2010-01-09T19:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Effective and good value
This flash behaves as promised with my K200D. Consistent output, fast to recycle, zooms as expected and the tilt/swivel is easy. Even the little pop-out wide angle diffuser (automatically sets the focal length to 18mm) and bounce screen work well.
And the communication with the camera seems perfect - apart from pTTL etc it appears to take the functions set in the camera like red-eye and power output adjustment in addition to its own.
Some have complained about the 2 button menu and cryptic codes, but they are quickly learnt and you don't spend all the time changing things.
A hint - the zoom in the display only goes in defined steps - its not continuous.
The only real disappointment is the fairly dim and small display - my close focussing isn't what it used to be. If they could tweak that I'd be very happy!
Chris A.
2009-06-09T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Pleased with the flash
Like any piece of new electronics there is a learning curve. A menu with up,down, right, left pad like most cameras have would be an improvement. I still have a lot to learn about this unit, but I'm getting good pictures! I was disappointed that it does not allow the K10D built in flash to open for use as a fill flash, but the Metz does have a built in reflector to provide fill when bouncing. It seems more solidly built than the old Vivitar units that I'm replacing with it.
John W.
2009-04-07T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Seamless Integration
I have used the Metz 48 AF-1, in a number of different lighting situations - as a fill flash, rear curtain sync,and some portraiture work. The flash recycles quickly, and the menus (once you have been through them) are easy to follow.
I haven't had any misfires, well built, dependable flash.
dwvarch
2009-03-29T21:00:00
Rated 5 out of 5
Great so far
I bought this to replace a Sigma flash that I had nothing but problems with. So far, the Metz flash has been 100 percent better than the Sigma. Powerful, fast recycling, lots of features. The little built-in bounce card looks cheesy, but it works amazingly well. Haven't had any problems at all with the Metz. I highly recommend it. I use this on a Pentax K200D.
jim
2009-03-29T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Metz 48 AF-1 Review
I have used the flash in a fill flash mode, rear sync, night photography and as a general purpose flash. The flash has performed very well for me, I use it on my Pentax K200D.
Menus are easy to navigate, two button operation is a bit cumbersome at the outset, but nothing to complain about.
Well made solid unit.
dwvarch
2009-02-05T19:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Great flash
This flash works great for me in most situations, use it on my K10D mostly off camera as a wireless slave or bounced on camera. It packs a lot of power, recycles quickly, has tilt/swivel and basically most of the functions I need.
The flash is built well enough, better than Sigma and Pentax equivalents(imho), though it could have been less bulky and a little sturdier.
I like the controls - very fast and easy to use after you get familiar with them. Be prepared to have to use both hands to control the unit - you'll have to press two buttons simultaneously a lot.
P-TTL mode is functioning predictably in most situations, it also has full manual mode which is a must-have in any flash. It's easy to make corrections on the fly - recycle times are low even with alkalines and NiMh rechargeable AAs.
The built-in bounce card is very nice to have (especially since I bounce the flash a lot).
One of the drawbacks for me is the lack of a sync port (this is solvable by using an adapter). Also, the absence of auto mode is somewhat disappointing, so if this is a problem for you, consider getting the 58 AF-1 which has this covered. Another thing that disappointed me was the fact that it doesn't come with neither a stand, nor a pouch - every manufacturer should include these IMHO.
Overall, an excellent product if you are aware of the limitations and know how to work around them.
Alex
