Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

The_Thin_Man
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

Hi FM Team,

I have numerous PCB Einstein lights and I am finding that I am getting closer toward needing (Ok... wanting) the services of the PCB optical snoot. The message on the website is clear,
CAUTION: THIS MODIFIER IS NOT DESIGNED FOR USE WITH HALOGEN MODELING LAMPS OR THE WHITE LIGHTNING X3200.

So, this is an issue for the Einstein's. The risk with the halogen bulb is excess heat build up, and a burn hazard, or potential damage to the flash unit. But I'm wondering how many of you out there are one of those "wild" photographers that are breaking this rule and using the modeling lamp briefly at a substantially reduced power, and with reasonable caution applied, using the bulb long enough to get focus, then turning the lamp off? If so, how does this work for you? Is it acceptable/problematic?

I heard rumor of an LED modeling light that will be compatible with the Einstein lights but was told this by PCB: "though we have tested some, and are keeping an eye out for a suitable one. The issue we have run into is all the varieties that fit Einstein are plastic, which has a tendency to melt from the flash output of the light. We have yet to find a glass variety in this mount (we have found some for the Alien Bees/White Lightning). Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the light bulb industry at this time."

Seems like upgrading to the Celestial, or Link, may be the safest way to use this modifier but wanted to get the thoughts of the brain trust before I came to any final conclusions.

May 16, 2024 at 01:45 PM

story_teller
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

If you become one of those “wild” photographers you mentioned, make sure to significantly raise your liability insurance and have a suitable fire extinguisher handy. Distractions can happen when you are photographing and that’s all it takes for an unpleasant event to occur. You’re trapping a lot of heat in a small area, so it doesn’t take much time to build up. It’s not a good long-term strategy.

May 17, 2024 at 06:54 AM

The_Thin_Man
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

Fair points, @story_teller.

It may be wise to simply wait until I either upgrade to the Celestial or change my lighting system entirely.

May 17, 2024 at 10:06 AM

rico
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

I use Profoto packs with halogen, and modelling is prohibited for one or two modifiers. The snoot is not one of them although it does get hot. Heads and snoot have metal build, the heads are fan-cooled, and there's thermal cut-off, so I don't worry about burning down the building. However, I really just use modelling lights to aim the fixture, not to aid focus: you should provide sufficient ambient for that purpose.

May 17, 2024 at 12:02 PM

kaplah
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

The_Thin_Man wrote:
But I'm wondering how many of you out there are one of those "wild" photographers that are breaking this rule and using the modeling lamp briefly at a substantially reduced power, and with reasonable caution applied, using the bulb long enough to get focus, then turning the lamp off? If so, how does this work for you? Is it acceptable/problematic?
[...]
Seems like upgrading to the Celestial, or Link, may be the safest way to use this modifier but wanted to get the thoughts of the brain trust before I came to any final conclusions.
1) I've use similar optical snoots on E640s as you have thought to do - brief used of the modelling light. It worked fine, of course you need to be diligent about shutting it off as soon as you're done with it. Is it acceptable? That's up to you.
2) I think you'll like the Celestial, if you need portability and rapid recycle. The Link if you're studio-centric and don't mind the weight a size.

May 20, 2024 at 11:13 AM

The_Thin_Man
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

1) I've use similar optical snoots on E640s as you have thought to do - brief used of the modelling light. It worked fine, of course you need to be diligent about shutting it off as soon as you're done with it. Is it acceptable? That's up to you.
2) I think you'll like the Celestial, if you need portability and rapid recycle. The Link if you're studio-centric and don't mind the weight a size.

Thanks for the input! This (#1) was exactly how I have heard is the standard operating procedure when using halogen lights. Turn it on, use the modeling light, compose, turn it off and fire. I'm fairly aware to lots of details during shoots, and not quite so scattered, so I don't feel like it would be too much of a hassle for me. It's not ideal but I think it could work.

As for the Celestial, I actually don't need the portability or rapid recycle. I'm all studio but the Link is quite a bit more in cost and in power, both of which I don't technically need. The Einstein's are a sweet spot. If they had LED's, they would be perfect for me.

May 20, 2024 at 11:36 AM

story_teller
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

I forgot to mention in my earlier post that Rosco makes a black cinefoil. You might be able to fashion a shoot with that. It’s heat resistant, but probably not a long term solution.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=cinefoil&sts=ma

May 21, 2024 at 01:53 PM

The_Thin_Man
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

Great low-budget, yet effective solution, @story_teller!

May 21, 2024 at 02:01 PM

The_Thin_Man
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

Latest update from Paul C Buff on potentially revamping the Einstein and/or adapting it for LED:

"We do not currently have any plans to redesign the E640, we have tested a few LED bulbs that are available but they all have some type of plastic component, and they have all melted due to heat from the tube when using them enclosed in a modifier. We are trying to find an all glass LED bulb that will work in the E640 but so far have had no luck."

May 22, 2024 at 03:02 PM

delsol9400
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

There are some LED bulbs out there that are ceramic. I was going to try this one... or maybe another bulb with a different base with an adapter... In the meantime you could use a lower wattage bulb to play it safe. Nothing beats the flash duration of the Einstein for the price. Even the Celestial.

https://www.amazon.com/Edearkar-Halogen-Equivalent-Daylight-Dimmable/dp/B0C13D9X81/ref=sr_1_15?crid=BPCMME9K19OT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ghXLsWjpzedP9REUlCYX_elXn0S2w32ZhyVrZdxNmj41AxGWACqE49zg84hPyjJhmW95ci2Vah0qiasWAO1kujzekzkQ09y5nfgg4KcHn7aO-cXbxbrYsmV6tol34qbFiusLqviqYoqXpEi8cFRQWLgvx1tU96Koe56PlMCDPXYSIJmINoV7O4IJm5UvqSg4nE_IXIKiBcB8Pa2At5bgHQ6aFEDyOidYWRmHiioEhJ3jxtgjK08G7IfJe6NzLSsRpvhnOLT0s8q8rgyOvPBgRAwSjNwIPIcYPXmPaKFcODo.qnlzo4y-Ica0wfGmMTh3CPD_LVRe7KWkha3MUFuxpUI&dib_tag=se&keywords=150w+corn+led+ceramic&qid=1716435606&sprefix=150w+corn+led+cerami%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-15

May 22, 2024 at 10:41 PM

kaplah
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Paul C Buff Eclipse Optical Snoot on Einstein Lights

delsol9400 wrote:
I was going to try this one

Let us know how it works out!

May 24, 2024 at 07:11 AM


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