Metz 45 CL-4 safe to use on camera?

[chris_tim]

Right so I have searched on here and online but I can't get a clear answer, I need a flash that I can use on camera and I have 2 Metz 45 CL-4's. Now thy have an Auto and TTL mode but I think they are the older versions and I know its all about the voltages, I really cant afford to fry my camera. I'm using a Canon 40D and I was looking at connecting it through the PC sync port, I have tried it and it worked fine but I got scared that i was going to fry my camera.

Are the voltages too high to use it connected directly to the camera or am I safe? I have read in various places it is safe and it isn't so I don't know what to think. Would it be worth emailing Metz themselves to clarify my query, if so do I contact sales or service?

Cheers

Chris

 

[18%grey]

It is very easy to check the voltage yourself. The connection between the flash and camera has two contacts (using either pc or hotshoe). If you put a voltmeter to these two contacts and fire the flash you will get the trigger voltage for that flash.

 

[chris_tim]

Cheers, what is a safe voltage. Anything under 24v?

 

[Kris]

Under 10v I'd say.

http://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

I have used a cl4 through a rf602 without any problems.

 

[chris_tim]

I just let my metz power up and measured the voltage from the PC socket and it was reading 11/12, that was with the meter in the link and the dial set to ACV 500. Is this right, I'm no electrician so I don't know what I should set it too as it doesn't come with a manual?

here is the meter I'm using
http://www.flashstar.com.tw/falshstar/Product_detail.asp?P_ID=6003093&F_ID=1000357

Cheers guys

 

[chris_tim]

Ok I think I was doing it wrong, I checked it with the meter on DCV and it measured no higher than 9. I'm guessing it is safe to use unless I haven't metered it correctly, could someone verify this?