DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

Metz mecablitz 36 AF-4 digital Introduced for Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Samsung, and Sony Alpha

October 2008 -- The Metz mecablitz 36 AF-4 digital is now available in five versions. The Canon and Nikon versions that have been available for some time now have be supplemented with models for Olympus/Panasonic, Pentax/Samsung and Sony Alpha digital cameras. Thus, depending on the camera manufacturer, the highly-specific E-TTL-flash mode, i-TTL, Four Thirds-TTL flash mode, P-TTL or ADI flash operating modes are available. With these two sophisticated entry-level models Metz offers the right flash solution for users of all these digital cameras.

In addition, the user is impressed by the 36 AF-4 digital’s likable, simple operation. Even bounce flashes become child’s play, due to the vertically-tilting reflector. The manually-adjustable zoom reflector has other advantages. By adjusting the reflector to different focal lengths, the illumination angle of the 36 AF-4 digital can be fully exploited.

It looks good and is child’s play to operate. The reliable TTL-compatible flash unit from Metz enables perfectly illuminated flash photography – thanks to a GN of 36 in a relatively large range. In addition, the integrated zoom reflector can be manually adjusted to the required focal length (range 28-85 mm). A fine thing… all it takes is one touch to optimise the light output.

Furthermore the 36 AF- 4 digital offers a range of practical special functions such as the fill-in flash for daylight shots (camera dependent) that makes it possible to effectively illuminate areas of dark shadow. And an integrated AF measuring beam that is a valuable focusing aid under poor light conditions. And the practical flash standby indicator in the camera viewfinder.

Technical specifications for Metz mecablitz 36 AF-4 digital

Flash output
• max. GN of 36 for ISO 100/21° and 85 mm
• high number of flashes (e.g. 450 full flashes with alkaline-magnesium batteries)
• Flash recycle time 0.1 – 6 secs (depending on the energy source and flash output)

Basic configuration
• Vertically-tilting reflector +90°
• LED displays
• Manual zoom reflector for 28 - 85 mm illumination
• Integrated autofocus measurement flash

Flash standby and exposure control indicator on back of flash unit and in camera viewfinder

Basic flash functions
• TTL flash mode
• 1st and 2nd shutter curtain synchronisation (adjustable at camera)
• Manual flash exposure correction for TTL or automatic flash mode (only if adjustable on the camera)
• Automatic fill-in flash

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

Prepared for the future
• Firmware update possible via Metz Service

Power sources
• 4 x AA alkaline-manganese batteries
• 4 x AA NC or NiMH rechargeable batteries