I too am always learning

No probs Fiona - didn't mean to sound judgmental... I'm sure you'll get great results from the Metz & wish you all the best with your degree
Matt

Fiona, no probs at all. I'm always willing to help - and it's great to have feedback when the advice works

HINT: You'll find a lot more flash-based info on this thread

And I never did... but I do know photography and equipment You might still learn something from the e-book though

Glad to help out
Hope you feel better soon!
Matt

Ok... you're getting there.

With the Metz in "M" mode at full power - it'll flipping well light up a stadium

Feeb, the "M" mode is MANUAL. The flash just dumps out the amount of light you specified. So, if you have the Metz set at full power (1/1) then you're going to need a very low ISO and a very, very small aperture - either that or be taking a shot of a very distant object!

Set the Metz controller to "M" mode and set the power down to 1/64 as a starting point. Set camera to ISO 200, f/8 and work from there. (On my Metz 50MZ5 you press the "P" button then dial down with the "-" button)

Don't forget that distance plays a part in things too

(Sounds like you need my e-book on flash! :lol
Matt

Check that the SCA3702 is mounted correctly on the controller, and that it's pushed "home" on the camera hot shoe.

One BIG, BIG, BIG thing - turn off the Auto ISO on the camera

For a correct exposure, the Metz and the camera must agree on:
1) Aperture
2) ISO

If the camera is in auto ISO mode then you will definitely get blown out shots (because the flash doesn't know the camera upped the ISO! :roll

When I use the Metz in "A" mode I stick the camera in "Av" mode, with the ISO controllable on the front wheel on the K20D - that way the Metz tracks my manual settings easily.

HTH!
Matt

I think it might be to do with the closest focus at 135mmm... might also be different with front & back out-of-focus areas

I haven't yet found bokeh like that Normally the bokeh from this beast is the deliciously smooth bokeh you get from lenses like the 50/1.4 (particularly in portraiture).

Matt

Feeb - can you explain "just not working"?
* Which SCA adapter do you have on the controller? ("dumb" or SCA3702)
* Have you put the Metz 70 into "A" mode, or "M" mode and tried that?
* Does the Metz flash when you use the "TEST" button?

Matt

Rob - really appreciate your feedback
Enjoy your "cooking"

Bob, there's a few in my portfolio - https://www.pentaxuser.com/user/MattMatic-77
e.g. weeping tulips, poppy in rain, fight for space, shining in blue, fading to white, yellow, and tulips.

There's loads more where they came from
(Should give you a fair idea of the sharpness and beautiful bokeh!)
Matt