Yesterday a New source told us that the Metz 44 AF-1 will get an updated very soon.
And today the update is official. Metz just released the Mecabltz 44 AF-2, with support for Fujifilm X-series cameras (the previous generation supported just the Nikon/Fuji hybrids, like the S series).
You can go through all the specs at the official product page here. There is also a German presentation of the Flash at the Swiss site fotointern.ch (translation), who says that the flash will be available at the beginning of December (this has been confirmed also by a New Source – thanks).
Push the READ MORE Button for the Full Official Press Release
The Metz bestseller now improved
The new Metz mecablitz 44 AF-2 replaces the previous model mecablitz 44 AF-1
Zirndorf – With the new Metz mecablitz 44 AF-2, Metz has improved one of the best sold flash units in Germany. For almost 5 years now, the system flash Metz mecablitz 44 AF-1 has enjoyed great popu- larity amongst price-conscious and dedicated photographers. Metz attended to the customer requirements which appeared during this time and has now improved this device with the following features:
Controllable high-performance LED video light
To create additional light for video recording, the new Metz mecablitz 44 AF-2 is now featured with a high-performance LED. The LED light is easily controllable in 4 levels.
Solid metal base
Due to the significant metal base* with quick lock, the Metz mecablitz 44 AF-2 is set more stable on the camera now.
High speed synchronisation (HSS/FP)**
With the new system flash function, the Metz mecablitz can cope with the current camera functions. This function supports the pho- tographer whilst lightning with backlight. It especially makes sense for portraits with very bright daylight.
New version now also for FUJIFILM
Like any other mecablitz system flash unit, the new flash unit matches perfectly to the digital cameras of the leading manufactur- ers. The available versions are: Canon, Nikon, Olympus/ Panasonic/ Leica, Pentax, Sony, Samsung and now also Fujifilm. With the mecablitz 44 AF-2 digital you can of course use, besides numerous special features, the sophisticated flash exposure modes of the par- ticular system cameras.
To be always up-to-date in relation to the latest software, you can make updates easily via the USB-interface of the Metz mecablitz 44 AF-2 digital. Thus the flash remains compatible also for new ap- pearing camera models.
Metz mecablitz 44 AF-2 digital
Simple operating concept with LED-buttons
Technical specifications mecablitz 44 AF-2 digital Flash output
• High max. guide number 44 for ISO 100/21°
• High flash numbers (e. g. 270 full flashes with
NiMH batteries [2100 mAh])
• Flash delay 0.1– 3 sec. (depending on power source and flash output)
Basic configuration
• Simple operating concept with LED-buttons
• Vertical (+90°) and horizontal (300°) swivel reflector
• Motorised zoom for 24–105 mm illumination
• Integrated wide-angle diffuser for 12 mm illumination • Flip-out reflector card
• Modelling-light (permanent light to check shadow)**
• Automatic unit shut-off
• Wake-up function by camera
• Metal base* with quick lock
• High performance LED video light, adjustable in 4 levels
Flash functions
• TTL-flash mode (digital only)
• Manual flash mode with 4 lighting levels
• Automatic fill-in flash
• 1st and 2nd shutter curtain synchronisation** • High speed synchronisation (HSS/FP)**
• Pre-flash for red-eye reduction**
Power supply
• 4 x AA alkaline-magnesium or lithium batteries • 4 x AA NiMH rechargeable batteries
Availability
The mecablitz 44 AF-2 will be available from calendar week 48.
* Not for version Sony Multi Interface
** Dependent on camera function
33 Responses
I’m not super tech savvy with flashes.
Can someone explain what are the benefits of this flash vs, say, the EF-42?
Thanks!
First is build quality – this is a genuine Metz flash built in Germany (unlike the Sunpak/EF-42 that’s made in China). It’s about 1/3 stop more powerful, includes a bounce card, 4 level LED built-in and is supposed to support HSS, which is a big failure of the EF-42. And it’s pretty simple to use with only 5 buttons and easy control from the camera.
Thanks Will!!
Thanks. How does this stack up against Fuji’s EFX-20 in your view?
Significantly larger and more powerful. Metz 26 AF-1 is closer to EFX-20 in specs but far easier to use. Biggest problem I have with the EFX-20 is it’s practically on the same plane as the lens. Metz 44 AF-2 has bounce and swivel, so is far more useful IMHO. I’ve shot Metz since my film days and they’ve always made a quality unit with great light.
I don’t know the Sunpak but my metz 44 feels like a piece crap compared to my nikon sb700. Not getting anymore crap made by metz
harsh but your opinion. I prefer the Metz 64 to my SB-900 – Metz doesn’t use the heavy plastic like Nikon but it’s just as robust. For a $200 flash, the 44 is a great add-on to your kit. If only Nikon flashes didn’t overheat so fast …
Will this AF-2 version be upgradable by having the foot replaced on an AF-1 and if so will the same be possible with the 48 AF-1?
Nice addition, still missing pro features like a external battery port.
Maybe it’s now time to stop selling the Fuji EF42. It really does let Fuji down.
Well there were rumors about a true Fuji Flash system in the works, but it got delayed if i remember correctly .. as everything does.
It looked as though it was going to be made by Metz, but then Metz hit the buffers financially. Looks like Metz is back in the running, which is great news, so maybe this means that Fuji will soon have some news for us after all. Or this could actually be the next Fuji flash?
Can someone verify it has HSS. Because it says asterix (Depending on camera function) which tells me – need to make sure it does. Can someone point to the specific page that says HSS will for FOR FUJI as oppose for other platforms?
No HSS or wireless out of the box for Fuji cams. Metz has added to their manual for this flash that HSS and wireless will be added in the future via firmware update.
any guess on price?
thanks
Ok, am I missing something here? Why would this be so much greater than a Nissin i40? I understand it’s somewhat more powerful, but it looks bigger as well. I love how the i40 sits on my XT-1, and XE-2. A bigger flash would make them top heavy.
I have no experience with Nissins, but I own several Metz flashes. If this new one resembles these, the build quality of them is excellent, they are very reliable and the quality of light is both very good and consistent.
These cheaper knockoffs like Nissin have made some very interesting developments in the last few years though.
And how does the Guide # (• High max. guide number 44 for ISO 100/21°”)
compare to the i40’s? (Flash output of GN40 at 105mm) I’m not fluent in “Guide Number-eze” 😉
Think of it like the difference between f/4.4 and f/4.
In other words just under 1/3 stop.
Knowing Metz, this is likely a better developed device than the rebranded Sunpaks – but the problem with Fuji & flash iTTL-photography is not only related to the flash unit. The firmware controlling it is missing the same kind of intelligent refinement as we are used from Nikon & Canon. I hope with the X-Pro2 also major improvements will be coming in this sense – flowing downstream to other models via firmware update. If the can finally close the circle with a decent range of dedicated, real pro Fujifilm flash-devices – I might be believing they can beat a decent part of the DSLR-world.
Very good news, Metz flashes are great.
However, I’m disappointed they didn’t try to innovate. I mean, cobra flashes are rather balanced on a DSLR body. But on a mirrorless cameras ?
When will manufacturers try to separate the flash head from the battery case ?
With batteries in a grip under the camera or even as an external power source in the photographer’s pocket, it would be much more balanced.
on the other hand, you could power the camera from the flash’s battery when both in the camera and the one in the grip die 😎
Look at Meike Mk320 Mk320-f TTL Speedlite for Fujifilm Digital SLR Cameras+ Free Diffuser – available through Amazon and eBay… for ~$75. I have one of these. It has decent build more power and better controls than anything Fuji currently makes. Check it out.
Not saying Meike is a bad flash, but the above is not true.
Meike has GN 32 and recycle time up to 5s, this Metz has GN 44 and recycle time up to 3s.
still no AF assist? FAIL
Here’s the list of features from the manual … AF assist is there:
44AF-2 Fujifilm:
• Flash-ready indication in camera viewfinder/camera display
• Automatic flash sync speed control
• TTL with measuring preflash
• Automatic fill-in flash control
• Manual flash exposure correction (set on the camera, if possible)
• 1st or 2nd curtain synchronisation (2nd curtain, SLOW2) (set on the camera, if possible)
• Automatic AF measuring beam control (set on the camera, if possible)
• Programmed flash mode
• Preflash function for reducing the red-eye effect
• Wake-up function for the flash unit
Great to see Metz finally supporting recent Fuji cameras despite their financial difficulties. I used to use a 58 AF-2 on a GH3 before switching to Fuji gear, it was superb. Rather disappointing though that Metz’s first X compatible offering has an almost identical spec to the existing Fuji EF42 and Nissin i40, so they may not sell many and might decide not to invest in other X compatible models. I would love a Fuji-compatible 64-AF1.
Bigger = taller less redeye and 4 batterys. Having a flash on sucks but if you need flash may as well do it with a good tool.
Use it off-camera, even better !
Yep two Canon off camera cords.
Bounce and you don’t have red eyes.
Well I like Onion rings.
Great news!
On the not so great side… the exterior appearance is far from matching Fujifilm design. Rounded bubbly design would work fine for Nikon bubbly cameras. Fujifilm is much classier than that. One big reason I am with Fujifilm…