Metz 40MZ-2

Hi people..

I've got a Metz40MZ-2 flashgun I used to use with my Pentax MZs film camera.
Lovely camera, great flashgun...

Now....I'm all Digital...my K10D is a great camera, but the flashgun is not PTTL.....
Is there anyway I can use it with my digital kit,...or is it just not compatable

Thanks for any help.
D

As with all these flash guns that are either TTL (but not P-TTL), or have no TTL capability at all, they're fine with the P-TTL-only cameras (KxxD and KxxxD) but only in manual mode, or using the gun's auto setting and with the camera set to the sync speed or slower.

The only thing to watch with some very old guns, is if the trigger voltage is extremely high. Current wisdom seems to be that if it's under 10V you're definitely safe, and most guns are unless they're very old indeed. Best to measure it to be sure.

Thanks ChrisA......I'll have a look, but I'm sure it only takes 4 AA's so cant be that powerful....

Don't count on it - it's nothing to do with how many cells it takes. I measured the voltage between the pins on an old and very small, low GN Braun flash gun that only took 4 cells, and it was about 300V. Yes, three hundred.

Duncan,
You are correct - you cannot use the TTL mode.
However, I have excellent results with the 50MZ5 + SCA3702 and K10D
Just:
* Flash in "A" mode
* Camera Av mode
* Do NOT use Auto ISO, but fix the ISO (preferably with the front wheel - see custom settings)

On my Metz the flashgun tracks the ISO and Aperture selected on the camera and produces a great result. To get an ambient/flash balance:
* Set the K10D flash mode to Rear-Curtain Sync mode (press Fn button)
* Dial in -1 to -2 stop of underexposure on the camera

Now ambient will be 1 to 2 stops down and the flash will fill in the rest. Gave me great results

I've started writing a "Pentax Flash Guide"...

Chris - the Pentax DSLRs are safe to at least 300V. It's only Canons that blow up (Nikons are protected too - at least on the D300).

Matt

I've heard that too, but that's a scary voltage.

It bl**dy hurt, too, when I was a little bit careless with the probes when I was measuring it..

Thats a VERY scary voltage

Its just a shame Pentax does not make a Hammer head flashgun
The 40-2 can be both, as it can be made as a Hotshoe and has a hammerhead addapter...

Would love a Pentax/Metz hybred.... lol

Pentax did make a very good hammerhead flash, the AF400T. One went on eBay recently for under £50.00, ridiculously cheap. There's a battery pack to go with it too.

It's also possible to make a good hammerhead flash. You need a hotshoe grip + bracket, either an AF500FTZ or AF540FGZ, hotshoe adapter F and 5P extension cord F. The hotshoe grip needs a modification, you need to drill a hole to isolate the extra pin on the flash. Matt has documented the mod here.

The Metz 50MZ5 guns go for stupid prices. One just went on ebay - head, and two controllers, two batteries - £74.
Not worth selling mine

Mind you... it weighs half a ton Might put up some shots taken in "A" mode later.
Matt

remove flash tube. solder in two copper nails to the flashtube leads.

you now have a dangerous stun/taser gun.

Not half as dangerous as when you're holding the voltmeter probes one in each hand.

The trigger voltage on my AF400T is 100v according to the rating plate