Contax 645 Pre Flash Function Question

[john_coan]

I've just recently acquired a Metz 40mzi-3 flash with SCA 3801 adaptor

for use with a Contax 645. This combination emulates the Contax TLA

360 flash.

 

I am interested in using the pre-flash function to lock in the correct

flash setting. I have discovered that in my camera, the pre flash

lever does not fire the flash in the Tv mode. This would be one of

the most useful modes for keeping the shutter speed at or below sync

speed. I have tested it in all other modes (Av, M, X, and B) and it

works fine in those modes.

 

I wonder if anyone else with a Contax 645 has noticed this problem, or

could possibly test their own camera to see if pre flash works in Tv

mode.

 

Thanks in advance.

[jhbeckman]

John -- I haven't, because I basically don't use shutter priority; I pretty much stick with aperture priority.

 

You shouldn't need to be shutter priority mode to insure that you are below synch speed, though, should you? When the camera detects a flash, it automatically will set synch speed (I think it sets it to as high as 1/125 with Contax dedicated flashes and 1/90 with others, but I'm not sure). In any case, I haven't tried pre-flash in Tv; I'll try to remember to do it tonight and see what happens

[basil_cameron]

John, I just tested my Contax 645 with the Contax TLA 360 flash and it does not pre-flash in Tv mode, this seems to be standard for this camera.

[sam_hsu]

I had mine for almost a year. But still lot of thing haven't learnt. After reading all of above. I just tested my C645. I have to confirm all your finding. Pre-flash DOES NOT work on Tv. But anyway I never used Tv befor.