Metz 60 CT-4 AC power and Mecatwin

<p>Despite many good posts, and the very useful contributions from a.o. Helen Bach about this flash unit, I am still unsure about a few points:</p>

<p>1) Metz 60 CT-1, CT-2 vs CT-4.<br>

Can anyone point me to a explanation about different trigger voltage, and why there are differences between these units? Why are different standards in terms of voltage necessary?</p>

<p>2) AC power<br>

Is it true that the N20 unit can only be used to power the 60 CT-1 / CT-2 whereas the N23 is only for the CT-4?<br>

I have a 60 CT-4 and I have seen an N20 unit for sale on eBay, but as far as understand, this would not work?</p>

<p>3) Mecatwin<br>

If my understanding is correct, the Mecatwin 60-40 can be used for either the CT-1, the CT-2 and the CT-4?</p>

<p>Many thanks in advance for your replies.</p>

<p>1) Back when cameras were entirely mechanical it was convenient to not add parts to allow safe sync Voltage into flashes like CT-1 & 2. - What isn't there won't break.<br>

CT-4 is integrated into the SCA 300 system for TTL flash etc. - I suppose at least one film camera of that time must have demanded safe lower sync Voltage.<br>

2) no clue. I used 3rd party HAM radio PSUs and recall the CT-4 might draw up to 8A while recharging? <br>

3) I never had a CT-1 or 2. If their power pack unit comes with 2 sockets for connector cables to flashes they should work with the Mecatwin?<br>

As awesome as the Metz 60s are, keep their age in mind and wager accordingly when you buy used.</p>

The older power packs support

Meccatwin outputs, since

they're all basically just a

350 volt DC supply. The

secondary output has no

capacitor attached and

therefore has to be used with

a head that has a storage

capacitor built in.

Later power packs had a more efficient inverter design and gave a faster recycle time.

The CT-1 and 2 versions of

flash head offer less

automation and very little

manual control of flash

power.

If you search online you can find the instruction manuals for nearly all Metz flash models.

<p>Many thanks for the replies. Yes, I do realise that the CT-4 is integrated into the SCA300 system, which is the main reason I bought it. I am aware that these flash units are getting old. I got one very cheap about a year ago which is cosmetically in near-mint condition, but I don't believe it delivers the actual G.N. of 60; more like 45, when testing at 1m distance with my Sekonic meter. Still, it is a sufficiently powerful flash for most of what I do.<br>

Although it is big, the 60 CT-4 it is still a very portable flash. If I added a Mecatwin, I would be able to set them up as a low-budget, small-scale portrait studio in my home. Hence my interest in the Mecatwin. However, that setup would also drain the standard battery pack awfully fast, and that's why I have been looking at the AC power packs.<br>

Rodeo Joe, if I understand you correctly, I should be able to use the (older) N20 AC pack with my CT-4 as well as with a Mecatwin (should I decide to get one), but the (newer) N23 is just faster?<br>

Thanks again for the answers.</p>