Metz, the German manufacturer of photo electronics, has introduced a successor to their popular consumer level flash gun, Metz Mecablitz 48 AF-1, which is being replaced by Metz Mecablitz 50 AF-1. As the model name suggests, the light output of the new flash is increased: the Guide Number is 50 instead of 48. Metz states that reliability and performance of the flash were improved. While this statement is to be proved by time, there are improvements that are apparent today. The new servo sensor allows the flash to be triggered remotely without a master function capable unit. The new locking system allows you to easily put the flash in and out of the shoe. The mounting foot is made of metal now. The built-in wide angle diffuser is capable of covering angles to 12mm.
Please find the the official press release below.
Press release:
The mecablitz 50 AF-1 digital is the new generation of the 48 AF-1 digital, winner of the TIPA Award for �best photographic accessory 2008�. All the benefits of the previous model have been retained and numerous further developments have also been added. The elegant housing can be mounted onto the camera flash shoe via the new metal base and fixed in place quickly and easily with a single movement thanks to the optimised lock system. The guide number has been increased to 50/ for ISO 100/21� and 105 mm focal length. Performance and reliability have been further optimised through improvements to the high performance flash tube. Moreover, the flash has been equipped with a servo flash release via the camera�s internal flash which also works independently of the camera�s master function. Even the wide-angle diffuser has been adapted and is now even suitable for illumination of wide-angle focal lengths from 12 mm (135 format). Like all mecablitz system flash units, the new flash unit is available in different versions, perfectly tailored to digital cameras made by the leading manufacturers.
With the new mecablitz 50 AF-1, the options for image composition are almost limitless. It allows precise light output tailored to each individual subject. Numerous manual fine tuning options extend creative photographic freedom. Virtually limitless possibilities are opened up for individualised lighting thanks to a fully swivelling reflector system which also contains a flip-out reflector card and a diffuser. The slave function and the new servo function allow the new premium flash unit to be used without constraints in two different operating modes, depending on the camera model. With the servo flash release, no camera master function is required to use the flash as an additional creative light source in the room. The camera-specific wireless TTL remote mode of the respective models comes into play with the slave function.
Thanks to the Metz mecablitz 50 AF-1 digital USB interface, updates can be easily installed via the Internet. Due to its high guide number 50 for ISO 100/21� und 105 mm focal length, the 50 AF-1 digital is not just high performance but also lends itself perfectly to being used as an indirect flash. The real highlight � a flip-out reflector card, which is integrated into the both vertically and horizontally tilting and swivelling reflector.
It goes without saying that the respective camera manufacturer�s sophisticated flash lighting technology can also be employed with the appropriate version of the mecablitz 50 AF-1 digital, in addition to numerous special functions, such as high speed synchronisation. Therefore, the 50 AF-1 digital offers E-TTL and E-TTL II flash mode for Canon � iTTL/D-TTL/3D flash mode for Nikon/Fujifilm � P-TTL for Pentax and four thirds TTL mode for Olympus/Panasonic/Leica.
Metz flash units represent high performance technology and reliable quality. We have been manufacturing exclusively in Germany for over 50 years. As such we hold a unique position � Metz is the only manufacturer of flash devices to develop and manufacture products in Europe.