ReidReview review of Leica SF58 Flash Unit

[rbaron]

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I ended up picking up a Metz Mecablitz 54 MZ-4 and an SCA 3502 M5 module. I followed the instructions on how to set up and use GNC mode on my M9, but I noticed the every other photo I take with it is either too dark or over exposed (too much flash). This is my first attempt at using a flash, so I apologize for the newbie-ness but could someone suggest a reason as to why this might be happening? Does it have to do with the flash sync setting (mine is set to "1st curtain").

 

I wonder if this could be somehow related to a problem discussed in a thread in the M8 forum: http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-m8-forum/101599-problems-sf-58-metz-58-a.html As I understand it the metering system of the camera goes to sleep and if you try too hard to capture the decisive memoment the flash and meter don't get their acts together in time.

 

I guess on issues like this you now have to search both the M8 and the M9 forums.....

[dpattinson]

Thanks Howard.

 

I played with it this morning and noticed that it SEEMS to have to do with exactly how I depress the shutter/trigger when taking a photo. Sometimes, say if I press it down gradually and slowly, the pre-flash fires and then the actual flash and then the photo tends to come out properly lit. But, say if I press it a bit faster, then it tends to produce a darker (much darker) shot. Also, what I find peculiar on my Metz 54 MZ-4 is that when in GNC mode the zoom feature (i.e. zoom motor) is constantly fluctuating. Is this normal? I'm starting to worry that perhaps my model is not working properly? I bought it used from a large but reputable dealer here in NYC. I have 6 more days to take it back if necessary. I'd just like to determine if I am in error or if the flash is. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Regarding the exposure issue, I have the same issue intermittently with my SF24D in GNC mode. Occasionally even though the meter is awake, and the flash ready light is illuminated in the VF, the flash will fail to fire the preflash sequence and then fire our of synch with the shutter (resulting in drastically underexposed frame). This can happen for a run of several shots, and I'm not entirely sure how I reset it - because I generally try powering off flash/camera/both until it starts working again.

This is a separate issue to the 'flash doesn't fire if the meter is asleep' problem, which is also a pain in the ass on the M8.

I tend to think it's a problem with the camera rather than the flash - but the zooming thing sounds nasty and I would definitely go back and try another flash (and adapter in case it's the adapter). There was a post here about the zoom jamming on a flash so if it's being continually exercised (for no reason) that might wear out rapidly.

[fishblimp]

Regarding the exposure issue, I have the same issue intermittently with my SF24D in GNC mode. Occasionally even though the meter is awake, and the flash ready light is illuminated in the VF, the flash will fail to fire the preflash sequence and then fire our of synch with the shutter (resulting in drastically underexposed frame). This can happen for a run of several shots, and I'm not entirely sure how I reset it - because I generally try powering off flash/camera/both until it starts working again.

This is a separate issue to the 'flash doesn't fire if the meter is asleep' problem, which is also a pain in the ass on the M8.

I tend to think it's a problem with the camera rather than the flash - but the zooming thing sounds nasty and I would definitely go back and try another flash (and adapter in case it's the adapter). There was a post here about the zoom jamming on a flash so if it's being continually exercised (for no reason) that might wear out rapidly.

 

Thanks David.

When it comes to the synching/resetting issue, I tend to think it's the camera as well. My motor issue, well that's a different story. I may go back and just get a refund and instead get a NEW Metz 54, though I did think about getting an SF54 to avoid any issues (though it sounds like this isn't a Metz OR Leica flash-specific issue).

[wparsonsgisnet]

Thanks Howard.

 

I played with it this morning and noticed that it SEEMS to have to do with exactly how I depress the shutter/trigger when taking a photo. Sometimes, say if I press it down gradually and slowly, the pre-flash fires and then the actual flash and then the photo tends to come out properly lit. But, say if I press it a bit faster, then it tends to produce a darker (much darker) shot. Also, what I find peculiar on my Metz 54 MZ-4 is that when in GNC mode the zoom feature (i.e. zoom motor) is constantly fluctuating. Is this normal? I'm starting to worry that perhaps my model is not working properly? I bought it used from a large but reputable dealer here in NYC. I have 6 more days to take it back if necessary. I'd just like to determine if I am in error or if the flash is. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I have noticed that the M8 is thinking rather than firing the flash -- if I press the shutter too fast.

 

If I press slowly, the flash always fires and always gets the correct lighting.

 

If you don't want to have a slow camera on your hands, keep the shutter half-way down, and then press it.

[D&A]

Hi All,

 

What I'm trying to determine is the following:

 

1. I already have a Metz 54 Mz3 (no i). I believe though I can still use it with a 3502 module for TTL (GNC) with the Leica M8 & M9?

 

2. After reading through this and other threads, I still cannot determine if the length of time between the preflash and subsequent flash with the Metz 54 s with the 3502 module is longer than the new leica 58 flash? Most say with the newer 58 flash it's almost instantanious...is it that way with the 54 flash?

 

3. The having to wake up the camera's meter prior to being ale to triiger the flash...resulting generally in 2 presses of the shutter button or one very slow press...I assume it's the same for both the Metz 54 flash as well as the newer 58 flash?

 

Many thanks!

 

Dave (D&A)

[D&A]

Hoping moderator can delete my post "above" as I started a new thread pertaining to my questions. Thanks!

 

Dave (D&A)

[dpattinson]

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Bought the SF58. No issues with it yet - the preflash is pretty quick on my M8.

 

I had no idea it had a modelling light, very cool. Looking forward to seen how it performs as a fill light today

[john_j]

Greetings-

 

I found this thread helpful in answering a question I posted on the M8 area last night.

 

My 54 mz 4i digital works fine in the auto mode on my M8. I was wondering the advantage of buying a 3502 other than allowing off camera operation with the sensor over the lens when using the 3008a cord.

 

Since I do not mind making my own settings (I come from the Vivitar 283 days), I feel there isn't too much point to getting the 3502 (other than the off camera operation I mentioned).

 

Any comments?

 

Thanks & Happy Thanksgiving

[giordano]

My 54 mz 4i digital works fine in the auto mode on my M8. I was wondering the advantage of buying a 3502 other than allowing off camera operation with the sensor over the lens when using the 3008a cord.

 

Since I do not mind making my own settings (I come from the Vivitar 283 days), I feel there isn't too much point to getting the 3502 (other than the off camera operation I mentioned).

 

It's not like the 283: the SCA adapters don't contain sensors, just electronics to interface with the camera. So if you aren't interested in TTL you may as well stick with the standard foot for the extension cord.

[lars_bergquist]

A 3502 will give you everything but TTL: ISO upload, motor flash zoom, rerady light in the finder. This is how I use my Metz 40 MZ-3i. Works just fine. Of course I have to tell the flash what f-stop I am using. I can do that. The adapter elecgtronics does also dial flash exposure compensations in a very handy manner -- you can pre-set a fill flash value and just engage it with a throw of a switch. Nifty! Bounced fill flash is a nice technique indoors in daylight, when you often get backlighting.

 

The old man from the Age of Flash Powder

[john_j]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. I now have a much better understanding of what I'm dealing with.

 

Best,

[Jehuda]

i have both the leica sf24 sf58 leica flashes<The leica sf58 and SF24 work on my M9> i can only get my leica sf24 flash to work on my M7 however my new sf58 will not work on the M7> does anyone have a similar problem or is there a solution to resolve the problem?

[Hacker]

Yes, I have both of those battery packs and use them happily with a Metz 54MZ3 and a Canon 580EX. However, they don't appear to work with the SF58. Even though the Quantum cord seems to fit the SF58 it doesn't operate. Which is a shame, because as your dealer said, Quantum battery packs are the way to go. If you can.

 

I have the T2x2, the TSC and the TC, and all will not work with the SF 58 flash.

[melissah]

so.

ive read through this (so far) very helpful thread.

i think that the leica flash is too expensive.

would this be the correct system for the m8? Mecablitz 54 MZ-4i digital and the SCA 3502 M5.

 

also what i would like to know is how do i use the flash off camera?

what are all the little pieces i would need?

 

im using it to shoot action shots holding the flash in one hand camera in the other.

if i were to use a pocket wizard (plusII) do i still need a cord?

i realize some of this has been covered but im easily confused!

best, melissa

[Jerry_R]

Looking forward to seen how it performs as a fill light today

Especially outisde, whith shutter shorter than 1/180s

 

I started to consider SF 58, but I do have Olympus FL-50, that works in its AUTO mode.

So the only change for me would be having TTL instead of flash AUTO...

 

So still need to think, if it makes sense at all. I still can't believe HSS is not supported with M9.

Maybe it will be included with next firmare?

[menos I M6]

I had a Leica SF24D for a day … I hated it.

It did not perform the slightest close to an advanced Nikon flash from exposures to handling (and it's severe limitations).

 

I was reluctant, to pick up a SF58 after my experience with the SF24D, but did in the end, to exchange the 24D.

 

It is night and day! The 58 is just fantastic on the M8.2.

 

I have found one reason for people having their SF58 constantly zooming the main reflector:

 

With some uncoded lenses (especially my 90mm Cron pre ASPH), a screw of the lens mount is just about touching the 6-bit code sensor, resulting in giving erratic information about the focal length to the flash.

 

I have seen this before in the EXIF data, where the uncoded 90 Cron gave strange lens designations (90 Elmar, if I remember correctly).

With using the SF58 and uncoded 90 Cron, the flash constantly zooms between "AZoom 35mm" and "AZoom 105mm".

 

You have to set the zoom manually for such lenses in the "set" menu to "MZoom … mm"

 

I guess with this flash time has come, I will code all my still uncoded lenses now for easier operation :-(

[amedick]

Menos

 

Many thanks for this tip.

 

I would guess another solution would be to set the lens manually in the M9 settings, and the Metz would use this setting to auto adjust the zoom reflector. I do not have a Sf58, but do have a Metz 54 with a 3504 adapter that does work like this.

 

John

[menos I M6]

John, so with the SF58 taking over either the coding from the lens directly or via override by the M9's menu setting, it looks, that I a) have to have somebody code my remaining uncoded lenses or have to get a M9 ;-)

 

This + the value of the Lightroom 3 license is actually already a pretty big chunk of money, the M9 price can seen more favorable.

[lars_bergquist]

I have largely stopped using flash. With a Summilux on the camera, and ISO500 or 1000, I can damn well handhold the thing if I can focus it. Occasional fill flash is all I use it for.

 

Would flash had been beneficial to the picture below?

 

The old man from the Age of Flash Powder

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Washington]

I don't know about the SF58 but the Fong Lightsphere is wonderful.