At 15:53 4/29/03, Wim asked:
Hello,
Currently, I have a T32 and a T20 flash, used with my OM-4 and OM-2sp.
I'm looking for something more powerful and flexible (mechanically)
and with full TTL capabilities.
I've heard good things about the Metz 40 MZ-2 and 40 MZ-3i.
But maybe I want something still more powerful.
What would you recommend ?
There seem to be many different models and I'm a bit lost.
The 40 MZ-[2,3i] are about as powerful as you can go with a shoe mounted
flash. It's at the limit of power that four AA cells can recharge the
flash from full dump in a reasonable amount of time. Larger units are
either handle or bracket mounted. Some use 6 AA cells, some use C cells (4
or 6) and some use a separate battery pack. The most cost effective handle
mounts that can run TTL Auto with the OM system:
45 CL-4; GN = 148; successor to 45 CT-4 with minor changes
60 CT-4; GN = 197; big brother of 45 CL-4 and most powerful of any Metz
You may also find older CL-3 and CT-3 models used.
All the above require the SCA-300A cord to use the SCA-321 module.
IIRC, there is a CT-5 model that uses an SCA-521 module/cord.
The SCA-500 series modules/cords were short lived and are hard to find.
45 CL-1/CT-1 and 60 CT-1 do **not** support SCA modules or TTL control.
The 60 series *require* a separate battery pack. The 45's can be powered
by a battery holder in the handle (NiCad rechargeables and AA cell
holders), but I you don't recommend it for work such as weddings that burn
many frames of film in a short time; you'll only get a few rolls from one
set of cells. Much better to power power one with a P50 external battery pack.
There is also a 70 MZ-[4,5] with a GN = 164, but it's $$$ and loaded up
with features for AF systems, auto-zoom control, rear curtain syncing,
etc. Its GN is not that much more powerful than the 45 series. IMO,
either drop down to the 45 or go up to the 60 for less $$$. IIRC, it's the
successor to the 50 MZ-5 which has the same power level!
In shoe mounts, the 40 MZ-1i, MZ-2 or MZ-3i will all do well with the OM
system. You can also mount them on a G15 or G16 grip to convert them into
handle mounts. The grip holds 4 C cells to power the flash. The 54 MZ-3
has the same power level as the 40 MZ series and the 40 AF-4 is about the
same power as a T-32.
And what are decent prices to pay secondhand ?
Wow! Depends on flash model and where you buy it too. Following are
approximate prices I've seen . . .
In the 40 MZ series of shoe mounts, likely the most OM usable features at
least cost is the 40 MZ-2; about $150-$200 used depending on
condition. The MZ-1[i] is a little less expensive but it doesn't have the
secondary flash tube. Picked up a 40 MZ-3i as it was only about $30 more
than an MZ-2. The MZ-3i diffuser and zoom head do go wider and longer but
only about one more lens worth (21m vs 24mm and 105mm vs 85mm). The
G15/G16 grips are in the vicinity of $100 (plus or minus). Used SCA-321
modules hover around $25-30 used.
45 series flahs handles vary widely. The older CT models can be found as
low as $200 and range upward to $300 for superb condition CL-4's (with
battery holder or rechargeable cluster for the handle). They usually come
with a PC cord. Used SCA-300A cords for using an SCA-321 module are
usually a few dollars.
--John
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