Mecablitz Metz 45 CL-4

[baachitraka]

Hello there,

I have this flash, non-digital version planning to use with Olympus OM cameras. Can I use NiMH batteries for this flash.

 

[hoffy]

I have the 45 CL-3 and have been using Sanyo Eneloop batteries in it (which are NiMH so I am led to believe). I haven't had any drama's with it thus far.

 

[baachitraka]

Thanks. I was only worried about the voltage difference 1.5v - 1.2v NiMH and Alkaline.

 

[olleorama]

If you look into the battery compartment you'll see there are different contacts. The 1.5 V battery packs use a different set of contacts than the original NiCd-packs. Try to find the NiCd packs and resolder them with NiMH and you'll be alright.

 

[baachitraka]

Yesterday, I looked into it and found it has three pins. One of the pin goes into to dummy of the battery basket 45-39.

 

[olleorama]

I'm looking at the packs now. You are right, if you look at them with the U-shaped edge towards you both use the contact at the bottom for the + side of the battery. The 1.5 v alkaline pack uses the top right contact for - and the 1.2 v pack uses the contact above and to the left of the + contact as -. Hope this helps.

 

[iulian]

Hi!

I have the CT-1 and CT-4 (same power, same batteries). I modified mine to use the alkaline holder but feed the current in the Ni-Cd/NiMH circuitry. It involves opening it, de-soldering two wires and soldering one back. Any competent electronics enthusiast can do it for you.
NiMH work on the alkaline circuitry, but due to the lower voltage the max power will decrease by a bit. If you don't need max power from it, use it as it is.

Btw, congrats on the choice, you will not regret it

 

[baachitraka]

Instead of modifying or soldering, are there any battery basket available to use NiMH. If it is too complicated I will use alkaline battery since I shoot seldom with flash.

But, I like photos with bounce flash esp., PanF+ or any slow speed film developed with Rodinal Stand.

 

[iulian]

The modification is not needed. I chose to do it.
Metz warns against using rechargeables in the battery pack. I used them with no issues whatsoever. Of course, they would like to sell you their expensive pack and dedicated charger

So long story short, use rechargables in the battery basket and be done with it. You might loose some of the maximum output, but that shouldn't be an issue. The power on that thing is huge even by today's standards.
Or buy dedicated rechargables/charger from Metz, but they are quite expensive.

 

[baachitraka]

I will put my eneloops to charge, lets see how it goes on tomorrow.

Yeah, I was looking hot shoe flashes very hard before I discover this hammer head.

 

[Diapositivo]

http://www.flickr.com/groups/421691@N22/discuss/72157604782479002

 

[bigspecbear]

You don't have to do anything. You can use alkaline,NiCad, or NiMH battery cells without any ill-effects.

For the 45CT series, NiCad or NiMH may batteries may result in the strobe is a bit weaker (someone tested it to be about 1 stop).

But for the 45CL series, there is no difference in the strength of the strobe.

Metz just over-engineers.

I currently have CT-1 (2 copies), CT-4, CL-1, CL-4, and Hasselblad ProFlash 4504 (CL-4 clone, I think). I've been using nothing but Sanyo Eneloops and Quantum Turbo.

I did open up 2 copies of the CT-1 and did the modification of moving the ground connection, but then I found out that it made little difference, if any.

 

[baachitraka]

I put some cheap 1.5v alkaline batteries to test the flash, oops, nothing happened. I suspect something catastrophic. I removed the batteries and tried with eneloops and still the same.

I was very disappointed at this moment and tried to contact the seller.

Nevertheless, I want to try for one more time and I put back 1.5v and turned it ON...la la...everything worked. I suspect some contact problems with battery basket....

Does anybody have such a behaviour with this flash?

 

[benjiboy]

You need to ensure the polarity of the batteries when you insert them in the basket is correct because the + and - on old battery baskets are often worn off look at the instructions for the 45 CL4 on the Metz website.