My Metz 45-CT4 - use or sell... ???

[tasadam]

Hi
I have had for some time a Metz Mecablitz 45 CT-4 flash.
I have only used it for a studio remote flash since I've had the D70.
Come to think if it, I never used it with the F80 either.
Can anyone advise me whether I should spend the money on cables to make this thing sync properly withthe D70, or even will it?
Or should I sell (or keep for studio) and buy an SB800?
SB800 is expensive when I already own a big flash but I assume from what I've read the SB800 is better suited to the D70. I don't do a lot of flash photography but wouldn't mind better utilizing this thing if it's possible.
Also anyone know where to buy the cable and adapter I would need for the Metz?

Finally, tongue in cheek, anyone want to swap it for an SB800?
Or more seriously, a trade in?
Adam.

[ozonejunkie]

G'day Adam,

I have 2 of the flashes that you speak of. I don't mind them on my EOS300D, but you have to be willing to everything manually. I looked into trying to get the proper cables (SCA 300A & SCA 312AF for Cannon) but after being told in this posting that they won't provide any extra functionality didn't bother. I use mine quite a bit, just using a Hot Shoe -> PC Sync Adapter and a PC Sync lead for the flash.

I have noticed that you can buy the leads / adapters here: http://www.centre.net.au/Flash_Accessories_0008D2.html
I have never bought / dealt with centre.net.au to have an oppinion, but I do need to buy a PC sync for my 2nd flash, and am currently looking at buying it through them.

I think I have answered all questions / waffled sufficiently.

Tristan

[joolz]

You can refer to this thread here:
http://www.d70users.net/viewtopic.php?t=7223&highlight=metz

It won't do automatic exposure on D70 (ie. TTL). (I'm not sure if it works with the pro series D1 or D2 (for some reason I have the impression that it does).
As for cords - buy a cheap hotshoe adaptor to fire it. You don't need the expensive Metz ones if you are not doing TTL.
I still have mine but I have misplaced the cord somewhere. It doesn't get that much use b/c of the weight. But it is useful as a studio flash with that power.
Buy the SB800. Nikon's CLS is much much better and the SB-800 is generally spot on for exposure. I can vouch that it works beautifully with an SD-8A and LS-II.
Many others here will tell you about how good the SB-800 is.
And, no you can't have my SB-800.

[avkomp]

I have 2 metz 60CT1s which I use with my d-70
you obviously cant use ttl with them but so long as you set the exposure right on the flash telecomputer, they work well, although I have found that the telecomputer causes about half a stop of overexposure.
I assumed that this is because the iso equivalency of the digital, whilst fairly close doesnt exactly equal that of film. (at least on my d70 anyhow)
I set the camera with about half stop less exposure than I set the metz for and I am right.

As for connecting to the camera, I bought the nikon as-15 hotshoe adaptor which cost me around $55 I just plug the standard metz lead (x sync) into the as-15.

Having said all this, I am still considering buying a sb-800 also just because this would be a less bulky solution for me.
Whilst the metz 60 is very powerful, more so than the sb-800, it comes with an external battery back and the column unit, both of which make it tough work fitting in my backpack. I will be keeping the metz for studio etc work or as slaves.

Just my 2 cents worth
Steve

[tasadam]

Thanks for the answers. Looks like I will be resigning the 45CT4 to studio work and saving for SB800. Occasionally I might take the Metz out and use it manually - when I nead a s#!tload of light.

I do have one of those little hotshoe thingosthat works as a remote trigger, set off by another flash. That comes in mighty handy.

Sorry I didn't spot that other thread before posting, Must have gone in one eye, out the other... BTW See how easy it is to get carried away when browsing on the net HERE

[avkomp]

just in case you are unfamiliar with the as-15, it will allow the metz to be fired as the MAIN FLASH. the as-15 sits on the cameras hot shoe and as such prevents the inbuilt speedlight from popping up

Thats what I use mine for currently. Works well too within the limits of my first post on the subject.

I also have phototransistor slave trigger gizmo which I use to fire off the second metz if it becomes necessary

Steve