DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 Digital Macro Ring Flash Introduced at PhotoPlus Expo

Innovation in the macro world!

With remote TTL function for Canon, Nikon, Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax/Samsung and Sony Alpha

October, 2008 -- A world first! The mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital, a completely redesigned, wireless Metz macro-flash, is equipped with two individually-controllable, swiveling reflectors integrated in the housing. The new ring-form macro-flash thus ensures balanced and precise lighting and also maximizes the scope for customizing light arrays in the macro area. With its individually variable reflectors (0°-20°) and the highly sensitive light distribution, there are no limits to personal creativity. It is easy to set light accents that are appropriate for each theme. And all this with maximum user-friendliness, because the Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digitally regulates light through the automatic wireless TTL*, which provides reliable and precise lighting – or provides differentiated lighting via its special slave function, by means of six different part-lighting levels.

* Flash device with master function required (e.g. 58 AF-1 digital).

First class user convenience

The mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital lies snug in the hand. Small, light, handy – with a practical clip mechanism so it can be fixed to all standard lenses. With independent power supply, so that photographing is not disturbed by troublesome cables.
In addition, an intuitive, attractive DOT matrix display makes the Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital simplicity itself to use.

Versatile macro flash with TTL and slave with learning function

The remote TTL flash operation of the mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital can be used for digital cameras of the following makes: Canon, Nikon, Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax/Samsung and Sony-Alpha. In this case, the camera must either have an integrated flash unit acting as master, or be equipped with add-on flash (e.g. Metz 58 AF-1 digital).

In slave mode, the mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital is also suitable for nearly all other makes of camera. Manual flash operation can be carried out via a synchronous cable.

In addition, Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital learns autonomously in the conventional slave mode! Its learning function ensures that the small slave flash is reliably triggered every time by the flash integrated in the camera – even if this sends out a ranging pre-flash. In individual cases, this specific cooperation is attained by trial triggering in slave mode. In this case, the light amount emitted can be varied across 6 light levels.

The bouncer disc included in the scope of delivery performs especially valuable service by ensuring even illumination. Rechargeable batteries or AAA batteries, compactly accommodated in the device, efficiently power the device.

Equipped as standard with USB-interface for software updates via Internet.
Adapter rings in the sizes 62, 67 and 72 mm are optionally available.

Technical specifications for Metz mecablitz 15 MS-1 digital

Flash output

• max. GN of 15 for ISO 100/21° and 50 mm
• High number of flashes (e.g. 200 full flashes with NiMH batteries, 1000 mAh)
• Flash recycle time 0.3 – 5 secs (depending on the energy source and flash output)

Basic configuration

• Wireless TTL flash control
• Two reflector system, individually pivoting (0°, 10°, 20°) and separately controlled
• Ratio function (light distribution from left to right
• Horizontal (20°) pivoting reflector
• Dot matrix display
• Standard 50 mm illumination
• Enclosed bouncer disc for softer illumination
• Adjustable light (modelling light)
• Integrated autofocus auxiliary light
• Flash standby and exposure control indicator on flash unit

Basic flash functions

•  TTL remote flash operating mode (as slave unit)
• Slave flash mode with pre-flash suppression
• Slave flash mode with learn function
• Manual flash mode with 6 partial lighting levels
• 1st and 2nd shutter curtain synchronisation

Flash functions for specific camera models in remote TTL mode
Operates as slave flash unit in the following operating modes:

• E-TTL – remote flash mode (Canon)
• i-TTL- remote flash mode (Nikon / Fujifilm)
• P-TTL remote flash mode (Pentax / Samsung)
• Four-Thirds TTL remote flash mode (Olympus / Panasonic / Leica)
• ADI remote flash mode (Sony Alpha)

Prepared for the future

• Firmware update via integrated USB port possible
• Additional adapter rings available for 62, 67 and 72 mm

Power sources

• AAA alkaline magnesium batteries
• AAA lithium batteries
• AAA NC or NiMH rechargeable batteries

Included in delivery

• 52, 55 and 58 mm adapter rings
• Bouncer disc
• IR clip-ons
• Belt pouch