Customer Reviews

Metz 48 AF-1 Shoe Mount Flash for Olympus / Panasonic Digital Cameras, Guide Number 158'

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This Olympus/Panasonic also does TTL and other nifty dedicated stuff on my little Leica D-lux 4. I have to hold the combo by the flash body rather than the camera which is smaller and lighter. This uses four AA and has a large instruction book undoubtedly worth reading, but right out of the box and loaded with fresh AA batteries it worked perfectly in default auto mode. Lit my backyard out to fifty feet or so. Gives well balanced indoor lighting with the tilt and swivel head. This can also be used as a slave flash with another Metz flash or two. Good for semi-pro use, for sure. High quality construction is evident. Cost no more than a Panasonic branded flash with inferior specs. Has an LCD for mode setting. Very happy to have this high quality Metz to use with my current favorite digital camera. Highly recommended.

I'd been using an Olympus FL36 for a couple of years with my Olympus dslr's, but found myself increasingly unhappy with its inconsistencies in TTL mode. And, though relatively light and well made, it only takes two AA's, which mean it sometimes takes awhile to recycle.

So, I ordered the 48. It is larger, and it takes 4 AA's. It also has an easily slideable on-off switch (as opposed to the 36's recessed button, which I really don't like). But, bottom line, it not only puts out more light, but it recycles almost instantly and in TTL mode is simply more accurate and reliable. Though the finish is not quite so good, it is perfectly fine. The instruction manual leaves something to be desired -- it is perhaps too spare on words, while the Olympus one is a big tangle of complexity...

I highly recommend this product if one is doing events, needs good wide angle coverage and output, and quick recycling.

I own an Olympus e-620 DSLR, and was wanting an external flash solution to get better use out of my camera for both indoor shots and to learn more about digital and lighting. The price is outstanding, the unit, although large, is not terribly heavy - although it does change the balance when holding the camera with it mounted, and recycle time is lightning fast.

I use this with a Dembe Flash Diffuser pro setup which works really well with this flash. Overall, this is an excellent performing flash - just because it's made in Germany rather than the orient, doesn't mean it isn't as good a product. And - for those who have heard this isn't FourThirds friendly, it is.

Highly recommended for anyone with a DSLR that is looking for a high-end flash without a camera manufacturer's price tag.

I just received my new Metz AF-1 flash for Olympus. This is a great product that combines whooping Guide Number 48 (meters) in the fairly small package. Despite that the manual was written in translated English, the operation is pretty straight forward and it took me a couple of hours to test all the different modes and features. It is very logical set-up. The flash works great with my Evolt-510 and can pretty much be operated using the camera interface. I did an extensive research and decided to get this flash based on some helpful reviews from different sites and I think I just hit a bullseye. I used to own an older Metz (60 GDN) years ago and it was a great product as well, so I felt comfortable going with Metz again. I have been in photography for over 30 years and owned many different flashes through the years including some top notch units from Nikon, Minolta, Osram, Sunpack, Metz, Contax and others and I must say that this one is probably has the most value and practicality than any of them (Nikon SB-24 came close though but for twice the price (or more - I paid $400 in 1989). The image quality even in full auto mode is as close to perfection as it can get from a single flash source (just put a little cloth diffuser to smooth the shadows) and it is absolutely worth the money. I'll say more - if I had all the money to spend on the compact flash, Metz 48 AF1 would still be the one I'd get. Bottom line: Excellent high quality product from Germany for more than fair price. Way to go Metz!

The size and performance of the flash is between the FL36 and the FL50. It takes four batteries, so the recycle time is faster than the FL36. The Metz unit has all the features that the Olympus brand flashes have, including wireless TTL. It also has a built-in bounce card and diffuser. The only con to this product would be the horrible user-interface that takes getting used to. Overall, this is a great product that is smaller than the FL50, performs just as well, and is half the price.

I've been shopping for an external flash for my GH1 and had narrowed it down to the Metz 58, the Metz 48 (this one), and the Olympus FL-50R. All had excellent reviews and quick recycle times. I was about to pull the trigger on the Metz 58, when I learned that the Metz's are originally designed for a 2:3 format sensor (eg., full frame or aps-c). To obtain proper coverage on a 4:3 format sensor such as a Panasonic G1/GH1/GF1 or Olympus EP-1, they must use a lower focal length than the camera is at, which reduces the power of the flash and also means that it uses more battery per direct flash and it can't cover an ultrawide lens with a direct flash. So this Metz 48 AF really has a guide number of 38 when used as a direct flash with an Olympus or Panasonic camera, which is a lot lower than advertised (and only a little bit more than the Olympus FL36)[...]. This issue shouldn't affect you when you are using bounce flash. So if you're looking for an external direct flash for your 43rds format camera, the Olympus FL36 or FL50R might be a better fit.

The Metz-48 is a great flash for my Panasonic m4/3 cameras, and does a great job with TTL. It fits well with my GH1, but is definitely big for the GF1, but at least it works. Tilt and swivel is a must for me with a flash, and this one delivers. The recycle times are fast, and the power is great.

I needed a flash that would not cost me an arm and a leg. I decided to buy this since it was highly recommended over the FL50R. For indoors, it certainly does the trick. My pictures are said to rival a professional weeding photographer. I'm so happy I purchased this unit.

Works as described remotely and on camera.but I think it was used,there is a way you can find out how many times the flash has fired and mine had over 800 on it.go figure and it didnt come with a usb data cable. But i'm unsure if it was supposed to come with a usb data cable.

Great product!

I've owned this item for some years now. I use it with my Olympus E500. Both the manual and TTL (through the lens) options are awesome! I have to yet change the bulb. I can be set for wireless mode, but my camera does not allow for it =(

Totally happy with this flash.