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Metz 45CL-4 Digital / SCA 3502 M5 / M240?


dante

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In 2007, I bought a Metz 54 MZ-3 and the SCA 3502 V5 module. Lots of functions did not work on the M8. As I was going to Solms to see Leica, I arranged to drop in to Metz, which is almost next door. At first they said “oh yes everything should work properly”. I then demonstrated that it did not work on my 54/3502/M8. They then got out another set of the flash and module, which we found would not work properly either. At that point they admitted that their compatibility chart would need an update. They did claim that the 3502 module would work properly on the huge model 76 (effectively a larger and more powerful version of the 45) but we did not test it. I had the older version of the 45 at the time (a CL-4 I think) and the TTL compatibility was close to zero with no pre-flash etc and little in the way of communication. It was at a later point on that visit to Metz, that I spotted a bounce/swivel head flash with a Leica logo on it, which was later released as the SF58-D. Metz arranged for Metz UK to refund my purchase cost of the MZ54 and the SCA 3502 module. Having realised that a bounce head flash was on the way, I put a pre-order in at my Leica dealer and according to them, got the first one with a customer in the UK.

 

Wilson

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I don't think the 45CL-4 Digital does HSS at all.

 

It does with Nikon and Canon.

 

I am familiar with the 54mz-3 and what it did and did not do with the M8... My question was motivated by the fact that I was obtaining a 45 digital for use with a D700 and wondered if it was worth it to get a Leica module too.

 

I do have an SF 58, so the answer to this HSS question isn't the end of the world either way.

 

Dante

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The SCA3502/5 module, in "auto" mode will allow transfer of focal length (for 6 bit lenses) and ISO from the camera to the flash. You'll need to set the aperture on both camera and lens. In use it works quite well if you're not the type who changes aperture every shot. FEC is simply a matter of setting a different value on the flash. "Auto" does support auto ISO, which can be handy, on occasion.

 

It also supports a pre-flash off the sensor "TTL" mode called GNC. GNC uses pre-flash and not off the sensor TTL so the flash delay is long and there is no HS-TTL.

 

Although I got GNC to work (it's very poorly documented), I quickly reverted to Auto mode due to the huge flash delay in GNC.

 

Gordon

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I have related question with a different set of equipment. I hope someone can give me an insight.

 

My SF58 Flash in TTL mode, mounted on the SCA-Adapter; with its SCA connector plugged into the 4-pin socket of the Multifunctional Handgrip, is not reading ISO from the M camera. The SF58 fires accurately only in A mode and remains at ISO 160. It otherwise reads ISO in TTL mode when mounted directly on the camera.

 

Do others have this problem? Is the problem with the SCA or the handgrip? Is there yet another FW update needed?

 

Thanks for any information

.

Tom

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I have related question with a different set of equipment. I hope someone can give me an insight.

 

My SF58 Flash in TTL mode, mounted on the SCA-Adapter; with its SCA connector plugged into the 4-pin socket of the Multifunctional Handgrip, is not reading ISO from the M camera. The SF58 fires accurately only in A mode and remains at ISO 160. It otherwise reads ISO in TTL mode when mounted directly on the camera.

 

Do others have this problem? Is the problem with the SCA or the handgrip? Is there yet another FW update needed?

 

Thanks for any information

.

Tom

 

Tom,

 

What does the destruction manual say? Leica’s own publicity says “Handgrip M features a dedicated SCA interface that communicates with the camera in the same way as its own hot shoe.” To my thinking this means full GNC functionality including zooming for focal length, aperture, ISO etc. If it is not doing this, either Leica have exaggerated the abilities or there is a fault. In either case, you could return the unit, if it does not meet your requirements.

 

Wilson

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Thank you, Wilson. I will keep the SCA Adapter because I do like the results on Auto (vs. TTL) on the adapter -- better even than the results of TLL with the flash mounted on the camera. I like also the ergonomics of how the flash and camera sit on the adapter. What I don't like is the false advertising that comes with the SCA Adapter. I have to learn not to be the first kid on the block with a new Leica product. I am hoping that firmware updates to the Multifunctional Grip will allow me TLL use on the adapter eventually. I was ready to give up on the M 240 until the most recent FW update. Now, I appreciate the M 240 much more. (One more update and it may become the near perfect RF.) The point of my post was to find out if I have defective equipment or if a FW update will help, but no one seems to have the SCA Adapter -- again, I have to learn not to the first kid on the block with new Leica equipment. Tom

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Tom,

 

Have you done a reset of the SF-58 while on the SCA adapter and with the camera switched on. I was having all sorts of GNC/TTL communication issues with the M240 and someone else suggested doing the flash reset. To my very pleasant surprise, all started to work perfectly. You press and hold the mode button to reset.

 

Wilson

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Thank you again, Wilson. I tried your reset advice and it did solve one problem. I can now change the ISO on the flash in TTL mode to match the camera; however, the SF 58 still does not change its ISO automatically when mounted on the Leica SCA adapter. When the same flash is on the camera, its ISO changes as I change camera ISO. I'm hoping the next FW update fixes the problem. The quality of the exposures and the ergonomics warrant keeping the SCA, even with manual ISO setting. Tom

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Thank you again, Wilson. I tried your reset advice and it did solve one problem. I can now change the ISO on the flash in TTL mode to match the camera; however, the SF 58 still does not change its ISO automatically when mounted on the Leica SCA adapter. When the same flash is on the camera, its ISO changes as I change camera ISO. I'm hoping the next FW update fixes the problem. The quality of the exposures and the ergonomics warrant keeping the SCA, even with manual ISO setting. Tom

 

Tom,

 

Is pre-flash working and is the lens focal length/head zoom setting automatically? If they are not, I suspect there is a fault on either the MF Grip or the SCA adapter. A number of MF grips have had faults with the GPS, so it is not impossible that there is an SCA fault as well. I am still managing with a Nikon SC-18 cable and a Manfrotto bottom bracket for off camera flash. Of course it means I lose the EFV but as I nearly always use the flash with RF coupled lenses rather than my various non-coupled zooms etc, I can manage without. I get full GNC coupling/functionality with the Nikon cable.

 

Wilson

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One problem with Metz 45 flashes is the left-hand mounting, as it interferes with focusing.

 

From memory of a few years ago, when I had a 45 for using with my Contax SLR’s, I think you could remove the base plate and reverse the side of the flash. I am sure I used to have mine on the RHS, so I could hold with my right hand and focus with my left. I kept an electric release taped to the flash handle. The only thing that it could have been is that the right mount bottom plate might be a Metz accessory.

 

Wilson

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One problem with Metz 45 flashes is the left-hand mounting, as it interferes with focusing.

Not at all, at least on my three.

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Just take a screwdriver:

 

 

 

  1. Remove battery pack and camera bar.
  2. Undo screw 1 and remove quick-release shoe.
  3. Loosen screw 2 and slide mount and steel band off handle.
  4. Replace mount and band the other way up.
  5. Attach quick-release shoe to underside of mount.

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