Metz Flash Units

[JJOC]

I have been looking for a flash that is compatible with my Nikon FM3a. I seem to have found two that will work from Metz (Models 50AF-1, 58AF-2). Can anyone tell me about the quality Metz flashes? Does Metz have a good reputation?

I looked at the Nikon Speedlights but apparently the current models are not compatible with the FM3a.

[DougC]

In the film days Metz was considered among the best. I assume the same is still true today.

[brewercm]

I think they are great flashes for whatever that is worth.

[BeccaJ]

i had a metz 58af-1 i think it was for my first flash. i dont know why i even got rid of it. it was nice

[RexGig]

I will see if my wife's new Metz flash works with my FM3A, and get back with y'all.

[tc95]

You may burn out the flash...or it might not work...I think the Metz 50Af-1 has a 1.5volt hotshoe whereas the FM3a should be 3.3volts...

A nikon SB-80DX should work fine...it's older but a good copy will keep plugging away...

You can probably use the Metz SCA system...with your camera...the nice thing with this system you can get a flash...get the adapter and use it for both film/digital camera's

[RexGig]

Well, I did not consider the risk of burning-out something. I just tried my wife's Metz 44AF-2 on my FM3A. The first shot was in TTL mode, and it flashed. The second shot, in TTL, did not fire the flash.

Switching to manual, at each of the available power levels, the flash fired just fine.

As tc25 just mentioned, an SB80DX will work fine, but they are becoming very popular with the Strobist crowd, so are not cheap anymore. There are plenty of other Nikon flashes on the used market that are much more reasonably priced. Two that I like are the SB-23 and SB-30, but just about anything up to including the SB-800 will work.

To be clear, I do not know if the Metz's TTL mode was metering properly; I just know it fired on the first shot and did not fire on the second shot.

[JJOC]

Thanks for the help. I have started looking for some used units. The idea of the Metz SC unit that I could use with the FM3a or the D3100 is appealing though.