Metz 45CL4 On Digital?

markmullen said:
As part of a deal with a medium format camera I acquired a Metz 45 CL4 (not the digital model).

Would it be safe to use with my 1D2 and 1Ds? if it is going to put my digital kit at risk then no worries.
Click to expand...

I think that's the problem; risk to your kit. I asked a similar question a while back about using a 45CT4 on a D90, given that it could only be used manually, but didn't get a lot of response. I guess folks are wary about giving advice that might turn out to be risky! Which of course is fair enough.

For info, I measured the trigger voltage for the CT4 to be 22 - 23 volts which SHOULD be safe given that the max for the D90 is 250. However, I'm afraid to try it......!

Sorry that I can't be a lot of help; maybe just explaining the lack of response!


ERnie
 
you should have no problem at all, either with a cable into the side of the camera or use an adaptor lead that is correct for the use (metz) on the hotshoe.
for info i have two cl4's and a cl1 and have used them on a 1d, 1ds, 1dmk2 n and 1d mk3 without problems.
 
Metz site has a table of flash guns and camera compatability.
The CT range is not compatable, the CL should be, but check. The CL4 will only operate as a standard flash as it is not ETTL compatable, with the additional adapters it is / was TTL compatable. I have two and use for messing about as studio flashes, unlike the Canon flashes they are quite powerful as the Flash number 45 is at 50mm, my 430ex is something like 32 at that setting.
 
Another of those 'it should be OK' answers...

AFAIK Canon started this nonsense in the 90's with, I think, their EOS1 camera, which could only connect safely via the hotshoe to a flashgun with a trigger voltage of no more than 5.5v, or in other words, to a Canon flashgun - why would anyone want to use any make other than canon or use studio lighting?... They eventually woke up but by the time they did, some people had it in their heads that trigger voltage for all flashguns used on all cameras needed to be no more than 5v:)

It has nothing to do with whether the camera is digital or not, it's all about trigger voltage and the amount of voltage that the camera hotshoe connection can safely be used with. If you don't use a hotshoe connection, i.e. if you use a radio trigger or a cable connection to a PC socket, you have far less risk.
 
Cool, thanks all.

I also emailed Metz in the UK, their answer:

"The trigger voltage of the old 45 CL 4 is 15 volts, please check with
Canon for your cameras max voltage resistance.

If they can handle it then you will only require the SCA 301 + SCA 300 A
connecting cable.

As this an analogue flashgun you will only be able to use the Auto and
Manual modes NO TTL."

Thanks for explaining the guide numbers were differently measured, I did think it was a big old brute to give out only a little extra than my 430exII
 
Mike54 said:
Metz site has a table of flash guns and camera compatability.
The CT range is not compatable, the CL should be, but check. The CL4 will only operate as a standard flash as it is not ETTL compatable, with the additional adapters it is / was TTL compatable. I have two and use for messing about as studio flashes, unlike the Canon flashes they are quite powerful as the Flash number 45 is at 50mm, my 430ex is something like 32 at that setting.
Click to expand...

Just seen this thread so please excuse the late reply.

The Metz range including the 45CL4 has a guide number of 45 for ISO100 @ 1 mtr and the reflector is set for 35mm (Not 50mm as quoted above).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top