Metz 45 CT-1 

The Metz 45ers are a range of very powerful handle mount flashes. Metz filed for insolvency protection in November 2014. One of the first measures after insolvency was the reduction of their product offering and the last 45er in production - the Metz 45 CL-4 digital - was pulled from the program. As of January 2015 45ers can only be obtained second hand. Introduced in 1976 and produced up to 2014 the product was as iconic for Metz as the Beetle for Volkswagen. It saw a 38 year production run and had a reputation with professionals for ruggedness and delivering great light. Such a long production run, even when considering the updates, is no mean feat for any product in the fast moving consumer electronic world. All the more reason to look at the different models. 

Metz 45 CT-1 

The original model had a long production run and was actually produced in three different versions under the same name. The first two models with serial numbers  below 534000 have high voltage circuits for the flash trigger and should not be directly attached to a digital camera. 

The last model with higher serial numbers can be used in automatic mode on any camera. The flash can not be used for any TTL control. The earlier models can use the Mecamat 45-20 and the later models use the Mecamat 45-43. Both Mecamats can be found easily on the second hand market.

Metz Mecablitz 45 CT-1 - Grip-Type