SNOWDON PHOTOGRAPHY

Gear talk: Metz 58AF-1

I thought about this for a long time and I finally decided to try the Metz 58 AF-1 flashgun which is compatible with my E-system.  I love my Olympus FL-50 and FL-36 but since I needed something I can use off camera flash in case I forget my wireless trigger, this is a better alternative. It is cheaper than the FL-50R and it works. It has a max flash output of GN of 58 for ISO 100/21° and 105 mm.

Although I mainly use natural light for my photography, it is best to know other things as well to be able to do my job.  And since winter is not far away, it is time to polish off-camera flash setups and techniques again.

I dropped my FL50 ( it was broken and off for repair) while shooting. The wind was just horrid. I am glad I found this clamp at my local camera shop, it should firmly hold the flashgun and trigger.  It has a swivel holder where the trigger is mounted and most importantly, it stays in place. I’ve looked around the internet for this product but I cannot find it on e-bay nor other shops (yet).  If you are interested in getting one yourself, e-mail me and I will send you the address of the camera shop.

I will write a detailed review of the flashgun later this year. It is better to properly try the gear before writing something don’t you think?

Basic configuration

* secondary reflector with 3 light output ratios
* vertical (-7/+90°) and horizontal (270°) swivel reflector
* easy operating concept
* illuminable dot matrix LC display
* motor zoom for 24 – 105 mm illumination
* integrated wide-angle diffuser for 18 mm illumination
* reflector card that can be flipped open for soft flash illumination
* modeling light (permanent light for checking the photo)
* integrated autofocus multi-zone measuring flash
* flash readiness and exposure control indicators on the unit and camera
* flash range indicator
* automatic unit switch-off and manual key lock

Standard flash modes

* TTL flash mode
* automatic flash mode with 12 automatic apertures
* manual flash mode with 25 partial lighting levels
* stroboscope mode
* HSS – high speed synchronization
* 1st and 2nd shutter curtain synchronization
* manual flash exposure correction for TTL or automatic flash mode
* automatic fill-in flash
* flash bracketing

Tags: Clamp, flashgun, gear, Metz 58 AF-1