The Metz Mecablitz 45 Series CL-1-N is the first in the Metz’ series of handle-mounted flashguns for strong flash setups. This hammerhead flashgun delivers powerful light output and provides easier handling. It also offers five tele-computer apertures with Guide number 45 for ISO 100/21. It is designed for non-autofocus search and SLR cameras. This high-performing, high-capacity flash is intended for cameras that do not support TTL functions. The Metz Mecablitz 45 Series CL-1-N flash gun has a tilt-swivel feature for its single flash head. It also has an analog display that is easy to read, a diffuser with a wide angle, and a comfortable handle. This flashgun from Metz attaches on the side of the camera with the help of a special bracket. The bracket then screws on the tripod bush beneath the base of the DSLR. By this design, the flash is strategically off-axis at the side of the camera, which helps in the reduction of redeye. This camera/flash combo is also kept balanced and the swivel-and-tilt movements are executed smoothly, since the flash head does not block it. The 360-degree swiveling movement, plus 90-degree tilting action, allows for the Metz Mecablitz 45 Series CL-1-N light output to be bounced-off, from just about any direction which offers plenty of creative possibilities. The Metz Mecablitz 45 Series CL-1-N uses an NiMH battery that has the capacity to produce up to 200 full-powered flash outputs, at four-second recycling time, which can go faster if the flash is set at lesser power. The flash is upgradeable and users also have the option to increase the Metz flashgun’s capacity by adding a more powerful battery pack. This 45 series CL-1-N handle mount flash from Metz gives a crisp and deep light. It produces a very good light output of 5600-degree Kelvin and the colors are bright and clear without a tinge of blue or cyan to be seen across the images created using the flash unit. When used in daylight, the Metz flash’ automatic fill-in feature delivers images with well-lit subjects and ambient light. The Metz Mecablitz 45 Series CL-1-N has a TTL feature which allows the flash and the camera to work together through the information from the metering system of the camera. This feature, however, is only accessible if the user has a dedicated hotshoe module in the camera. Another useful feature of the Metz Mecablitz 45 Series CL-1-N flashgun is its capability to manually control the power down to 1/32 and fast-sync to an impressive 1/1000 second. Accurate exposure can be achieved through the pre-flash feature in the TTL (through-the-lens) mode. This feature works by adjusting the flash exposure on the final image output by sending first a pre-flash to the subject. This Metz Mecablitz 45 Series CL-1-N has a little bit of heft at 680 grams. It measures 92mm by 247mm by 102mm. In the box comes the Metz Mecablitz 45 Series CL-1-N flashgun unit itself, an NiMH battery pack, a power adapter, a wide-angle diffuser, a sync cable, a quick release bracket, and the operating instructions literature.