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Leica SF58 vs Metz 58 AF-2


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If the flash is SCA compatible it will work. I have a 54 that works well.

 

The trouble (as I understand it) is that with this flash, instead of being able to fit various SCA adapters according to the make of camera you have, each variant has its adapter integrated into the flash, so you buy a different kind of Metz 58 flash for different cameras, rather than the same flash and a different SCA adapter. Needless to say, there isn't a Metz 58 variant for Leica, because that one is sold to Leica as the SF58.

 

But, as has been said, there's nothing to stop you using an earlier Metz flash that will take the relevant Leica SCA adapter (3502).

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I guess Metz has abandoned the System SCA3002, instead making specific flash for different cameras. I have the 54MZ and the 45CL. Both work with the SCA3502. I also have the Rolleiflex and Hassleblad adapters as well.

 

The SCA3502M5 on a compatible flash provides similar function. The major difference is the lack of a slave function.

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Maybe slightly off topic but you should have a look at the Godox V850 strobe & FT-16S wireless remote. Works perfectly on the M. Full manual remote control from the remote and a huge lithium battery that lasts for hundreds of shots for just over £100. No brainer

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I have a 24D and a Metz 53Mz (or something like that, their nomenclature overly complex for my memory :) ) with the 3502 module. Mines' the M1, I never bothered to send it in for free upgrading. It communicates the ISO from the camera, which is all I give a hoot about. I don't use TTL flash, just A (on the 24D also). I find it quicker on the draw and never noticed any difference in exposure. And anything larger than the 24D feels very unbalanced on an M body to me, even as bloated as the M240 is compared to a film M.

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The SCA3502 v5 on a Metz gun (I only have a 54 MZ4i as a single reference) will transfer ISO and focal length (for 6 bit coded lenses) to zoom the head of the flash. It actually works really well as an auto flash.

 

TTL is limited to a "gnc" mode (guide number control) for digital bodies. It'll fire a pre flash for exposure in this mode. This is set in manual mode on the flash. Normal TTL with the SCA 3502 only works on film bodies. SO in gnc mode there's no HSS. There's also no FEC (flash exposure compensation) and the additional delay from the gnc pre flash is significantly longer than the delay from the digital ready SF58.

 

Gordon

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I was afraid of that.

 

Oh well, it's only money.

 

;-)

 

That should be the official mantra of Leica users. :D

 

I use my antediluvian Nikon SB-25 flash unit with my M240 with the help of a set of these http://www.amazon.com/Phottix-Ares-Set-Wireless-Trigger/dp/B00A4BR7KG/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1405178200&sr=1-1&keywords=Phottix+Ares - it is "dumb" flash - no TTL - but it is effective (and it doesn't cost $649.00 USD).

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  • 2 months later...

LFI 2007/3 addresses this question. The short summary is: Yes, Metz flashes with Leica interface do function on a digital M but some functions, like a second small direct flash, or even M-TTL may be problematic.

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Recently picked up a second SF24D used for $150, same as I paid for the first one. With a little modification I managed to get the Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce for the Canon 270EX to fit, which as a diffuser seems to suffice in place of a tilting head for most uses. Paid $1.99 for it, so figured it was worth a try.

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I came upon this article today Leica M Typ 240: Part 4 (SF-58 flash and 14489 diffuser) | The Machine Planet

I understand it's a bit old, but it made me start thinking about getting the unit.

 

I wrote that, and nothing has changed since. :(

 

The SF 58 is the only choice if you want a really usable flash for the Typ 240. No other flash has integrated TTL (the SF-24D has more of a GNC-style lag) - and part of the confusion is that Metz uses the terms "TTL" and "GNC" interchangeably. So in their lit, it looks like you have more than one choice, but you don't. The GNC you can get on the other flashes (like the 54 series) is fine, but it's not for kids or moving subjects.

 

The "Leica" version of the Metz 58AF is for point-and-shoot cameras, not the Ms. The only other 58 unit that would work (and only then in A or M mode) is the Nikon version, since it shares a pinout with Leica for ready light and synch.

 

I did subsequently test the 45CL-4 with the SCA 3502 M5 and SCA3045. This works in GNC mode, as well as A and M. The 45CL-4 is considerably more powerful than the SF 58 and gives you a left-handed grip. The quality of light is arguably better, and the flash is much more off-axis.

 

I would vote that you pony up $400-450 to buy a used SF 58 v2 and be done with it. This is a $7K camera, after all.

 

Dante

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