Test results on bounced Metz flash in A mode

[alan_chan4]

I have done a little tests on my Metz flashes (40MZ-2/MZ-3i) and SCA adaptors

(301/372/3701M2) with my Z-1p, MZ-10 and *istDS cameras and FA31/1.8 Limited

lens. All results are only "bounced flash" which was chosen because of my own

preference for indoor shooting. They behave quite differently when not bounced

so cannot be compared with direct flash which I have not tested thoroughly. I

have double/triple-checked my tests until they are totally confirmed by the

Sekonic L308S meter. I have two Metz flashes and two 3701M2 shoe so any faulty

connection is ruled out. The exact readings are not important but their

"patterns" are. Only 'A' flash was tested, not TTL.<br>

====================<br>

SCA301/372 analog shoe, iso400/800, all cameras:<br>

[chosen aperture: L308S reading]<br>

f2: 1.7<br>

f2.8: 2.4<br>

f4: 2.8<br>

f5.6: 4<br>

f8: 5.6<br>

f11: 8<br>

f16: 11<br>

f22: 16<br>

====================<br>

SCA3701M2 digital shoe:<p>

Z-1p, iso400/800:<br>

f1.8: 1.4<br>

f2.8: 2<br>

f4: 2.8<br>

f5.6: 4<br>

f8: 5.6<br>

f11: 8<br>

f16: 11<br>

f22: 16<p>

MZ-10 & *istDS<br>

- iso400:<br>

f1.8 - 6.5: 4.8<br>

f8-22: 13<br>

- iso800:<br>

f1.8 - 9.5: 6.7<br>

f11-22: 19<br>

====================<br>

As it can be seen above, the plain old analog shoe produces the most accurate

result (actually from 200 to 3200 at any aperture setting, but I do not have the

data anymore). With 3701M2 shoe, only the Z-1p works properly. With MZ-10 &

*istDS, the results are totally weird and unexplainable. I would imagine this

shoe was designed for the Z series but its reverse engineering shows limitation

on newer cameras. There is also 3701M3 & 3702 shoe which might or might not have

this issue, but I do not possess these

shoe so cannot be tested. Anyone using this particular shoe, 3701M2, might wish

to consider switching back to analog shoe like 301 or 372 if using 'A' flash.