sean_pollock3 Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 I am getting ready to buy my first studio lighting kit and have selected the Elinchrom Style 400 (a balance between price and performance) but am not sure if it is really worth spending the extra bit of hard earned cash and plum for the BX rather than the FX. The only difference I can see is the BX having a user replaceable flash tube and have been told by an Elinchrom dealer that the FX tube should last at least 5 years anyway, not even taking advantage and trying to upsell. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erickpro Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 I have used the BX and they are great. What price difference are we talking about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_pollock3 Posted August 20, 2008 Author Share Posted August 20, 2008 About £80 which seems a lot for having the user replaceable flash tube. I have also discovered that the BX supports variable voltage automatically so they could be used in the US, not that I can ever see me doing so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
howard_m Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 double check because I'm pretty sure the FX is 230V only (ie European). If you are in the US, I think the BX is the only choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_pollock3 Posted August 20, 2008 Author Share Posted August 20, 2008 The FX is 200 - 260V and the BX is 90 - 260V. I am in the UK so don't really see the 90 - 260V as something I am looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi_vavra Posted August 24, 2008 Share Posted August 24, 2008 The BX recycles faster at 1 sec at full power vs the FX at 1.2 sec (on 230V). And it has the user-replaceable flash tube. I know which I'd prefer - it's not just that the flash tube wears out, what about if you break it accidentally? You could possibly save money and order the kit from the US, taking the price difference out of the equation... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_pollock3 Posted August 27, 2008 Author Share Posted August 27, 2008 Good point Rudi, actually never thought about breaking the tubes. I did check out buying it in the US (B&H Photo) but with shipping it works out about the same price and I'm also one of the unfortunate souls that always seems to get hit by customs charges! I have now ordered the FX which should arrive today, will just have to be careful with it! Thanks for the input guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rudi_vavra Posted August 30, 2008 Share Posted August 30, 2008 Not the end of the world, Sean - I mean, it's not like you wouldn't have to wait after you ordered a spare flash bulb, just like you would have to wait for a repair to be finished if something happens to your FX strobe. Probably not that important, I just like to be able to change the thing myself. And congratulations on your purchase! I'm sure you will have many years of problem-free shooting with your Elinchrom strobes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_pollock3 Posted September 1, 2008 Author Share Posted September 1, 2008 Thanks Rudi, they're great. They arrived the same day as a 6x7 Lastolite Hilite (what a great bit of kit)...have had lots of fun, the kids will be getting fed up of posing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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