Metz flash question

Zenzanon Fan · Mar 31, 2021

Hello, wondering if anyone is familiar with the Metz 32 CT7 flashgun ?

I have recently picked one up and everything seems to be working ok but the switch on the top for the focal length setting doesn't want to move to the 28mm setting. Does any one know if this is normal or could the switch be damaged. Or maybe it needs some kind of wide angle filter fitted before it will select 28mm ?

Thanks in advance

AgX · Mar 31, 2021

First time I even hear of this model.
But I very much doubt there is a switch in the meaning of electrical switch. Such came later.

At its back there is a indicator including 28mm. This means that either the reflector can be set to 28mm, or the placing of an resp. diffussor/lens (not filter) activates that indicator. Such should be easy to confirm by looking at the front.

Even more modern Metz on-camera flashes, of the SCA-3000, series are (at least over here) dirt cheap. Thus unless you are doing this for the joy of tinkering, getting another sample or model is my advice.

(Concerning the 3000-series though you either would need a series 3000 camera-adapter, or an adapter to the series-300 adapter you already got. Thus it might advantageous to stick to a series 300-flash...)

Kino · Mar 31, 2021

There is a manual for download here, but I am unfamiliar with this site, so proceed with caution!

PDFs can contain malware and you should verify that this is a safe site to use before indiscriminately downloading files. Always run an antivirus check of any file you download before opening it.

https://www.opweb.de/english/company/Metz/Mecablitz_32_CT_7-8

foc · Mar 31, 2021

I haven't used this model Metz but I have used the 45 series and they have a clip on diffuser. There is a prong on the diffuser that pushed into the flash and moves the f stop dial. I assume your model would do the same.
Have you the diffuser for your flash?

wiltw · Mar 31, 2021

AgX said:
(Concerning the 3000-series though you either would need a series 3000 camera-adapter, or an adapter to the series-300 adapter you already got. Thus it might advantageous to stick to a series 300-flash...)

I found an old ad for a 32CT7, and in the photo it was pictured with a SCA-350 module; another ad showed the SCA-331 module...obviously marketed well before the SCA-3000 series modules. If OP reveals which camera the flash is to be used on, I can consult the Metz master list of cameras supported by which SCA-300 module.

Unfortunately the ad photo showed only the back control panel, so I cannot hazard a guess about the function of the switch on top. I could not find an English language manual for that flash model which might explain the function. The Metz 32CT3 has a very different back panel from the 32CT7, so it was no help to consult Butkus database of manual.

I just found an old ad for a 32CT7, and the top panel was visible enough for me to see it is a multiposition slide, which I would guess to be a mechanical link to alter the angle of spread of the head. If stuck, OP has a single angle only, spread for 28mm FL. In the past, the 45CT had a standard spread of about 30 degrees, with an extra-wide angle lens that could be mounted in front to widen the light coveragle angle, but apart from the extra-WA lens, the 45CT was wide angle in coverage and powerful enough to not need to resort to modern day tricks to zoom the head and claim high GN -- what a lie in zoom flashes today!.

AgX · Mar 31, 2021

The standard coverage for flashes, on which also the GN was based, in those days was that for a 35mm lens. But either by prismatic/lenticular lens or later by reflector/tube movement other coverages could be achieved.

wiltw · Mar 31, 2021

AgX said:
The standard coverage for flashes, on which also the GN was based, in those days was that for a 35mm lens. But either by prismatic/lenticular lens or later by reflector/tube movement other coverages could be achieved.

I have the original user documentation for my 45CT flashes, and Metz does not speak in terms of FL coverage, it provides only Coverag Angle provided by the head, or with the WA lens attachment. I calculated 30mm FL coverage based upon not exceeding the published angles.

Patrick Robert James · Mar 31, 2021

Zenzanon Fan said:
Hello, wondering if anyone is familiar with the Metz 32 CT7 flashgun ?

I have recently picked one up and everything seems to be working ok but the switch on the top for the focal length setting doesn't want to move to the 28mm setting. Does any one know if this is normal or could the switch be damaged. Or maybe it needs some kind of wide angle filter fitted before it will select 28mm ?

Thanks in advance

I have that exact model. I use it on my Contax and Leica. If it isn't going to 28 see if the switch moves the inside head at all. It might be the switch is disengaged and the flash is stuck on 28. Quite frankly that is all you ever need unless you intend on making a photograph at night of the other side of the street. I always leave it on 28. If you accidentally zoom it or forget to zoom it back then you get dark corners. It is a great little flash, well little as far as powerful flashes go.

Hope that helps.

AgX · Apr 1, 2021

wiltw said:
I have the original user documentation for my 45CT flashes, and Metz does not speak in terms of FL coverage, it provides only Coverag Angle provided by the head, or with the WA lens attachment. I calculated 30mm FL coverage based upon not exceeding the published angles.

What I meant was a rough coverage for at least a 35mm lens (on 35mm film). There may have been same leeway to a larger coverage.
In any case the GN was based on this coverage or setting. In contrast of today.

Oren Grad · Apr 1, 2021

wiltw said:
I have the original user documentation for my 45CT flashes, and Metz does not speak in terms of FL coverage, it provides only Coverag Angle provided by the head, or with the WA lens attachment. I calculated 30mm FL coverage based upon not exceeding the published angles.

I have the Metz documentation for the 45CL-1, 45CL-4 and 45CT-5 models. Each one, in the section on the wide-angle diffuser, states that without the diffuser, the flash is suitable for use with focal lengths of 35mm or longer for 35mm film, or 75 mm or longer for 6x6 cm film.

wiltw · Apr 1, 2021

OK, Oren, I finally found the page that mentions FL coverage...p 13. I previously had made note only the p. 7 Techical Data. angles of coverage.

Zenzanon Fan · Apr 4, 2021

Patrick Robert James said:
I have that exact model. I use it on my Contax and Leica. If it isn't going to 28 see if the switch moves the inside head at all. It might be the switch is disengaged and the flash is stuck on 28. Quite frankly that is all you ever need unless you intend on making a photograph at night of the other side of the street. I always leave it on 28. If you accidentally zoom it or forget to zoom it back then you get dark corners. It is a great little flash, well little as far as powerful flashes go.

Hope that helps.

Thanks to everyone for their replies and trying to help. The above seems to answer my question exactly. Yes it is a mechanical slide switch which from the above sounds like it is disengaged somehow. It will slide between 35, 50-250 but will not slide to 28. I would imagine when sliding this switch you should see the flash tube change position ? but it does not so I think it is stuck on one setting. I will try it on a digital ( excuse the profanity ) camera at different focal lengths to see what coverage it gives at wider angles.

I got it for free so no big deal but I like getting things to work so may investigate further.......without electrifying myself of course !

Zenzanon Fan · Apr 5, 2021

So I figured out the problem. The flashtube reflector slides back and forwards on a plastic track either side. They had both snapped off. Glued them back with some super glue and now all good, switch operates through its full travel. If it doesn't last I shall simply set the reflector to the 28mm setting as mentioned by PRJ above and leave it there.

Metz flash question

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