topic Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1 in Cyber-shot compact cameras

Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

jllbvs — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 11:05:54 GMT

I bought in december 2006 a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1, and I have been using it during these 6 past years with the greatest satisfaction. The DSC-R1 is an excellent camera, which perfectly fulfills all my needs.

With it, I use a Sony HVL-RLA ring flash for close-up shots, and a HVL-F32X. (I always encountered some contact problems with the flash socket, but that is another story).

With all my films cameras (Rolleiflex FX, Rollei SL66SE and Linhof large format camera) I have always been using a handle mount flash Metz 45 CL-4, which I highly appreciate.

One of the advantages of this kind of flash is that it can be used practically with any brands and models of cameras, just by using what is called an "SCA" adapter. On Rolleiflex medium format film cameras, the SCA 356 adapter performs perfectly.

The same flash can be used on digital cameras. I recently installed the flash on a Fuji X100 with a SCA-301 system module, SCA-300 adapter and PC synchro cord. It works perfectly.

So, I decided to use the Metz 45 CL-4 with my Sony DSC-R1. Metz knowledge base confirms that this flash can be used with a DSC-R1. No problem.

Then, I bought a SCA-3602 (dedicated module for Sony cameras), and a SCA-3000C adapter. Following instructions of DSC-R1 user manual and Metz user guides, I tried to configure the system.

Nothing. I checked all carefully, assembled and disassembled it a dozen times : nothing. No flashlight...

There is probably a small detail which I forgot. But which one ?

I know that the SCA-3602 is out of production. But, the one I bought was a brand new one, so with the SCA-3000C.

Did someone already tried this system, or experienced similar problems ? Please, help !

Many thanks and kind regards.

Jean-Louis

Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

blaireau_photo — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 19:12:37 GMT

Hello Jean-Louis

Unfortunately this isn't something that I have personally done before. All I can recommend is checking the latest version of the user guide in question which I have found below:

http://www.manualslib.com/manual/102781/Metz-Sca-3602-M4.html#manual - SCA 3602 Manual

I notice that there is some brief troubleshooting information on page 22 which may be of use to you.

Is there any activity at all with the flashlight i.e. does it appear to be partially lighting up?

Hopefully another forum user has tried something like your combination in the past and will see this forum thread. I am also going to show this question to a contact of mine to see if they can offer any further advice.

Thanks,

Simon

Message was edited by: blaireau_photo

Re: Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

jllbvs — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 18:31:38 GMT

Many thanks for your help, Simon. Next saturday, I'll check all this again.

Kind regards,

Jean-Louis

Re: Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

blaireau_photo — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 07:44:46 GMT

Hello again

I have been discussing this with a contact of mine (the very knowledgeable Mick2011 actually!) and he also pointed out that the SCA3602 adapter has a minijack connector that needs to be connected to the camera's ACC port as well - were you already aware of this?

Simon

Re: Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

jllbvs — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 14:37:54 GMT

Of course, yes, I did it. It is the only way to connect the SCA3602 to the camera, as the adapter's foot has no contact for the camera's accessory shoe. The SCA 3602 is connected to the camera by this cord, and the SCA3000C is connected to the flash.

Jean-Louis

Re: Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

cmosse — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 16:10:24 GMT

Have you tried to swtich the selector on the rear of the SCA adapter to position B (or A) - see manual on p.6?

Note: The switches and the indicator are concealed behind a cover at the rear of the adapter. To open use a fingernail.

Re: Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

jllbvs — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 07:13:49 GMT

Yes, I did it also. And that's the problem. I tried everything described in the 4 manuals : DSC-R1, Flash Metz, SCA 3602 and SCA 3000C...

Re: Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

blaireau_photo — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 07:30:55 GMT

Hello again

Thanks for letting us know about your progress with this.

It may be worth getting in touch with Intro 2020 Ltd who state on their website that they are the sole importer of these products into the UK. In their position, they may be able to offer further advice about compatibility with your DSC-R1. Their contact details are on the following page:

http://www.metzflash.co.uk/pages/contact.htm

Thanks,

Simon

Re: Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

jllbvs — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 16:06:40 GMT

Hi,

Many thanks for your help.

I send an e-mail to metzflash.co.uk, explaining the problem.

I have only noticed these details :

I live in France, where I bought (about 12 years ago) my Metz flash.
The SCA 3602 and SCA 3000C were both bought in the USA.
The SCA 3000 cable is labeled "SCA 3000 C-M1"
My 3602 user guide is labeled "Sony SCA 3602", and not "SCA 3602 M4", like all the notices found on websites.
On its last page, I read "Sony - DSC-F707, DSC-S85, DSC-S75, MVC-CD200"

I don't know if all this has some importance. But it's the only thing I can point out.

Kind regards,

Jean-Louis

Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

scav242 — Sat, 27 Oct 2012 21:07:50 GMT

This might be of help http://www.flickr.com/groups/sonydscr1/discuss/72157603747678345/

seeing as someone is using the same set-up successfully

Message was edited by: scav242

Re: Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

jllbvs — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 14:30:00 GMT

I've read this topic with interest, scav242. Many thanks for your help.

I think that there is (maybe) a "firmware" version of the SCA 3602 which doesn't fit my flash and/or DSC-R1.

As I wrote earlier, I found a "true" SCA 3602 M4 adapter, and I'll try it as soon as received.

I've been working in computers world for nearly 40 years, and I know that firmwares and drivers make most of the time the difference between a working device and a useless one.

To be continued...

Re: Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

jllbvs — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 11:30:51 GMT

Hi everybody.
I received this morning the new SCA 3602 M4 adapter.
I mounted it under the SCA 3000 C-M1, plugged both cables : all functions perfectly.
Perfect flash exposures in TTL and automatic (aperture) modes.
I also tried the 45 CL-4 in indirect mode. Also OK.

The camera controls the flash completely.

Well, I guess that the SCA 3602 "version" was the problem.
With the first SCA 3602, nothing. And with the second one (with the "M4" green label on top) all is OK.

Many thanks to all those who answered to me.
If one day I can help you, it will be a great pleasure.
Have a nice day.

Jean-Louis

Re: Connecting a handle mount Metz flash on a Sony Cybershot DSC-R1

Mick2011 — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 08:09:36 GMT

Ah that's great news

Many thanks for your feedback Jean-Louis, it really is very much appreciated.

Cheers

Mick