Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

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Archive 2009 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

Carmen Miranda
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p.1 #1 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

Howdy folks,

I'm really loving the new Quadra system so far.

I'm also happy that there is an adaptor for this little gem that allows me to use some of my favorite Elinchrom standard mods. But as many are aware, this Elinchrom Quadra EL adaptor is not rated for boxes larger or heavier than their 39" Rotalux and IMO that does not include their DO.

In most case this would not be a problem for me, but I have a shoot coming up in a couple days where I'd like to use their bigger strip box. Since I had a little time on my hands this afternoon, I decided to make the mount modification I have seen on this forum. I thought perhaps others might want to take a closer look since the Quadra is sure to be a huge hit and many are sure to push the limits of the adaptor.

All things considered I felt the modification worked out very well, even though my work leaves something to be desired. Good news it even held a 53" Octa with no creep, although though I have no intention of using this mod with a Quadra in the future. Nor am I recommending it. Fact is that as you strengthen one area you always put stress on another. However, I'm very confident that this modification will perform better than the stock mount with normal mods up through the DO. Proceed at your own risk and good luck.

Exploded view of Elinchrom Quadra adaptor and Manfrotto 2905 tilt swivel adaptor (replacement metal and Delrin washers not shown):

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Elinchron Quadra EL adaptor before cutaway with Dremel tool:

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Close-up of cut marks for Dremel tool:

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Elinchrom Quadra EL adaptor after modification.

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Close up of Elinchrom Quadra EL adaptor assembled after modification holding a MaxiSoft 27" beauty dish.

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Modified Elinchrom Quadra EL adaptor holding a 53" Rotalux Octa.
The little mount that could.

Jul 19, 2009 at 07:18 AM

cm0rris0n
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p.1 #2 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

Do you have a link to whatever this is based on in order to get more information. It's not really clear what the mod is or how it's done.

Jul 19, 2009 at 08:23 AM

holmespun
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p.1 #3 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

Thanks for the info Carmen. I have a Manfroto adapter that is waiting to be cut as soon as I get my EL adapter. Where did you get yours? I can't seem to find them in the states at all. Glad to hear it will hold a 53", as I'd like to use my Quadra with that modifier.

cm0rris0n, there is info on the mod on a POTN thread.

Jul 19, 2009 at 07:16 PM

Carmen Miranda
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p.1 #4 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

cm0rris0n wrote:
Do you have a link to whatever this is based on in order to get more information. It's not really clear what the mod is or how it's done.

Christopher,

I didn't mean to get all esoteric on you. This thread was really meant to be a side bar for the following thread: http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/793598

I have posted modifications in the past and found that it was better to post them under a separate topic for the purpose of future searches. If you don't have a Quadra then this won't mean squat anyway, but if you do and you are interested in strengthening the knuckle on an Elinchrom Quadra to EL adaptor mount then you might find these close ups valuable before you go cutting on a $100 mount.

If you're wondering what a Quadra is and what the fuss is all about then check out: http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/5548

Good luck.

Jul 20, 2009 at 06:23 AM

Gordonmac
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p.1 #5 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

Guys, the only reason why both the quadra head and the adaptor slip when a large modifier is used is because of the metal washer slipping against the rubber washer.

If you simply remove the metal washer then both the head and the adaptor will support alot more weight with less tightening.

(the problem is that the metal washer prevents the two halves of the tightening rosette from locking in anyway with the rubber. Another way is to replaced the metal washer with some layers of foil - again giving the rosettes a chance to embed slightly in the rubber)

Edited on Jul 21, 2009 at 03:52 PM · View previous versions

Jul 21, 2009 at 03:05 PM

sboerup
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p.1 #6 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

I was looking in to this, then thought I'd try and see how bad my DO creeped. Stock adapter, I tightened the crap out of it and it doesn't move at all. Removing the rubber washer might be something else to look at though.

Jul 21, 2009 at 03:37 PM

PShizzy
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p.1 #7 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

so . . . many . . . Quadra . . . threads . . .

must . . . not . . . buy . . .

do . . . not . . need . . .

just . . . want . . . badly . . .

Jul 21, 2009 at 09:37 PM

cm0rris0n
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p.1 #8 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

Thanks Carmen ... Like Pshizz I'm trying to resist the desire to get some Quadras, so for now I'm living vicariously through those that have gotten them and reading all these threads about them, but I must have missed the orignal thread about this mod. Thanks for the link.

Jul 22, 2009 at 09:34 AM

Conner999
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p.1 #9 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

PShizzy wrote:
so . . . many . . . Quadra . . . threads . . .

must . . . not . . . buy . . .

do . . . not . . need . . .

just . . . want . . . badly . . .

Tell me about it...

Jul 22, 2009 at 12:15 PM

holmespun
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p.1 #10 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

Gordonmac wrote:
Guys, the only reason why both the quadra head and the adaptor slip when a large modifier is used is because of the metal washer slipping against the rubber washer.

If you simply remove the metal washer then both the head and the adaptor will support alot more weight with less tightening.

(the problem is that the metal washer prevents the two halves of the tightening rosette from locking in anyway with the rubber. Another way is to replaced the metal washer with some layers of foil - again giving the rosettes a chance to embed slightly in the rubber)

I tried this, and I found it doesn't really hold all that well. It also seems like the teeth on the rosette will trash the rubber washer pretty quickly.

I just spent 10 minutes filing down the inside of the base of my manfrotto adapter (I thought that seemed like less risk /weakening than modding the EL adapter), and I now have a solid adapter that will hold my 39" Deep Octa and my 53" Octa with no problems.

Jul 23, 2009 at 06:07 PM

Robb Mann
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p.1 #11 · Quadra EL Adaptor Modification

I'm playing around with some non-destructive mods to the original rq-el head. IMO there is a manufacturing flaw on these adapters - knurled nuts need to be used in pairs to be effective; one face of the metal mounting tab on the adapter should have been knurled, instead it's smooth.

Ditch the knurled plastic washer/nut, smooth plastic spacer and the spring. Replace all three with a 3/8th steel washer. It now grips like a vice, but you have clearance issues when tightening it up. Option 2 is replacing the three parts with a 1/2 nut. This doesn't grip as tightly, but it's easier to adjust and seems more durable. I'll post pics when I decide which method I'm going with.

Nov 01, 2009 at 08:19 PM


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