Flash for Mamiya RZ II with Digital Back (Phase One IQ2)

For a personal project I want to take indoor photos with a Mamiya RZ II with a Digital Back (Phase One IQ2). When I shoot with a film back I use a Metz 45, but since it sometimes sparks at the pc-sync connection, I am afraid it will fry my digital back.

I'd be interested in what would be recommended for the following scenarios:
- in studio for product / macro work
- bring along for on site portraiture and possibly some further shots

I should be able to trigger the flash with a Sekonic L508 to measure my light exposure.

Thanks for any advice.

PS: any recommendations on tips and tricks on flash with light meters, etc would be highly appreciated

Which version of the Metz 45 do you have? The early model of the 45 CT-1 (serialnumber < 534 000) uses a high trigger voltage, see this post. That may explain the sparks. In that case, you should use a gadget like the Wein Safe Sync adapter. If the flash is not an early 45 CT-1, you might be ok although 24V might still be a problem for the IQ2. I wouldn't risk it and use the Wein or a similar Vello adapter or a set of wireless triggers to separate the Metz from the IQ2. I've had good experience with Yongnuo wireless triggers in the past. They're small, not expensive and a better quality than the ultra cheap wireless triggers.

For studio work you may want to look at some simple studio flashes with a built-in modelling light. Godox and Jinbei are Chinese brands that offer good value for money. Elinchrom also has some interesting.stuff. If you're willing to invest in more upscale brands, then renting something first is a good idea. There are probably a few places in Amsterdam that rent out equipment. Calumet does Profoto. Personally I use a set of Godox AD200, a Godox Xpro trigger and a Polaris 100 meter for model flash photography with a Mamiya 645AFD3. The Xpro trigger should also work with the RZ and IQ2 using a cable between the Xpro and the RZ/IQ2. The AD200s are battery operated and compact so good for shooting on location. However, the Metz with an umbrella and a reflector could also give you good results.

If you want a self metering flash (computer flitser noemde men dat vroeger), then a universal Metz flash is hard to beat. I used to have a Metz 45CT-4.

Wrt using a flash meter, you typically use the cordless flash mode (bliksem zonder C) and incident metering (met het witte bolletje). Hold the meter at the subject pointing the white dome to the camera. Set the meter and fire the flash with your wireless trigger or a button on the flash unit itself. The flash units are used in manual mode. If you use multiple flash units, measure and set them one at the time. Then measure again with all units firing.

Succes,
Menno