Metz Flash fault. Is it worth repairing?

Craig Griffiths · Jan 5, 2011

Last night I was probably a little over enthusiastic using a Metz 45 CL-1 and managed to have it stop working on me. The ready light illuminates however I cannot activate the flash at all. I have tried new batteries, recharging the old battery pack etc all to no avail.

So the question is whether it is worth repairing or just replacing it. Or is there something simple I can try.

Thanks

Pgeobc · Jan 5, 2011

Craig,

I do not know how old it is, but that is otherwise a high-class flashgun and should be repaired. You may have fired it too much and overheated it. I'm sure that Metz has seen that before. BTW, I love my 45CL4-Digital; it works with every camera I own.

MattKing · Jan 5, 2011

Does the manual firing button cause the flash to work?

If so, I would check the synch cord connections.

tkamiya · Jan 5, 2011

If ready light comes on, charging circuit is working, so it's not the batteries. If you have a multi-meter, you can test the cord. (do you?)

Craig Griffiths · Jan 6, 2011

the manual fire button does not set off the flash, and I have tested the cord and all is good with the cord.

Any other suggestions?

John Koehrer · Jan 8, 2011

1) Don't get into it, It's got about 350V stored in the main capacitor. The leads from the cap go directly to the ends of the flash tube.
*Three things may have failed, trigger coil, trigger cap or the flash tube itself.
*The current is nominal but 350V shows how fast your hand can move when you're not expecting it.

3DJack · Mar 12, 2016

Is this thread still alive? My Metz 58 AF-2 tube has failed and I'm in the process of replacing it. Is it worth me describing the process? Is anyone interested?
Jack

AgX · Mar 12, 2016

How do you know that it is the tube? I have a lot of small flash units, hardly any faults and so far not a tube.

wiltw · Mar 12, 2016

i agree that finding a used Metz today is more economic than the repair cost...minimum charge to diagnose unit will probably approach $100 (although this is applied to actual repairs that you authorize). eBay has higher end units (45CT3, etc.) available for about $35-60

3DJack · Mar 4, 2017

AgX said:
How do you know that it is the tube? I have a lot of small flash units, hardly any faults and so far not a tube.

I took it apart and there's a crack in the tube! Tubes do fail; they have a finite life. I bought a replacement tube but never got 'round to fitting it. The most difficult part was dismantling the flashgun. I think I broke it in the process. I put the box of bits and the new tube in the attic and bought a new flashgun.
Sorry not to be of more help,
Jack

paul ron · Mar 4, 2017

id be interested in seeing your repair procedure? ive got a couple of those in the closet.

just be sure to discharge those caps properly?... you can find tips how its done online.

3DJack · Mar 4, 2017

paul ron said:
id be interested in seeing your repair procedure? ive got a couple of those in the closet.

just be sure to discharge those caps properly?... you can find tips how its done online.

That last point is REALLY REALLY important!

Metz Flash fault. Is it worth repairing?

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