Metz & SCA3602 with DSC-F717

[Winston]

Any one knows the rough price of the Metz 32z-2, 32Mz-3 and SCA3602?

I have a tough decision to make:

I am not sure if I should get the new SONY HVL-F32X to replace my current HVL-F1000.

The disadvantage of the HVL-F32X is it is unable to tilt sideways in a portait mode. And it is not able to use the AF-assist lamp on the DSC-F717 anyway. It is not able to do TTL with the DSC-F717 too.

Though it has a modeling lamp feature. and it can manually control the flash intensity.

The Metz 32Z-2 is able to control the flash manually too, though the DSC-F717 cannot use the TTL feature on it too.

It can tilt sideways which I find it's a plus over the SONY. since I take portiait shots a lot of times.


Any users of the Metz 32z-2 and 32Mz-3 with the DSC-F717? If there any SONY DSC-F717 users using a SCA3602 with Metz 32z-2/mz-3, I would like to read about your experiences with the flashes.

[majere2sg]

Quote: Originally posted by Winston Any one knows the rough price of the Metz 32z-2, 32Mz-3 and SCA3602? I have a tough decision to make: I am not sure if I should get the new SONY HVL-F32X to replace my current HVL-F1000. The disadvantage of the HVL-F32X is it is unable to tilt sideways in a portait mode. And it is not able to use the AF-assist lamp on the DSC-F717 anyway. It is not able to do TTL with the DSC-F717 too. Though it has a modeling lamp feature. and it can manually control the flash intensity. The Metz 32Z-2 is able to control the flash manually too, though the DSC-F717 cannot use the TTL feature on it too. It can tilt sideways which I find it's a plus over the SONY. since I take portiait shots a lot of times. Any users of the Metz 32z-2 and 32Mz-3 with the DSC-F717? If there any SONY DSC-F717 users using a SCA3602 with Metz 32z-2/mz-3, I would like to read about your experiences with the flashes.

On 24 May, was equoted from AP.
Metz 32MZ-3 S$338.00 incl. of gst

Don't know if can use the AF illuminator on F717 cause I forgot to try press the button before
There are 3 modes, Auto A, Auto B and manual and I am able to select one of the Auto mode (Auto B I think) and manual mode.
Can only test out again after I get back my camera from servicing

[Winston]

Quote: Originally posted by majere2sg On 24 May, was equoted from AP. Metz 32MZ-3 S$338.00 incl. of gst Don't know if can use the AF illuminator on F717 cause I forgot to try press the button before There are 3 modes, Auto A, Auto B and manual and I am able to select one of the Auto mode (Auto B I think) and manual mode. Can only test out again after I get back my camera from servicing

The DSC-F717 cannot use the AUTO A mode and AF assist of the HVL-F32X.

It was indicated and mentioned in a Taiwanese review site.

www.dcview.com.tw

You will need to register as a member to read it's articles.
I had a hard time trying to understand the parts of the camera in chinese (like shutter..aperature)

There is an article on the HVL--F32X flash and another on the performance of the DSC-F717 paired with the HVL-F32X

It seems the Taiwanese website have reviewed and has articles on the HVL-F32X even before dpreview.com and imaging-resource.com
The forum has some info on the HVL-F32X, made by those who bought it and tried it, not some paid reviewers.


Dpreview.com and Imaging-resouce.com only mentioned seeing the flash at PMA in Mar 2003 and has no further information on it.


So far, My only complain is the HVL-F32X did not have a swivel head to turn left and right.
But it's a cheaper alternative than the Metz 32z-2 with SCA3602.
And it has an LCD display with modeling lamp which the 32z-2 does not.

[f55user]

I personally find the Auto mode on Metz flashes (even without the SCA-adaptor) works very well with my F717.. I got the 44MZ-2 which, although it does not swivel sideways (the only thing I miss), it has much more control than the 32 series.

Anyway $300+ for the 32MZ-3 is WAY overpriced...

[Fella]

E-quote from AP for Metz 32MZ-3 on 4th May - S$322.40 /w GST
Quote for the same flash from CP is @ the low S$200.

[Winston]

Quote: Originally posted by f55user I personally find the Auto mode on Metz flashes (even without the SCA-adaptor) works very well with my F717.. I got the 44MZ-2 which, although it does not swivel sideways (the only thing I miss), it has much more control than the 32 series. Anyway $300+ for the 32MZ-3 is WAY overpriced...

Any idea whats the cheapest flash in the Metz series that have auto mode? And it's price?

The 32 series, doesn't seems to have one, there does not seem to have a sensor on the flash to sense the lighting condition and adjust accordingly.

[Madnezz]

Hi all,

I am also looking for an external flash.
Any recommendation?

Thanks and regards

[mpenza]

Quote: Originally posted by Winston Any idea whats the cheapest flash in the Metz series that have auto mode? And it's price? The 32 series, doesn't seems to have one, there does not seem to have a sensor on the flash to sense the lighting condition and adjust accordingly.

The Metz 32Z1 has auto modes and costs around $160.

flash sensor is infront as indicated by the pic:


There're also 3 auto modes:

[mylau]

Quote: Originally posted by majere2sg On 24 May, was equoted from AP. Metz 32MZ-3 S$338.00 incl. of gst Don't know if can use the AF illuminator on F717 cause I forgot to try press the button before There are 3 modes, Auto A, Auto B and manual and I am able to select one of the Auto mode (Auto B I think) and manual mode. Can only test out again after I get back my camera from servicing

AP quoted with the shoe adapter. With the auto adapter that comes with the flash unit, the 32MZ-3 is only around S$200.

[Jeff]

Just got the SCA3602 (S$133) and Metz 44MZ-2 (S$250) for S$383 w/o E-quote. Tested with Sony 717 and find it works quite well. But occasionally, the built-in flash will popup. Not sure why, perhaps some contact problem somewhere. Will keep on monitoring. Testing setup in BP this Sat.

[f55user]

Did you use the flash as direct or bounced?

Anyway, CP quoted me the 44MZ-2 at $230 after I bought it from AP at $280..

[mpenza]

Think 44MZ2 was selling @ $180 at the Jebsen and Jessen sale... but for Nikon and Canon TTL. It can't swivel horitontally right?

[f55user]

Quote: Originally posted by mpenza Think 44MZ2 was selling @ $180 at the Jebsen and Jessen sale... but for Nikon and Canon TTL. It can't swivel horitontally right?

Nope it cant
It's just *that* far away from being the perfect mid range flash..

[Jeff]

Quote: Originally posted by f55user Did you use the flash as direct or bounced? Anyway, CP quoted me the 44MZ-2 at $230 after I bought it from AP at $280..

Tried both. Satisfied. In custom white mode w no noticeable yellow casting. But add tele heavy siah.

The cam is able to transmit the F-stop, flash intensity and ISO(?) to the flash unit via the SCA 3602 adaptor. However, I did notice that the flash unit is always 1/2 stop lower at tele and wide. Wonder why? Prefer the cobra type flash gun to 32 series as it has less tendency to cast unnatural shadows on subjects.

Can operate only in A and M mode. TTL mode will be @ full blast!

[majere2sg]

Quote: Originally posted by Jeff Tried both. Satisfied. In custom white mode w no noticeable yellow casting. But add tele heavy siah. The cam is able to transmit the F-stop, flash intensity and ISO(?) to the flash unit via the SCA 3602 adaptor. However, I did notice that the flash unit is always 1/2 stop lower at tele and wide. Wonder why? Prefer the cobra type flash gun to 32 series as it has less tendency to cast unnatural shadows on subjects. Can operate only in A and M mode. TTL mode will be @ full blast!

Sound good.. Too bad I got the Sony F32X already else
I might go and try to get the adaptar for my 32mz-3 and try out.
The only 2 thing I prefer the F32X over the 32mz-3 is that is slightly
more compact and the battery loading compartment is better.
(loading the battery down from the top)

[f55user]

Quote: Originally posted by Jeff <snip> Can operate only in A and M mode. TTL mode will be @ full blast!

That's odd. I tried it out in AP and the TTL works.
Maybe you have a loose connection somewhere? (which could also explain the internal flash popping out sometimes)

anyway, anyone knows what Metz means by this?

Dear Mr. ....,

Unfortunately, a version M2 of the adapter SCA3602 is existing already but no instruction for it. In this case we recommend to compare your F717 with a similar F707.

[Madnezz]

Hi,

Just need to confirm that 717 do support TTL?

Thanks and Regards

[Jeff]

Quote: Originally posted by f55user That's odd. I tried it out in AP and the TTL works. Maybe you have a loose connection somewhere? (which could also explain the internal flash popping out sometimes) anyway, anyone knows what Metz means by this? Dear Mr. ...., Unfortunately, a version M2 of the adapter SCA3602 is existing already but no instruction for it. In this case we recommend to compare your F717 with a similar F707.

Maybe need to play around more with it to confirm the TTL thingy. Kind of rush buying the flash as CP was closing. Last customer in the shop.

[Madnezz]

Jeff pls let us know if u have try out the flash on 717.
If the TTL works, I will try to sell off my F32X (less than a week) and buy flash that can have TTL with 717.

[f55user]

Actually "TTL" is a bit of a misnomer with the Sony cams (unless the 717 has it) because all the existing flashes do is to transfer the f-stop and ISO to the flash.