Metz battery adapter

The Metz Mecablitz flashes of the 45, 60, and 76 series are among the most powerful hot shoe flashes ever made. Guide numbers from 45 to 76 at ISO 100 — values that current system flashes hardly reach. Plus robust metal housings, modular reflectors, and TTL control for practically every camera system from the 1980s to 2000s. Professional photographers, wedding photographers, and strobists still use these devices 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 standard AA cells — Eneloop, EBL, or Alkaline. No soldering, no modifications. Just plug in and flash.

Each adapter is designed for a specific Metz device series. The contact geometry, number of cells, and voltage position fit exactly to the respective battery compartment. All adapters come with a cover.

Which adapter for which Metz?

The Metz Mecablitz flashes of the 45, 60, and 76 series use different battery compartment formats. That’s why there are three different adapters — not one universal. Check the model name on the back of your flash and choose the right one.

Battery holder for Metz 45 CT-1 CT-4 CL-4

Metz 45-39 battery holder (6x AA) for 45 CT-1 / CT-4 / CL-4

NiMh version (7.2V) Alkaline version (9V) Complete package

from EUR 49.95

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Compatible models

Metz 45 CT-1
Metz 45 CT-3
Metz 45 CT-4
Metz 45 CT-5
Metz 45 CL-4

Battery adapter for Metz 60 CT-1 CT-2 CT-4

Battery adapter 10x AA for Metz Mecablitz 60 CT-1 / CT-2 / CT-4

Battery holder only Complete package

from EUR 59.95

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Compatible models

Metz 60 CT-1
Metz 60 CT-2
Metz 60 CT-4

Battery holder for Metz 76 MZ-5 70 MZ-5 50 MZ-5

Battery holder 7x AA for Metz Mecablitz 76 MZ-5 / 70 MZ-5 / 50 MZ-5

1x Adapter 2x Adapter Set Complete package

from EUR 59.95

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Compatible models

Metz 76 MZ-5
Metz 70 MZ-4
Metz 70 MZ-5
Metz 50 MZ-5

The battery adapters work with standard AA cells. For maximum flash power, we recommend NiMh batteries with 2800 mAh — they have enough capacity for an entire wedding day.

Alkaline or battery?

Alkaline batteries work but provide significantly fewer flashes than NiMh batteries. They’re enough for occasional use — for events or continuous use, batteries are the better choice. The Metz 45 has two separate adapter versions: one for battery (7.2V) and one for alkaline (9V).

NiCd Dryfit — a dead technology

Metz used hermetically sealed NiCd Dryfit battery packs in Mecablitz flashes of the 80s and 90s. When Metz filed for insolvency in 2014 and discontinued the 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 only manages 50 flashes instead of 300.
Memory effect. NiCd reacts to partial discharge with permanent capacity loss. Anyone who used the flash occasionally almost always has this problem.
Environmental issue. Cadmium is highly toxic. The EU has banned NiCd batteries in consumer devices since 2006 (RoHS Directive). Resupply is legally prohibited.
Sealed design. The Dryfit packs cannot be opened without destroying the contact tabs. Even if you could find individual NiCd cells — rebuilding the packs is not cost-effective.

Our AA adapters completely solve the problem: modern NiMh cells with 2800 mAh offer more capacity than the originals, are available at any electronics store, and can be recharged hundreds of times.