Asahi Photo Solenoid Repair Asahi Photo Solenoid Repair Asahi Photo Solenoid Repair

Metz 58 AF-1 or Pentax AF 540FGZ?

Unlocker
Posted 18/12/2007 - 14:28 Link
Hoping to have some spare cash available very soon to buy my first flash gun, and would like your advice on whether to go for the Metz 58 AF-1 or the Pentax AF 540FGZ.

Does anyone out there have experience of both? Would really appreciate your input as to why one would be better than the other etc etc!

Regards

Danny.
Tyr
Posted 20/12/2007 - 07:38 Link
The Metz is more powerful, has a secondary flash and feels better built than the Pentax flashes. It is easy to use andproduces excelent results.

Lighting is even and bounce facility is great as you can point it in almost any direction. You don'l loose that sparkle in the eyes as you have the secondary flash. I tend to leave that at 1/4 power.

I wouldn't buy a 540 after having handled the Metz even if they were the same price. The Metz is cheaper and better so there is no contest.
Unlocker
Posted 20/12/2007 - 13:21 Link
Cheers Tyr, was leaning towards the Metz, that kinda confirms it. Just got a nice cash bonus, so its off to Watford I go!
Clarky
Posted 20/12/2007 - 13:30 Link
Unlocker wrote:
Cheers Tyr, was leaning towards the Metz, that kinda confirms it. Just got a nice cash bonus, so its off to Watford I go!

Grab me one while you are there. Can't get them for love nor money in Aust Only Canon Nikon and Olympus No pentax P-TTL versions
Camera:|K-7|
Pentax Lenses:|DA12-24/f4 ED AL|DA35Ltd Macro|FA31Ltd|FA77Ltd|FA50/1.4|F70-210|FA20-35 f4/AL|A*200/f4 Macro ED|A50/1.7|A50 Macro f2.8|1.7xAF adapter|
Voigtlander|125/f2.5SL Macro APO Lanthar|
Sigma Lenses:|EX DG 100-300 f4|2X & 1.4X TC|
Flashes:|AF540FGZx2|RingFlash AF160FC|
Unlocker
Posted 20/12/2007 - 23:57 Link
Chris @ SRS seems a decent fella, sure he could send one down under?

Chris also recommended the Metz 58 over the Pentax 540, so looks like I made the right choice there!

Have to say though, LBA got the better of me, and I am now also the proud owner of a DA* 50-135!

I think I have me a lot of learning to do here, cheers Chris!
Hyram
Posted 29/12/2007 - 16:21 Link
Tyr wrote:
Lighting is even and bounce facility is great as you can point it in almost any direction.............

My Metz 58 AF-1 arrived this morning and I have been playing around with it trying out various settings.

If you had to photograph groups of people standing around talking (basically informal portraiture) would you advise setting it at say a 45 degree bounce with the secondary front flash at 1/4 and would you have it set on PTTL :
Hyram

Bodies: K20D (2), K10D, Super A, ME Super, Auto 110 SLR, X70, Optio P70
Pentax Glass: DA* 300, DA* 60-250, DA* 50-135, DA* 16-50, DA 70 Ltd, FA 31 Ltd, DA 35 Ltd, DA 18-55 (2), DA 12-24, DA 10-17, M 200, A 35-70, M 40, M 28, Converter-A 2X-S, 1.4X-S, AF 1.7, Pentax-110 50, Pentax-110 24
Other Glass: Sigma 105 macro, Sigma-A APO 75-300
Flash: Metz 58 AF-1 P, Pentax AF160FC ringflash, Pentax AF280T
Tyr
Posted 31/12/2007 - 10:36 Link
I use the secondary flash at 1/4 and depending on the situation and distance use 45 degree to 90 degree bounce.

I managed to borrow a Lightsphere 2 from my girlfriend's uncle and it really reduces shadows and distributes the light evenly. I really want to get one as it makes quite a difference.
Posted 19/02/2008 - 15:56 Link
Lurkily I've had plenty to read on the forum regarding flash options and likewise I've opted for the Metz 58 AF-1. It will come in very useful for an event I'm covering soon, in a large hall with high ceilings where the extra GN will help no end.

I bought it from SRS based on all the positive feedback they've received around here, and to be honest I can't think of a photographic purchase I've engaged in that has gone any more smoothly; friendly, helpful, prompt service - paid yesterday received this morning!

Now I'm going to sit down and have a good study of the thing, and package up my AF-360FGZ safely ready for eBay.
Mongoose
Posted 24/02/2008 - 23:22 Link
for those feeling a little poorer, my Dad just bought a Metz 48 AF-1 and it is the buisness. Great results so far, bounce, swivel and Wireless all for £169.

We have the 58 at work and it seems the only functional differences are a little less power and no secondary flash on the 48.
you don't have to be mad to post here



but it does help
George Lazarette
Posted 25/02/2008 - 00:42 Link
camsterfactor wrote:

Now I'm going to sit down and have a good study of the thing, and package up my AF-360FGZ safely ready for eBay.

Keep it. One flash good; two flashes much better.

G
Keywords: Charming, polite, and generally agreeable.

Add Comment

To leave a comment - Log in to Pentax User or create a new account.