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