Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/03/20
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On Sunday, 27 September 1998, I wrote:
> 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>
In Chasseur d'Images No 212 (April 99) page 73
There is a test of the Metz 34 AF-3.
The real GN found by CI was:
28mm (and not 24mm as announced with exaggeration by Metz): 18,2
50mm : 25
80mm : 28.1
I know think that the name Metz 20 AF-3 will suit it better than 34 AF-3.
>
> 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>
The answer is in the Leica SF 20 Instructions book, page 72:
The distances given in the tables, and the range and
distances values indicated by the LC display, are
related to colour reversal films.
With negative films (for photos), where slight
"under-exposure" is not critical due to the wide
exposure latitude, the range can be extended by a
factor 1,4 without any detrimental effect on the shots.
>
> 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.
After use of the SF 20 on both the M6 classic and R8, I confirm
that in this case, the Leica touch was a big improvement.
And it's Metz the flash specialist !
;-)
Lucien