I got a press release from Paul C. Buff tonight:

""Buff announces Australian Partner"


the gist of it is that as of October 30, 2009 Paul C. Buff lighting will be represented in Australia by 1st Line Digital

Never heard of Ist Line Digital. Can anyone enlighten me on them?

Here's the link, forgot that earlier: http://www.paulcbuff.com.au/

Sweet prices!

This is wonderful news!

1st Line just started programing this web site. Colin Smith (owner) is a great programmer and works very fast. But there are some errors in some of the product descriptions, etc. He should have these worked out in a few days. The prices appear to be correct, and are in AU$. 1st Line has repair services in the works.

How does that work, do you just send them complete service manuals or will you send some of your staff to your international reps to train them?

They will have service manuals and experienced techs. They won't be expected to do component level repairs (no company does that much any more with SMT parts). What they can't repair they will replace and ship back to us. Eventually we will probably end up with some refurbished units in the process.

Remember, AU is a tad smaller than US or EU. We researched carefully - 1st Line is a small and very personalized company and we have structured things so they can make a profit and AU customers can get the best prices we can make happen.

This is fantastic news.

As an Aussie who has acquired 6X B800's, 1 X Vagabond II, 1X ABR800 and an assortment of PCB Softboxes and Modifiers I now feel a confirmation that I have made the right purchase decision. I am appreciative of the improved accessibility to PCB products and also relieved there is now a local service option should it ever be required.

I would like to wish you and the local partner all the best in this venture and also to say thank you.

I still have an extensive PCB wish list including some Einsteins, Softboxes and the 86" Silver PLM so I am sure I will be getting acquainted with the local distributors very soon.

On a side note love your products and keep up the good work.

Again best of luck.

Regards,

JC

Paul, this is great news.
A question, If we have purchased through the US website, are we able to get things serviced in Aussie ?

Also Can we get the GST off if buying from over sea's ?

Are they shipping internationally, or is it just within Australia? I live in the Philippines and would love to order a set of Alienbees!

dip.mojica wrote:
Are they shipping internationally, or is it just within Australia? I live in the Philippines and would love to order a set of Alienbees!

I just discussed this with 1st Line. They have the authority and interest to ship to the Philippines and other parts of the Pacific Rim and I have encouraged them to do so. Contact them - I'm sure they will be helpfully and nice to deal with.

Can I return to 1st Line Digital, the mint condition 6x PLM's I bought from PCB in the US? Or perhaps they will be the local distributor of free replacement white front diffusers, once some that fit are made?

Afterall, Paul had repeatedly compared his products to early versions of software, so, as with software, many of us are expecting an upgrade to a version that works properly.

(PS I'd accept a credit if necessary.)

Well, I have to say the prices are considerably better than I expected.

We were having a chat about it over on the Aussie thread on POTN last night and it'd be fair to say everyone was pretty surprised by how they managed to keep the pricing down.

Maybe add a warningtext to vagabond saying it can only run on 110v ?

shoebox9 wrote:
Can I return to 1st Line Digital, the mint condition 6x PLM's I bought from PCB in the US? Or perhaps they will be the local distributor of free replacement white front diffusers, once some that fit are made?

Afterall, Paul had repeatedly compared his products to early versions of software, so, as with software, many of us are expecting an upgrade to a version that works properly.

(PS I'd accept a credit if necessary.)

You are asking for things that are way outside of stated policy. That said, I'm sure 1st Line will work as diligently as possible as our agent to make sure you are satisfied. But you are putting words in my mouth that were never stated. If you act decently and in good faith (as I find most Aussies do) you'll be taken care of. But do you think that if I bought a European product and had it shipped from Europe to the US, then told B&H or Adorama I want to return it that they would say "Sure, here's your money?"

CreV wrote:
Maybe add a warningtext to vagabond saying it can only run on 110v ?

You're right. I wasn't aware this was not specifically stated. I will see that it is taken care of.

miccullen wrote:
Well, I have to say the prices are considerably better than I expected.

We were having a chat about it over on the Aussie thread on POTN last night and it'd be fair to say everyone was pretty surprised by how they managed to keep the pricing down.

We had many requests from conventional distributors and retail AU store to sell our products. Had we done that the prices would be about 30% higher.

1st Line acts as our direct partner and sells in the same manner as we do here - direct from 1st Line to customer. We worked very hard together to assure the AU price is as low as it possibly be. I believe you will find Colin and his 1st Line staff will do their level best to provide the same sort of customer service as we do here in the USA.

Paul Buff wrote:
CreV wrote:
Maybe add a warningtext to vagabond saying it can only run on 110v ?

You're right. I wasn't aware this was not specifically stated. I will see that it is taken care of.

So is the 110V the input or output? The site says "The system additionally includes a built-in global charger (for 100VAC to 260VAC charging)", which is good, but will it run the 220V ABs sold alongside it?

(Sorry, but this is a touch confusing, this point.)

It is confusing - sorry. Vagabond II will only operate 110V lights, but can be charged from any voltage fro 95V to 265V. We had to do a lot of work to get the 110V version made and just haven't had a sufficient number of sales requests for a 220V version. Innovatronics makes a 220V similar power supply at a similar price. I believe it is made in the Philippines. This is the best currently available option for running 220V lights. Einstein will eliminate all these issues and is coming along well.

Paul Buff wrote:
It is confusing - sorry. Vagabond II will only operate 110V lights, but can be charged from any voltage fro 95V to 265V. We had to do a lot of work to get the 110V version made and just haven't had a sufficient number of sales requests for a 220V version. Innovatronics makes a 220V similar power supply at a similar price. I believe it is made in the Philippines. This is the best currently available option for running 220V lights. Einstein will eliminate all these issues and is coming along well.

Ah, OK. Yes, that DEFINITELY needs to be made clear on the site, as it looks like it's being sold to be used with the llights that are also for sale.

I was planning on hanging out for the new lights anyway, so that's a plus.

Thanks.

shoebox9 wrote:
Can I return to 1st Line Digital, the mint condition 6x PLM's I bought from PCB in the US? Or perhaps they will be the local distributor of free replacement white front diffusers, once some that fit are made?

Afterall, Paul had repeatedly compared his products to early versions of software, so, as with software, many of us are expecting an upgrade to a version that works properly.

(PS I'd accept a credit if necessary.)

shoebox9 you please contact me via a PM or email info@paulcbuff.com.au to discuss.

Thanks Colin,

Despite my own dissapointment in this first version of the product, I think the PLM's are a very clever design, after decades of lighting companies blindly following each other with stupidly designed, wastefully de-focused umbrellas.

Speaking of Australia, how many decades did it take before people stopped building their houses with the main windows facing south, just like back in England....? (Over 100 years in some parts.) Umbrella design has been a bit like that till now.

Just a quick update to say that I've contacted Colin, who in the spirit that PCB is renown for, has offered a solution to my issues that I am very happy with.

As an aussie I'm stoked with that announcement. Think I will hang out for the Einstein range unless they are considerably higher. Main reason being I could get a vagabond power suply for them and still use my lights on mains power as well. I'd rather buy a portable battery from a company that is doing the right thing price wise. We get ripped off with most of the camera gear in Aus it's good to see someone doing the right thing!!