Metz Mecablitz 45 CL-4

Hi everyone,
I've just bought a K10D. Love it! I want to use a Metz 45 CL-4 with it (which I've not bought yet) I'm not a fan of top heavy flash shoe mounted flash guns, hence the choice. Is anyone out there using this type of combo? Can it be done? Do I need any special adaptors etc.

Thanks.
Mezza

According to the Metz website the Metz 45 CL-4 is not a dedicated P-TTL unit.

I have the Metz 50MZ5 with SCA-3702 adapter...
You won't get P-TTL or TTL mode, but you will get an excellent linkage in the flash "A" mode. The flash gun will automatically track the ISO and Aperture settings of the camera so you can use any of the Pentax bodies with that combination.
(However, you may have a hard time getting flash exposure compensation.)

Flash modes:
P-TTL mode is not possible as the flash doesn't support this.
TTL mode is not possible because the camera doesn't support it (only P-TTL).
A mode is possible.
M mode is possible.

Hope that helps!
Matt

I use a 45 CT1 and a 45 CT5 and have no problems with them. Obviously they are used in manual but the results are superb.
Harry

Thanks for your replies everyone. I've always been disappointed with my previous flashguns that's why I'm seriously considering buying a pre owned Metz flashgun. I just want a flash that's reliable and consistent.
Ta for the advice.
Chris

I make no apologies for resurrecting this thread but my wife has just bought me a Metz 45 CL3 off e-bay(regular flowers do work) It has no cables or adapters with it. After searching the forum index I realise it's limitations with the K10d. I've also searched the net in an attempt to find out what adapter and cable I need to get it to work with my camera. I'm informed I need a SCA3702 adapter but what I cant find out is what cable I need. There are so many different ones on the Metz web site I cant figure it out. So here's my question - what cable?
Thanks for any replies.

The SCA3702 should give you a Pentax-compatible hotshoe connection. Then you will need the Pentax 5p cables. See Boz:

http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/technology/offCameraFlash.html

As well as a 5p cable, you will need a hotshoe adapter Fg and an off-camera adapter F.

G

Edit: Just read back and seen that the Metz is not TTL/P-TTL. That being the case, I should just buy a flash sensor off Ebay, and trigger it with the cheapest manual flash you can buy on the camera. You also wouldn't need the Pentax SCA3702 if using the flash off-camera. Any would work.

If the CL3 is like the CL4, then here's the manual (PDF).

(It's a hammer head style flash George You won't need the 5P cable at all.)
According to the manual you need an SCA3702 adapter for the Pentax, and the addition SCA 3000 C cable to link the flash to the SCA3702.

Hope that helps!
Matt

I got the Metz 45 CL3 from Germany direct through a camera club member who is German as it is not imported into UK - I didn't think I needed the extra small flash tube - I also got a Metz Pentax box thing from David Leung of Goodmayes and it connects with the Pentax LX and the K10D and does not blow up the digital ! I use it TTL with the LX but with a 'A' settings on the K10D and gives very good results. ( Only wish the PENTAX 's would synchronise at 1.250th sec as does my wife's Nikon FE2 body )

Just a note for all... the max sync speed is a function of the mechanics of the shutter, and not anything electronic It is the effectively the fastest time where the leading curtain can finish its travel before the trailing curtain has to follow.
ie the shortest time the complete sensor is exposed. Faster shutter speeds "scan" down the sensor or film where the trailing curtain follow before the leading has reached the end.

Just some info
Matt

Sorry about the delay in viewing all of your replies.
As I expected I've found the answer via your replies. Once again the forum comes up trumps.
Thanks.

Hi gang...
just been reading the new Metz brochure......the 45CL-4 is now P-TTL compatible....

Just finished a Wedding,.....using my old 45 CL-1....
love the results....should have used it ages ago... Doh!

D

I have the 45CL-4 which I bought mainly to use for weddings, and attached to my Mamiya 645. It's been a long time since I have done weddings so the Metz wasn't getting much use.

My GFs brother gave me an assignment to photograph some small items for his ebay shop and I used the K10D/45CL-4/D-FA combo - on manual to take the photos. Manual control is fab, once you get the hang of the ideal apertures to use and how to adjust it for fill-in, flash photography is fun....

I do have the TTL adaptor to use on the older cameras but I am happier to use the hot shoe adaptor and stick it on manual...

ENJOY!