The Metz Mecablitz flashes in the 45, 60, and 76 series are among the most powerful shoe-mount flashes ever built. Guide numbers from 45 to 76 at ISO 100—figures that current system flashes can barely match. They also feature rugged metal housings, modular reflectors, and TTL control for practically every camera system from the 1980s through the 2000s. Professional photographers, wedding photographers, and strobists still use these units today.
The only problem: The original battery packs (NiCd Dryfit) have not been available for years. Our battery adapters replace the old battery packs with commercially available AA cells. Eneloop, EBL, or alkaline. No soldering, no modifications. Just insert and flash.
Battery adapters for Metz Mecablitz
Each adapter is designed for a specific Metz device series. The contact geometry, number of cells, and voltage are precisely matched to the respective battery compartment. All adapters come with a cover.
Which adapter is right for which Metz?
The Metz Mecablitz flashes in the 45, 60, and 76 series use different battery compartment formats. That is why there are three different adapters rather than one universal adapter. Check the model name on the back of your flash and choose the appropriate one.
Metz 45-39 battery holder (6x AA) for 45 CT-1 / CT-4 / CL-4
Compatible models
- Metz 45 CT-1
- Metz 45 CT-3
- Metz 45 CT-4
- Metz 45 CT-5
- Metz 45 CL-4
Rechargeable battery adapter 10x AA for Metz Mecablitz 60 CT-1 / CT-2 / CT-4
Compatible models
- Metz 60 CT-1
- Metz 60 CT-2
- Metz 60 CT-4
Battery holder 7x AA for Metz Mecablitz 76 MZ-5 / 70 MZ-5 / 50 MZ-5
Compatible models
- Metz 76 MZ-5
- Metz 70 MZ-4
- Metz 70 MZ-5
- Metz 50 MZ-5
Rechargeable batteries and charger
The battery adapters work with standard AA cells. For maximum flash power, we recommend NiMH rechargeable batteries with 2800 mAh. They have enough capacity for an entire wedding day.
Alkaline or rechargeable?
Alkaline batteries work, but deliver significantly fewer flashes than NiMH rechargeable batteries. They are sufficient for occasional use, but rechargeable batteries are the better choice for events or continuous use. The Metz 45 has two separate adapter versions: one for rechargeable batteries (7.2V) and one for alkaline batteries (9V).
The problem with the original battery packs
NiCd Dryfit, a dead technology
Metz used hermetically sealed NiCd Dryfit battery packs in its Mecablitz flashes during the 1980s and 1990s. When Metz filed for insolvency in 2014 and discontinued its flash division, the last supply of original replacement batteries dried up.
- Capacity loss. NiCd cells lose up to 80% of their capacity after 15–20 years. A flash with an old Dryfit often manages only 50 flashes instead of 300.
- Memory effect. NiCd batteries respond to partial discharge with permanent capacity loss. Anyone who used the flash occasionally almost certainly encountered this problem.
- Environmental problem. Cadmium is highly toxic. The EU has banned NiCd batteries in consumer devices since 2006 (RoHS Directive). Further supplies are prohibited by law.
- Welded construction. The Dryfit packs cannot be opened without destroying the contact tabs. Even if individual NiCd cells could be found, rebuilding the packs would not be economical.
Our AA adapters bypass the problem completely: modern 2800 mAh NiMH cells provide more capacity than the originals, are available for repurchase at any electronics store, and can be recharged hundreds of times.
Is your Metz model not listed?
Tell us the model designation. We’ll check compatibility and tell you which adapter fits. Response within 24 hours.
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