Perfect, yet inexpensive!

For years I used a Sigma EF-500 DG Super, initially on a Pentax * istD, then on my Pentax K. 7 He was also a perfectly matched system lightning and had the same capacity as the MB 50. I was with the Sigma but never really satisfied. First of all, the service was not exactly intuitive. He was also very poorly finished. The housing creaked when you took the flash only something solid in the hand. The hot shoe was very difficult to slide into the hot shoe of the camera and even more difficult to solve again. Due to the fact he did not solve also often because of the contact with the camera was not made properly.

Recently, I should make wedding photographs, and since this year are still pending some family events, I decided to end the scandal. Since I had a good experience with Metz in the past, I decided, the MB 50 AF-1 to buy. The decision was made easier by the very low price and the fact that his Metz flash units still produced only in Germany.

In relation to the Sigma Metz looks compact and elegant. The case is somewhat more stable. The hot shoe is made of metal and slides easily into the hot shoe of the camera. After enough a slight rotation on thumbwheel, and the locking pin extends and secures the flash to the shoe. The flash is sitting so still firm and reliable contact, even if the screw should solve times.

The rear panel is simple and tidy. Had the Sigma next to the on / off switch or 7 keys, so there are at Metz only 4. These are for really big and by no mice piano as with many other devices. In conjunction with the excellent display, the operation is logical and fairly self-explanatory. If that's not all shortcuts on the screen tell you what, the help the detailed, printed manual. Only criticism: Goes to the Select menu you have to press two keys, namely the plus and minus button. Pressing it not exactly the same, it does not call the menu, but regulates the light output. Best to do this with both thumbs, which you should put the camera out of his hand. However, only rarely used basic settings are hidden in the Select menu, so I can live with this small restriction.

Of course, the Metz flash offers all functions that support the Pentax-own system flashes. The zoom-head position adjusted in many small steps. Per menu you can always adjust the zoom a bit more generous, resulting in a softer illumination at the expense, according to the range. I welcome that the modeling light by just 5 seconds burns comparatively long. And ultimately the Metz has a USB port by means of which can be upload firmware updates. In order for the Metz remains future-proof, new features in conjunction with new camera models can be retrofitted but possibly.

The illumination is impeccable, the recycling times ultra short, but that was with my old flash that way. Nevertheless, the Metz just makes a lot more fun, not least due to the excellent quality and good usability. My Recommendation!