Anyone used the Metz 54MZ-3 with diffuser on the M6TTL? The lieca SF-20 flash doesnt have any bounce options so I thought this might be an alternative.

-- Hank (hgraber@narrativerooms.com), December 03, 2001

Answers

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-- aaa aaa (aaa@aaa.com), December 03, 2001.

I haven't used the 54MZ-3, but I have used the older Metz 45C with the appropriate SCA adapter for the M6TTL, and it worked fine.

-- Ralph Barker (rbarker@pacbell.net), December 03, 2001.

From the other side of the answer above, I don't have the M6TTL, but I have the 54MZ-3 w. the R8. It's a great flash. TTL is spot on (again, with the R8 -- no experience w. M6) and the flash has lots of useful features.

-- william carter (wmc@po.cwru.edu), December 04, 2001.

Hank,

I'm using the 54MZ-3 with the M6TTL since several months now, and it work very well. My only concern was about the torsion effect that its big size and weight may have on the rangefinder adjustment of the M6TTL. That's why I use it with a bracket and a flash extension cord like the Nikon SC-17 or Contax TLA 100. (both compatible with M6 TTL and compatible flash). I also had the 40MZ-3 before and can say that IMO, the 54MZ-3 is a big improvement.

-- Lucien (Lucien_vd@yahoo.fr), December 05, 2001.

Lucien ...what bracket are you using for the 54MZ-3?

-- Hank (hgraber@narrativerooms.com), December 05, 2001.

Having run the experiment at a number of weddings, I can confirm that the 54MZ-3 mounted on camera will have an adverse effect on your rangefinder vertical alignment. The vertical on my M6.85 is out and it gets farther out with the addition of the flash. :-( Use a bracket or use a smaller flash. Too bad, as the 54MZ-3 is GREAT.

-- Robert Schneider (rolopix@yahoo.com), December 05, 2001.

When I travel light, I use a little bracket (a simple bar with two screws) made by Nikon.

Or the bigger Stroboframe Quick Flip 350 (35mm) with the Leica Motor or a Rapidwinder, because then the tripod screw mount is located in the middle of the base.

Another solution may be the Rollbar made for the Nikon 995. The base lock of the M6 will be more accessible.

-- Lucien (lucien_vd@yahoo.fr), December 05, 2001.

The Rollbar

-- Lucien (lucien_vd@yahoo.fr), December 05, 2001.

Thanks for the advice. I got a 54MZ-3 and a stroboflip. The stroboflip made for the most compact package. One last question ... I have a shortened Nikon SC-17 cord on the way. Do you leave the SCA3052 adapter on the 54MZ-3 and then attach to the cable or does the SCA3052 adapter go in the camera hot shoe?

-- Hank (hgraber@narrativerooms.com), December 07, 2001.

I have a stroboframe and I have to say it is really not my favorite. Firstly they are a very awkward shape and carrying them around is a pain. Also they position the flash way too high over the camera for many uses, particularly if you are using a 35mm lens and need to come in close - you will find that the high flash will give shadowed eyesockets when you get at all close. I prefer an old Vivitar side mounted flash handle. The handle detaches from the bar and so is compact when stored. This works very nicely and is, in my opinion, easier to carry and use and gives better results.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), December 07, 2001.