Is this possible?

[guitar_j]

I want to get some equipment to use for work in a small studio (half

the basement) as many others are, I too am on a budget. I won't be

doing anything major, just pictures of myself, friends, maybe even my

wife if I can get her to step infront of the lens. I also want to do

some macro shots. In addition, I want something that is easy to

move.

 

I want to get into this efficiently, meaning I want something that I

will use and also nothing with more bells, whistles, and power than I

need. So I ask you kind folk with years of experience if this is

possible.

 

I've thought of one possible solution, I've really had my eye on

these Maxxum 3600(guide no. 118) and 5600(guide no. 184) HS flashes.

Would I have enough power and flexibility to get one (possibly 2) of

these flases and buy a few umbrellas, and stands to put them on. I

really like these I guess because they're portable so I could

essentially take just the flash with me if I want to use it

elsewhere, and even better.. they're wireless!... I don't think

they're powerful enough to merit the use of a softbox (except maybe a

small one for macro) I think I would probably get the 5600 because It

gives more flexibility as far as the power level and such used..

(goes from full to 1/32)

 

Anyone had experience using this type (or similar) flash in this

situation?

 

thanks

-Josh

[ivan_dzo]

yes, I've got these two flashes. But if you want to do studio work, I think you're better off getting a flash meter, a few second hand vivitar 283 or 285's off ebay and away you go. I have 5 x283's which are great and much cheaper than one 5600. This set up works well, except if you want to do contrasty lighting. Then you need a digital to see what you're getting (don't know if you use film or digital). You can set up studio lighting for only a few bucks.

[guitar_j]

Ok... I've seen these mentioned alot as a good flash for this type of setup... Why? what would be the minimum number that you could work with and be able to do some decent work? Like I said.. nothing big, just me, maybe the cats, friends and the ocassional wife.

[guitar_j]

I forgot to ask also... What do I need to wire all of these together? and attach to my minolta maxxum?

[ivan_dzo]

you need some cheap wireless flash triggers, one for each flash mounting (called slaves). Two main lights one hair and one background, so four or five and two or three umbrellas. That and a few home made reflectors should be a good start. then connect via flash lead to camera and you've got a small home studio. Oh dont forget a cheap second hand flash meter- nothing fancy

[ivan_dzo]

here's a simple example done with the above described set up in my front room<div></div>

[guitar_j]

The more I Look at it, it does seem more cost effective to use the 283 or 285, the 5600HS costs about 300, I can get the flashes I need and still have some money left for accessories, which I've come up with an idea for rather than cumbersome floor stands.