Elinchrom Softlites Plus Alien Bees lights... Possible?

[beauh44]

Hello, Yes I did do a search and found this thread: http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-

and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00JRjf&tag=

 

I've long been intrigued by Elinchrom's Softlite design; however it was not

terribly clear to me in the above thread so please forgive me for flogging the

horse. I have some questions I was hoping someone out there (Ellis perhaps?)

might help me with, most likely regarding the Octa or Quadra softlite(s).

 

First, I see from the above-mentioned thread that I *think* I can deduce that:

 

Alien Bees/White Lightning lights can work with Balcar speedrings, which in

turn can work with the Elinchrom Octabank/Quadra Softlite(s). Is this correct?

 

If so, can anyone guide me to a concise website that tells me what I may need

to purchase and how much this might cost? (I've already got The Bees) I seem

to be bouncing all over the place and getting a bit more confused than

enlightened by the various Flash goo-gaws and doo-dads these sites have which

invariably refer me to other dealers with their own Flash goo-gaws and doo-

dads. (I hate Flash... sigh...) Anyway...

 

While visiting Elinchrom's page and looking for dealers, it would appear that

the *only* dealer in North America is in Canada. Is this correct? It seems to

be the only one showing up on their map. I understand these things aren't made

in the US but I would've thought *someone* would be a distributor here but

perhaps I'm wrong.

 

If I get lucky and indeed this setup I'm contemplating will play nicely

together, what about those little, extra "gotchas" like the stand for one of

these beasts? Would I need to purchase that through Elinchrom, I presume?

After looking at the illustration on Elinchrom's site of how it's put

together, the stand looks like nothing I own or have ever used.

 

Most of my ABs are the 800W variety - is that adequate? I'm not going to be

using them in very wide-open spaces; in fact my room is kind of tight so if

this flies, they'd be set up pretty close to the subject(s).

 

Any other advice, tips, useful links and/or knowledge about these things would

be greatly appreciated! I bounced around so many Flash websites my eyes are

crossed! Thanks very much!

[beauh44]

<I>I hate Flash</i><P>

 

By that, I mean flash animation on these websites... Fancy but annoying. I wasn't too clear, was I? ;-)

[garry edwards]

I can only help with a small part of your question.

 

The Octa is marketed by Elinchrom as a 'Lightbank' rather than as a softbox - in effect the head fits inside facing the wrong way, the light bounces around internally and eventually emerges very evenly distributed. It's a good design that works well.

 

As for power, I would think your Alien Bees will be fine for most close work. I've used 6' Octas with 250J lights and got around f/11 (from memory) at close range. In fact, although I can't be sure, I think the light was turned down quite a bit.

 

As for the stand, Elinchrom lights fit the standard spiggots and the stand they (and I) recommend is their sliding arm stand, which is a standard piece of studio kit. Various manufacturers make them.

 

One word of caution - because of the 'wrong way' fitting it's a pain to adjust the lighting power - you have to pull the velcro apart to get at the adjustment, so remote control or pack and head lights are much more convenient.

[beauh44]

Thank you Garry! I don't think I've ever worded a question so poorly but you cyphered what I was asking quite well! Your description of "the head facing the wrong way", etc. is what intrigued me about the design of the whole thing. I do have a remote for my Bees, so hopefully that'll work out well. If you happen to re-read this thread, is it your understanding that I'll also need to buy the Balcar speedring and any suggestions on a dealer for this stuff? It seemed that Canada is my only choice for the Lightbank - not that there's anything wrong with that! :) Once again, many thanks!

[garry edwards]

Beau,

 

Sorry, can't help with supply/speedring questions. I suggest you go on to the http://www.alienbees.com site and ask them - I have no personal experience of them as they don't sell them here in the UK but I'm told that they're helpful people.

[ellis_vener_photography]

trBeau,

 

yes the Alien Bees and all exceptthe early "white can" White lightning electronic flash units

use a Balcar based reflector, speed ring mounting system.

 

Try Flashclinic in NYC ; http://www.flashclinic.com and ask them about using Balcar heads in

the Elinchrom Octabank and what you'll need. http://www.fotocare is also a good resourse

[ellis_vener_photography]

make that http://www.fotocare.com

[beauh44]

Thanks Garry and Ellis - much appreciated!