Canon 540EZ and 645

[richl]

I have just bought my first MF camera, a Contax 645 having moved up from a Canon EOS system. I was wondering if it is possible to use my EOS 540EZ flash on the 645 in TTL mode or do I buy a Metz gun or a TLA360?. I understand that I would lose the dedicated functions of the Canon gun.
Your answers and expertise would be appreciated. Richard

 

[utkinpol]

Hi,

Metz is definetely the way to go. I did the same move some time ago and found that it does not worth the effort to fight with Canon flashes.
Look for it on Ebay - there are plenty of Metz flashes there. I got myself 40mz3i and quite happy with it (and friend of mine has 60ct4 flashgun that I can borrow when needed)

 

[tessar_man]

I agree, Metz is a great way to go. If you want to keep it low cost, here is what I did: I bought a Metz 36 CT 3 "cobra style" flash off EBAY last fall and equipped it with Contax SCA 380 and Rollei adapter. The 36 CT 3 is the predecessor to the 54 MZ 3, doesn't have a second reflector, but uses a ray divider panel which reflects 10% of the light when shooting indirectly. Works fine with TTL with both my Contax Aria and Rollei SL66SE, although you don't get the very latest technology with 2nd curtain flash etc.
Jan

 

[utkinpol]

The only thing I think I should say as well - for Contax 645 go with 3000 series of Metz adapters. It really worth it. Look for them at KEH.com site, as well as for 3007 cord (or 3008, it depends).

 

[kiminsong]

Has anyone have tried TLA-360 and the Metz flashes???
If you have; can you tell me why you prefer the Metz over the TLA360.
Thanks
Steve

 

[richl]

Hi all, Steve Kim asked on 7 February if anyone has tried the TLA360 and the Metz flashes. There was no response but as a new Contax 645 owner I'd really like to know why the Metz flashes are so favoured over the TLA360. I need to buy a flash and I'm leaning towards the TLA. Will such a purchase be a mistake?
Thanks
RichL

 

[tessar_man]

Hi Rich,

There is no doubt that the TLA 360 will work well with the C645. I think this was even discussed in the Pop. Phot. test of the 645. However, the equivalent Metz 54 MZ-3 flash will give you an even more powerful flash with roughly the same features (and in my view much better design) for $100 less. AND you can adapt the Metz to other camera systems by simply changing the foot. Definitely worth a thought I find.
Jan

 

[fotografz]

I had the Metz 54 MZ-3. I sold it because the controls are tiny, unintuitive, and really finicky to set under any pressure (like at a wedding) or in the dark. I replaced it with a TLA 360 I got used at a photo show for 1/2 the price. Works great.

I wish Contax would upgrade that off-camera flash cord however. That's one advantage the Metz offers, a better off camera cord. But it's to darn difficult to operate the flash IMO, to complex requiring to much attention be spent on it.

Now I use a SunPack 120J TTL bare Bulb unit with a ball diffuser on the 645. It's WAY better choice than either the Contax or Metz. WAY easier to use, more powerful, covers even the 35mm and even my Mamiya 24 fisheye using an adapter to Contax mount. You just use the SunPack Yashica TTL module.

 

[colin]

Rich, I have to agree that any Metz will be a smarter buy than a Contax. It's so useable in the event you own or will own another camera system, I use a Metz CT45 and the 382 SCA gives me 2nd curtain synch with my C645 With the ability to do Full flash, Partial flash and Daylight Fill flash, there is nothing missing that I need. I can get this with any 300SCA Metz flash. I haven't found out what the 3000SCA series gives me. but so far I have no unmet deficits.
Colin

 

[coyot]

Richard,

I have both the Metz and the Contax TLA360 flash. I prefer the handling of the contax flash. The dials are easier to change as opposed to all the menu type changes for the Metz. Yes, the Metz has the advantage of being able to use on other cameras ... but you paid close to 4k for the Contax 645 kit ... you can spend another 10 percent for their matching flash!

Good luck.

Michael.

 

[richl]

Thanks for all your comments so far. I'll probably make a decision this coming weekend. From all the posts either flash will do the job, but I found Michael Hahn's comments made a lot of sense, especially as he has both flash heads.
RichL

 

[albert4321]

I also agree with Michael. I just shot 4 rolls of chromes with the 645 + TLA360 combo over the weekend. They all come out great in TTL mode, indoor, outdoor and fill flash. The flash is very easy to use.

The TLA360 even work better with the N1 as it has metric meter. With the ND, it is a little different since the ND has a different flash logic (see manual for more detail). I think the ND tries very hard to avoid over-exposure.

With the N1 in Av mode, I can shoot it wide open with the TLA360. With the ND, it usually does not allow it. Hence, it is almost like in a program mode. However, the result is pretty good. I shot an event and the white dresses and white tux are well exposed. It is very impressive in digital standard. The background is a little too dark as I could not shoot wide open to pick up more ambient night. I guess I would shoot manual mode (flash set in TTL) or Tv mode with lower shutter speed to see what happen.

What is the big deal if the Metz can use in a different system. If you have more than one system, you need two flashes anyway. On the other hand, I am considering to get the Quantum T2 digital flash. It is more powerful with the ability to shoot wireless TTL mode with the Contax.

 

[colin]

Albert, You only need 2 flashes if you use both "different" systems at once.
When I take out my C645, I'm not usually taking out my Leica M6. I go out to do a particular photographic style.
Colin

 

[albert4321]

Colin, You point is well taken.

When I shoot with my 645, I always shoot with the N1 as backup and now use the ND as polaroid. Although I don't necessary carry my 645 system when I shoot 135 or 4x5 format.

 

[fotografz]

Colin, it depends on what you are shooting. At a wedding I always have a Leica M slung over my shoulder no mater what other camera I may be using at the time.

Albert, I do pretty much he same as you, pack a N as back-up. I sold my 2nd C645 once I figured that out.