METZ 58 AF-1 Digital - Olympus/Panasonic (58 AF-1 O/P)

[egnaro]

Me and Cater was playing around with metz 58 together with my FL36R, I must say METZ 58 is something which is really worth getting, very powerful and it work very well with E3.

we tried using RC mode on E3 using 2 flash, it works. just becuz Metz is too powerful over FL36R, set both flash at the same distance away from subject, still have to -EV on METZ otherwise light on subject will be too harsh.

Hopefully Cater can give us more review on his new toy.

 

[microcosm]

This is good... I am looking for a new flash... realised after almost 10 years, my old flash is near retirement... Looks like I have found what I want... will save for it or wait until a new assignment can justify the purchase.

 

[cater]

I would not dare to say review but is more happy to share as im only an amateur.The flash consist of 4 mode that is TTL(HSS), Auto, Manual(HSS) & Stroboscope. HSS = FP. Menu of the flash is very well organise and user friendly.The stroboscope mode is something that is interesting as it can be set in 2 different ways. you can set how many flash to emit in either 1 shot or in number of seconds. I try setting 10 flash on a 2 seconds shutter speed and the below attached photos is what I get. I think I should need to increase higher frequency to get the ball properly expose for this case.

The flash also consist of a intelligent beep function implemented. The flash will beep for about 2 sec if u have your shots correctly exposed. If no beep signal sound, you know there is something wrong with the photo taken.

It also consist a function call modelling light that can emit consistant light for about 3 sec to cast shadow before taking the pictures. Im not sure of why such function is needed but I certainly know that i have a 3 seconds interval torch if im walking on a dark place.

The 2nd reflector is rather useful during bounce flash as it helps to eliminate shadow cast below nose n neck area. Overall I think it is a better choice and is worth paying.

Perhaps we can organise a small kopi session for who is interested in this flash and play with it. Hopefully those with good flash knowledge can enlighten us more with it. Im availiable if u guys are keen.

 

[microcosm]

I would not dare to say review but is more happy to share as im only an amateur.The flash consist of 4 mode that is TTL(HSS), Auto, Manual(HSS) & Stroboscope. HSS = FP. Menu of the flash is very well organise and user friendly.The stroboscope mode is something that is interesting as it can be set in 2 different ways. you can set how many flash to emit in either 1 shot or in number of seconds. I try setting 10 flash on a 2 seconds shutter speed and the below attached photos is what I get. I think I should need to increase higher frequency to get the ball properly expose for this case.

The flash also consist of a intelligent beep function implemented. The flash will beep for about 2 sec if u have your shots correctly exposed. If no beep signal sound, you know there is something wrong with the photo taken.

It also consist a function call modelling light that can emit consistant light for about 3 sec to cast shadow before taking the pictures. Im not sure of why such function is needed but I certainly know that i have a 3 seconds interval torch if im walking on a dark place.

The 2nd reflector is rather useful during bounce flash as it helps to eliminate shadow cast below nose n neck area. Overall I think it is a better choice and is worth paying.

Perhaps we can organise a small kopi session for who is interested in this flash and play with it. Hopefully those with good flash knowledge can enlighten us more with it. Im availiable if u guys are keen.

Thanks for sharing this... I am sold! How much did you pay for yours? I think Metz has got another customer...

 

[mikesclee]

Clifford, if you want to play around with the flash, I can loan it to you to try it out.
Being an amatuer, I just set it to Auto and shoot on both the E3 and E520. Was using it on the E3 but after awhile, the flash did not fire and found the unit became loose and got to unscrew and push it in completely in and this time screw it very tightly. Don't know why it loosened by itself. Probably after turining the camera for portrait shots and also being new to external flash. I also realised that I should have set the WB to WB Flash instead of Auto WB from a friend who saw some of the shot I've taken (learn something new). Perhaps you can teach me how to make full use of the Metz's capabilities. Gone thru the manual but don't understand anything so just use Auto and hope for the best.

BY the way, got it from K-13 for $680 nett with 1 year local warranty. Could have got it from US for $50 cheaper but no warranty. By the way, bringing niece to Clark Quay tonight to see lantern. Do I really need to bring the flash along for such street shooting?
You can contact me @91190100.

 

[microcosm]

Clifford, if you want to play around with the flash, I can loan it to you to try it out.
Being an amatuer, I just set it to Auto and shoot on both the E3 and E520. Was using it on the E3 but after awhile, the flash did not fire and found the unit became loose and got to unscrew and push it in completely in and this time screw it very tightly. Don't know why it loosened by itself. Probably after turining the camera for portrait shots and also being new to external flash. I also realised that I should have set the WB to WB Flash instead of Auto WB from a friend who saw some of the shot I've taken (learn something new). Perhaps you can teach me how to make full use of the Metz's capabilities. Gone thru the manual but don't understand anything so just use Auto and hope for the best.

BY the way, got it from K-13 for $680 nett with 1 year local warranty. Could have got it from US for $50 cheaper but no warranty. By the way, bringing niece to Clark Quay tonight to see lantern. Do I really need to bring the flash along for such street shooting?
You can contact me @91190100.

You can use the flash to fill in using "slow sync" mode.

I appreciate the offer to let me play with the flash. I am intending to use it for this kind of purpose too.

 

[egnaro]

You can contact me @91190100.

hi mike, see ur mobile give me a fright!!! just 1 digit diff from my boss.

 

[cater]

Thanks for sharing this... I am sold! How much did you pay for yours? I think Metz has got another customer...

Hi bro microcosm, I got it from Amazon at USD 399.90 and was bought back by my nephew from US. Set doesnt comes with warranty. If order online, Alphonse source is cheaper. http://www.tristatecamera.com/looka...roducts&keywords=metz 58 AF&search_method=all The shipment to (SG) is less than US 48 + US 369 conversion using 1.43 = $596. GST 7% = $638. If K13 have 1 yr warranty than it will be a better option.
Bro microcosm, u organise a small kopi session and teach us more on flash lah. As and when u needed the flash, I can be contacted at 91814898.

 

[egnaro]

As and when u needed the flash, I can be contacted at 91814898.

bro I need the flash today!!!

 

[ohmymy]

Hi bro microcosm, I got it from Amazon at USD 399.90 and was bought back by my nephew from US. Set doesnt comes with warranty. If order online, Alphonse source is cheaper. http://www.tristatecamera.com/looka...roducts&keywords=metz 58 AF&search_method=all The shipment to (SG) is less than US 48 + US 369 conversion using 1.43 = $596. GST 7% = $638. If K13 have 1 yr warranty than it will be a better option.
Bro microcosm, u organise a small kopi session and teach us more on flash lah. As and when u needed the flash, I can be contacted at 91814898.

Good idea. I also need a lesson on flash so that I can put it to good use. Now always on Auto mode.

 

[wrx_sti_22b]

It also consist a function call modelling light that can emit consistant light for about 3 sec to cast shadow before taking the pictures. Im not sure of why such function is needed but I certainly know that i have a 3 seconds interval torch if im walking on a dark place.

Sound like something some fashion photographers will use... i'm sure it has many use... :bsmilie:

 

[Mikefellh]

The flash also consist of a intelligent beep function implemented. The flash will beep for about 2 sec if u have your shots correctly exposed. If no beep signal sound, you know there is something wrong with the photo taken.

Well, I wouldn't call it "intelligent"...it's more of an audible version of the "auto check" light that's on many modern auto flashes; all it tells you that light that has been sent out has bounced back and reached the flash...however what if you had the sensor on the flash aimed at black velvet...then it would be absorbed and not bounce back. The best judgement for a good looking picture is the playback image you see on the camera, with a histogram.

Anyway, the only beep I would want to hear from a flash is one letting me know when it's recharged...this is more of an issue when working with strobes and doing a few hundred shots an hour; with TTL I couldn't care less since the camera lets me know when the flash is ready.

It also consist a function call modelling light that can emit consistant light for about 3 sec to cast shadow before taking the pictures. Im not sure of why such function is needed but I certainly know that i have a 3 seconds interval torch if im walking on a dark place.

With strobes I use them to light the set enough so no one trips or falls...I don't want any unwanted ambient light, so the modelling lights provide for the shoot; also so you can see what you are going to shoot to frame your shot...this was very handy with the modelling lights on the Oly RF-11 and TF-22 flashes when I tried my hand at dental and other extreme closeup photography.

 

[cater]

Well, I wouldn't call it "intelligent"...it's more of an audible version of the "auto check" light that's on many modern auto flashes; all it tells you that light that has been sent out has bounced back and reached the flash...however what if you had the sensor on the flash aimed at black velvet...then it would be absorbed and not bounce back. The best judgement for a good looking picture is the playback image you see on the camera, with a histogram.

Anyway, the only beep I would want to hear from a flash is one letting me know when it's recharged...this is more of an issue when working with strobes and doing a few hundred shots an hour; with TTL I couldn't care less since the camera lets me know when the flash is ready.




With strobes I use them to light the set enough so no one trips or falls...I don't want any unwanted ambient light, so the modelling lights provide for the shoot; also so you can see what you are going to shoot to frame your shot...this was very handy with the modelling lights on the Oly RF-11 and TF-22 flashes when I tried my hand at dental and other extreme closeup photography.

Agreed with you as I find that the beep signal after every recharge is useful.

 

[cimman]

read on dpreview forum that the Metz 58 does not work consistently in the wireless mode. Sometimes it fires on cue, sometimes after the pic is taken, and sometimes it just doesn't fire.

Would like to know opinions from bros who has this flash and has tried the wireless function. Does the Metz 58 fire consistently at the right time ?

 

[cater]

read on dpreview forum that the Metz 58 does not work consistently in the wireless mode. Sometimes it fires on cue, sometimes after the pic is taken, and sometimes it just doesn't fire.

Would like to know opinions from bros who has this flash and has tried the wireless function. Does the Metz 58 fire consistently at the right time ?

Hi cimman,

Let me do more test on it and come back to you after my trip. I remember the other time i try together with a FL36R sometimes it didnt fire, same goes to FL36R. Perhaps during the test, we place the flash too close to each other and tilted it facing downwards. But after a re-positioning , both flashes work fine. Perhaps other bros having this flash might want to share their experience.

 

[bousozoku]

Considering that my FL-50 is near death, I might be in the market for this as a replacement. It looks like a good deal, even at full price.

 

[cimman]

Considering that my FL-50 is near death, I might be in the market for this as a replacement. It looks like a good deal, even at full price.

it'll be a good deal if it works consistently in the wireless mode. At guide 58, I'm not sure if it is more powerful and than the FL50R, since the measurements were done differently. Maybe bros out there with both flashes can let us know, or the technically inclined can compare the measurement standards of both the flashes and let us know which is the more powerful flash.

 

[microcosm]

Just checked and Singapore has NO distributor at the moment, and therefore Metz flashes are hanging in the limbo.

I think we will have to order online if we want to get them.

 

[bousozoku]

it'll be a good deal if it works consistently in the wireless mode. At guide 58, I'm not sure if it is more powerful and than the FL50R, since the measurements were done differently. Maybe bros out there with both flashes can let us know, or the technically inclined can compare the measurement standards of both the flashes and let us know which is the more powerful flash.

At the moment, I'm not a bit concerned with wireless mode. I always assumed that it wouldn't do that. It's a nice surprise to learn otherwise.

I also assumed that the unit's power was more-or-less equal to the FL-50(R), so that it didn't matter. If it was a 100 AF-1, that would be different, since there would be no guessing as to which was more powerful.

 

[cimman]

does the Metz 58 powers off (when attached to the camera) when the camera is switched off ?