dvas

Hi,

 

it looks like some missunderstanding. First, Metz can not support any custom change its products. Second, the voltage is not affecting the 'guide number' since the batteries are loading the capacitor... Regarding the strips in the holder... i will take my chances...

 

sasha

actually, what i did is a simple solution. Metz sees now a rechargable pack... as simple as that.... just i am using a different 'housing' for my NiMH....

 

sasha

... on the other hand, if i see that i can not cope with my flash unit, i can always add something more 'serious'... i am not wasting any money, since i need umbrella anyway. right?

 

sasha

thanks for the tip... since i don't live in us or uk, it is quite frustrating that i can't get anything that i want here in this country. but i will consider attaching some kind of modeling light to the umbrella....

 

thanks,

sasha

 

ps: i was thinking of even going to a workshop where i can work in a regular studio and learn....

TO disconnect the 'old' nicd pin inside the flash is excellent idea! thanks! i will do that.

 

sasha

Hi,

 

Since I intend to get the umbrella this week, in the beginning I will use it with only one flash: Minolta 5600HS in wireless mode. In two weeks time, I will get my flash meter (I opt for Sekonic 358), so I will be able to use also my Metz 45CL4 in manual mode.

As soon as I have a light meter, then I will be able to use 2 umbrellas, one with minolta flash and one with metz and that will be a very cheap solution in order to learn... I still don't have a DSLR and I am waiting for Minolta Digital 7 that should be on market after Photokina...

 

Or, do you suggest some other solutions for the first step of learning?

 

sasha

hi,

 

my Metz is old, and there is no warranty for it anyway. Since there is no Metz here in Israel, only reps, they will do any repair anyway for $$$.

 

I just wanted to share what I did, so others can benefit from it.

 

Sasha

I didn't give much thought why there are two different connectors inside the flash. But, the difference between alkaline and nicd is voltage and current: 9V and 7.2V and nicd can provide much higher current then alkaline... therefore, i wouldn't do it.

 

sasha

WOW... I just started to read it... it looks an excellent start.

thanks

 

sasha

What is actually a difference between smaller and larger umbrella? What are the effect of each one? I don't have a studio, so I will use it either at home or outside..

 

sasha

Hello there,

 

thanks for the inputs... THe yellow NiCd cells that you can see on my pics in teh NiCd pack are not the original ones... Several years ago I have replaced them inside (something similar to what you wrote). But since this is not my main flash and I use it rarely, I came to the decision of what I did... It is not worth of selling the flash, but since I use it rarely, for me is the best solution of converting the flash as i did....

 

sasha

thanks for the inputs... what is the difference if I get the white or solver? I want to shoot also b&w and color? which one is giving warmer effect? or, can i just put a filter on the flash while using white one in order to get a warmer effect?

Hello,

 

I am interested in trying to do some portraits and whole figures,

inside and outside. I don't want to invest too much, so I wanted to

buy an umbrella. I was able to find Photoflex RUT with removable

black cover, that is not expensive. I intend to put in on m tripod

and to add either my Minolta 5600HS or Metz 45CL4 flash.

 

I don't know how to choose between 30" and 45" size and the white or

silver....

 

Any comment is welcome.

 

thanks,

Sasha

Hi,

after reading a lot, but not finding the right info, I have changed

my alkaline battery pack of my Metz 45CL4 unit to accept NiMH

rechargable batteries. The difference is that regular and NiCd pack

have different ground pins.

You are welcome to take a look at the:

<a

href="http://www.pbase.com/dvas/metz_45cl4_battery_pack_conversion">LI

NK</a>

 

While doing this, you will NOT be able to use your NiCd pack. If you

do, you can destroy your flash unit!