Metz mecablitz 44 AF-1 Digital Flash for Pentax Cameras

Seems very nice but not completely compatible with my old Pentax K100D.Works:* Exposure setting, including flash exposure compensation set on camera.* Flash readiness indication in the viewfinder.* Redeye reduction set on camera.* Slow synchronization.* Auto zoom based on lens focal length.* AF measuring beam.Doesn't seem to work:* Rear curtain flash. (The flash supports it, but I hadn't realized before buying that it requires the camera request this. The K100D doesn't have an option for that.)* Modeling light. Same reason.* Wireless slave: the K100D doesn't have built-in master support. Some third-party websites check a wireless box for this camera; as far as I can tell they just mean you can buy a pair of wireless flashes and put one of them on the camera, which is pretty misleading. See the K100D manual, pages 160 and 162-163.)I returned this and bought the Metz Mecablitz 50 AF-1 instead. It only costs 10-15% more, and it allows you to set rear curtain on the flash itself so this feature works with the K100D. Likewise modeling light. It also (once you upgrade the firmware) has servo mode, which is the closest thing to wireless slave that doesn't need any other equipment. And it's more powerful and has other maybe-useful features, too, as described in the manual. In hindsight, I don't know why I didn't buy the 50 to begin with...(edit, 2011-06-11: Confirmed notes about the 50. Also, I'd incorrectly said the 44's AF measuring beam wasn't compatible. I was just looking for broad white flashes as with the camera's built-in flash, when it's actually a relatively narrow and dim but constant red beam. I didn't find it particularly helpful in a quick test (as the 44's manual notes: "Parallax error between lens and AF measuring beam limits the close-up range with the AF measuring beam to approximately 0.7 m to 1 m.") but it is compatible.)

The good: Simple operation (5 buttons), P-TTL, Build Quality, Compatibility, Consistancy of flashThe bad: Only 5 steps manual exposure, Plastic Hotshoe (not actually a bad thing), takes a few seconds to power up at first (pretty normal), Slow refresh at full power (to be expected)Short version: If you were looking for a powerful P-TTL flash, look no further. It will certainly deliver for you. Where this flash doesn't shine is in its manual mode. If you are looking for a flash to use full featured manual features, I suggest you look at Youngo flashes.Long version: You can just feel the quality of this flash when it is in your hand. While it has a plastic hotshoe, this is by no means a bad thing. The flash does output pleasing reults and really has quite a lot of power. While it isn't the top of its game in any catigory, it is very suitable considering its cost. I would say the most notable feature is the P-TTL flash ability. On Pentax, I am seeing consistant results with only the smallest variation of illumination from shot to shot. This leads me to believe the camera and flash do a realativly good job of calculating appropriate exposure from shot to shot. Adjusting the settings on this flash is easy... TOOO easy.... There is no screen on the back, but this hardly holds you back in its operation. Actually, it streamlines setting changes which would be ideal in a live event, which is what this flash was designed for. Overall, the flash delivers, and at its price point, there really arn't many other flashes with this type of quality/features. If you are more interested in studio work, I suggest you use manual flashes and wireless triggers like youngo or cactus. This flash should be used for the live events and probably will leave something to be desired if used in full manual mode only. While it has manual mode, it seems to be limited compaired to my Youngo 560 III (typically found for less than $100). One more note, the flash has a USB port to update the firmware should Pentax change something with its flash system, this ensures compatibility for years to come!

I tried out this flash today. It comes with a hefty instruction book, but only about 16 pages are in English. And these pages are important. You will also need the Pentax camera instruction book. You have to match up instructions. I also had to adjust the EV factor on the camera. But after following the instructions, the flash worked like a charm with my Pentax K-x. It appears that the TV setting on the camera is the best setting to use with this flash.I may change my mind later. But out of the box 1st impressions, this seems like a great flash unit.It's later.Nearly a year later since I posted the above review. I have ended up disappointed in this flash. I reduced my original opinion to 3 stars. It works great on the camera. But the off camera operation suffers. I've decided that I like the Vivitar 285HV with a cowboy wireless foot better. Plus they are less expensive.There is an old adage that the more automatic an item is, the more that can go wrong. That has been true in this case.

This flash is small enough to take anywhere and powerful enough to capture the moment. I bought it for sports and school events. I found the built in flash on my kx to come up short. The flash captures sharp images of kids on the other end (far end) of a basketball court when sitting in the stands. It is small enough and powerful enough to take great shots from this small auditorium seats at school for presentations on the stage too. All this in a small unit that isn't heavy and very versatile. Metz got it right!

I'm new to the hobby, but I like Metz flashes, and think they are a better value than Pentax brand units, so I would recommend them..

only work a month and it broken, bad flash. I belive that it was a good brand but it lies.