Not working very well Metz flash - advice

[DSLR FAN]

Hello,

Dusted down my Metz 45CL-1 after too many years in storage. Inevitable capacitor issue.

I tested it out with some NiMH's - the flash makes the usual but slow whine, but even after an hour - no green light.

The NiMH's were just for a quick test - the old Metz pack has long gone, so I only have the spare battery chamber without the charger connector.

So - does the Metz end up on the scrap heap?

Or, is it worth buying some NiCd's and trying it out with them? If it fails, the NiCd's should still be used for other things?

I got some new Godox flashes recently and fire them up once a month for around 30 mins if they havent been used.

Thanks for your advices

 

[Joseph S Wisniewski]

Hello,

Dusted down my Metz 45CL-1 after too many years in storage. Inevitable capacitor issue.

I tested it out with some NiMH's - the flash makes the usual but slow whine, but even after an hour - no green light.

The NiMH's were just for a quick test - the old Metz pack has long gone, so I only have the spare battery chamber without the charger connector.

So - does the Metz end up on the scrap heap?

That is its destiny. I've always considered Metz to be guilty of what I consider massive false advertising, and to be overhyped by a cultish fanbase.

I helped a friend win a warranty of merchantability case against them many years ago.

Or, is it worth buying some NiCd's and trying it out with them?

Why?

Your flash isn't charging because of a current issue, and even if it were modern NiMH batteries have lower series resistance than NiCads from the day.

If it fails, the NiCd's should still be used for other things?

Poisoning the environment?

I got some new Godox flashes recently and fire them up once a month for around 30 mins if they havent been used.

Good idea.

Thanks for your advices

You're welcome.

 

[FrancoD]

If you have inserted Ni Cads into a std AA holder it may not work . To work you need a battery holder made for the 1.2 v rechargeable types. (they have a different pin configuration that tells the gun you are using the lower voltage) .

There could also be the problem that not all six batteries have the same charge.

 

[Gato Amarillo]

Since you already have other flashes I wouldn't put time or money into the Metz. Odds are it's gone anyhow.

Gato

 

[DSLR FAN]

Since you already have other flashes I wouldn't put time or money into the Metz. Odds are it's gone anyhow.

Gato

Thanks for the advice. I had wondered that, too.

I have the two new Godox's. Also an old but fully working Woctron flash unit, that's good for an extra kicker or hair light on slave.

I wondered did I really need a 4th light - that's what the Metz would have come in handy for. Presently thinking about one of these...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01I3BU...olid=1GM940YXYSNVB&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Something not OTT and basic. Not as top notch as the Godox's - but could be used if the needs required it.

So it's the scrap heap for the Metz then?

Liked the grip on it, though. Found it less top heavy that a hotshoe mounted flash.

Thaniks for the assistances

 

[Gato Amarillo]

Since you already have other flashes I wouldn't put time or money into the Metz. Odds are it's gone anyhow.

Gato

Thanks for the advice. I had wondered that, too.

I have the two new Godox's. Also an old but fully working Woctron flash unit, that's good for an extra kicker or hair light on slave.

I wondered did I really need a 4th light - that's what the Metz would have come in handy for. Presently thinking about one of these...

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01I3BU...olid=1GM940YXYSNVB&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Something not OTT and basic. Not as top notch as the Godox's - but could be used if the needs required it.

So it's the scrap heap for the Metz then?

Liked the grip on it, though. Found it less top heavy that a hotshoe mounted flash.

Thaniks for the assistances

I suggest you look at the Godox tt600 or tt350 -- both fully compatible with the Godox system, including remote power control.

The 600 is a manual flash with remote power control for around £60 . The 350 is a very compact unit with remote and TTL for around £70. A little more than the unit you link, but a lot more potential for mixing with your current set.

Gato