[Leica] Leica Flash SF 20 versus new Metz 34AF-3 (Metz is cheating)

[Lucien <lucien@ubi.edu>]

Since the Photokina, Metz the manufacturer of the new Leica Flash SF 20
is offering a flash similar (in size) for Canon, Minolta and Nikon only.
(AF and TTL)

The design of that new Metz 34AF-3 is questionable !
As is the guide number announced in the brochure and on the website:
- -   A mini with the power of a giant!
- -   The new Metz mecablitz 34 AF-3 excels with its
    superb design and record-breaking mini size with a
    guide number of 34! 
GN 34 yes, but at 85mm and with an interchangeable telephoto screen !
At 35mm position (without any screen) the guide number is of 28.
I think that the name Metz 28AF-3 will suit it better.
It is the first time that Metz cheat about the guide number of a flash.
I hope it will not become a trend.

<http://www.metz.de/mecablitz/eng/produkte/34AF3e.html>

What is strange is that Leica is announcing a guide
number of 20 at 35mm for a flash very similar in size
and made by the same manufacturer !
Is Leica simply more honest or is there really a difference.

<http://www.leica-camera.com/m_system/mobjn_e.htm>

Unlike the new Metz 34AF-3, which offer only a TTL position
without any other possibility of control or information
on the back,
the new Leica Flash SF 20F allows TTL-flash exposure control 
with the LEICA M6 TTL and LEICA R8, 
plus automatic flash exposure control with all other 
cameras with only a central X hot-shoe contact.
The informations such as film speed, aperture and 
distance are available in the LCD on the back which can be 
illuminated on demand.  There is the option  to utilize the 
flash exposure compensation feature. 
In the TTL- and A-modes corrections of +/- 3 EV and 
0 to -3 EV respectively are possible.
Partial output in manual position: 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8.

I think the Leica touch made the difference here.
I hope this to become a trend, unlike with the Digilux versus Fuji.

Good night,

Lucien
Brussels - Belgium