Carmen Miranda
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shoebox9 wrote:
The PLM's work nicely without the front diffuser, but it simply starts flapping in the slightest of a breeze.
Is it unreasonable to expect that a product sold with a front diffuser, will have an attachment system that relies on a combination of gravity and a perfectly windless environment?
Sadly, I must agree.
After my first introduction with the PLM, the front diffusers were immediately consigned to the storage closet. What goes in there, almost never comes out. 
Great idea on paper, but pretty useless IMO.
On the other hand, as a silver reflector this modifier has got some moxie. Still playing around with it, but already I can see some good uses for it.
I try not to think in terms of one modifier being better or worse than another when comparing. Heck, I'll use bed sheets if I have to. I like to stay focused on the attributes of each modifier and what they will contribute or take away from the shot. I'm also aware that with every advantage there are offset disadvantages. Any discussion about a modifiers advantages would do well to confront the disadvantages as well if it is to be truly appreciated and used to it's full potential. I simply don't believe there is one modifier that does everything for everybody, at least not well and certainly not a fraction of another's cost. As they say, a jack of all trades is a master of none.
The first thing I can assure you, this is NOT a EL-Octa, not even close. I suspect such comparisons are base on ignorance, exaggeration or wishful thinking. It's also not a BD, DO, Rotalux, Apollo or a Softlighter either. What I have found in the short time I've used it, is that it is a PLM. And frankly, I'm perfectly happy with that.
What do I see as the silver PLM advantages and what makes it special? Basically it is a high contrast umbrella WITH rapid fall off. You gotta love the portability, simplicity, fast set up and affordability of an umbrella, but when it comes to light control you invariably run into problems with a typical umbie. There was a recent thread here knocking umbrellas as lackluster, unexciting and worthless modifiers, mostly because they are so difficult to control. But the PLM gives me classic silver umbrella punch with a measure of softbox directionality and contrast that is not typically found in an umbrella. The matte silver surface was also a good choice of material.
Yes, the PLM is also very efficient. Of course that is nice also, but control is even better IMO.
Frankly I don't see this mod holding up outside, so it'll see pretty limited location duty. I've got other ways to deal with efficiency and I don't particularly want the nuclear holocast look anyway.
At the end of the day it's still an umbrella. When you compare on this basis, it ain't particularly cheap on a construction level but it ain't expensive on a performance level either. All in all, I think Paul has been very responsive to the "wants" of his customer base with the PLM. For others like myself, I think the PLM is worth adding to my tool box for those times it fits the bill, but I have to say it won't outright replace anything I currently use regardless of price.
Good luck.
Edited on Sep 11, 2009 at 07:39 PM · View previous versions
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