auto" mode; granted, not TTL, but very, very good none-the-less, even when shooting chromes. But, then again, if you use flash on your M6 a lot and need the power, the Metz is a quality unit!

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), August 12, 2001.

The gentleman said he also owns an R8. The Metz 54 sounds like a very good unit for the R8 and F100. The best news (for Nikon users at least) is that the new 3002-series modules are said to be up- gradable. In the past every time Nikon intro'd a new body they must've put in some software change to thwart aftermarket flashes and Metz users had to buy a new module.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), August 12, 2001.

Thanks Jay - you are right, I am interested in the Metz because of the R8. The features of the 40 MZ3 seem identical to the 54 MZ3 save for greater power and the cobra design - a big plus for more natural fill flash. But is it a worthwhile upgrade? Jay, you mentioned that the 3002 series is upgradeable? Where can I find out more about that? Thanks.

-- David Yeo (yeo_d@hotmail.com), August 12, 2001.

I have been following this thread with interest since I have been using a 40MZ2 with my R8 and the 54 appeals for the reasons Jay expressed. However my current flashgun uses the SCA3501 module and the 54 specs call for the 3502. Does anyone know if this means I must get the new module, or will the 3501 work with the loss of some of the more exotic functions on the 54 which I probably won't use anyway.

-- Ivor Quaggin (iquaggin@home.com), August 12, 2001.

For those who don't know, the 40MZs are now discontinued so the 54 is probably the one to get. I would get one if I really felt it would work better for me on the R6.2 than my trusty Vivitar 283. As flash is always a last resort for me, I have balked at the expenditure for now. Of course, it does more on the R8 than on the R6.2

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), August 13, 2001.

The 3501 module will *not* work on the 54MZ. You will need the 3502. However the 3502 *will* work on any older series 3000 unit like the 40MZ series, the 32MZ3 and 32Z2. The series 300 SCA modules (such as the SCA351 needed for the R5-R7, and the SCA390 for Hasselblad) *will* work on the 54MZ.

True the 40MZ3i is discontinued. However, like Leica, Metz supports their older units very, very well and parts/service is still available for much older flashes. I like the 40MZ series on a flash bracket with the Hasselblad.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), August 13, 2001.