When I researched getting into 4x5 two things did not sink into my little 'ol brain at all:
1) How wonderful it is for portraits 2) Just the immense quantity of light required.
I have been incredibly surprised at #1 .. just shooting quick portraits of friends who visit on type 55 and I have been stunned at the wonderfulness. I have been deeply shocked (but not apalled) at #2; since I initally only considered it for landscape work, I never really gave much thought to the amount of light required to get an aperture that is useful.
So my focusing lights are fun (1500W of HomeDepot(tm) lighting), but the shutter is still too slow and if I add any diffusion, it is hopeless for people. My pair of very nice Canon 550EX strobes put a lot out for camera-mounted strobes, but again don't get close to F22 unless pointed directly at the subject and very close; not too useful most of the time.
I only shoot portraits just for fun, so I do NOT want to make a big investment. I am looking at used. I figure I need 3 heads (my 2 500's always leave me wanting on more; OTOH, I think you can probably never have enough...) Questions for those who have done this and are willing to help: 1) How much power is required (in Ws I guess)? I am assuming use of a soft box or brollies. 2) Will the modelling lights become useless if mix brands and/or powers? 3) Given that I will need some power adjustability, what would be some good units to look for on the used market which are reliable, powerful, blah blah basically good buys?
Any help would be appreciated. Portability is not a huge concern, battery powered is a non concern, I don't care about group shots, though interior "environmental shots" might be nice.
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