BubbaJon wrote:
True - so basically if the cost of the caps approaches the cost of cover then just live with it as a possible inevitability.
Exactly. The covers are inexpensive enough to buy two, if you think that might be a problem. Because you're not likely to put the cover on so that the tips rub the same spot every time, it's probably not a big deal.
Sorry to create such a stir by asking about that design aspect. The current design seems quite adequate, and the convenience is a reasonable tradeoff for the small possibility of it wearing through. If I had to buy a new diffuser every couple years for $30, I wouldn't complain a bit.
A more "real" problem with the diffuser is when/if the elastic fails = very loose fit. I have two diffusers for their beauty dishes that failed after the warranty period. Cheap enough to replace but surprised at a shoot when it just barely hung on ... thankfully had gaffers tape.
Ronny Mills wrote:
A more "real" problem with the diffuser is when/if the elastic fails = very loose fit. I have two diffusers for their beauty dishes that failed after the warranty period. Cheap enough to replace but surprised at a shoot when it just barely hung on ... thankfully had gaffers tape.
Man, do any of you people ever fly in commercial airplanes?
The PLM diffusers use a strong elastic round cord with an adjustment mechanism to set the tension so the diffuser fits at just the right tension to keep the face flat and wrinkle free but not so tight as to bend the PLM rods in and distort the shape. Totally different than the fixed, flat elastic used for beauty dishes. There is simply nothing likely to fail or wear out.
Paul Buff wrote:
The PLM diffusers use a strong elastic round cord with an adjustment mechanism to set the tension so the diffuser fits at just the right tension to keep the face flat and wrinkle free but not so tight as to bend the PLM rods in and distort the shape. Totally different than the fixed, flat elastic used for beauty dishes. There is simply nothing likely to fail or wear out.
"People that use them have reported zero problems . . . . they work fine, and self adjust to tolerances and don't poke through the fabric and aren't likely to in service . . . the pressure required to cause this just isn't there."
Let's try to have some realistic expectations for a $100 light modifier. My $1000 Octabank was falling apart after a couple of years of normal use and Elinchrom wanted $650 to fix it. Most modifiers aren't bulletproof.
Honestly I would like to see some more images taken with the PLM.
I'm waiting for the vagabond mini! I can't wait to finally bring my strobes from the studio and onto the street!
I also can't wait to gruel test the battery and get actual flash amounts using 1,2, and 3 d-lite's (i'm not biased for elinchrom strobes. I want the einstein's but will wait until I land a job.)
I used my PLM recently outdoor - like i always do -
Unfortunately it got windy in 5 seconds and my PLM smashed on the floor...
Hopefully the umbrella itself is 100% ok, but the part who holds the PLM to the head is broken in two and i have no idea how i can fix it. I'd probably have to find a new one which can both fit the PLM .... AND the Bee's head ...
It's a shame for me as I use a lot the PLM on my sets and it's currently in Back order....
I don't know if i'll be able to fix it. If not i'm gonna have to do the switch to Softlighter II until there's some PLM in stocks...
+1 - I have a gig coming up 1st part of December that I'd LOVE to have the PLM for. *sigh* I know we're spoiled, but also a few of months is indeed a long time, and I love the fact that it's to make sure I have a quality product.... mixed bag at best...
Cheap enough to replace but surprised at a shoot when it just barely hung on ... thankfully had gaffers tape. 