Power alternative for Metz 70 MZ-5?

[Duceman]

I've got several old Metz hammerhead flashes, a couple of CL-45 and a couple of CT-45. The CL-45's work just absolutely fabulous for providing bounce--and fill--lighting simultaneously. I was thinking of picking up a used Metz 70 MZ-5, but have read that their power supply can be a PITA, namely trying to get replacement batteries if the old ones no longer hold up charge. I'm not even sure if Metz makes replacement batteries for these anymore. So what are the alternatives? Can these be modified to take AA alkaline batteries? Can they be modified to take third-party replacement batteries? I did read where someone did that, but it was quite tricky.

 

[madNbad]

Kind of spendy but what about a Quantum battery?

 

[Duceman]

Kind of spendy but what about a Quantum battery?

Is that a battery pack? If so, I should have clarified that I would prefer not having to use an external battery pack.

 

[AgX]

As a side question: what of the many features of the 70 MZ-5 are of importance to you, which you cannot achieve with a 45 model ?

 

[madNbad]

It's an external pack with a cord. Most likely only available on the second hand market.

 

[Chan Tran]

Did it come with a battery? If so I think you can rebuild it.

 

[Duceman]

As a side question: what of the many features of the 70 MZ-5 are of importance to you, which you cannot achieve with a 45 model ?

Primarily age. Secondarily power output, but for all intents and purposes, I doubt if that will ever be a factor for me. I'm mostly looking at getting the 70 MZ-5 as it is about 20 years or so (I'm guessing) newer than what I presently have. Otherwise, the 45 models are working just fine.

 

[Duceman]

Did it come with a battery? If so I think you can rebuild it.

It comes with a Ni-MH battery pack that, from what I understand, was not made to be taken apart (but I have read where at least one other did just that, and it worked). That's probably the most likely route one would have to take.

 

[Duceman]

This is a picture of the Ni-MH battery packs that fit into the base of the flash.

Metz used to make replacement rechargeable battery packs, but they've since been discontinued (and they weren't exactly cheap).

 

[AgX]

Primarily age. Secondarily power output.

Power output ?
The 45 models have same output/GN.

 

[AgX]

Concerning the battery questuion: I am rather ignorant of this model, so far never came one across. But if it got a closed battery unit with NC cells, the best approach to your aim would be to break open and either
-) install/solder-in new NC cells, if available to you
-) install/solder-in NiMh cells and look for a dedicated charger.

 

[Duceman]

Power output ?
The 45 models have same output/GN.

Oh, I thought it was more. In any event, like I said, it was only a secondary consideration and I doubt if I would ever need the extra power.

-) install/solder-in NiMh cells and look for a dedicated charger.

See post #8, supra.

 

[MattKing]

Power output ?
The 45 models have same output/GN.

Similar output - the 70 series offer a metric GN of 50 with the zoom set at 50, whereas the non-zoom 45 series offer a metric GN of 45.
The zoom on the 70 series can be set to 105, which results in a a metric GN of 70 - thus the name.

 

[Chan Tran]

Similar output - the 70 series offer a metric GN of 50 with the zoom set at 50, whereas the non-zoom 45 series offer a metric GN of 45.
The zoom on the 70 series can be set to 105, which results in a a metric GN of 70 - thus the name.

In such case the 70 has lower power. The 45 has 45 GN but its fixed reflector is good for 35mm.

 

[Chan Tran]

Concerning the battery questuion: I am rather ignorant of this model, so far never came one across. But if it got a closed battery unit with NC cells, the best approach to your aim would be to break open and either
-) install/solder-in new NC cells, if available to you
-) install/solder-in NiMh cells and look for a dedicated charger.

The 70 has NiMH battery. So just needs to be recelled. Same charger is OK. However, I would stay with the 45 because it doesn't have battery problem.

 

[wiltw]

Power output ?
The 45 models have same output/GN.

^
Metz 70 has GN70m vs. Metz 45 having GN45m, convert to feet at 50mm coverage angle Metz 70 = GN 164 vs. Metz 45 = GN148, or at 20' distance f/8.2 vs f/7.35 or 0.25EV difference. IOW virtually 'the same' (not enough to really matter!)

The Metz 70 has a zoom head with FL coverage angle electronically controlled, while the Metz 45 has fixed angle of coverage (and a WA lens clip-on)

Like the Metz 45, the Metz 70 cannot support digital nTTL cameras, as it cannot preflash...the Metz 54MZ or 76MZ (or Metz 45CL4 Digital) are needed for nTTL support

The Metz 70 has in integrated slave mode (vs. external module for Metz 45).

The Metz 70 did have a NiMH battery module and charger option, in addition to the NiCad battery modules, as AgX already stated. It would be better to get the right module (50-45) and charger (P50), rather than convert NiCad module.
Just now searching, one can find the charger for sale
Metz MZ 5326 Battery Charger for 70 Series NiMH Batteries
but not find battery module!

 

[AgX]

The 70 has NiMH battery. So just needs to be recelled. Same charger is OK.

Not quite...
At the technical data of its german manual only a "NC battery" is mentioned.
And on this I based my reply.

Somewhere in the manual one can find this:

The NiMH battery thus only was an extra option, not the standard. One likely would have to search for this pack and its dedicated charger. (Maybe Metz already offered same charger for both packs, but I find it unlikely.

 

[Duceman]

The 70 has NiMH battery. So just needs to be recelled. Same charger is OK. However, I would stay with the 45 because it doesn't have battery problem.

Yes, but by whom? Maybe Batteries Plus? But for a part that wasn't supposed to be taken apart in the first place, I could see that they might be a bit leery of doing the job. And I don't necessarily blame them if that's the route they chose. It would be one thing if I already owned one, and needed to get it running. Something entirely different if I'm looking at buying one, and then hoping I can get the batteries replaced so that the unit will be up and running. And yes, the 45 is much simpler in that it'll easily take AA batteries; wish there was something similar for the 70.

 

[MattKing]

FWIW, I love my Metz 60 CT series flashes, even if replacing the batteries with direct replacements for the originals is nearly impossible.
Though I'm happy with/prefer the separate over the shoulder battery packs.

 

[wiltw]

FWIW, I love my Metz 60 CT series flashes, even if replacing the batteries with direct replacements for the originals is nearly impossible.
Though I'm happy with/prefer the separate over the shoulder battery packs.

I like using my 45CL or 54MZ with Quantum pack...1 sec recycle time from full power discharge. I have Quantum Turbo original with lead acid cell, have replaced the cell twice since initial pack purchased in 1990;..30 years, 2 replacement 8.2V batteries. My most recent Metz, the 64MZ works off the same Quantum battery, too. The Quantum can be hanging from shoulder strap, or clipped to my belt.

 

[Chan Tran]

Yes, but by whom? Maybe Batteries Plus? But for a part that wasn't supposed to be taken apart in the first place, I could see that they might be a bit leery of doing the job. And I don't necessarily blame them if that's the route they chose. It would be one thing if I already owned one, and needed to get it running. Something entirely different if I'm looking at buying one, and then hoping I can get the batteries replaced so that the unit will be up and running. And yes, the 45 is much simpler in that it'll easily take AA batteries; wish there was something similar for the 70.

You will have to do it yourself. As I said since you don't have one yet I would rather stay with the 45.

 

[Ton Gielen]

I can repair Battery pack Metz 50-40 and Metz 76-56 by replacing the old NiCd of NiMH cells with new NiMH cells 2800mA. (original battery holder to repair and charger (for plugs) are needed).
You becomes the repaired battery pack and a new automatic loader for € 75,00. (cost of transport etc.) excluded.

ton@tongielen.nl