PCB PLM system REVIEWS

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Archive 2009 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

Carmen Miranda
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p.18 #1 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

derek walter wrote:
Is it possible to drill out elinchrom's the extra mm to make standard umbrella's fit?

derek,

Depends on which head you have. The Quadra head's central umbrella fitting is plastic so I drilled the fitting on one head out to test the PLM's. On the other heads the central umbrella fitting is a thin (metal or plastic) tube so I would say that drilling is not an option. In all but the D-Lites, there is an additional umbrella fitting on the stand mount that will accommodate the larger shaft although the head will not be as centered, which is not an ideal for the PLM.

Oddly after tapping out one Quadra head to accommodate the PLM's I find now that I rarely use them. For location work I actually prefer the Softlighter II over the PLM, which is available in 7mm. Personally I don't think the PLM is special enough to warrant making alterations to your lights. Wait for the 7mm versions or check out the SL II.

Good luck

Edited on Jan 25, 2010 at 05:58 PM · View previous versions

Jan 23, 2010 at 10:33 PM

derek walter
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p.18 #2 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

Carmen, Which PLM did you try?

Jan 24, 2010 at 12:10 AM

Carmen Miranda
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p.18 #3 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

derek walter wrote:
Carmen, Which PLM did you try?

Medium. Why?

Jan 24, 2010 at 12:27 AM

derek walter
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p.18 #4 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

Because you didn't like it. That's why I won't to know which you specifically tried and why you didn't like it. Reviews have generally been positive for the PLM's

Jan 25, 2010 at 04:38 PM

c.d.embrey
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p.18 #5 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

derek walter wrote:
Because you didn't like it. That's why I won't to know which you specifically tried and why you didn't like it. Reviews have generally been positive for the PLM's

I just luv my PCB PLMs. I have all three sizes.

But I do not like, and seldom use, soft boxes and beauty dishes. Which seem to be the favored modifiers of many.

Different strokes for different folks.

Jan 25, 2010 at 05:00 PM

Carmen Miranda
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p.18 #6 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

derek walter wrote:
Because you didn't like it. That's why I won't to know which you specifically tried and why you didn't like it. Reviews have generally been positive for the PLM's

First, I never said I 'didn't like" the PLM.

I said:
1. I rarely use
2. I ... prefer the Softlighter II over the PLM
3. I don't think the PLM is special enough to warrant making alterations to your lights. (nor is any umbrella, IMO)

While I might prefer one modifier over another or view one as being better made than another, I really don't believe that one modifier is inherently better than another as long as it shapes light consistently, as needed or desired. The PLM is just as capable of producing excellent results with qualified hands in the appropriate situation as any other modifier out there. The PLM certainly has unique characteristics that can be exploited best by those that understand them.

But just as ring lights were unique and over-hyped, it might be good to keep things in perspective. The PLM is still just an umbrella at heart.

Good luck.

Jan 25, 2010 at 05:56 PM

derek walter
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p.18 #7 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

Sorry for offending you carmen, I didn't think I was prying
I just was wondering why you didn't prefer it, or preferred others over it. I just like to know why people like and don't like things (or prefer and don't prefer, whatever the case). Might be able to help me make some decisions in the future.
There are 6 different PLM's and with the different diffuser and blackout's, there are literally dozens of different combinations possible. I just wanted to which one you had. Didn't think it was a big deal. Again, sorry for the inquiry.

Jan 25, 2010 at 06:25 PM

Carmen Miranda
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p.18 #8 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

derek walter wrote:
Sorry for offending you carmen, I didn't think I was prying
I just was wondering why you didn't prefer it, or preferred others over it. I just like to know why people like and don't like things (or prefer and don't prefer, whatever the case). Might be able to help me make some decisions in the future.
There are 6 different PLM's and with the different diffuser and blackout's, there are literally dozens of different combinations possible. I just wanted to which one you had. Didn't think it was a big deal. Again, sorry for the inquiry.

derek,

No offense taken. I just wondered why size would make any difference to assessment.

I'll preface my opinion by acknowleging that I am most likely in the minority opinion here.

For me the attraction to the PLM is it's parabolic design. The silver offers the greatest benefit for that feature.

As a multi-purpose translucent, removable black back umbrella with diffuser, it is not unique or even that special. There are other products on the market that are superior, both in construction and performance IMO.

So with that in mind; the silver was in, the trans was out.

While I greatly appreciate the efficiency of the silver PLM, I'm less than enthralled with it's exaggerated "pin wheel" spectral highlights (catchlights).

As large spectral sources go, I am fortunate to have other modifiers to choose from that offer better performance; granted they are also substantially more expensive. How much better they are is of course debatable, but clearly the PLM provides excellent value on a cost/performance basis. Still, there's no free lunch as some might have you believe and it's ludicrous to hear comparisons made with Bron Para, Briese, ProFoto Giant or even EL Octa.

Basically, I keep one around for the unique benefits that it's parabolic design has to offer while on the go. But frankly, the need for a parabolic is somewhat limited, so the SL II usually gets the call because it's simply more versatile and better made IMO. I'll reserve the right to change my opinion, once Paul works out some of the Ver.1 issues.

Like c.d. says, "different strokes". Hope that answers some of your questions.

Good luck.

Jan 25, 2010 at 06:53 PM

shoebox9
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p.18 #9 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

I agree that the SLII's are a much better product for creating soft light with low weight. Sadly, two of the key differences are the use of 50 cents worth of velcro, and a decent metal eyelot to stabalise the black cover.

Jan 25, 2010 at 11:22 PM

kenyee
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p.18 #10 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

shoebox9 wrote:
I agree that the SLII's are a much better product for creating soft light with low weight. Sadly, two of the key differences are the use of 50 cents worth of velcro, and a decent metal eyelot to stabalise the black cover.

Don't forget the removable shaft that lets you get up close w/ the SL...

Jan 26, 2010 at 02:52 PM

Josh Evilsizor
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p.18 #11 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

so... I got my PLM in the mail yesterday.

Likes

cost
plastic ribs..

dislikes
just pulled out of the box and threads are already coming loose(threads that run down the ribs that hold the fabric down) Not to worried though since I don't think they're vital to the performance.

I just need to get a 7mm shaft slid in there and I can try it out.

Jan 26, 2010 at 03:22 PM

gkayacan
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p.18 #12 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

4 final images with PLM as main light all the time.
- the large one -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4272055414/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4295551524/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4303924672/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4305745145/

and to ever1, even to mr paul c buff, watch this cool video of
a batch of young people doing commercial work in Brussels, Belgium with 100% Alienbees gear (:

http://www.vimeo.com/8743934

Jan 26, 2010 at 05:21 PM

sherijohnson
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p.18 #13 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

I finally got a chance to do a shoot using my new PLM and I really like the quality and the results on the images were quite good. I am pleased so far.

Jan 26, 2010 at 08:53 PM

gkayacan
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p.18 #14 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

my producer/main assistant asked me to get another PLM... a smaller one. the large is pretty ... large while used as a boom

Jan 28, 2010 at 12:14 AM

gkayacan
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p.18 #15 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

hello fellas, again, a new batch of pictures with the large PLM as mainlight.
the silver one + white shaft.

the white shaft gives me pain now... waiting for the new version !

hope u'll like it!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4378601610/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4375748606/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4372056291/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4365659277/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4362821199/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4342649765/

Feb 22, 2010 at 08:21 AM

gkayacan
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p.18 #16 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

again, large plm as a boom/main light
+ 2 bare

all alienbees

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4422266889/

Mar 11, 2010 at 12:15 AM

ExtendedPuppet
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p.18 #17 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

gkayacan wrote:
4 final images with PLM as main light all the time.
- the large one -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4272055414/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4295551524/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4303924672/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4305745145/

and to ever1, even to mr paul c buff, watch this cool video of
a batch of young people doing commercial work in Brussels, Belgium with 100% Alienbees gear (:

http://www.vimeo.com/8743934

Wow, what a cool location.
where/what was that?
Nice shots too!
I hate where I am now, no character.

Mar 11, 2010 at 11:30 AM

gkayacan
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p.18 #18 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

That was in an old church, very downtown Brussels.
The location is now private: A Swiss Real Estate company now got it.
There is tons of things in the church and its multiple complexes:
From concerts to exhibitions, it is really an interesting place we were really lucky to use for one fullday

Mar 11, 2010 at 03:09 PM

gkayacan
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p.18 #19 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

to be fair i think at some point u have to be really concerned about locations.
not use them only as a simple background.

i mean, it makes the whole picture aswell.
tomorrow morning we're going to take some snaps backstage one of the biggest concert halls in belgium for a shoot who will take next week.

it is really interesting to hook up with some cool locations.
the only thing is: you have to get the contacts...

Mar 11, 2010 at 03:13 PM

gkayacan
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p.18 #20 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

and about the PLM again; for using it almost all the time on all my sets...
I love it.
But i don't use the white cover sheet anymore.
It falls all the time, it just doenst work that well anymore.
The first couple of months it turned out "good" releving the issues of that product.

Im trying to figure it out a way to fix it anyway...

Oh, from another AB's customer here in Belgium: we're so happy to use PCB products.
Really. I've been using my bees 5days a week always on my vagabonds. Never had an issue. Never. Never. Never. Its reliable.

Mar 11, 2010 at 03:14 PM

Paul Buff
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p.18 #21 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

The white diffuser has been quite improved and I believe is now shipping. Check with customer service.

Version two goes well beyond this improvement and will make evenness across the diffuser much improved, as well as focusability of the PLM and on-axis mounting for Buff/Balcar mounts and Elinchrom mount, with no shaft protrusion. V2 should be available in 4-6 weeks.

Mar 11, 2010 at 06:27 PM

Paul Buff
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p.18 #22 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

mattr762 wrote:
Paul Buff wrote:
Yes. But around March V2 will have 7mm shaft and a completely different frame design and many improvements.
But will it cost the same? What's the importance of shaft size? Smaller seems like it would be weaker.
On V2, the 7mm portion is solid rather than hollow and only extends a short distance. There is also a speedring mounting method for Buff and Elincrom that places PLM on-axis and eliminates the 7mm shaft entirely and eliminates shaft protrusion out the back of the light.

No cost increase anticipated. Shipping anticipated in 4-6 weeks.

Mar 11, 2010 at 06:32 PM

c.d.embrey
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p.18 #23 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

Paul Buff wrote:
... There is also a speedring mounting method for Buff and Elincrom that places PLM on-axis and eliminates the 7mm shaft entirely and eliminates shaft protrusion out the back of the light.

Sounds like what Profoto has been doing for years on their Giant Reflectors. Always wondered why no-one else was doing it that way.

Losing the shaft coming out of the back of the light is a good safety feature. I'll get one of these speedring mounts and convert it to Profoto for this reason.

Mar 11, 2010 at 07:10 PM

gkayacan
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p.18 #24 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

looking forward to update my PLM, then

!

another image with the large PLM as mainlight.
it is a composited picture.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4426603119/

Mar 12, 2010 at 03:18 PM

gkayacan
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p.18 #25 · PCB PLM system REVIEWS

again, a couple of new pics (totally different) with PLM as mainlight

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4472925628/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gkayacan/4443595558/

Mar 29, 2010 at 09:00 AM


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