JPP802 wrote:
Can the Buff Parabolic be made to work with a Lumedyne or Quantum head?
Lumadyne yes. Don't have a quantum head so I can't test that. But if it takes an 8mm shaft, then the answer is affirmative.
To attach the Quadra head to the PLM I used a Lowel Lobo clamp (Lowel product # F1-30) and a three inch long 5/8" (standard stand mount diameter) stud. this gets the center of the Quadra head approx. 2.25 inches off axis.
The Profoto Giant reflector 180 weighs 6.2 kg or 13.22 lbs BTW 180 cm = 70.9 in so it is slightly smaller than the PLM 86". I've used a Matthews C-stand to mount the previous model Profoto 7 foot Giant reflector. I know a commercial photographer who uses a C-stand. This is on stage of course. I prefer rolling light stands for stage use.
The largest Profoto, the Giant reflector 300 (300 cm = 118 in) weighs 18 kg or 39.68 lbs.
Even though I have the PLM I'll continue to use the Profoto when appropriate.
Mr. Natural sez: At home and at work always use the right tool for the job.
E-Vener wrote:
To attach the Quadra head to the PLM I used a Lowel Lobo clamp (Lowel product # F1-30) and a three inch long 5/8" (standard stand mount diameter) stud. this gets the center of the Quadra head approx. 2.25 inches off axis.
Can you take a pic of this set-up? Please...........
E-Vener wrote:
If someone doesn't understand that setting up any 75" diameter umbrella , bounce panel or softbox outside at close to a horizontal angle even under the calmest conditions requires a heavy stand and a pretty fair amount of ballast , then I think we can agree that is a case of "user error"./quote]
lol...like the person who mounted the PLM on the tip of the shaft and then wanted to mount a strobe partway down the shaft
The 86" (silver lining) PLM is lighter than I expected it to be. Construction isn't flimsy just light weight. The 8mm diameter shaft is shorter than the the rib length . There are 16 panels so the perimeter is closer to a circle than an eight panel umbrella, "brolly box" or the Octalight. It looks like a giant but shallow umbrella.
First test: (efficiency):
Tools:
Sekonic L758dr in incident mode
Light source: Elinchrom Quadra + a Quadra A head (no reflector) in the A channel. Output set to 400 watt-seconds. (Just because Elinchrom's management chose to go with a non-industry standard umbrella shaft size doesn't mean there aren't ways to easily solve the problem with out resorting to having the shaft replaced or machined down --but more about that in another post). Flash triggered by Skyport.
3) fired flash 10 times with 6 seconds between firings
Results:
On axis: f/16.0 @ 10 feet , meter set to IS0 100 and 1/125th second.
Off-axis: (@ 10 foot distance aand meter located approximately 3.5 feet from axis) f/11.8 to f/16) the variation is likely do to the characteristics of the room ( 9ft ceiling, dark floor, mid tone walls, white ceiling)
By comparison , turnign the Quadra head around so it pointed directly atthe meter and adding the standard Quadra reflector, the on-axis reading was 11.2 , but that reflector is a wide angle design intended for use with an umbrella.
Just for grins I turned the reflector equipped Quadra head back around pointing into the Paul C. Buff PLM. This only added 0.2 stops to my non reflector equipped Quadra + PLM readings. ...Show more →
Ellis,
I appreciate the feedback. I have done a lot of testing of PLM 64 and 86 with AB800 set to 320WS. I focus the PLM critically by observing the modeling lamp pattern on the seamless while sliding the light in and out, 10' from the umbrella face. Maximum focus is obtained with the flashtube about two inches in front of the PLM rib tips (exactly where it will fall with the 7" PLM spill kill reflector). Under these conditions I am getting f16 + 9/10f at ISO100 with Gossen flashmeter. This is confirmed by RAW examination of the resulting shots. I have done this outdoors also, with similar exposure results.
We will be shooting more exacting shots and carefully measuring exposure next week in a very large room with high ceilings - my shots are downstairs in my home - small junky space. We will also be shooting various shots with a photo quality mannequin I just ordered.
shatterkiss wrote:
Y'know what, I changed my mind: I'm not so interested in having anyone bring one by the studio so we can shoot tests after all. And c.d., if it's too late to not have that unit ship to me I'll just reship it to you on my dime. I'm really not interested in a product whose maker clearly doesn't want me as a customer.
Hang in there Simon!
I don't know why Paul goes out of his way to personally attack one of the more popular people on this board. You know you are doing a good job I hope!
Just one more step in a degeneration to DPReview levels here.
Just tried it with the 2500 w-s Zeus. At 2500 w-s, 10 feet, ISO 100, the on axis meter reading is consistently f/45. I obviously don't have the Spill Kill reflector so the head was just bare. I have the flash tube pretty much parallel to the rim of the PLM.
This is a very efficient, very large reflector.
For those wondering what the differences are between similar sized umbrellas and the PLM and the Broncolor, Briese, and Profoto collapsible parabolic reflectors efficiency is one of the big differences.
Greater efficiency means you need less power and that means more flashes per battery charge (if you aren't AC powered); shorter recycling times; and depending on the design of the flash generator shorter flash duration at those lower power settings, so if you need a large light source for the effect you want, but also want shorter recycling times (think fashion, think action portraits) this kind of tool is definitely something to consider.
E-Vener wrote:
Just tried it with the 2500 w-s Zeus. At 2500 w-s, 10 feet, ISO 100, the on axis meter reading is consistently f/45. I obviously don't have the Spill Kill reflector so the head was just bare. I have the flash tube pretty much parallel to the rim of the PLM.
This is a very efficient, very large reflector.
For those wondering what the differences are between similar sized umbrellas and the PLM and the Broncolor, Briese, and Profoto collapsible parabolic reflectors efficiency is one of the big differences.
Greater efficiency means you need less power and that means more flashes per battery charge (if you aren't AC powered); shorter recycling times; and depending on the design of the flash generator shorter flash duration at those lower power settings, so if you need a large light source for the effect you want, but also want shorter recycling times (think fashion, think action portraits) this kind of tool is definitely something to consider. ...Show more →
Ellis, have you by chance evaluated the evenness of the lighting across the PLM? The efficiency is obvious and ridiculous (in the good way Paul), but there's only been one other visual report of how even it spreads into such a large modifier.
And thanks again for all you're sharing with us here.
Eveness as reflected in a smooth surface or evenness over a large, smooth but non reflective surface or area? I would not use one to directly illuminate a car for example -- I'd put at least one layer of diffusion of in front of it of the rig -- not the PLM diffuser but a larger - like 12 foot x 12 foot -- scrim.
E-Vener wrote:
Just tried it with the 2500 w-s Zeus. At 2500 w-s, 10 feet, ISO 100, the on axis meter reading is consistently f/45. I obviously don't have the Spill Kill reflector so the head was just bare. I have the flash tube pretty much parallel to the rim of the PLM.
This is a very efficient, very large reflector.
For those wondering what the differences are between similar sized umbrellas and the PLM and the Broncolor, Briese, and Profoto collapsible parabolic reflectors efficiency is one of the big differences.
Greater efficiency means you need less power and that means more flashes per battery charge (if you aren't AC powered); shorter recycling times; and depending on the design of the flash generator shorter flash duration at those lower power settings, so if you need a large light source for the effect you want, but also want shorter recycling times (think fashion, think action portraits) this kind of tool is definitely something to consider. ...Show more →
But does efficiency come at the cost of light quality? I'm asking since the samples being provided are no where near the other parabolic samples I've seen.
I guess I'm wondering how even the light coming out of it is. Early tests on another site showed very even light, within 1 stop or so across the undiffused face at a few feet distance, and I was wondering whether you'd found something similar or otherwise.
Paul Buff wrote:
For sure it comes at a risk. But I find that risk is offset by the number of readers who like to see the information I post.
I also like the info but feel there is no need to put anyone down EVER. You need to keep youself above that. Shatter is a great voice of reason on a lot of topics and well respected. I have also read his posts and he does not use your stuff but has never really bashed it - at least in my opinion and i do use your equipment and have been quite happy. Your information will help your products but that can all be washed away with one silly comment - if you don't like what they are saying just ignore them (i know it can be tough but take a step back and a deep breath)
E-Vener wrote:
Greater efficiency means you need less power and that means more flashes per battery charge (if you aren't AC powered); shorter recycling times; and depending on the design of the flash generator shorter flash duration at those lower power settings, so if you need a large light source for the effect you want, but also want shorter recycling times (think fashion, think action portraits) this kind of tool is definitely something to consider.
I'll use my three PLMs for location work where I need the AcuteB. But for studio and large locations I'll continue to us Profoto Giant Reflectors and 8A generators. Can't get faster recycling or shorter duration than that.
"But does efficiency come at the cost of light quality? I'm asking since the samples being provided are "
As these things get into more peoples hands and the people who own them already start experimenting more and getting out of their comfort zone you should see sample image quality really improve. Some effort and money will need to be spent on the other production values. But RoanJohnny (is that right?) samples are pretty good.
