I just received my Elinchrom Quadra A kit (1 head only), with the softbox adapter. It is MUCH smaller than I anticipated it being. So far I'm very impressed with the ease of use, and the many options available to customize. Will be using it today on a senior shoot, can't wait. This thing is so freaking small its unbelievable.
If anyone is interested where I purchased it, Pictureline.com hooked me up big time. They are the only place that I have seen so far that has been able to get the extra adapter. Call and ask for Sharon, she'll hook you up.
As for the build quality, it's definitely not Ranger quality, but it is not poor or crappy. If you are not throwing it out your window or being careless, you should get many years of use out if. My only quibble is that it does not come with a protective cap for storing the head. I think I saw someone with a tupper-ware type thing that covered it nicely.
I'm glad I got the Quadra and not the Ranger RX. At about the same price, the Quadra is extremely small and portable. Smaller than Quantums.
Looking forward to hearing more about it from you when you've had a chance to use it more. Why did you go with only one head, is that all that you require for your work?
I'm out of the loop on the extra adapter... If I purchase through pictureline.com and mention you will I get the same hook-up?
Any photos of it beside something we can use for scale? The small intrigues. I used to love dynalites for that reason back in the day.
sboerup wrote:
My only quibble is that it does not come with a protective cap for storing the head. I think I saw someone with a tupper-ware type thing that covered it nicely.
Shot with the pack today. Did a portrait shoot for 3 hours, battery held up very well! The pack/head combo is just awesome. Skyport controls back in my hands is very very nice. Lots of great customization features on the Quadra pack, like it a lot.
Quibbles: Must change to B port to get 8.2ws, A port for full 400ws. No protective cap. It doesn't feel manly enough because its so lightweight
Oh question, can it take modifiers easily, or do you feel it's a strain on the head?
It also appears to not have a locking mechanism does it?
I was thinking like the Deep Throat or a photoflex 3ft ocata?
I hate the Elinchrom mount in general, but I'm thinking about getting 1 pack and 2 lights as they're a nice backpack option for outdoor shoots around busy cities like HK where I'd be walking down alleyways etc to do my shooting.
Clausjepsen - The sync speed issue is due to the camera and not the flash-pack. Unless there's something going on with Elinchrom that I don't know about.
el_hoppy - Oh I see, so this is a needed item, hmph is there just a basic speedring that'll hook to the quadra that'll allow mounting? As I have one of those speedring to lightstand adapters. I'm just curious because the adapter is pretty pricy for the fact that it's needed to use any modifiers. (Or are there modifiers that can be used specifically with the quadra that don't need this adapter?)
Sure you can charge while you shoot, but the charger doesn't turn the pack into a studio pack does it? I mean could you theoretically shoot all day as long as the charger is plugged in? Or does the charger not charge as fast as the battery drains? OR is there a separate charger you can get that powers the pack for in-studio usage? (not that I need it, I'm just curious about this).
You can use umbrellas with the quadra as is, plus you can get an18cm reflector that fits the same 18cm honeycombs that is available for the Ranger. I recall seeing a softbox for the Quadra.
I have a feeling that the length of time you can shoot plugged in will be greatly determined by how many shots you take and what power.
adamdewilde wrote:
Oh question, can it take modifiers easily, or do you feel it's a strain on the head?
It also appears to not have a locking mechanism does it?
I was thinking like the Deep Throat or a photoflex 3ft ocata?
I hate the Elinchrom mount in general, but I'm thinking about getting 1 pack and 2 lights as they're a nice backpack option for outdoor shoots around busy cities like HK where I'd be walking down alleyways etc to do my shooting.
The weight is about 6lb with battery correct?
It will take modifiers with the included adaptor. However, you might have to do a mod for the lock mechanism if you want to attach the deep octa as it creeps down if not tightened enough. This issue is discussed in the lighting forum on POTN.
adamdewilde wrote:
Sure you can charge while you shoot, but the charger doesn't turn the pack into a studio pack does it? I mean could you theoretically shoot all day as long as the charger is plugged in? Or does the charger not charge as fast as the battery drains? OR is there a separate charger you can get that powers the pack for in-studio usage? (not that I need it, I'm just curious about this).
What is the point of getting a Quadra if you are going to keep it plugged in while you use it? ? ? ? ? ?
You can charge a spare battery in less time than you can deplete one. My Quadra spares are charging full in about an hour. I went with the 2 light/2 battery kit and I'm glad I did. For one thing you can tether the standard cords for extra length, which you can't do with the Ranger.
I'm still testing my new Quadras, but I really like them so far. I'll reserve general comments till I've had a chance to use it more, but I do see one issue looming with the EL accessory mount. Undoudtedly some people are going to have greater expectations for what it will hold than they should. The Westcott, Chimera, Photoflex, etc. boxes I've owned in the past were typically much heavier than the Elinchrom boxes I currently use and many will not be practical on this fitting. In fact, I'm rather dubious about using my DO or BD due to increased weight and leverage. Still, the mount looks well made and I have hopes of reinforcing the tension mechanism with a modification in the future. In the meantime, I will probably get the Freelite adaptor and use my bigger boxes on that head instead. Every design has it's limitations, but all things considered this kit is a winner.
For those who are looking for the quadra adaptor to use for beauty dish and etc, B&H is the source to go for now. They order directly from bogen and drop shipped to my house. I ordered one on Monday and just got it today.
