Name: Used Metz 76 Series MZ-5, Digital Handlemount TTL Flash with Control Unit undefined
Brand: Metz
SKU: US1354602
Price: 329.00 USD
Availability: Discontinued
Rating: 3.4 (10 reviews)

Metz 76 Series MZ-5, Digital Handlemount TTL Flash with Control Unit

Metz 76 MZ5

Metz

Adorama

Used

Photography

Lighting & Studio

Flashes & On-Camera Lighting

On Camera Flashes

Metz On Camera Flashes

Metz 76 MZ5 

Buy: Used Metz 76 Series MZ-5, Digital Handlemount TTL Flash with Control Unit undefined

 Professional technology with secondary reflector.   Professional photographers all over the world trust the powerful 76 MZ-5 digital from Metz. Most notably at weddings and fashion shoots, its expertise in rapid succession shots comes to the fore. Its secondary reflector is worth its weight in gold, creating perfect highlights around the eyes.  It goes without saying that the camera-specific system flash modes of other manufacturers can also be used to optimal effect with this professional flash. All settings on the logically structured menu can be accessed directly on the units - and an extended key function for all buttons limits the risk of unintentionally overwriting fixed values.  The 76 MZ-5 digital is, of course, right up to date and affords exceptional flash convenience with vast creative latitude. Included as standard, the NiMH rechargeable battery and Metz charging unit deliver lasting flash power for exacting requirements. The control unit of the 76 MZ-5 digital has been specially equipped with a large illuminated dot matrix display. Over and above this, is the fact that the reflector on the zoom flash automatically adapts the zoom ratio from 24 105 mm depending on camera type. And the wide angle diffuser included as standard makes it possible to extend this by a further 20mm.

Used Metz 76 Series MZ-5, Digital Handlemount TTL Flash with Control Unit undefined

Heavy Flash on my shot shoe was causing connection problems. I researched the side mounted Metz digital flash.  I shoot weddings with a D700.  Flash recycle time is great and have only used auto so far and the WB and exposure have been spot on.

Light WB and exposure settings SpotOn

Some of the reviews complain about quality of this product compared to the older Metz line.  I have used both and find the build quality to be fine. It has  a more ergonomic design and the grip is comfortable.  The output is amazing - this is a powerful flash and will outperform speed lights.   This flash does very well when used with a soft box (sold as kit from adorama) or a sto-fin diffuser. My only complaint is that the battery can be tricky  to remove.  If you need portable portrait lighting with good color balance this is the flash to have.

worth the price

So far I have had pretty good luck with this unit. I wanted a Powerful flash for weddings that would not conk out when I least expected it. This flash delivers. 

With the ETTL set, I get perfectly exposed pictures each and every time. I read of problems with ETTL and this model, but maybe Metz resolved that issue by the time I purchased mine. 

The ETTL works great better than on my Canon 580EX II. As far as Power the NIMH batteries last a very long time and they are good for about 500-700 non-full powered shots. 

I also purchased the very expensive power pack which increases the number of pops and shortens the recycle rate. With the power pack and an extra battery I can do an entire 10 hour wedding easy. 

As far as changing the handle from left to right, my camera's shutter button is on the right and my fingers are very short, so I don't see any reason for wanting to change the handle position to the right side, please excuse my ignorance. 

As far as build quality, I got to admit that it is no shoulder-busting clunky Metz 60, but quality wise, I dont see much difference between this flash and my Metz 56 MZ-5 which I also own.

There is not much "external" difference between it and my (2) CT 4s either, maybe the plastic is a little lighter. Time will tell because my CT4's have gone through hell and they are still ticking.

In any case, I would say that you have to handle this flash with care like any other sophisticated piece of electronic equipment. 
It definately is not meant for the rodeo, or mud fights...

In Auto-mode this flash works great and very consistently. The flash determines the distance so all you have to do is set the aperture on the camera and fire away. Perfect shots 99% of the time. 

The only cons I have against this flash is that the beeper is quite loud and annoying. On my Metz 56 MZ-5 I could adjust the volume, but not on this model, you have to turn it off.

Another problem is the syncord, if there was an achiles heel to this unit that would have to be it. I bent the prongs on the sync cord 2 weeks after I got the flash and had to send it to Bowens for repair. Luckilly they repaired it for free. 

Another con is the plasticky feeling, maybe they could have added more rubber in some places, but I'm guessing the were either cutting corners to keep the price down, or maybe trying to keep the weight down.

I compared this flash with other powerful units, such as the Quantum trio and the Norman lines and found this to be the best choice for me and what I plan to use it for.

Just what I wanted - Unlimited POWER

Like a horse power, very powerful as my quantum trio. I am using with my canon 5D II and never deceive me. I am proud of it.

A good choice

I am an outdoor photographer and bought this flash because of it's potential power. Like another reviewer, I too received a lemon. This has been my nemesis since I have received it. I have sent the flash back to Metz/Manfrotto 3 times and still my problems continue.The flash had trouble synching with my Nikon D300s. With a full battery, the flash would not fire. Or the indicator lights would blink constantly and the flash would not respond.  The handbook that accompanies this flash is worthless. Don't try to rely on it for any help. [...]If you plan to gamble on this flash, pray that you aren't sent a lemon like I was.

Doesn't Perform Like a Professional

My old 54Mz-3 and my four 60CT-4's are offended by this bad joke.  Unlike the 60CT's and those that came before them, the 76MZ only mounts to the left of the camera, throwing the whole thing off balance.  The light output, whether TTL or Auto, is infuriatingly inconsistent; plus it periodically decides to shoot full-power when close to the subject.  Now the zoom function has locked up for no apparent reason other than an expired warranty!

What happened to Metz?

I had high hopes for this flash but I may have got a lemon, this flash has performed very poorly for me.  On ETTL mode the flash would randomly thow out full power flashes blinding my clients (its powerful)  and in dark rooms the flash exposures were all over the place.  Most of my problems occur indoors, during wedding receptions and indoor family sessions: outside it performed pretty consistently.  On one particular shoot my flash unit started smoking after the 5th shot into the family session.  The flash was sent back for repairs but still does not perform with the kind of consistency that is needed for professional shoots.

Very Inconsistent Light Output

I still use a 25 year old CT60 but things at Metz aint what they used to be. This unit would not function straight out of the box, zoom head jammed, packaging showed no damage. Was repaired but is still unreliable. Now collects dust.

What happened to quality control?

Portable and powerful the light quality is worlds apart from the Nikon flashes I use. I took a picture using 2 Nikons (600 & 800) and then I used my Metz, no comparison. If you want to impress a client and need to use a portable flash, this is it. I do recommend a monopod for extended use.

Excellent Light Quality

When you are shooting at extreme range the Mighty Metz has the power to get the job done. It can easily be used with an Umbrella or Softbox when you don't want to carry/use studio lights. A very powerful and robust unit. The 76-MZ5 has power with control providing the user with more options than less powerful units.