mark_lewright Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 <p>Hello all. I'm looking to get a used studio lighting setup, mostly just for fun and family type photos. I've been playing around with off-camera speedlight for a while now and am having a lot of fun with it. I've been trolling craigslist and am finding some good deals on 2-4 light sets. One brand that keeps coming up is Balcar. Now, from doing some research these seem to be quality items but I'm wondering about the future availability of of flash tubes should one go out. I've seen a couple of online resources currently but am curious about the long term.<br> Any thoughts would be apprectiated. Thanks.<br> Mark.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 As long as the strobes are working when you buy them, I wouldn't give a second's thought to tube life. Xenon tubes have a working life of many thousands of flashes. It's unlikely you'll wear one out with amateur use. <p> There's always the possibility of accidental damage, but that's going to be the same for any brand or condition of flash. <p> Modelling lamps should be considered as fair wear and tear items. Expect to replace them occasionally. <p> I'd be much more concerned about how easy it is to buy modifiers and fit them. The commonest speedring fitting is probably Bowens S, offering the widest range and lowest price for softboxes, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_lewright Posted January 29, 2017 Author Share Posted January 29, 2017 Thank you Rodeo Joe (love the name). Was kinda thinking that but trying to think of the worst before I throw money at em. Theres a guy in my neiborhood selling a set so checking them out will be a no brainer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJG Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 <p>If you're in the US, the mount for reflectors is the same as the Paul C. Buff White Lightning X series and Einstein strobes, for which there are lots of accessories available. I don't know if all of the accessories would be compatible, but basic reflectors should work for both. +1 for RJ's comment on flash tubes--they should last a long time if they're not abused.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mark_lewright Posted January 29, 2017 Author Share Posted January 29, 2017 Yes, I noticed that it shares accessory mounting, which is a plus. Another plus is that he's asking $250 for a Rapid 600 pack with three heads with all the cords and metal reflectors on all the heads. If they work as they're supposed to, I figure I can't go too wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellis_vener_photography Posted January 29, 2017 Share Posted January 29, 2017 I know Qualitycameracompany.com has a few in the box unused Balcar flashtubes as they bought my Balcar equipment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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