Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash (Guide No. 177'/54 m at 105mm) - with Standard Non-Dedicated Shoe
-
Discontinued
The Metz 54MZ-4 is a compact flash that is simple to operate and is loaded with every special function imaginable. Ergonomics are straightforward, with most features operable with only one button. Power is very powerful for a shoe-mount flash unit. Intelligent engineering is evident everywhere, from the auxiliary flash with built-in neutral density filter to the redeye-reducing "Cobra" design of the flash head itself.
This model is supplied with a standard non-dedicated shoe (module).
- Compatible with Metz Remote System (Requires SCA 3083)
- The 54 MZ-4 becomes a master TTL flash by attaching a camera-specific TTL SCA system module and incorporating a slave flash (32 Z-2, 32 MZ-3, 40 MZ-1*, 40 MZ-3*, 44 MZ-2, 50 MZ*, 54 MZ*, 70 MZ* & 76 MZ*) with the SCA 3083 adapter attached to the slave. The combo also works in non-TTL autoexposure mode for older or manual cameras. Used with the SCA 3083, the 54 MZ-4 can be a general slave or a slave with digital preflash suppression.
- Compatible with digital cameras
- "Cobra Design" flash reduces the redeye effect
- Autozooming head can cover from 24 to 105mm, and 20mm when used with the included wideangle diffuser
- Flash tilts downward to better illuminate closeup subjects
- High-speed flash synchronization allows flash to be used with any shutter speed (only with appropriate camera bodies)
- Wireless full TTL triggering
- Evaluative preflash metering & Stroboscopic flash for previewing effect
- Excellent power capacity: Regular alkaline batteries yield 180 full-power flashes, NiCd batteries yield 60, Powerpacks P40 & P50 yield 160 & 350 respectively
| Type | Shoe mount |
| Guide Number |
72' (22 m) at 20mm 92' (28 m) at 24mm 102' (31 m) at 28mm 112' (34 m) at 35mm 131' (40 m) at 50mm 151' (46 m) at 85mm 177' (54 m) at 105mm |
| Angle of Coverage |
84° to 23° (24-105mm lenses in 35mm format) 94° (20mm) with included wideangle diffuser |
| Auto Distance Range | Variable |
| Auto f/Stops | f/2.0, 4.0 & 8.0 |
| Variable Power | 25 Levels ranging from 1/1 to 1/256th |
| TTL Dedication | Yes |
| Bounce Head | Yes |
| Swivel Head | Yes |
| Zoom Head | 24-105mm (manual, or flash senses focal length & adjusts) |
| Off Camera Terminal | Only with optional #53008 Metz Off Camera Cord |
| Recycle Time | 6 Seconds (based on fresh alkaline batteries & full power) |
| Power Source |
Four 1.5-Volt "AA" batteries (alkaline or NiCd) Optional Power Packs P40 & P50 |
| Dimensions | 3.0 x 4.9 x 4.3" (75 x 125 x 108mm) WxHxD |
| Weight | 1 lb (480 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Consistent output (7)
- Durable (7)
- Good power output (7)
- Fast recycling (6)
- Versatile (5)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (4)
- Heavy (3)
Best Uses
- Fill flash (7)
- General purpose (7)
- Night photography (5)
- Portraits (5)
- Photojournalism (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Photo enthusiast (3), Semi-pro photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
Most Liked Positive Review
Powerful and compatible flash
I bought the Metz 54-MZ-4 to use on a Canon film SLR. The Metz dedication module makes the Metz flash work exactly like a Canon flash. I'm very happy with its compatibility ...Read complete review
I bought the Metz 54-MZ-4 to use on a Canon film SLR. The Metz dedication module makes the Metz flash work exactly like a Canon flash. I'm very happy with its compatibility with the E-TTL system in my camera. I tested it with a variety of shots and settings and found that it worked with multiple modes of the camera just as you would expect a Canon flash to. I feel that this is both a better flash and a better deal than Canon's models. A big reason for choosing this combination is the upgradability of the combination by swapping this module for another. I couldn't be happier that such an expensive item as this Metz flash is made for such upgrades. Everything I've read suggests that their support of these products is excellent as well. I'm very happy for now with this module, and very satisfied that Metz handles the dedication this way as I'm sure to upgrade later. If I stick with Canon, I'm set, but I can switch body brands and still keep this expensive and versatile flash.
If someone uses multiple brands of SLR body, this is an even better choice as modules are about $85 for each brand and make this flash act like a top-line dedicated flash from each manufacturer. That's a big money saver.
Its manual isn't very good, but a few days with it make all features familiar. It's intimidating at first.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
good but with fixable - by Metz - flaws
Use it for Photojournalism, Portraiture.
Lousy manual. Gosh! The only worse manual i have encountered was that for the Panasonic Lumix LX3.
Disappointing communication with my EOS 1D Mark i...Read complete review
Use it for Photojournalism, Portraiture.
Lousy manual. Gosh! The only worse manual i have encountered was that for the Panasonic Lumix LX3.
Disappointing communication with my EOS 1D Mark ii, EOS 5D. Did not even bother attaching it to my EOS 40D. The 580 ex-IIs shocked me at how well they worked with these cameras while the Metz stuggled to be consistent. I tried to blame myself and looked to the Metz manual for guidance but the manual did not shed any light (pun not intended). The 580ex-ii also puts the Metz's recycling time to shame. A pity becasue I paid a bomb for it.
Yes, the ND filter for the fill flash falls off way too easily.
Plan on attaching the Pentax module so that I can use the Metz on the k20D.
Love the secondary flash.
Excellent finish - Metz all the way.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-11
Pros
- Quality
Cons
- Instruction manual
Best Uses
- Non-dedicated cameras
Comments about Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Possibly out of production. As everyone says, the book is not a lot of help. Mainly learned by trying each and every button and wheel. The book did let me know that the wheel not only turns, but also can be pushed it.
I recommend this product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Portraits
Comments about Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Bought this flash for my Sony R1. I wanted an alternative from the Sony F32X after reading reviews on that flash unit and this one met my requirements. There isn't an adapter dedicated to the Sony R1 and what's great about the Metz flash is the built-in sensor for metering. It's not as convenient as TTL but works for my needs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
- Complicated
Best Uses
- General Use
Comments about Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
This flash feels like it's well built and thoughtfully designed. It's clear that Mecablitz takes flashes seriously. The feature set and functionality are excellent. My only complaint is the manual, which is confusing and too enormous to carry (it's one book in six languages.)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Powerful.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Not Interchangeable
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Night Photography
Comments about Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- All around quality Flash
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Powerful Output
Cons
- Can bleach out customers
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Family Portraiture
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
- Seniors
- Weddingevent photography
Comments about Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
It's a wonderful flash, but I would really get to know it; with different kinds of lighting, it can be a little tricky.
I've used it for many different kind of events from Family Portraits, Seniors, Children, and even Weddings.
I just used it just today at a wedding, at it was absolutely outstanding! I even outperformed my other Metz Flash the 60CT-4...something wrong with batteries, or something. Anyway, when the lighting is the same, and you don't have to move in and out, it's fantastic!
Outside, the fill flash is absolutely fantastic! Never had to adjust it, once I fixed it(although it was cloudy)I really believe when I go over the photos in Lightroom, I may not have to even fix the photos in Photoshop, or even fix the whitebalance.
On the other hand, if you don't watch it, you can totally bleach out your customers! Better use Raw+Jpeg, just in case!!
It's great because it's so much lighter than my previous flashes, plus, I'm getting older, those big "potato" mashers are just a little more than I want to handle at the time. Downsizing and lightning the load, but performance and quality going up, or staying at the same rate!! A+++!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Slow Recycling
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Use it for Photojournalism, Portraiture.
Lousy manual. Gosh! The only worse manual i have encountered was that for the Panasonic Lumix LX3.
Disappointing communication with my EOS 1D Mark ii, EOS 5D. Did not even bother attaching it to my EOS 40D. The 580 ex-IIs shocked me at how well they worked with these cameras while the Metz stuggled to be consistent. I tried to blame myself and looked to the Metz manual for guidance but the manual did not shed any light (pun not intended). The 580ex-ii also puts the Metz's recycling time to shame. A pity becasue I paid a bomb for it.
Yes, the ND filter for the fill flash falls off way too easily.
Plan on attaching the Pentax module so that I can use the Metz on the k20D.
Love the secondary flash.
Excellent finish - Metz all the way.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- Portraits
Comments about Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
new to the game manual a little confusing
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Photojournalism
Comments about Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I use the flash on my Leica M8 and even though there is no TTL metering, the flash performs perfectly.
I also am using it manually with my 4x5 with excellent results
The light is clean and strong with a fairly fast recycling time.
It is worth the money.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast Recycling
- Powerful Output
- Versatile
Cons
- Bulky
- Heavy
- Lousy manual
Best Uses
- Any on-camera flash use
- Fill Flash
- General Use
- Night Photography
- Photojournalism
- Portraits
Comments about Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
I bought the Metz 54-MZ-4 to use on a Canon film SLR. The Metz dedication module makes the Metz flash work exactly like a Canon flash. I'm very happy with its compatibility with the E-TTL system in my camera. I tested it with a variety of shots and settings and found that it worked with multiple modes of the camera just as you would expect a Canon flash to. I feel that this is both a better flash and a better deal than Canon's models. A big reason for choosing this combination is the upgradability of the combination by swapping this module for another. I couldn't be happier that such an expensive item as this Metz flash is made for such upgrades. Everything I've read suggests that their support of these products is excellent as well. I'm very happy for now with this module, and very satisfied that Metz handles the dedication this way as I'm sure to upgrade later. If I stick with Canon, I'm set, but I can switch body brands and still keep this expensive and versatile flash.
If someone uses multiple brands of SLR body, this is an even better choice as modules are about $85 for each brand and make this flash act like a top-line dedicated flash from each manufacturer. That's a big money saver.
Its manual isn't very good, but a few days with it make all features familiar. It's intimidating at first.
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast Recycling
- Quiet
Cons
- Add on cover comes loose
Best Uses
- General Use
- Night Photography
Comments about Metz mecablitz 54MZ-4 TTL Shoe Mount Flash:
Top flash for super wide lenses, with perfect even light.Powerful but easy on batteries.
Displaying reviews 1-11
Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $8.95
- Price: $24.95
Flash Diffusers
- Price: $6.95
Reflectors
- Price: $39.95
Brackets
- Price: $29.99
Sync Cords & Flash Remotes
- Price: $15.95
Flash Pouch
- Price: $76.95
This is a special order item. Est. arrival at B&H is 7-14 days (subject to availability). Your order will be charged at the time of shipment.
Flash Adapters
- Price: $29.95
Flash Accessories
- Price: $12.49
Lighting Kits
- Price: $82.95
What's in the Box
- Neutral Density filter
- Soft Case
- Cover Plate
- SCA 301 Standard Flash Shoe Adapter for the SCA System
- 1-Year Warranty
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