Metz 34CS2 for M6 TTL

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Here again about compatible portable flash for M6 TTL.The thread suggest the use of Metz 34CS2 as oppose to SF20 Leica. I need your input please.

-- Ed Gaddi (edgaddi@yahoo.com), October 21, 2001

Answers

The Metz 34CS2 is a non-dedicated flash which will *not* utilize the TTL flash metering on the M6TTL. Other than the SF20, the only current shoe-mount flashes which can interface with the M6TTL's flash metering are the Metz 32MZ3, 32Z2 and 54MZ3 when equipped with the appropriate SCA module; the discontinued 40MZ-series are also possible. Of these units I am partial to the 32Z2 as it is the least- expensive and lightest. The motor-zoom feature on the 32MZ3 is of little use on an M6TTL since there is no body-flash interface to control the zoom based on lens focal length. However, someone who also owns an R8 (or other modern SLR) might want to consider the 32MZ3. The 40MZ and 54MZ are of course much more powerful and full- featured units but are much heavier than the 32's. It depends a lot on the photographer's reaons for using the M6 in the first place, as well as the degree to which flash is going to be a part of their photography. The SF20 is really an ideal unit for the M6TTL for all but the heaviest flash applications. A Nikon SC-17 off-camera cord would also be a good addition to the camera bag, as this would greatly enhance the flexibility of the SF20. With a non-TTL M6, however, the cost of the SF20 is, IMO, a waste of money. The Olympus S20 (a $50 clone of the Minilux CF and Hexar-RF flashes, minus the un- needed dedication) or perhaps the Metz34SC2 might be just the ticket.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), October 21, 2001.

The SF-20 is a toy compared to the Metz 54 mz-3. Just purchased the 54-mz3 and must say it is fantastic. Can handle the full-flash demands of heavy usage and be just as effective with the soft, fill-in types of flash photography. Very smooth operation, like it much better than the Nikon SB-28. An investment in a M6-TTL calls for a unit such as the MZ-3. If money is an issue, wait a little longer......it is really worth it. I believe the SF-20 is made by Minolta and is limited ie; Bounce capabilities and you will get red-eye occasionally.

So.........all in all...the MZ-3 is worth the extra 140.00 plus the 70. for the adapter.

Hope this will assist in your decision..

Alex

-- Alex Tamborrino (tambo6@aol.com), October 21, 2001.


I have the SF20.

For the occasional use I make of flash with the M6TTL, it's fine. I purchased a Nikon SC-17 extension cable so I can do fully dedicated off-camera bounce and other tricks with it now.

The Metz flash units are probably more applicable for someone who's going to be using flash a lot, but I like the SF20 for its very compact size and long battery life.

Godfrey

-- Godfrey (ramarren@bayarea.net), October 21, 2001.


I recommend the Metz 32Z2 with the appropriate TTL adaptor. It's not huge but it has enough power to do useful bounce flash with EI 100 or faster film. To me the ability to do bounce flash is very important; I absolutely detest blast-em-in-the-face straight-on flash.

-- John Hicks (jbh@magicnet.net), October 21, 2001.

I have one of the 34's and it's a nice little package, but obviously better for outdoors fill than indoors work. One very useful feature is the built in slave sensor which means you can use two or more of them to light a scene. Unfortunately the 54 does not have this feature, but clearly it is a far more versatile unit in every other way. Bulky, is the only drawback, although cobra style heads fit in a camera bag better than the brick-like metz 32s.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), October 22, 2001.


I am a big fan of the 34CS2 for the M6. I have been shooting ISO100 chrome all summer. Much of my indoor/family stuff has been shot with the 34CS2. The exposure of the auto-unit in the 34CS2 is remarkably accurate. It is light and compact. It seems to be rugged as well. I've never used the SF-20, however, the 34CS2 has yet to let me down, so I've not given any really consideration to buying the SF-20. I guess I should add that when I need more sophisicticated fill flash, I use my Contax kit, as the 1/50 Leica sync. speed makes fill pretty impractical.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), October 22, 2001.

I use the Leica SF20 flash with my M6 TTL because of TTL flash control. It is very convenient and the flash control is very accurate. The SF20 is small and light, and with the diffuser on, creates a nice soft white light for direct flash. But the SF20 is suitable only for small rooms and short distances. I also have a very large and very powerful Metz 50 flash for my other flash pictures!

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), October 22, 2001.

I am also a fan of the SF-20, for inconspicuous shooting - it is a great little unit and good match for the M6-TTL. But it is not good for really heavy duty, or "professional" use. For this I may buy the most powerful flash I can which is the 54MZ-3 (which is not a vast "potato masher"). I may well end up using this with my R6, as it balances better, but the appeal of r/f focusing when using flash is obvious. The SF20 is a "take always" type of flash, and is surprisingly powerful for its size, but for real useful bounce/diffused flash you need more power if you are taking 100 chrome-type shots.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), October 22, 2001.

Thanks again for your valuable input. I've tried at B&H store here in New York an M6 TTL with a Metz 32Z2 with 3502 adaptor, no offense, but it looks like a huge rock on top of a light pick up truck. I've failed to ask the rep. if there's an adaptable or suitable flash bracket on these type of flash for the M6 TTL. The other thread a week ago cautioned me not to mount a big flash coz the top plate is only a thin piece of zinc and will not take the stress. More so with the Metz 54 which is bigger and heavier than the 32z. Again, does anybody use a flash bracket for the M6 TTL?

-- ed gaddi (edgaddi@yahoo.com), October 22, 2001.

Ed

This was one of my points. I think you need a flash bracket really for most of the Metz products, also once you get to using a bracket, then you might as well go the whole hog and get a 54 or similar. I think the 54 or similar is ridiculous when mounted directly on an M6 - I use a stroboframe or old Vivitar flash bracket, but to be honest for most use on an M6 I would use the SF20 - it is a nice match - but good quality vertical shots are out. If you don't mind looking like a pro then the Metz + flash bracket is fine, but most of the time this defeats the point of an M6, so the SF20 type is a better match in my opinion.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), October 22, 2001.



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