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pentax 540 or metz 58?

StoneyLoon
Posted 29/01/2009 - 16:00 Link
Hello all, Just got back into photography after a few years gap and last year bought a K100D with Tamron tele lens. Also got a Jessops 360 gun which I have not had very good results with.....varying degrees of exposure, mostly under to very dark result. Was speaking to someone who said that you only get best results with pentax flash?. Any other feedback on this as I have been looking at the Pentax AF540 and also the Metz 58, which i have to say is my preference.
hefty1
Posted 29/01/2009 - 17:07 Link
The Pentax P-TTL system has a tendancy to under-expose in order to retain highlights. I use a Pentax AF360FGZ flash and my results are fairly constant at around 1EV under using P-TTL. As P-TTL is controlled by the camera rather than the flash gun I doubt you'd notice much difference whichever gun you use, however, technique makes a big difference as the P-TTL system is easily thrown when confronted with reflective surfaces.

If you have a flash with an "Auto" mode (like the genuine Pentax ones) then many find this gives better (more consistent) results.
Joining the Q
mr.mellow
Posted 29/01/2009 - 17:22 Link
I have the Metz 58 which I use on my K10D. I like the secondary reflector which can be used for frontal brighting if the main reflector is pivoted to the side or upwards. I can recommend this flash.
The older I get the faster I was.
Dave
K-3 II, K10D, DA16-85, DA*50-135, DA12-24, DA18-55, DA 50, Sigma EX DG 70mm Macro, Sigma 70-300mm, Sigma DG 120-400mm APO HSM.
Metz 58 AF-1.

My Flickr link
Anvh
Posted 29/01/2009 - 17:47 Link
They are both good flashes.
I've the AF540 since I like the controll more and has more coverage and is more powerfull then the Metz 85.
The secondary reflector off the Metz 58 might come in handy but never miss it so far though but it also had a strobe mode that the pentax miss.
Just go to the shop and see what you like that's the easiest way since they both have there strong and weak points but are quite similar for the basic functions so you can't go wrong.

Here you can compare them a bit link and for the difference off controll just try it in the shop.
Stefan
Comment Image

K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
StoneyLoon
Posted 30/01/2009 - 08:44 Link
Thanks for the information. Going to the shop to try them out sounds a good idea, but....neither Pentax or Metz have any stockists in Scotland which means a 400+ mile round trip to the nearest one. Not the best of situations.
Anvh
Posted 30/01/2009 - 13:04 Link
StoneyLoon wrote:
Thanks for the information. Going to the shop to try them out sounds a good idea, but....neither Pentax or Metz have any stockists in Scotland which means a 400+ mile round trip to the nearest one. Not the best of situations.

no indeed not... metz also makes them for other brands but would work similar as the version for Pentax but it doesn't have P-TTL but you might be able to hold and play with it a bit on a Nikon or something, just to try it out.

If you like the handeling just order that one since it can do all the things the Pentax AF540 can, so you won't miss anything.
Stefan
Comment Image

K10D, K5
DA* 16-50, DA* 50-135, D-FA 100 Macro, DA 40 Ltd, DA 18-55
AF-540FGZ
Tyr
Posted 31/01/2009 - 15:43 Link
Me and my fiancé have a pair of Metz 58s. I wouldn't get the Pentax 540 because the price, performance and quality of the Metz is better.

The 540 is no slouch, but in my opinion the Metz 58 is a little better.
StoneyLoon
Posted 20/02/2009 - 08:30 Link
Hello again, and thanks for the advice. Taking on board all comments, and extensive online research i have taken the plunge and bought the Metz58. As we have no camera shops in Scotland had to rely on online shopping and a word of praise is due to SRS, called one day to ask some questions, ordered online and was delivered the next morning. Not used it in anger yet, but will try and post some results/comments.
Pawel_Pikor
Posted 23/03/2011 - 15:47 Link
Hi guys, I'm thinking about Metz 58 (because I can't find any Metz 48, unless somebody has it for sale )
Do you think that price of £219(BN) is good for Metz 58?!
K20D+grip, 16-45/4, 28-80 PZ, 28-70/4, MG, ME Super
Tyr
Posted 23/03/2011 - 16:34 Link
The Metz 48 was replaced by the Metz 50.

Which version of the 58, AF-1 or AF-2?
Pawel_Pikor
Posted 23/03/2011 - 18:34 Link
It's Metz 58 AF-1
K20D+grip, 16-45/4, 28-80 PZ, 28-70/4, MG, ME Super
08tiger
Posted 24/03/2011 - 01:48 Link
I just bought the Metz 58 af-2 and so far it,s looking good. I think they have discontinued the 48 in favour of a 50.
C&C welcome.
Don.
Tyr
Posted 24/03/2011 - 09:31 Link
The only thing I don't like about the Metz flashes is the motorized zoom. This has failed on both 58s I have.
DaveHolmes
Posted 28/04/2011 - 19:36 Link
Tyr wrote:
The only thing I don't like about the Metz flashes is the motorized zoom. This has failed on both 58s I have.

From reading threads on other forums... Metz has by all accounts got a fantastic customer service dept... I'm sure if you contact them regarding this issue they'll do what they can to resolve it..
........................................................................
Digital:
Pentax K5- Vivitar 19mm 3.8; FA35mm f2; D-Xenon 100mm macro f2.8; DA50-200mm WR...
Flash:
Yongnuo YN-560; Vivitar 285HV; Cactus V4 triggers...
Film:
Pentax-MX & M50mm f1.4; Spottie & 55mm f1.8; MG & M40mm 2.8...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/daveholmesphotos/
Tyr
Posted 28/04/2011 - 19:49 Link
Unfortunately they only refer me on to the importer intro2020 who are not so good.

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