For Pentax a clear recommendation

Anticipation to explain - I am writing this review on the operation with a Pentax K-5th It is the second Mecablitz 50 AF-1, I bought and the first Mecablitz was for Panasonic G2 (Olympus MFT / FT standard), the functions are each adapted to the cameras and there are already about Flash for Panasonic / Olympus significant differences. So this review is not applicable to the flash for Canon or Nikon - each function can differ significantly and disappointments because I want to thus avoid in advance.
Said Lightning model for Olympus / Panasonic scored only four stars namely due to the different function in my other review - the Pentax model but five asterisks.

For Pentax a firmware update for these flash already is available and there has been rectified.

To get to the functions I have to be a little more detail the above mentioned reasons.

Haptics and processing:

As usual Metz the workmanship is very good, the flash is (fully opened) in a stable styrofoam packaging in its longest form accommodated. The flash has a length of almost 18 cm. Unfortunately, there is here at the new flash units from Metz, the (previously common) pocket. You can buy the accessories of course, however, would have been expected in my opinion, as an adjunct in the box. In addition, a detailed user guide is in German. The metal hot shoe makes sense and is very stable. Down at the base of the instrument is the imprint PEN for the standard of Pentax. At the end of the review is the link to the pocket.

Function:

A flash in the price category should be variable and versatile - that's the Metz 50 AF 1 all. The reflector has a motorized zoom and works in the Pentax K-5 highly reliable synchronous to zooming the lens - there are the focal positions 24/28/35/50/70/85 and 105 (calculated on small picture). The head of the unit can be rotated through 180 ° and pivot about 90 degrees upward and 10 degrees downward. A diffuser and a reflector can be opened on the flash head to redirect the light discreetly in rotated position. A so large rotating flash head is obviously a great thing, especially in portrait mode you can steer by turning the head light - and not many devices like this. Aufsteckdiffusoren and the like are in the accessories so you do not have to look far, the head has the external dimensions of approximately 71 mm by 43 mm. At just 400 grams with batteries, the flash is not a lightweight, but it is not really difficult. Operation with batteries (4 x AA) works well - better batteries Eneloop (Sanyo), which enable significantly faster flash rate due to lower internal resistance. With these batteries, I have a series flash rate of more than 7 fps.

P-TTL is working properly and you can also easily use the +/- buttons on the back the exposure in 0.3 - 1.7, etc. Set "up and down" - 0,7 - 1.0 to 1.3 , This helps well continue for some unclear situations and even with very fast lenses. The Modes P-TTL (exposure), P-TTL HSS (Metering + Speed ​​Sync) and M (manual) allow a lot of leeway, such as P-TTL HSS around at portraits with flash to limit the depth of field or M to just a forced head position (for example, as a spot effect) or to force a quantity of light.

Below are all the features in the illuminated display of the flash.

In addition, there is the adjustable "Automatic off" for battery protection (up to 10 minutes) and a "flash bracketing function" which automatically takes three shots in succession with different exposure (the three stages can be set) and other functions such as focal length adjustment (reflector always a focal length before or followed) and "Modeling Light", which by pressing a button, a strobe continuous light generated around the subject to illuminate - a useful thing in manual focus in the dark. As far as all the important functions can be set with only three buttons, the mode button toggles TTL, TTL and HSS M and the two buttons (plus and minus) set the rest. The fourth key is to trigger Modeling Light and manual flash fires there and is illuminated green when the flash is ready. Flash readiness is but with Eneloop battery always 100% thus the key is lit in green.
The remote operation away from the camera works with the K-5 Wireless Remote function on the camera flash or even a Metz 58 AF with Remote Transmitter.

For all those who are desperately in accessories sector for suitable attachments for lightning - it fits everything depends what fits for the Canon 550EX or 580EX - here I have parts of dried GoFlash system.

Conclusion:

Good workmanship and a swiveling flash head, the desire no leaves in edgewise as landscape mode, and a great - really fast to comprehend operation, justify the price quite here. The result on the image sensor of the camera is always in the right light and also there is plenty of scope for creativity. For off-camera flash I've also bought a cable that brings an advantage - it sparkles with unleashed with the optimum amount of light measured by P-TTL and Remote programming without the flash.

The missing bag I bought from JJC that fits perfectly and it's a battery case:

Top neoprene case for flash / belt loop / extra bag for batteries / accumulators

Therefore, full marks - there is almost no criticism, just only the fact that a bag is missing - but that does not really fall into the weight.