Metz Auto Zoom with R Lenses

[jwcane.enw]

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Trying to become more familiar with all of the features of the Metz MZ54-3 on my R8 with DMR. I tested with two lenses, Leica Vario Elmarit 28-90 and Leitz Summicron 50 f/2. In all of the situations explained below, the camera program mode is set to manual (m).

 

Here is what I have been able to observe. Any comments appreciated.

 

Focal Length Adjustment

 

With the 28-90, which is capable of transmitting focal length information, the 54-3 appears to wake up in auto zoom mode. If I change the zoom setting on the 54 so that it differs from the zoom setting on the lens, the readout on the 54 flashes continuously. If the 54 powers down and back up, it loses the manual zoom setting and wakes up again in auto zoom mode.

 

The 50mm lens appears not to transmit focal length to the flash. Zoom setting of the 54 must be set manually, the LCD zoom readout does not flash, and the 54 keeps its zoom setting when powered down..

 

Exposure Time Adjustment

 

When using the flash as fill-in in backlit situations, to control the brightness of the background I need to reduce the shutter time.

 

When using my 28-90 with flash, it appears that I cannot change the exposure time; it is fixed at 1/250.

 

With the 50mm lens I'm pretty sure that the following results vary, but I cannot reproduce or predict in advance. I'm almost positive that I was able to reduce shutter times with the 54 powered up. Now I cannot repeat that. Times greater than 1/250 can be set, but not times shorter than 1/250.

 

Would like to be able to override the limitation on both lenses.

 

Any comments appreciated.

[robsteve]

What SCA shoe is on the flash? I think it needs to 3502-mod4 or later. On the DMR, the flash will only meter right on A, or HSS. TTL is not supported.

 

Is the 50mm a ROM lens?

 

On manual, you should be able to set a shutter speed less than 1/250th but not greater 1/250th unless you go into the high speed sync mode. The camera and flash need to be mated and turned on to do this. The instructions for doing this is in the SCA Mod4 instruction book.

 

In regards to the zoom setting reverting to the lens focal length when the unit is powered up, this is normal. You have to override this each time you turn on the flash.

[jwcane.enw]

My SCA shoe is 3502. Mod4 is shown on a paper label found on the top, flat side of the SCA. However the white lettering on the right side of the SCA shows M3. I have cycled through the settings of the Mode button but did not find HSS.

[robsteve]

My SCA shoe is 3502. Mod4 is shown on a paper label found on the top, flat side of the SCA. However the white lettering on the right side of the SCA shows M3. I have cycled through the settings of the Mode button but did not find HSS.

 

Put the flash on the camera, turn on the camera and then try the modes again. I forget if it is in A or ttl that it has to be in, but with the camera turned on, HSS will show up in one of these modes.

 

HSS will only show up if mounted to a turned on R9, it may not be supported on the R8. The HSS mode does not show up as an option unless the flash is mounted to a turned on camera that is capable of HSS. I think only the M7 and R9 were capable of the HSS.

[jwcane.enw]

When in doubt, consulting the manual is always a good idea. I finally did that. HSS is a sub-mode of the manual mode (M). Instructions say to press Mode to make M flash, then turn the setting wheel to set HSS. Problem is, nothing happens. HSS does not appear on the display. Tried turning the wheel one click in each direction. Still cannot set shutter times less than 1/250.

[robsteve]

You cannot select it because your camera does not support HSS. Only the R9 supported HSS.