beauh44 Posted February 28, 2007 Share Posted February 28, 2007 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beauh44 Posted February 28, 2007 Author Share Posted February 28, 2007 <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? ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garry edwards Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beauh44 Posted March 1, 2007 Author Share Posted March 1, 2007 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garry edwards Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellis_vener_photography Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellis_vener_photography Posted March 1, 2007 Share Posted March 1, 2007 make that http://www.fotocare.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beauh44 Posted March 1, 2007 Author Share Posted March 1, 2007 Thanks Garry and Ellis - much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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