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I have a Metz 58 AF-1 flash. I got it new in 2010 and it has worked great. Over the last 6 months, the recycling time has gotten consistently worse and worse. Before this issue, I could usually shoot for several hours and get over 100 flashes on one set of regular alkaline batteries with a recycle time of a few seconds (normal), but now I can put brand new batteries in and the recycle time is anywhere from 1-3 MINUTES (longer as time goes on)! Today, I put fresh batteries in and immediately got the "low battery" symbol on the screen and it wouldn't even flash at all. Has anyone ever seen this before? Thanks!

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Are you using newly-purchased batteries, or batteries from a batch purchased back in 2010? Alkalines have a shelf life of 5-10 years. \$\endgroup\$
    – Mark
    Commented Feb 13, 2015 at 0:47
  • \$\begingroup\$ I am using batteries purchased approximately 2 years ago. I could try brand new batteries. Thanks! \$\endgroup\$
    – user37730
    Commented Feb 13, 2015 at 0:55
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    \$\begingroup\$ Also clean the contacts for the battery in the camera - alkaline cells, in particular, can corrode them if the cells are even slightly leaky. \$\endgroup\$
    – DrMoishe Pippik
    Commented Feb 13, 2015 at 17:23
  • \$\begingroup\$ did you ever find an answer for this as my Metz 64 is doing exactly the same thing, fresh batteries got about six flashes before I was shown the low battery sign \$\endgroup\$
    – John
    Commented Feb 13, 2017 at 22:49
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    \$\begingroup\$ It might be worth noting if these are rechargeable batteries or not. Rechargeable batteries, even the alkaline variety, have a lower voltage and higher internal resistance. This means that most flashes I've used them with don't like them that much. \$\endgroup\$
    – user31502
    Commented Feb 13, 2017 at 23:31

2 Answers 2

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The very long recycle time indicates that at least one (if not all) of your batteries is bad/depleted. If you're using rechargeables, the chances are simply that they aren't holding charge well any more. That happens.

The easiest fix to try would be to get new batteries. If you like using rechargeables, I'd also recommend getting a "smart" recharger that lets you condition and test your batteries as well as charge them, so you'll know when to replace them.

If swapping batteries doesn't work, then it's possible there's an issue with the capacitor in the flash. I would not recommend attempting to fix this yourself, unless you have electronics skills and tools to discharge a capacitor (so you don't kill yourself; these things can still hold triple-digit voltages after the batteries have been taken out), and desolder/solder board components, and can source a suitable replacement part with enough capacitance.

Whether it's worth sending it to Metz for repair or purchasing a replacement is up to you.

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That sounds like something in the flash's charge/battery circuit is broken. You state "over the last 6 months, the recycling time has gotten consistently worse and worse" which indicates that it has been in regular use. Also you write "Today, I put fresh batteries in and immediately got the "low battery" symbol on the screen".

If the flash had capacitor failure, it would not show empty batteries, and the charging noise would frequently restart with a bang. Also capacitor failure is typical for flashes that go unused for long periods: that does not sound like it would be the case for yours.

Check out the battery contacts: are they clean and provide solid contact with the batteries? If some of the contact is through a screw or rivet, it is worth checking that it still is firmly in place.

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