Help-Nikon d700 malfunctioning with Metz Flash!

<p>I hope someone can help me!<br>

I shoot with a nikon d700. I am using a Metz 58 AF-1. When I first purchased the Metz, about 3 weeks ago, I noticed no problems. In the past two assignments I've done, this problem is getting worse. Now, about 30% of the time, If I go to release the shutter once the flash has recycled, the numbers on the light meter inside the viewfinder and on the top lcd have disappeared, and the shutter will not release. I know that this is not due to autofocus, because the light meter display goes blank. Nor is it a flash recycling problem, as the flash is firing just fine. The camera simply locks up. There is no error message, other than flash icon flashing. If I turn off the flash, the light meter display returns and I can release the shutter. If I want to shoot with the flash, I just have to wait for the display to return. This problem does not happen every time I want to release the shutter, only about 30% of the time at random. Sometimes I can fire several shots in Continuous High and it doesn't happen. Sometimes, I can only take on shot and it happens. Sometimes I turn the camera on and the problem has all ready started before I take any shots. Has anyone encountered this? <br>

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.<br>

Thanks!</p>

<p>Perhaps you have bad contact between the flash and the camera hot shoe. Have you tried lightly pressing down or wiggling the flash to see if the problem clears up?</p>

<p>Thanks Lorne. I tried that, and it didn't seem to make a difference. Whats so maddening is that sometimes its completely fine, and right when I REALLY need it to work, it doesn't. </p>

<p>I suggest you contact Metz Customer Service in Germany - they have been very helpful to me in the past.<br>

Other than that, I can only suggest to return the flash for a refund if still possible and to get a SB-700 or SB-900 instead. </p>

<p>That sounds like a problem with the flash. If I remember correctly, the flashing "flash icon" is the camera waiting for the flash to signal that it is ready to go. Could be a loose connection inside the flash. Warranty repair to the rescue!</p>

<p>that makes some sense. the flashing flash icon, turns out, is a signal that my flash is not compatible to ttl. strange, because it usually works in ttl, and this problem happens even when i shoot the flash manually. very strange. could an electrical connection in the flash cause my camera to think it is not compatible? </p>

<p>Kate,<br>

I do not have an answer for you, but a question instead, if you do not mind. I found out that with the SB-900 under bright sunlight, its power was not sufficient enough. So I thougth about the Metz 58-AF1. When it was working, how was its performance?<br>

Thank you,<br>

William</p>

<p><em>"SB-900 under bright sunlight, its power was not sufficient enough. So I thougth about the Metz 58-AF1."</em><br>

<em> </em><br>

The high Guide Number of Metz 58 flash is measured at beam zoom position set for 105 mm lens. SB900 has a little bit less power due to the varying distribution patterns design; you will not get something for nothing(?). The SB800 will have a bit more power than SB900 and about the same as Metz 58, at the same angle of the beam and ISO.</p>

<p>Under bright sunlight you need to use one or more remote CLS/FP flashes with remote SB900/SB800 that can be placed closer to the subject, even if you use a long telephoto; subject to CLS commander range. SU800 commander has 2x longer range than the pop-up in camera or SB800/SB900 flash as a commander..</p>