Anyone use the Metz 54 mz - 3 with a 1d series body (1d or 1diiN)

I am in need some help.


As far as I can tell - the only way to use this flash is by using it in Auto mode.

Any suggestions.

So here is what I?ve been trying.

Camera: Canon 1diiN
Lense: 24-105 f4
Flash: Metz 54 mz-3

First try:
Camera set to: Manual, ISO 400, 1/250, f4
Flash set to: Auto 0- compensation
Result ? Pretty good, Histo looks good

Second try:
Camera set to: Manual, ISO 400, 1/250, f8
Flash set to: Auto 0- compensation
Result ? Pretty good, Histo looks good

Third try:
Camera set to: Manual, ISO 400, 1/60, f8
Flash set to: Auto 0- compensation
Result ? Pretty good, Histo looks good

Actually ? all these images look about the same.
I was expecting a bit difference when I went from F4 ? F8 or 1/60 to 1/250th


I am experimenting with bounce and or straight on ? Straight on seems to overexpose.

One question about the flash:

When in Auto mode (right below the ?A?) it shows a number in ft, something like 16ft or 24ft or 89ft?.

I don?t understand this number ? can anyone tell me what it really means.


I first understood it to be ? that is the amount of distance you will get from the flash at this particular setting.

But everytime I adjusted the compensation, the ft number would go in the opposite direction then what I expected.

For example?.
0 compensation and the flash says 23ft
+1/3 and flash says 20ft
-1/3 and flash says 25ft

Shouldn?t is be going the other way --- more compensation = more feet
I?ve gotta be missing something.


Any suggestions on how I can learn this particular flash ? it seems to be driving me crazy.

Hi Jam,

I can't address the issue you're having with the Metz as I don't have one in my possession at the moment.

I can tell you that the reason you're not seeing much difference between your three test shots is because the flash is doing its job and exposing correctly between f4 and f8. Whether you shoot at a 60th or a 250th won't make any difference to the strength of the flash, only to the amount of ambient light in the room behind the subject, because the actual flash duration is shorter than your fastest shutter speed.

Regarding direct flash overexposure - check your camera's manual and try the Flash Exposure Lock (FEL) method. I think you'll see a dramatic improvement in your flash exposure whether you use bounce or direct.

Hope that helps.

Chris

So I went to a local pro shop.
They worked with me and helped me change out the foot from a new one to a MORE new one. Actually the newest one (the one I now have on the flash was for the Canon 1d iii.

Anyway, I can now get the flash in E-ttl, I couldn't do that with the other foot.

So - my question is -- I've tested the flash about a dozen times while in my house (bounced vs direct).
Is e-ttl the way I should go. Is this flash good in E-ttl? or should I stick with Auto?

I'm afraid there's no set answer to your question, as I don't know your typical shooting conditions. Both E-TTL and Auto have good and bad points, although Canon has addressed some of its E-TTL issues and the system does work better than when it was introduced.

There are a few things you can do that will make your E-TTL experience better: Use a higher ISO, at least 400. The strobe won't have to work as hard.

Use a larger aperture, f5.6 or bigger. Again, the flash won't have to work as hard.

Work at a distance of 7-10 feet and let your zoom do the work. The flash is very consistent at that distance.

Practice your FEL skills. That will help a lot.

Practice, practice, practice, until you understand your strobe/camera connection.

Best,

Chris

Thanks for the info....

2nd question - can I use a diffuser with E-TTL on the Metz?

I have a Stoffen and a Gary Fong Light sphere.

Thanks again for the help.

I've done some more testing:

Flash: E-TTL
Diffuser: NONE
Camera settings: Program at 1/60, f4.0, iso 250, lens 24-105 f4
****** I am not able to adjust the 1/60th or F4.0 unless I change the compensation **** Why is that?


Flash: Auto
Diffuser: Gary Fong Light Sphere
Camera settings: Manual at 1/100, f8.0, iso 250, lens 24-105 f4
This image comes out very nice.
I'd say the image has a nicer look then the E-TTL

I then used the Gary Fong diffuser
AND turned on the "modeling light" if the front of the flash (it's a small light on the front of the flash that's supposed to push out 15% of the light.
Anyway - I like the way this looked
HOWEVER - this setup took much more power and was a much higher output flash then the E-TTL.

Any comments?