Metz SCA 346 adapter use?

[Usagi]

Hi,

I already have Metz 45 CL-4 and have used it with PC-sync. Now I got a some kind of TTL adapter for Nikon. Despite of googling, I haven't figured out how to use it.

The adapter is SCA 346/2 AF M4 with 300A cord.

One thing is the settings. The adapter itself has M - A - TTL -switch, as does flash unit also. So what is the right combination for switches?
Another thing that I wonder if that is there a lot of difference between revision (which the M4 indicates, I guess). The documentation (ie. compatibility chart) on the Metz's site doesn't even mention SCA 346/2 AF M4, only M1, M2 and M3 are included.

So.. How to use this with different Nikons? I have F100, F90X, F601, F301, FE-2...

 

[Mike Wilde]

I don't have this particular unit, but do have a 60ct1/2 with a Mecamat, which is the precursor to TTL metering.

The Mecamat allows you to meter the flash output from the hot shoe location of the camera, and thus mount the head in another location, or in a soft box or other light modifier where it's own on board sensor is obscured. The Mecamat's switch settings for auto flash or manual flash over ride whatever the slider settings on the back of the flash head are set to.

I hope this helps you understand how your unit is likely going to work.

I am not a Nikon guy, however I am quite sure that M and A will work with all of your cameras, and try TTL to see which cameras it works with.

 

[MattKing]

I have a Metz 60CT2 which does permit TTl metering with certain cameras, including my Olympus OM2n or OM2s.

It works in conjunction with the right cord - an SCA 520 if I recall correctly.

Other Metz flashes use the SCA 300 system - the flash takes interchangeable connectors and/or feet, which when combined with the right cord, also permit TTl use with certain cameras.

In my case, the Metz manual for the flash describes how to use it with the connector and my OM 2n/2s.

Do you have that manual? EDIT: here is a link: Dead Link Removed

EDIT: and here is a link from Mike Butkus' site for the SCA 300 system manual: http://www.cameramanuals.org/flashes_meters/metz_sca_300.pdf

By the way, the compatibility chart I've found doesn't even list the SCA 346 adapter you refer to? http://www.metz.de/index.php?eID=tx_nawsecuredl&u=0&file=fileadmin/fm-dam/Download/Homepage_Englisch/Photo_Electronic/SCA_Archiv_GB/SCA_Adapter_Archive_GB.pdf&t=1325544087&hash=df9b5dbb59f21c351840ee930471fda8fc6247a3

 

[Dan Fromm]

I use an SCA 346/2 M1 AF adapter on my N8008S. The adapter attaches to the camera's hot shoe. One end of the SCA 300A cord attaches to the top of the 346/2, the other plugs into the flash. Set flash and 346/2 to M for manual flash, both to A to use the flash's own little thyrister controller, both to TTL to have the camera control the flash TTL.

The 346/2 requires 4 AAA batteries, IMO eats them. Always have a set of spares.

I don't often use mine with the SCA 300A cord, instead put a 305A multi-connector adapter on top of the 346/2. This lets me use the long 305 V5 cable for TTL control of a remote flash, would let me run 2 SCA 300 flashes with TTL control if I had two.

FWIW, my SCA 300 flash isn't a Metz, it is an Agfatronic 643CS.

I know that your 346/2 is an M4, not an M1 like mine. I suspect that they work the same.

 

[Usagi]

Thank you.

Pity that AF assist light cannot be turned off. I guess that it's the battery drainer.

MattKing: Yes, the Metz own table doesn't mention the adapter, but BHPhoto's table includes it: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/charts/comp_metzflash_nikon.html
Yet, it does not clearly mention M4 version.


The removable plastic 'lens' seems to correct parallax of the AF assist light for closeup photographs?