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New Metz 76 M-5 Flash
Dec 25, 2017 12:41:04 #
Dec 25, 2017 13:05:51 #
I do not have this unit, I have a 45 and 60. Powerful units to have but... You must have an use for it because they are heavy and the power pack in cumbersome.
If you get one of those I would suggest using a bracket to have it above the camera vs on the side. (closer to ceiling for bouncing) when shooting close it will project the shadow behind the subject vs around as an on camera does.
If the bracket is sophisticated it will allow for switching the camera orientation from landscape to portrait.
If you get one of those I would suggest using a bracket to have it above the camera vs on the side. (closer to ceiling for bouncing) when shooting close it will project the shadow behind the subject vs around as an on camera does.
If the bracket is sophisticated it will allow for switching the camera orientation from landscape to portrait.
Dec 25, 2017 13:06:07 #
JeffK wrote:
Does anyone have any comments about this unit?
Seems to be a very nice unit. It supports TTL for digital cameras but I am not sure how much. It has a zoom head vs the 45 and 60 which don't.
Dec 25, 2017 13:29:12 #
That is an awful lot of flash power, Jeff.
Might be appropriate for a professional user. Have you examined the alternatives carefully?
Might be appropriate for a professional user. Have you examined the alternatives carefully?
Dec 25, 2017 13:43:37 #
kb6kgx
Loc: Simi Valley, CA
I have an older Sunpak 555 handle-mount flash that I used with my FE2 film camera. I am presently using it with my D7100, though I’m not sure I have the settings right on the camera. I’ve been told that it will “work”, but not as good as a current flash designed to work with digital bodies. I don’t know. It has a GN of 150 (at ISO 100), and that’s great for what I need it for — lighting something up 100 feet or more away, in fire and EMS photography. But I’m thinking I should invest in a more current model. Looking at Yongnuo and other similar third-party brands.
Dec 25, 2017 16:08:31 #
rjaywallace wrote:
That is an awful lot of flash power, Jeff.
Might be appropriate for a professional user. Have you examined the alternatives carefully?
Might be appropriate for a professional user. Have you examined the alternatives carefully?
While the GN of 76 (in meter) seems high but it's for the zoom head at 105mm. At 35mm it's only 45 which is equal to the Metz 45 and less than the Metz 60.
Dec 25, 2017 16:27:45 #
kb6kgx
Loc: Simi Valley, CA
BebuLamar wrote:
While the GN of 76 (in meter) seems high but it's for the zoom head at 105mm. At 35mm it's only 45 which is equal to the Metz 45 and less than the Metz 60.
Its GN is listed as "249' at ISO 100", which seems VERY high. But, then, it's a $1100 flash, so… maybe…
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Dec 26, 2017 07:33:57 #
Much depends on the way You're going to use this behemoth. If You are a pro, then it is worth while to invest $$$. From my experience I can say that the flash is a workhorse, but there are 2 points. One is the right choice of SCA METZ adapter to obtain proper communication between the command unit/flash and the camera. Check SCA-Adaptersearch: http://www.metz-mecatech.de/en/lighting/flash-units/specialist-flash-units.html?mobile=1%27a%3D0%27A%3D0%27%27A%3D0 Another point is the included METZ 76 - 56 battery. It is a tricky beast that needs permanent attention. The green LED indicating "full charge" is deceptive; I disconnect the charger and repeatedly connect it after, say, 10 or so minutes. Only after this procedure repeated twice or thrice the 76 - 56 battery may be considered fully charged. Or, if You have extra $$$, invest in a "High performance Metz NiMH power pack P76 with V 76 cable". Anyhow, good luck and happy shooting!
Dec 26, 2017 10:07:04 #
Bugfan
Loc: Toronto, Canada
I've had one of those for a few years. My need was simple, brute force flash for doing stuff like lighting up a cavern or something. I use mine with Nikon DSLRs, usually a D3.
When it comes to raw power the flash wins the prize. What I also like about it is that it's got a second flash head under the main one. You can use this as a fill flash when you're bouncing the main head up to the ceiling. That was just an unexpected bonus, I bought the flash for its power, not for this accessory.
All this raw power comes at a stiff price. First of all I find the battery that comes with itdoesn't last very long. It's an old Nickel metal Hydride design that takes hours to charge and that doesn't hold a charge very long. When I first started to use it I was frustrated with it failing half way through an event. I also didn't like having to charge it the day before the event in order to maximize the charge. Eventually I bought a second battery to solve the power issue but that didn't work out either.
Finally I got around the power problem with a GoDox power supply and a cable for the flash. That added more weight but it works admirably leaving me with a lot of power. I've never run out since I got the power supply.
Metx is not clear exactly what adaptor you need or even whether it works with your SLR. In my case the adaptor I finally got sort of works. Where there is a problem is trying to use the flash as a slave or a master, it doesn't do that very well if at all. But then when I use this flash it's the only one I'm using so it doesn't matter whether it works remotely or not.
I also find the control unit that goes on the camera is a very old design which means the text displayed can be fuzzy. You get used to it but it's also always a problem.
The unit sets records for weight particularly when you're using a professional SLR and the power supply too. But then I suppose we should be getting more exercise anyway.
Finally, this isn't a flash that conveniently fits in a pocket or a knapsack. I got an aluminum, foam filled case and custom fitted it into the foam along with its accessories. That allows me to keep it protected from hazards and makes it more convenient to carry.
Cost wise start with the cost of the flash. Then add about $200 for the adaptor that makes it work with your camera. I added another $250 for the power supply as well as about $75 for an extra battery that never worked as I expected. It also does not have a diffuser so you might add the cost of one of those too. And the foam filled case was about $60.
Bottom line? It's an excellent brute force flash if that is your primary need. Don't count on it to do anything fancy, just be happy with the power of the flash and expect to spend a lot more than just the advertised price of the unit.
When it comes to raw power the flash wins the prize. What I also like about it is that it's got a second flash head under the main one. You can use this as a fill flash when you're bouncing the main head up to the ceiling. That was just an unexpected bonus, I bought the flash for its power, not for this accessory.
All this raw power comes at a stiff price. First of all I find the battery that comes with itdoesn't last very long. It's an old Nickel metal Hydride design that takes hours to charge and that doesn't hold a charge very long. When I first started to use it I was frustrated with it failing half way through an event. I also didn't like having to charge it the day before the event in order to maximize the charge. Eventually I bought a second battery to solve the power issue but that didn't work out either.
Finally I got around the power problem with a GoDox power supply and a cable for the flash. That added more weight but it works admirably leaving me with a lot of power. I've never run out since I got the power supply.
Metx is not clear exactly what adaptor you need or even whether it works with your SLR. In my case the adaptor I finally got sort of works. Where there is a problem is trying to use the flash as a slave or a master, it doesn't do that very well if at all. But then when I use this flash it's the only one I'm using so it doesn't matter whether it works remotely or not.
I also find the control unit that goes on the camera is a very old design which means the text displayed can be fuzzy. You get used to it but it's also always a problem.
The unit sets records for weight particularly when you're using a professional SLR and the power supply too. But then I suppose we should be getting more exercise anyway.
Finally, this isn't a flash that conveniently fits in a pocket or a knapsack. I got an aluminum, foam filled case and custom fitted it into the foam along with its accessories. That allows me to keep it protected from hazards and makes it more convenient to carry.
Cost wise start with the cost of the flash. Then add about $200 for the adaptor that makes it work with your camera. I added another $250 for the power supply as well as about $75 for an extra battery that never worked as I expected. It also does not have a diffuser so you might add the cost of one of those too. And the foam filled case was about $60.
Bottom line? It's an excellent brute force flash if that is your primary need. Don't count on it to do anything fancy, just be happy with the power of the flash and expect to spend a lot more than just the advertised price of the unit.
Dec 26, 2017 16:20:34 #
DaveyDitzer
Loc: Western PA
I'm not disputing any reply you received so far. I had a Metz 45-CT5 for my film Nikons and it was a great flash. I used it on a bracket. It had the main head and a fill flash (with on/off switch on the fill). The battery unit died and the clip for 5 or 6 penlights failed so it went on it's way. I wish now I had it.
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