The manuals can be found at:
Metz - always first class. -
I have downloaded the one for the MECABLITZ 54 MZ-3, MZ-4 and printed it. 122 pages, but only every-other page is in English.
After going thru the manuals of both the 54 and 580 II, it would really be nice to get the 580 II to work well and consistently because of all the data communication between it and the camera. Of course, that means nothing if the results aren't acceptable.
Most of us who post problems with the Canon flashes don't provide complete info. Well, I've worked for a few years to get good results from Canon cameras and flashes -- D30, 10D, 1D II cameras -- 550ex, 580ex, 580ex II flashes, and I'll try to post the necessary info.
Until I got the 1DII, I couldn't get good results, but then two variables changed. The camera, and how I set the flash up. I don't remember where I got the advice, but here is what produced the good results:
1DII Camera:
Manual mode
ISO to suit: 200 to 800
Shutter speed: 1/30 to 1/60
Evaluation metering
Flash Exposure Compensation +1.67 set in 1DII
Flash: 580ex
ETTL mode
Results from this combination have been fantastic, both in direct and bounce flash. There has been some comment from Mark about different results from different Canon bodies. I had not thought about that before, but as I think about it now, it makes sense because, among other things, ETTL depends upon how good the metering system is. I think most will agree that the 1 series metering is superior to most anything around, and that may effect how good the combo works. Others may comment about how consistent their results have been with a ! series Canon.
Add this to the manual setting of the camera and you get close to what Mark advises for the Metz. That still requires ETTL, but the manual says that when the camera is in manual mode, the flash duration is set by the flash. I don't see a sensor on the 580ex, so I don't know how they do that.
This post is too long already, but I'll post some results with the 580 II before long. So far, things look very good.
Good Luck,
Wil