Overview of the Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2

For the opportunity Metz 32 Z-2 SCA 3401 M4 Flash Review Many thanks to Dyachuk Roman.

Overview of the Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2

Overview of the Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2

Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2 - very interesting flash from old film cameras. The flash can still please with its work, but time takes its toll. I got the flash from a Nikon F80 film camera (Nikon N80).

Flash View Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2

Flash View Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2

Basic information about Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2:

  1. Flash has zoom from 28mm to 85mm. Zoom is manually set using the float switch on top of the flash lamp. The zoom has only 4 fixed positions: 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm. Behind the flash, where the distance scale, to correctly determine the power, you need to manually duplicate the zoom position again. The green-light indicator is responsible for the set zoom position. To calculate the power, you need to translate the zoom slider so that it matches the green light. For example, Nikon Speedlight SB-600 can zoom from 24 to 85mm, however, with a smooth automatic zoom.
  2. Guide number 32m at ISO 100.
  3. 3 to 6 second cooldown, depending on the type of battery. Modern flashes usually recharge up to 3 seconds.
  4. Flash tower rotates 180 degrees one way and 90 degrees the otherwhich makes the coverage of 270 degrees. It's not 360 degrees, but it's also quite good. For example, a flash with a similar construction - Nikon SB-400 doesn’t know how to turn the tower at all.
  5. The angle of inclination of the head can be adjusted and brought up to 90 degrees upwards, in this position it is possible to shoot “from the ceiling”. And yet, the Metz 32 Z-2 flash has one trick - the flash head can be pulled out a little towards you, after which it can tilt down a few degrees, which allows you to shoot macro with the flash.
  6. On the back there is a whole bunch of different switches. To set the correct exposure on the camera and on the flash itself, you can set the settings: ISO (from 64 to 1600), aperture, zoom value, correction exposure, work in NORMAL or REAR mode. I still did not understand the purpose of several indicators, since I could not read the instructions in German.
  7. The flash mount for the camera is made in the form of a screw nut, which takes away extra time for twisting and unscrewing the flash from the camera. Now they make flash with a quick fix on the camera, for example, as in Nikon SB-910.
Flash view of the Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2 with 45 head raised

Flash view of the Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2 with the head raised to 45 and the tower unfolded 90 degrees

Note: The flash is more suitable for manual operation. This is due to the fact that the flash was developed on old film cameras. Manual mode is very different from that on modern flash units. ISO values excerpts, the aperture must be set on the camera itself. There is only a scale on the flash, which helps to adjust the settings.

View of the Metz 32-Z2 on a modern camera

View of the Metz 32-Z2 on a modern camera

Work with Nikon cameras: To install on a modern central control valve, you need to use a special adapter Metz SCA 3402maybe other adapters will work too (Metz SCA 3102 etc.). Without an adapter, the flash works like any other flash set to manual. Attention: without a special adapter, the Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2 completely refused to work with my camera Nikon D200. On camera Nikon D80 the flash worked in any mode as manual; the camera recognized it as a manual flash, setting the shutter speed to 1/60. On camera Nikon D40 the flash worked in any mode as in manual, but excerpt on the camera it was adjusted only for metering (as in the Rear, Slow mode). Here is such a "magic" without a special adapter for new cameras with I-TTL metering. Therefore, on some Nikon cameras, the flash can be used simply as a good source of light, but at the same time it is necessary to calculate the parameters using the scale on the flash and enter the required aperture values ​​and ISO values ​​into the camera. I do not recommend Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2 for use on modern digital SLR cameras.

Where can I use the flash? The flash is great for creating lighting. in mini studios, visiting mini studios, and indeed, just like extra light through soft boxing, an umbrella, etc. A serious minus is no flash light trap.

Power difference of two flashes

Power difference of two flashes

Personal experience:

The battery-chamber cover can be removed completely (detachable from the flash) and can be lost. The battery compartment is made very simple, however, after placing capacious and “plump” batteries there, it is very difficult to get them. On the cover of the battery compartment there is a special card for calculating powers and parameters - a very useful thing. The flash is very powerful, but after several years of working with SB-900 and its fast recharge in 2 seconds, you have to get nervous when the flash “thinks” for 3-5 seconds. The inscription is proudly drawn on the flash Made in Germany. I did not have the opportunity to experience TTL mode, therefore, I can’t judge strictly.

Metz 32 Z-2 battery module and scale for calculations

Metz 32 Z-2 battery module and calculation scale



Conclusions:

Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2 - powerful flash with a minimum set of functions to create the desired lighting. It is worth paying attention to the zoom, rotation of the tower and the lamp, as well as the reliability of the flash.

Thank you for attention. Arkady Shapoval.

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Comments: 8, on the topic: Metz Mecablitz 32 Z-2 review

  • Alexey

    This flash fell into hands together with minolta dynax 7000i. I’m just moving from numbers to film. Tell me where to get instructions for this flash. I want to deal with the operating modes. Thanks.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Unfortunately I do not know where to get the instructions.

  • Alexey

    It's a pity. Well then, at least on the basis of your experience, do not advise, what kind of slider with the letters A, W, M? I sort of figured out the TTL. And in what sense is the zoom mentioned here? What does he give? Sorry for the abundance of questions, but there is practically no information.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      The flash has a zoom head to adjust the power for different focal lengths of the lenses. It’s difficult to advise.

    • Igor

      A / W / M switch.
      A- Auto preset iris
      M- manual (calculation on the battery compartment label) W- I don’t remember, if interested write
      In PM, I’ll search, I will find a flash I will remember
      It seems that something has to do with wide-angle shooting, without zooming ... I used Metz32MZ3 for a very long time, unfortunately the processor burned down, it was disassembled, it's a pity to throw it out.
      There are two adapters, SCA3101 for Kenon,
      SCA3007 for flash removal (used in conjunction with an adapter for your camera)
      Has a llama for autofocus.

      • Victor

        ... don't look. W - on this flash - this is for the mode using an attached motor (Winder) ... accordingly, the flash will work at 1 quarter of the highest power ... (Note. I have such a similarity gathering dust somewhere in my closet: Metz 32 Z-1)

        • anonym

          If you are “gathering dust”, but a worker, will you sell? write to fotokor69@mail.ru

    • Vicor

      A-automatic mode, M-manual mode, W-mode shooting with Winder, TTL-mode

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