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Metz Mecablitz m400
- Thread starter SJS1426
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Stoneh Ray
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Great news if this is true as i cant find any news of it. Makes you wonder what on earth are Nissin playing at? Blaming fuji?
Metz Mecablitz M400 Now Supports HSS for X-T1, X-T2 and X-Pro2 with Firmware 1.1 - Fuji Rumors
Metz just added HSS support on the Metz Mecablitz M400 for Fujifilm X series cameras with firmware 1.1. Here is the message a FR-reader got directly from Metz: “As of now a new firmware version (1.1) is available for the flash unit mecablitz M400 for Fujifilm. This new firmware version enables...
www.fujirumors.com
It works fine with TTL&HSS, there are some remaining points of improvement with respect to the camera-flash interface (menus to change flash settings in-camera, but these issues are mostly cosmetic) and ability to use the LED from the camera.
The Fuji is a more powerful flash which has more capabilities in hardware, so I think it's not a comparable product (but both are flashes, so they are of course), the M400 is a product more like the Nissin i40 i'd say. Fuji's flash unit is substantially more expensive and larger of course, so it might make sense to look for an alternative flash which suits your needs.
I like the M400 for its compactness, it is a bit larger than the Nissin i40, it has quite a fast flash recycle time of ~1,5s on full power, which is a bit better than the i40's and of course Metz has HSS&TTL right now where the i40 currently lacks HSS afaik. I also like the look&feel of the Metz more than that of the nissin. The menu is OK, am am more of a dial-person, but it's fairly easy to navigate the M400's menu and change settings if needed.
Annoyances are the battery cover, which is difficult to close properly without taking some care/attention while doing it, and the interface to the in-camera flash settings, which show some currently superfluous menu items, specifically the AF-assist/catchlight LED, the settings for the flash spread, and reverting back to the menu when changing the flash's zoom settings just a bit too fast sometimes. The firmware/interface-related issue might be corrected in later firmware revisions I suppose, when the communications between flash and camera have been analysed a bit better.
The M400 has no advanced remote trigger mechanisms, but it can work as a servo flash, with manual settings. Have not really looked into that though, I would consider using some radio trigger system, or another flash system alltogether, if my currently quite low level flash requirements increase.
Hi everyone,
I just wanted to chime in with my experience with this flash after a couple nights of playing with the Micro 4/3 version (unfortunately don't have one for my X-T2). I know some of this might not be relevant to Fuji currently, but it may be indicative of the current/future functionality with x-series cameras given Metz's generally good firmware support, and the ease with which you can upgrade firmware in this speedlight.
TTL and HSS (FP) on the OM-D cameras works perfectly. Light loss in HSS is comparable to other systems I've tried (1-2 stops depending on conditions). TTL in slave mode has also worked great with the RC mode enabled in-camera, and using the pop-up flash as the master. The flash has the power you'd expect from a GN40 unit (enough for most things I do), and recycle times at high power are generally short (less than 2s). Of course this is where I can't say everything will be the same on Fuji, but clearly the capability is there. As I understand it, V1.1 of the firmware is already out, which provides HSS. If it works the same on Fuji as it does on Olympus, it will be fine.
Fit and finish are excellent IMO. The styling is low key, and classy. The size is perfect for people that don't want to overwhelm their gripless, mirrorless bodies with a massive speedlight (looks fantastic mounted on the X-T2 btw). My EF-X500 is significantly more voluminous. I did not have the trouble with the battery door as another poster mentioned. The head rotation is excellent, and the tactile bumps are firm but damped (not clicky/noisy like the i40).
I found the small oled display and the menus a pleasure to use. It is very simple to navigate, and I had access to all of the options I expected/wanted in about 15 minutes without consulting the manual. In addition to looking nicer than your typical speedlight display, it's very beginner friendly and didn't seem as overwhelming to my wife, who enjoys shooting, but was intimidated by the presentation of other speedlight controls. The display is also less distracting (for the shooter and those around) than your typical bright green/amber/red backlit menu when you go to change settings. I found that in low brightness, it just gets out of the way in a dark environment, and at high it's perfectly readable in bright conditions.
In all, I'd say it's a great option, and a fun flash to use for those that don't need big power. I'm not sure how big of a deal controlling flash settings in-camera would be with Fuji since it was so easy to change settings on the flash itself, but of course that may be more important to some than others. If you like having more information displayed at once on your flash, or you're more comfortable with traditional display/menu systems, this may not be the flash for you. I quite like it, and I really think those new to flash will enjoy it a lot as well.
I just wanted to chime in with my experience with this flash after a couple nights of playing with the Micro 4/3 version (unfortunately don't have one for my X-T2). I know some of this might not be relevant to Fuji currently, but it may be indicative of the current/future functionality with x-series cameras given Metz's generally good firmware support, and the ease with which you can upgrade firmware in this speedlight.
TTL and HSS (FP) on the OM-D cameras works perfectly. Light loss in HSS is comparable to other systems I've tried (1-2 stops depending on conditions). TTL in slave mode has also worked great with the RC mode enabled in-camera, and using the pop-up flash as the master. The flash has the power you'd expect from a GN40 unit (enough for most things I do), and recycle times at high power are generally short (less than 2s). Of course this is where I can't say everything will be the same on Fuji, but clearly the capability is there. As I understand it, V1.1 of the firmware is already out, which provides HSS. If it works the same on Fuji as it does on Olympus, it will be fine.
Fit and finish are excellent IMO. The styling is low key, and classy. The size is perfect for people that don't want to overwhelm their gripless, mirrorless bodies with a massive speedlight (looks fantastic mounted on the X-T2 btw). My EF-X500 is significantly more voluminous. I did not have the trouble with the battery door as another poster mentioned. The head rotation is excellent, and the tactile bumps are firm but damped (not clicky/noisy like the i40).
I found the small oled display and the menus a pleasure to use. It is very simple to navigate, and I had access to all of the options I expected/wanted in about 15 minutes without consulting the manual. In addition to looking nicer than your typical speedlight display, it's very beginner friendly and didn't seem as overwhelming to my wife, who enjoys shooting, but was intimidated by the presentation of other speedlight controls. The display is also less distracting (for the shooter and those around) than your typical bright green/amber/red backlit menu when you go to change settings. I found that in low brightness, it just gets out of the way in a dark environment, and at high it's perfectly readable in bright conditions.
In all, I'd say it's a great option, and a fun flash to use for those that don't need big power. I'm not sure how big of a deal controlling flash settings in-camera would be with Fuji since it was so easy to change settings on the flash itself, but of course that may be more important to some than others. If you like having more information displayed at once on your flash, or you're more comfortable with traditional display/menu systems, this may not be the flash for you. I quite like it, and I really think those new to flash will enjoy it a lot as well.
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Does TTL and HSS work fine on the Fuji X-T1 as well, as you didnt't say which camera you have? Thanks
Birdmanfriday
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I own this flash so I'll download the update and will test tomorrow and feedback.
So far I'm happy with the flash but it's early days.
So far I'm happy with the flash but it's early days.
Birdmanfriday
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I've updated my M400 and have done a few test shots. The download process went very smoothly and being able to download an update, then install it easily via a USB connection is a great solution and should help to future-proof this flash gun. In my opinion this makes it a more attractive option than competing Nissin flash guns.
Once updated I shot a few pictures at f2 and at a range of shutter speeds from 1/350 - to 1/7500 section using the mechanical shutter on my X-pro2 and with the flash set to TTL auto. The images came out great with the flash firing correctly in all cases and providing subtle fill-in - just what you'd want it to do basically. HSS is now clearly enabled. The control arrangements on the flash are very simple and convenient to use.
There's not too much else to say. I think it's an ideal size for small mirrorless cameras and provides enough power for most casual flash use situations. Given its modest size, lower price and good build quality I think its a more attractive option than the more expensive new Fuji gun. The head offers a full range of movements and re-charge is quick. I haven't explored its off-camera use yet.
Two minor caveats - the flash head auto zoom is a little noisy and I couldn't get the firmware update to work with my Mac - you need a PC apparently.
But basically a strong recommendation. If I get a minute I'll post some comparative images but don't hold your breath.
Best wishes
Malc
--
View my landscape, wildlife and steam railway photography.
Once updated I shot a few pictures at f2 and at a range of shutter speeds from 1/350 - to 1/7500 section using the mechanical shutter on my X-pro2 and with the flash set to TTL auto. The images came out great with the flash firing correctly in all cases and providing subtle fill-in - just what you'd want it to do basically. HSS is now clearly enabled. The control arrangements on the flash are very simple and convenient to use.
There's not too much else to say. I think it's an ideal size for small mirrorless cameras and provides enough power for most casual flash use situations. Given its modest size, lower price and good build quality I think its a more attractive option than the more expensive new Fuji gun. The head offers a full range of movements and re-charge is quick. I haven't explored its off-camera use yet.
Two minor caveats - the flash head auto zoom is a little noisy and I couldn't get the firmware update to work with my Mac - you need a PC apparently.
But basically a strong recommendation. If I get a minute I'll post some comparative images but don't hold your breath.
Best wishes
Malc
--
View my landscape, wildlife and steam railway photography.
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Birdmanfriday
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Here are two grab shots, one with flash and one without. The shutter speed for the flash image was 1/350. You can easily see which is the flash shot from the warmer colour temperature of the image.
--
View my landscape, wildlife and steam railway photography.
--
View my landscape, wildlife and steam railway photography.
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Thank you for your comprehensive reply. That's really helpful. I think I'm going to buy this one for my Fuji X-T1.
Hey ! I recently switched from Sony to the XT-2. However I still have the M400 here.
I bought the M400 for the Fuji system again and wonder if it is possible to use the second (spare spony one) as a slave ?
How would I do that if possible?
I bought the M400 for the Fuji system again and wonder if it is possible to use the second (spare spony one) as a slave ?
How would I do that if possible?
It should work fine in servo mode (dumb slave). Will just fire when it sees the pop from the master. All manual of course. I doubt it would work with ttl in proper slave mode.
C
Cena
Guest
Yes; when flash mounted and turned on go to
Flash menue
> LED Light setting
> AF-Assist illuminator
or
> AF-Assist illuminator + catchlight
Flash menue
> LED Light setting
> AF-Assist illuminator
or
> AF-Assist illuminator + catchlight
It doesn't work... I upgrade the flash to V1.1...flash is in TTL mode, AF BEAM is ON (FLASH)... on the camera in FLASH SETTING -> LED LIGHT SETTING -> I can choose between AF AF ASSIST or OFF, can't choose AF ASSIST + CATCHLIGHT...anyway can't get any focus in dark, AF lamp on flash doesn't starting...
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