Long shot, but since have seen modified Quadra adapters with the DO and Eli BDs, anyone had the opportunity to try one with the heavier a Mola Demi? My Demi + Speedo grid is something of an acid test for light mounts..
That's my assumption as well. Wish Mola made a handle that could be retrofit to the Demi, but alas, no. I know the mod'd adapter will handle an Eli BD fine. But the Demi with the Speedo grid is a front-heavy beast.
I used my Quadra + Mola Demi over the weekend again, no problems. I have used the kit on quite a few senior sessions as well. Seems solid to me. Not quite as firm as a normal head, but it stays in place wherever I position it.
As a sidebar - how are sturdy are folks finding them umbrella 'socket' mounted on the side of the Quadra head? I assume from the pics it's molded plastic? Am curious how it would hold say a large softlighter (via adapter of course) on a boom.
I pack a medium SL II (7mm) with my Quadra kit and it works very well with the standard umbrella mount on the Q head, which BTW is molded plastic. Frankly I have more of an issue with SF's efficiency than I do with the light mount. I even tapped out the mount on another head for standard umbrellas. In either case, I don't use the Q-EL adaptor, which is reserved mainly for softboxes and sports reflectors. I will say the SL front diffuser goes on very easily with the standard Q reflector and the head is situated nicely in the center of the box.
I'm not sure what you have in mind with a 60" SL on a boom, but if safety is a concern then either the Freelite head or modified Q-EL adaptor with locking umbrella mount might be a more appropriate option.
Thank you both. Not being able to do a hands-on with these systems (Quadra, AcuteB, etc) prior to purchase is a cast iron PITA. Appreciate the assists.
If go Quadra, the intent with the SLII would be with the (modified) adapter (same with Demi) and from the sounds of it a Manfrotto umbrella mount in combo.
As an FYI, picked up a clean used Quadra-Eli adapter, tried it as is and then did the Manfrotto mod and tried with a Mola Demi+Speedo grid.
While other's have used this combo, I'd be reluctant to do so under less than ideal circumstances. Some feedback based on MY use (YMMV) of it:
0. The adapter is simply a metal ring frame, of 0.125" thick steel with a Quadra mount on one side and an Eli mount, with locking collar on the other. The central metal ring frame has a tab welded at one spot at 90 deg to it's face where the swivel mount attaches. This tab-ring junction play an important role later.
1. The adapter itself, baring the swivel mount, is quite nice. Robust (to a degree, see later), locks nicely.
2. The adapter swivel assembly, as on the DLites, is a PoS. No more delicate or accurate way to put it.
It needs the Manfrotto mod ideally, the lock washer mod at bare minimum. With bare reflector and the 16" sq Quadra SB, no issues, but beyond that you will likely eventually grenade the ratchet handle assembly, like with a DLite, by over-torquing it trying to stop the unit from creeping.
Unlike a normal monoblock or Ranger head, the Quadra light is so small and shallow it offers no counterweight to that of any modifier, so it all comes down to the strength of the adapter.
3. The Manfrotto-modified adapter held a Demi+ grid with no creep. My 53" Octa wasn't even an effort to hold stable. That's the good news.
The bad news is that with the Demi attached, the slightest touch of the front of the Demi (even when completing mounting process) starts the adapter flexing where the metal ring is welded to the tab that attaches to the swivel assembly. Wife walked in while it was doing this and here words were to the effect of "..that doesn't look good..." It might last years, it might last weeks - depends on use.
Looking at some options, but for those looking at having the ability to use a Quadra with a very large and/or heavy modifier that does not have it's own mount (e.g. Lite Bank, Mola Setti, Euro, Chimera speeding adapter plate., etc) should look beyond the adapter, even modified, and think of how to support said modifier on it's own - with the light simply hitching a ride.
Conner999 wrote:
Looking at some options, but for those looking at having the ability to use a Quadra with a very large and/or heavy modifier that does not have it's own mount (e.g. Lite Bank, Mola Setti, Euro, Chimera speeding adapter plate., etc) should look beyond the adapter, even modified, and think of how to support said modifier on it's own - with the light simply hitching a ride.
Conner,
The best solution for using a heavy or jumbo mod with a Quadra pack is to go with a Freelite or standard Eli pack head and cable adaptor.
I certainly understand why most would rather just go light and forego this option with a Quadra, but for those that are concerned about the strength of the Q-EL adaptor or need to haul around a big beauty dish or gridded softbox on location this is a pretty sweet option to have.
Overall I'm pretty happy with my modified Q-EL adaptor on mods like the DO and 27" BD, but I'm sure I'd be more concerned with a Demi/grid combo too.
Agree. If wanting a Quadra pack and ability, even rarely, to confidently use a heftier-than-average modifier - a Ranger head is the only viable option. Nice option is one already own a Ranger. Drop a Ranger and Quadra head in your bag and keep your options open.
The Demi (a very easy modifier, especially with a grid, to get addicted to) is not only heavier than an Eli BD in general but deeper and thus more fwd biased with the resulting greater leverage effect vs. an Eli BDs or the DO. The latter, being very light for it's size, carries the vast majority of it's weight, the speed ring, right at the light face, presenting little problem to a Manfrotto-modified adapter.
Conner
I'm pretty sure our bracket with our Eli adapter will do what you are looking for....
I would be willing to to work with you to try it out and overcome this issue if your interested.
King Regards
Jerry
