How to replace batteries of Metz 45 CL-4 flash

[ted_smith]

The rechargeable battery set in my Metz 45 CL-4 (non-digital version) seems to be shot. It charges up but then goes dead fairly quick.

I've taken the pack out and looked at the diagram on Page 80 of the manual (attached). However, I seem unable to remove the batteries themsevles (which are "Metz NiCd" batteries) - pinching the side of the pack once removed from the unit as directed does not release the batteriesfrom the pack itself. I note the text below says :

Fig. 4b: Opening the battery housing
(only with BAT-version, otherwise optional extra)
. So perhaps mine is not the 'BAT-version'?

I read elsewhere that Metz does not want people swapping the batteries without the whole pack. Not sure if that's true but it seems the case with my flash. Is that expected?

Anyway, I did some searching and found a replacement Metz battery pack available here : http://www.fotosense.co.uk/metz-nim...-45ct-5.html?gclid=CLXnoPOSi7ECFa4mtAodqHQR_w and a not-inexpensive £80 or thereabouts! Is that normal? I found this at Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Metz-Rechargeable-Battery-Digital-Hammerhead/dp/B000KVP982) but it states it is for the digital flash. I'm not sure if the two types use the same batteries?

If that is the case, I might as well buy an entire new flash from ffordes (http://www.ffordes.co.uk/product/11082310574781)

I was hoping I could remove the batteries and just put normal non-rechargeable ones in it and replace them as they go flat. Is that not how it works? Do I have to use these entire packs?

Ted

 

[Chan Tran]

I am quite sure that all the battery packs for the Metz 45 series are the same. The rechargable pack is optional and Metz doesn't want user to take it apart. The one in the figure 4b is one that uses standard AA alkaline batteries. It's normal for the price of the Metz battery pack to be quite high. I think one can carefully disassemble the pack and replace the batteries with new NiMH cells.

 

[MattKing]

Ted:

See the first two points "Point Worth Knowing" on the 2nd page of your manual (numbered 41). To use "normal" batteries, you need a different battery holder - accessory 45-39.

Here is an eBay listing for one in South Africa: http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Metz-45-39-A...227?pt=Batteries_Chargers&hash=item4603e0590b

I don't know whether you could use the NiMH Rechargeable cells in your older flash. I would be careful.

 

[Chan Tran]

The 45-CL-4 is not an old flash. It's quite new. But even back in late 70's when I bought my 45-CT1 it can use NiCad batteries and of course I have to buy the cluster from Metz. The cluster has special key so that the flash would know whether you use rechargable or alkaline.

 

[George Nova Scotia]

If you take a look inside the bottom of the flash where the battery pack goes you'll see 3 pins. One is common, one for AA 1.5x6=9v, and the third for niCd 1.2x6=7.2v. Hence the different packs.

If you can find a place that rebuilds battery packs they may be able to replace the niCds. NiMh cell have different charge characteristics so not really recommended unless you change the charger.

George

 

[benjiboy]

Hi Ted I find rechargeable batteries in my 2 Metz 45 flash guns a pain because if you don't use them regularly they tend to be flat when I need to use them, I suggest you buy yourself this battery holder that uses 6 AA alkaline batteries from Amazon for less than £20 and problem solved http://www.amazon.co.uk/Metz-Batter...I3R2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341833050&sr=8-1

 

[baachitraka]

I use battery bag 45-39 and 6 eneloops.

 

[paul ron]

I have an old Sunpack 611 potato masher that has a rechargable battery pack using 4 cells that are slightly smaller than the regular C cell. If I don't use the battery pack I can load that same compartment with 4 regular C cells. Neither of these battery options has ever given me a full days of service, now that the battery pack is older it hardly even holds a charge for 10 minutes. THese packs are expensive n hard to find.My solution... get rid of the standard batteries n replace it with an external DIY lead acid remote battery.

I figured out the circuit of the battery pack using my meter to see which contacts are needed to power the flash n polarity. I removed the cells of the battery pack and replaced them with wooden dowels the same size as the cells. The dowels that fell on the needed power contacts; I drilled them n ran my pos n neg wires to a washer glued to the bottom that will sit on the proper contacts. I made a slot in the lid so when I put the lid on the batttery compartment, my leads will clear.

My flash is now powered by a small sealed lead acid 6V battery I hang off my shoulder in a small fanny pack. The charge on the battery will last days of continuous use compared to the few hundred flashes I would get off a set of batteries both rechargeable or regular C.

My lead acid battery is easily charged using a small car trickle charger meant for a 6V battery. These lead acid batteries come in different voltages so you can taylor your DIY remote battery to your flash very easily.

 

[Dennis S]

I use battery bag 45-39 and 6 eneloops.

I put the eneloop XX high capacity batteries in mine (45 CL-1) & used it for 3 full sessions with more to go.

For $5.00 PER battery they better be good

 

[ted_smith]

Thanks to all who have inputted to this. It's very helpgful. But Benjiboy, yours was the answer I was looking for! I assume it will be OK in the 45 CL-4 and allow me to just stuff it full of 6 x AA Duracell batteries and shoot away? Some others have stated about power variances? Is yours OK using it like that?

I'd certainly prefer this solution because then I can just buy a massive box of batteries and know that I have plenty of pwower when I need it without owrrying about lag or poor performing worn out batteries.

Ted

 

[baachitraka]

Just test the recycle time with Batteries & Cells. Then you can decide. I personally found that with eneloops the recyle time was little faster.

 

[benjiboy]

This battery box Ted is made by Metz for ordinary AA alkaline batteries, and works fine with all 45 series flash guns.

 

[mgb74]

I've used a generic aftermarket AA battery box made in India and sold on ebay. Works fine.

 

[Dennis S]

Just test the recycle time with Batteries & Cells. Then you can decide. I personally found that with eneloops the recyle time was little faster.

That is what I have found also. I can almost shoot quite fast with out a lag in shots as I have regular batteries in a smaller back flash and I have to work at slower speeds for them. Another good rechargeable I find is the Duracell 2450 mAh
Also thanks to Benjiboy I did not burn out my camera by using the high voltage of the 45 CL 1 on my EOS 3

 

[Chan Tran]

That is what I have found also. I can almost shoot quite fast with out a lag in shots as I have regular batteries in a smaller back flash and I have to work at slower speeds for them. Another good rechargeable I find is the Duracell 2450 mAh
Also thanks to Benjiboy I did not burn out my camera by using the high voltage of the 45 CL 1 on my EOS 3

The 45-CL1 doesn't have high sync voltage. That is why it's called CL1 instead of the high voltage version CT1.

 

[benjiboy]

I have the Ni-Cad pack and charger for my Metz 45 flashguns, and I don't do wedding work any more but I wouldn't risk relying on the Ni-Cad pack because your'e never sure of the state of the charge, I used to use 2 Metz 45 CL5's in case of failure of one of them, and several battery boxes pre loaded with fresh AA Alkaline batteries and never had a problem.

 

[Dennis S]

The 45-CL1 doesn't have high sync voltage. That is why it's called CL1 instead of the high voltage version CT1.

Oh sorry.... mine is the CT-1. with the Wein adapter. Just got CL & CT mixed up

 

[benjiboy]

The 45 CT1 has a trigger voltage of around 250V. the Canon T90 has a voltage requirement of 6V, the Wein Safe Sync adaptor reduces the voltage of any flash gun to below 6V with this device I can even plug my T90 into big old fashioned studio flashes they have in some studios I have hired whose trigger voltages must be extremely high high .

 

[Mike Wilde]

Look to Quantum - they sell (or at least used to) a battery compartment with coiled lead that is meant to connect into their Quantum sealed lead acid battery pack systems. It need not be used with the packs though. Their packs are nice, but pricey for what they do.

Just connecting the correct quantum module for your flash to a sealed lead acid bettery of the correct voltage and of sufficient Ah capacity should suffice. I started with a pair of 6V 5Ah, and ap pair of 2V 5Ah making up 2 8V packs with one as live, and one as the second live unit. I charged them with an old Braun pack and head flash pack that charges its' 8V battery directly with an AC lead and built in charge reguator.

Then a Sunpak potato masher flash with a Quantum battery 2 battery pack was gifted to me, with a dead 8V SLA battery. I have bought the power plugs to make leads to charge my Metz 8V batteries, but have yet to make up the cord.

 

[paul ron]

Look to Quantum - they sell (or at least used to) a battery compartment with coiled lead that is meant to connect into their Quantum sealed lead acid battery pack systems. It need not be used with the packs though. Their packs are nice, but pricey for what they do.

Just connecting the correct quantum module for your flash to a sealed lead acid bettery of the correct voltage and of sufficient Ah capacity should suffice. I started with a pair of 6V 5Ah, and ap pair of 2V 5Ah making up 2 8V packs with one as live, and one as the second live unit. I charged them with an old Braun pack and head flash pack that charges its' 8V battery directly with an AC lead and built in charge reguator.

Then a Sunpak potato masher flash with a Quantum battery 2 battery pack was gifted to me, with a dead 8V SLA battery. I have bought the power plugs to make leads to charge my Metz 8V batteries, but have yet to make up the cord.

The coiled cord can be made out of a guitar lead.

The 611 Quantum battery comes in 2 flavors you know. One is the 510V version, the pack has a step up transformer n the other is a plain SLA direct connection to the wall unit input jack. Just check where the cord attaches to the flash n see the instructions for which port it is to be sure?

.