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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Using a flash....it shouldn't be this hard
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 05/03/2006 05:49:02 PM · #1
I really want to know how to use my Metz 45 CL-4 flash, as I always seem to be over exposing things or getting hideous shadows where I don't want them.

It came with a remote sync thing as well, I haven't really got a clue how to use this properly either.

Off the top of my head, questions like this spring to mind

1) How do I get consistently well exposed pictures with the Metz and my 20d
2) How can I use this flash if I want to shoot some macro stuff
3) Should I shoot in manual mode?
4) Are there any good online tutorials?
 05/03/2006 06:26:48 PM · #2
Have you thought about the Lightsphere?

//store.garyfonginc.com/liiido.html

I just got mine yesterday and plan and doing some comparasion shots to upload.
 05/03/2006 06:49:53 PM · #3
Not really I've read some of the reviews and it does sound very good. The Metz flash that I've got has a diffuser (plastic cover to put over the flash) that does a similar job I think.

My issue is that I want to understand how to use my flash properly and how I should correctly use it with my 20d
 05/03/2006 06:51:11 PM · #4
Did you read the manual that came with it?
 05/03/2006 06:52:03 PM · #5
Did it come with a manual? That's usually a good place to start.
 05/03/2006 06:59:12 PM · #6
:) yes I had a look through the manual, can't say it was the most intuitive document I've ever read. Trying to work out whether it works with 20d and TTL is confusing and there is nothing of working in macro. Also, I'd like to work out what mode on the 20d will work best and that isn't in the manual either.
 05/03/2006 07:03:01 PM · #7
Originally posted by KHolt:
...Not really I've read some of the reviews and it does sound very good. The Metz flash that I've got has a diffuser (plastic cover to put over the flash) that does a similar job I think...


I'm surprised you've heard bad things about the lightsphere. There have been quite a few good "reviews" from the users here on DPC:
Lightsphere thread

As far as the little plastic diffusers go, they are ok but certainly not stellar either. Are you (can you) use it in TTL mode?

Bounce bounce bounce. If at all possible bounce it off something - it will almost always be better than direct flash. Try and capture as much ambient light as possible. If the flash is your main light source it will usually blow out our subject.

Edit: here's a site I like a lot that talks about different flash techniques: //planetneil.com/faq/flash-techniques.html

Message edited by author 2006-05-03 19:05:12.
 05/03/2006 07:04:45 PM · #8
Originally posted by KHolt:
:) yes I had a look through the manual, can't say it was the most intuitive document I've ever read. Trying to work out whether it works with 20d and TTL is confusing and there is nothing of working in macro. Also, I'd like to work out what mode on the 20d will work best and that isn't in the manual either.


The manuals for Metz gear are notoriously bad.

After all, the Germans design things so well, the manual is really unnecessary as all operations should be obvious and intuitive.

I would search the forums over at fredmiranda.com and dpreview.com

The little plastic diffuser only serves to make the light spread wider so you have greater coverage. I highly recommend the Lightsphere.
 05/03/2006 07:08:58 PM · #9
Always use manual or program mode.

Usually for indoor stuff I bounce the flash off the ceiling. +1 EV or so.

You need a lightsphere for outdoor night or high ceilinged locations.

For macro, you might think of a ringlight or use your current one from the side with the remote sync.

If you find things too bright still, adjust the f/ down (larger number) to let less light in, or increase your shutter speed accordingly.

Practice, practice, practice, get a dummy or some canteloupe and pretend they're real.
05/03/2006 07:10:03 PM · #10
Do a google search, I just did a quick one (yes, I'm really that bored) and read a few things about what you're asking. It seems it only really works well in manual mode.
05/03/2006 07:21:43 PM · #11
Thanks everyone,

I think I worded some of that badly, I think the lightsphere is great, from the reviews I read.

I had already found a few tips on the web, but nothing that good.

Cheers for the comments and I think you're right, just play play play and do a load of comparisons
 05/03/2006 07:31:22 PM · #12
Thats a very powerful flash, you may make out better if you treat it like a studio strobe and not just a flash. I have an old metz 45CT-4 this flash delivers a lot of light. It is best to use it manually and learn the controls. All the controls. changing almost any of the settings will either increse or decrease the light output. Thnigs like the ISO, the distance indicator (F stop). It becomes very importamt that understand all the numbers and the associations with one another. Get that down and you will have the power of your flash. Good luck, experiment and read. I use these type of flashes regularly they can't be beat. To soften the light buy a difuser or try bouncing the light of all wall or ceiling. Wathch for color cast of painted walls. Have fun once again good luck. Any questions feel free to PM me.

Kevin
 05/03/2006 08:03:43 PM · #13
Don't feel bad I have an SB something and I SUCK at flash photography. I must have taken 500 shots at the protest the other night and less than half were exceptable then throw out the ones that my lens decided on what SHOULD be in focus and I was left with about 100 decent shots. Of the decent shots 30 were great and of the great ones 10 were impressive. I would have been dangerous if I actually knew what the heck I was doing out there in the dark. I really need to take a class or something on flash photography if I plan on making a decent dollar at this.
 05/03/2006 08:08:47 PM · #14
Originally posted by wavelength:

If you find things too bright still, adjust the f/ down (larger number) to let less light in, or increase your shutter speed accordingly.


I agreed with everything ya said, excepts adjust shutter speed. Shutter speed has almost no affect on flash exposure. It does, however, control the amount of ambient ligjht that you let back in the scene.

Aperture alone controls flash exposure.
 05/03/2006 08:30:41 PM · #15
read up on how canon's flash work
basic flash 101 - //www.chem.helsinki.fi/~toomas/photo/flash-faq.html
then pull up a chair, get a cup of coffee and work on this site
//photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/

basically, to give you the cliff notes version of how TTL works in the world of canon...

you know that aperture controls the light and shutter speed does very little, right? slow shutter will allow more ambient light to be capptured on the sensor.

skipping auto mode, we go to the creative modes.
In P mode the camera assumes you want the flash to be the main light. shutter defaults to 1/60th an you can adjust aperture. the flash tries to output the light needed for the aperture you selected. the backgrond may go dark or black.

in Av mode the camera sets the exposure for the ambient light - you choose the aperture the camera chooses the shutter speed (from x-sync (1/250) to as slow/long as 30 seconds. you may get camera shake at a 30 second exposore, so watch this. IF the total EV is below 10, then the camera will shift to 1/250 and use the flash as the main light - and the BG may go dark. Fun, huh?

Tv works like Av - the camera tries to expose for the ambient light. if the ap cannot open enough it blinks.

manual mode - you got control. If your Metz has Auto mode try it and put the camera at 1/60 to 1/125 range and f 5.6 give or take a stop and try a few shots.

I have a Metz 54 MZ4 and for indoor i use it on auto mode and the camera on M. For outdoor fill flash then I let the eTTL of the canon in Av mode do it's job as the metz tends to blow things out. This works well.

you still have to allow for the distance - too close or too far will make the flash over expose or under expose respectively.

shadows - yep. the lightsphere helps ALOT - see my test here


the Metz manuals assume you know how to use the flash before you read the manual. good luck on that one.

in TTL mode the camera has Flash exposure compensation to tweak the flash output. if using the Metz's auto mode you need to use the flash's exposure comp adjustment. and if shooting in TTL and Av mode you still have the regular exposure comp to play with. Oh, did i forget to tell you to get some aspirin too?

Fill flash outdoors - a bit strong, but technically nothing is blown out
no lightsphere

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