Broncolor Flash Pack Bonanza [Archive] - Page 2 - Large Format Photography Forum

Daniel Unkefer

6-May-2024, 07:45

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51812930245_43055969bd_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mWwP2x)Still Life Shell (https://flic.kr/p/2mWwP2x) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Testing my new FOBA DIMIL Sweep Table. I want to get a large sheet of thick table glass made for it so I can "float" small objects. And cut down a sheet of thick plexi to make a shoot through diffusers

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51406993920_83357d6129_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mjEhio)Broncolor Balloon and FOBA Sweep Table (https://flic.kr/p/2mjEhio) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Mal Paso

6-May-2024, 13:28

I used 1/4" tempered glass. A lot can be had cheap. Most large glass installers have inventories of Tempered that was The Wrong Size. You can't cut it after it's been tempered. Plus it's safer to work with.

Daniel Unkefer

7-May-2024, 07:58

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53705216931_2f27cf4899_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pPKgW4)FOBA 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2pPKgW4) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Something like this is what I want to restore, I have an olde FOBA DIMIL Sweep Table with FOBA wheels. Yes a tempered glass top 1/4" thick would do nicely. I will start inquirinig locally there are big glass plants in this area. A scrap piece cut wrong will do the job. This will allow me to "float objects" and it's a classic technique for small products. My DIMIL table came from Florida stored outside but cleaned up nicely. Plexiglass curved piece is also a possibility.

Mal Paso

7-May-2024, 19:14

Another trick is a boom coming out of the center of a flat with a small shelf with adjustable angle, the boom running through the flat also adjustable. The flat can be white, grey, or another piece of art. This is better when the angle you want would show the rear glass edge. Some subjects are just too tall for certain angles on glass.

Daniel Unkefer

11-May-2024, 09:02

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53712781602_0782a82ceb_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pQq3Dq)Broncolor Impact S40 300J Impact Beauty Light Homemade Grid (https://flic.kr/p/2pQq3Dq) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Basically this is the 300J unit that replaced the original Impact 41 monolight. Takes same accessories, Homemade Grid $30 for sheet of Honeycomb material which I cut with pattern and scissors. Finally spray painted it from all sides with flat black Hi Temperature Krylon. Now it makes the light I have been wanting from it for decades, so I hardly ever used it. With Diffusion sheet it becomes about the same as a Softbox, this unit now produces beautiful graduated light with soft graduated edges. And a lovely specular quality, the bowl is white inside. BTW I've never seen the Honeycomb Impact Grid offered for sale EVER in all my lookings for cheap kit.

Daniel Unkefer

24-May-2024, 07:18

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53742319667_59ee9e7726_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pT2rhp)Test Target 1 New Broncolor Strip Light (https://flic.kr/p/2pT2rhp) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Test Digital Image Nex 7 checking lighting. New Broncolor Strip Light in right back corner, provides nice extra edge light. Hanging from Manfrotto Scissors from the ceiling, very adjustable and makes the most use of the space. One also back corner camera left available but not used for this test. Also the 1000mm F16 is aimed at this (same view), leaving it set up. Octobox 150, and Balloon used again as front and side (fill) light

I'm CLA'ing the two FOBA C40 Tripods in the workshop. Ordering 12x6mm circular bubble Levels on Amazon, these will refurbish a lot of tripods for $9.95

Daniel Unkefer

25-May-2024, 11:39

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53746070634_523c5ede41_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pTmEjf)Camera Rear Left Broncolor Primo 1600J Strip Light Scissors Mounted (https://flic.kr/p/2pTmEjf) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I wanted a permanent mount Strip Light (adjustable up and down), A stand really fills up the space. So I bolted another FOBA Combitube Mounts, and suspended another Manfrotto Scissors attached to it. Right now it's a 1600J Primo Head fan cooled, plenty enough for most subjects. If I need to I can switch out for more Power to Pulso. This produces a beautiful white rim light all along the left edge of subjects. POP POP POP. Also have an identical unit on camera rear right. And if I want to, I can pop these onto a stand. But making the most use of my small space. Very adjustable.

Remember Steve Sint from Modern Photography? Here's a fun liquor shoot "A shot of Scotch". A Great Teacher RIP

https://setshoptutorials.com/shot-of-scotch/

Couple of cheap sawhorses, and a plywood sheet cut with a hole saw on an electric drill. Diffusion under the hole.

Daniel Unkefer

2-Jun-2024, 06:56

Mal Paso

2-Jun-2024, 18:12

This is great information. I'm trying to envision this setup in my head. For smaller objects I'll wager. Thank You!

I used to shoot product where background wasn't desirable. Down shots work well on glass but when the angle is low you have the glass edge to deal with. I would put the product on a boom coming through a white flat then trim down the white with dark paper so I didn't pick up reflections of the background leaving just a bit of white around the product then crop the black paper out in the darkroom. The other way is to light the product and let the background go grey and shoot a second Lith negative with just the background lit combining the image with the Mask in post. This was done suspended from an overhead gantry but same thing. The chairs were powder coated high gloss and I needed to hold the edges.

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Daniel Unkefer

18-Jun-2024, 06:52

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53798601518_0c6e218e1d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pXZTV9)1000mm F16 Apo Ronar Test HRU XRAY D23 Octobox (https://flic.kr/p/2pXZTV9) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is a measly 1600J Broncolor Primo Pack, Splitting power 80% Octobox, and 20%/30% Broncolor 15x120cm Strip Lights, (they did not record at all). This is a classic example of why BEEG Studio Strobes need to be around for certain uber slow film uses....

This approx. 50 EI Fuji HRU was repeatedly popped using the self cocking Sinar Norma Shutter. I popped eighteen times here to build up the exposure! That is a LOT of strobe energy. You simply can't do this with inky-dinky 200J or 300J Monolights. You would be popping hundreds of times, then reciprocity characteristics will schmutz your results. Multiple popping only works up to a point AFAIK. Sometimes you need enough power for F64 in the studio. I may reshoot this using one head into each 1600J Pack. Then I will see the beautiful strip lighting (mine are 15x120cm with optional Broncolor strip masking attachment).

My new 1000mm F16 Rodenstock Apo Ronar seems to be on par with all my other Apo Ronars in my lens stable. I'm delighted to have found this one for my uses. BTW I run all my packs on SLOW CHARGE which makes my recycle times about 8 sec or so. Easier on the equipment this way. POP POP POP

Daniel Unkefer

21-Jun-2024, 07:51

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53806418713_236c48cb35_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pYFXGn)First Test of NPL 8x10 HRU 1000mm F32 18 pops Octobox (https://flic.kr/p/2pYFXGn) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

First test of Negative Lab Pro, a program which converts large format negatives (small ones too) into nice looking positives. This is 8x10 Fuji HRU XRAY Film, D23 replenished. Neg copied with Sony Nex-7 (36mp) with 50mm Zeiss F2.8 Touit, an AWESOME optic. Big learning curve ahead :)

Mal Paso

21-Jun-2024, 21:37

Histograms are your friend. "Curves" is my favorite adjustment tool.

I'm building a copy stand, picked up the steel last week. I've been stalling, contemplating the base. It just dawned on me, I want a transparency window. Just need to decide how big.

I have the lights, polarizers and alignment mirror.

Daniel Unkefer

27-Jun-2024, 07:27

My new Silver Print Copy Setup. Broncolor Impact 300J Cross Polarized Plaubel Makiflex 150mm F9 Rodenstock Apo Ronar 6x6 Foma 200 Legacy Mic-X Replenished Arista #2 RC 8x10 Omega Dii Omegalite Multigrade dev

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53810293606_20d3872823_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pZ2PyS)Makiflex Copy 45 Two Cross Polarized Impact 300J Monolight (https://flic.kr/p/2pZ2PyS) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Minolta SRT Copy Stand Sony Nex-7 8x10 Arista #2 RC Multigrade Developer. Zeiss 50mm F2.8 Touit lens AWESOME optic. Two Cross Polarized Broncolor Impact Monolights 300J at 45 camera left and right, pointed 45 down. Plaubel Makiflex on Sinar Norma Optical Bench, Foma 200 developed in D23. My new copy setup for digitiziing silver gelatin prints.

Daniel Unkefer

27-Jun-2024, 07:44

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53812984061_03a4e8e7d9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pZgBm2)New 8x10 Kodak 3F 15 liter Basket Line Dev Fix Wash Filled with H20 works good (https://flic.kr/p/2pZgBm2) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I'm finally setting up my Kodak 8x10 B&W Basket Line. Ordered from Artcraft 5 pounds Sodium Sulphite, 1 pound Metol, already had Sodium Metaborate for making D23 Replenisher. Need six more gallons of Distilled Water from Krogers. Testing 18x24cm MinR-L right now, getting closer to what I want. So far I prefer it to HRU 8x10, which has different qualities.

Mal Paso

27-Jun-2024, 20:12

I missed your copy setup the first time. I got a 6' mast (removable) for my stand in case I want to use the 105 macro on the Z7ii. It's long but incredibly sharp, no distortion.

Nice Sink! I found the Kodak hangers, used for B&W, sensitive to manual agitation, to much hyper develops the film around the holes. I was fortunate to get a set of Evolution Hangers so I didn't have to correct my behavior. Just get a nitrogen burst grid and you'll be golden.

Daniel Unkefer

29-Jun-2024, 08:17

Thanks I'll look around as usual. LOL

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53111787110_7616326b73_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oViMVq)FOBA ARTEO Metal Tray bolted to Plaubel Camera Stand (https://flic.kr/p/2oViMVq) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I bought this uber expensive FOBA ARTEO Camera Stand Accessory Holder, for a great price on Ebay. Been wondering how in the world to attach it to my olde Plaubel Peco Camera Stand. Worked on it (on and off) for the last few days, and made a couple of trips to Lowes for parts. Now it's solidly bolted to the stand arm. to the right and below my Twin Lens Norma Portrait/Action Camera. Solid enough to hold my 5x7, 13x18cm and even 18x24 and 8x10 Norma Film Holders, with some extra room for "stuff". So, a nice upgrade to my olde Plaubel Studio Stand. This digishot was made with my new to me Sony Nex-5 Body, with my new to me Sony Nex 50mm F1.5 Light Sucker, wide open at F1.5. I like this new Nex lens. Shown above are original Sinar Norma 13x18cm Film Holders loaded with Fuji HRU and ready to go.

Daniel Unkefer

2-Jul-2024, 07:03

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53016880847_fea9f36571_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oLVnAx)NYC Set Shop Diffusion Frame Rosco Lux 2 Sides Broncolor C200 Studio Setup (https://flic.kr/p/2oLVnAx) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

The P70 Broncolor Reflector is one of my most used modifiers. Here it's set up in my overhead Sweep Table. The 8x10 Norma is suspended straight down with 165mm F8 Norma Super Angulon. Set Shoppe in NYC has supplied a bunch of things here. Steve Sint's Youtube tutorials make shooting still life fun! The Sweeps were digital files shot by Tim Layton, I printed them at Sam's Club. You really can't replicate this lighting with a plain old Softbox. I made a pair of the Diffusion Panels, Manfrotto Articulated Arms can help place 'em.

Daniel Unkefer

11-Jul-2024, 08:01

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53850247674_50cc1d295a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q3yAw7)8x10 Deep Tank 15L 1000 AR Octobox Ilford Ortho D23 Replenished (https://flic.kr/p/2q3yAw7) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Tweaking the 8x10 Long Norma 1000mm F16 Rodenstock Apo Ronar Ilford Ortho EI 50 F32/45 18 pops of the Octobox 45 Camera Left No Fill. D23 Replenisher in 15 liter Kodak 3F Hard Rubber Tank, Kodak 8x10 Hanger. Eighteen minutes at 70F. Sony Nex7 50mm Zeiss Touit Lightbox. Agitation the Kodak way every 60 seconds, it looks pretty even to my eyes. A first start, the lens definitely passes, it's a rare bird. Developed by inspection under a deep deep red safelight six feet away. I did change the glass cover from a diffused one, to a clear glass one. That increases the secularity of the Octobox up just a teeny bit.

Mal Paso

11-Jul-2024, 12:36

The welding is done on the copy stand. I'm looking for some high pressure laminate for the copyboard which will have an 8x10 transparency window.

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Daniel Unkefer

22-Jul-2024, 09:48

The welding is done on the copy stand. I'm looking for some high pressure laminate for the copyboard which will have an 8x10 transparency window.

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Usual range of comments, you repurpose and clever design. Handcrafted skill, is this for digital? 8x10? :)

Daniel Unkefer

22-Jul-2024, 09:51

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53653215051_d17a237b9f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pK9KzV)Broncolor Pulso 2 strobe pack has arrived (https://flic.kr/p/2pK9KzV) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

My new Pulso 2 Pack is pooped. I changed the fuse, it's not powering up. Kevin at KHB could fix it, I wonder who else is around. Also I'll check with George Brown. Could also be something I'm doing? :) It's a $5000 pack I bought for $250. Amazing deal, worth fixing. It was working when I first got it.

I do have a second one from the UK, working just fine. Cheap LF Firepower. Maybe cheaper to replace than fix? I do have lots of strobes in this 1600J power range. Kevin told me once that only one company makes replacement caps for all brands of strobes, regardless of make. Interesting.

Pulso has many more bells and whistles than Primo. Pulso has touchpads.

Mal Paso

22-Jul-2024, 16:28

Usual range of comments, you repurpose and clever design. Handcrafted skill, is this for digital? 8x10? :)

I need to bridge the gap from analog to digital, which I did this morning. I can do reflective as well.

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Sorry to hear about the Pulso 2 Pack. Hopefully it's something simple. Capacitors usually fail Loud. Holly Flash is the only repair I know but they specialize in USA made equipment. Good Luck!

Daniel Unkefer

24-Jul-2024, 06:05

Thanks Mal Paso!

I did jump on Amazon and buy a packet of 6x30mm Slow Blow T12A 250V Ceramic Fuses, they arrive yesterday. The pack notates "12AT" at the fuse connection point, so I think this is what I need.

Kevin at KHB says I can use fast or slow blowing fuses in my strobes. The fast blowing ones will blow first, but either type will work. Broncolor says the fuses must be ceramic type, which I have.

Fingers crossed it's a fuse problem. Perhaps I'll look for another Pulso 2 Pack, and put this one away. Shipping and repair costs mount up fast! Cheaper to replace.

Daniel Unkefer

28-Jul-2024, 06:27

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53885521732_ff41249421_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q6Fogw)Plaubel Makiflex 4x5 Shanghai 100 D23 Combiplan Octobox 150 (https://flic.kr/p/2q6Fogw) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Plaubel Makiflex 4x5 Shanghai D23 Combiplan. Broncolor 1600J Octobox 150 8x10 Arista #2 RC Omega DII laser aligned 180mm Rodagon Dektol 1:2. Print copied Sony Nex 7 30mm Nex Macro.

Mal Paso

29-Jul-2024, 17:14

Fuse didn't work? It still could be something simple. A cheap multimeter could tell if you blew the fuse or its replacement.

I remember Combiplan. I have in my collection an FR 4x5 tank. Never tried either. I briefly used a King something stainless "reel" type tank then Kodak Hangers before building custom hangers for my E6 line. After that I used the custom hangers for everything along with custom ABS tanks that made better use of space. None of that was fireproof so I'm currently using Evolution hangers in a custom rack in Yankee tanks. Yankee comes with a floating lid and a snap on lid for $20. lol

This was my test for exposure, development, and printing with my newly overhauled LED diffusion head. This is a scan of the film with my new copy stand, Z7ii w/105 Macro. The birth of an Egg. LOL

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Oh! TriX Pan developed in FX-15 1:2.2 dilution.

I was happy with the results. Highlights and deep shadows had very good detail.

dxp

2-Aug-2024, 05:39

My new Pulso 2 Pack is pooped. I changed the fuse, it's not powering up. Kevin at KHB could fix it, I wonder who else is around. Also I'll check with George Brown. Could also be something I'm doing? :) It's a $5000 pack I bought for $250. Amazing deal, worth fixing. It was working when I first got it...

I smoked a Flashman pack back in June. It was included with a small lot of studio equipment I purchased earlier in the year, though I was only really interested in the lamps and reflectors included in the purchase, so the loss of the pack isn't really a big deal. Still a pity though when gear stops working. Classic "old-capacitor-not-yet-reformed" explosion.

Daniel Unkefer

2-Aug-2024, 06:05

Thanks dxp! Good to hear from you.

I think the problem is related to the female socket that accepts the fuse holder. When I remove the fuse holder on my good working Pulso 2, it "pops up" like it's being spring actuated. On my non-working Pulso 2, the fuse holder DOES NOT "pop-up" in the socket. Perhaps that's the root of the issue? I'm going to contact Broncolor Service, they may offer a solution. Also George Brown fixes overnight my Norma Shutters, and he works on strobes as well. Very helpful friendly Dude, maybe I could Fedex it to him? I'm certainly not going to go poking around inside a high voltage pack. I suspect it might be missing something, or gone defective, in the female socket that accepts the fuse holder. I have plenty of Broncolor packs 1600J and 3200J, so live and learn if this can't be made to work. The pack came from a commercial studio in Providencetown and worked just great until recently.

Daniel Unkefer

2-Aug-2024, 06:10

After that I used the custom hangers for everything along with custom ABS tanks that made better use of space. None of that was fireproof so I'm currently using Evolution hangers in a custom rack in Yankee tanks. Yankee comes with a floating lid and a snap on lid for $20. lol.

I'd like to build some custom hangers myself for my 8x10 basket line. I use 18x24cm European film in some of my cameras, those hangers are not easy to find and expensive. Even better if you can post a photo.

Tin Can

2-Aug-2024, 11:54

Use Dremel cutting wheels

Make the USA hangers a bit smaller

solder them back together

I spent years cutting SS very difficult, thin metal

wear goggles

dxp

2-Aug-2024, 23:24

On a more positive gear-related note...I found this lot on a classifieds site an hour away from me, with the seller wanting 150€.

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Those two heavy duty steel stands at the back are Hensel's rebadged version of Manfrotto's 008CSU stands, which cost ~150€ each new without the wheels, so I would have taken the deal for those alone as they're in mint condition. But then also there are a pair of Hensel Monoflash Vario B monoblocks (one each of the 600J and 400J versions), a Hensel mini flash (the weird lamp shown back-left), a few other stands and frames, and assorted accessories, spare modelling lamps etc. Oh, and a very clean and well preserved white beauty dish.

The beauty dish and the two Vario B flashes use Hensel's 15cm 'MH' accessory mount, which is identical to Bowen's L-mount (predecessor to their S-type bayonet mount, known today simply as the Bowen's mount).

I really don't have the space to be collecting modifiers in yet another mount type, as I already have lights and accessories for Pulso, Bowens, and Godox mounts, plus a large Elinchrom reflector I acquired recently, specifically for an Elinchrom light I'm yet to purchase. But considering how cheap the older Bowens and Hensel modifiers sell for on the used market, if at least one of these Hensel lights survives a bit of longer term testing, I might grab a few more bits to play with in that range!

Daniel Unkefer

4-Aug-2024, 06:43

Excellent Snag dxp! :)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53561807795_42bab2c8c8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pB5goK)Sinar Norma 4x5 Handy Super BubbaPack HV Battery Handy Bubble Level (https://flic.kr/p/2pB5goK) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

A Friend built me this "Super BubbaPack" high voltage rechargeable Battery, for my Vivitar 365 Flash Units. Recycles LIKE NOW, no delay. This fires automatic exposure thyristor out to SEVENTY FEET, good for any situation, really. Shown on my homemade Sinar Norma Handy. My latest embellishment on the Handy, is a modern Sinar Handy Bubble Level/Mirror Unit, attached atop the Mamiya 7 43mm Viewfinder. Useful for "Hail Mary" shots, not looking through the viewfinder. Initial test shooting coming up soon.

This digiphoto shot with my 1600J Octobox 150. Notice the lovely specular reflections.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53883515267_53d63acdff_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q6v6Pi)Sinar Norma Handy Test 65mm F8 No 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2q6v6Pi) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Sinar Norma Handy 4x5 Test Ilford HP5+ 65mm F8 Super Angulon at Fll. Kingwood Gardens Mansfield Ohio, waiting for the Solar Eclipse to occur. HANDHELD camera focused hyperfocally. The cosine effect causes corners to be darker, could be improved with my 65mm F8 Schneider Center Filter. Silver image 8x10 print Omega DII 180mm Rodagon laser aligned, Arista #2 RC paper processed in Dektol 1:2. Print copied with Sony Nex 7 30mm Nex Macro Lens.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53641173131_05f840373d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pJ62WB)Eclipse 4 08 24 (https://flic.kr/p/2pJ62WB) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Daniel Unkefer

4-Aug-2024, 06:57

Use Dremel cutting wheels

Make the USA hangers a bit smaller

solder them back together

I spent years cutting SS very difficult, thin metal

wear goggles

Thanks TC! I have cut up 5x7 Kodak Hangers and reconfigured to hold two 6.5x9cm Jason Lane Dry Plates. Works great, used dremel wheels. Used SS Bolts and SS thin metal strips from Ebay. Need to figure out best way to make some in 18x24cm. How do you solder SS?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51326995723_1d5d563494_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mcAgC8)6.5x9 Dry Plate Developing Rack Hack from 5x7 (https://flic.kr/p/2mcAgC8) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Mal Paso

4-Aug-2024, 11:23

Thanks TC! I have cut up 5x7 Kodak Hangers and reconfigured to hold two 6.5x9cm Jason Lane Dry Plates. Works great, used dremel wheels. Used SS Bolts and SS thin metal strips from Ebay. Need to figure out best way to make some in 18x24cm. How do you solder SS?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51326995723_1d5d563494_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mcAgC8)6.5x9 Dry Plate Developing Rack Hack from 5x7 (https://flic.kr/p/2mcAgC8) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Silver Solder which is actually Brazing. The best is 67% silver if I remember right. As stainless can be difficult that's what I use. Oxy Acetylene is preferred but Oxy anything will work.

The custom hangers I built were made from styrene hobby extrusions, I beams, square tube and angles. Unfortunately they burned in the 2016 fire. The Evolution hangers I found while rebuilding are even better with 2 thin rails that hold the film. I'll post a pic later, they are very cool.

I also hold a FR Adjustable Developing Tank as a threat. Never used it but it holds every sheet film size to 4x5.

Mal Paso

7-Aug-2024, 14:01

Ok I got a drain plumbed to the new darkroom sink, water plumbed and tested and I found and installed my Kodak Tray Siphon Print Washer and it All Works! I had to get that done before I started new projects otherwise I get nothing finished. I needed some tractor time as well.

This is the best 4x5 film hanger made by Tomorrow Inc and the rack I made for them. They are spot welded but could be silver soldered.
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If you have trouble visualizing 3 this is the operating position. lol
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Daniel Unkefer

9-Aug-2024, 08:22

Nice work! Perfectly executed machining.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53912386398_b9a369e982_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q945cq)Two 1 Gallon SS 8x10 Deep Tanks Combiplan System 10 Liter Deep Tanks 8x10 Kodak Siphon Wash (https://flic.kr/p/2q945cq) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Two stainless steel 1 Gallon 8x10 Deep Tanks with Floating Lids. Complete Combiplan Mini-Basket Line 4x5, Two 10 Liter 8x10 Tanks plus Wash. Kodak Siphon and Patterson 11x14 good for washing RC prints. Looking forward to start using this more.

Mal Paso

10-Aug-2024, 08:45

Cool! I just found my Kodak Tray Siphon.

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Then found the ZoneVI washer I totally forgot about. Odd as I've only had it 5 years. They say the mind is the first thing to go. After that it's .. um ...

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Daniel Unkefer

10-Aug-2024, 10:07

All Good stuff.

Does that Zone VI 4x5 Neg Washer work good? I've looked at them cheap, do you use the insert? Have thought about getting one, there were a bunch of them at the time. Ever get any scratches?

I happen to like Zone VI stuff myself, or I wouldn't have bought it at the time! Their timers were from Lektra Labs, I run all my Omega Omegalites through the Zone Vi timers. All have foot switches, mostly I push the timer button to print in "bursts". My Zone Vi small tripod is still my fave for Norma travelings. I used to tell my Architect friends that I could fire a gun emplacement off of it. Don't tell Drew. LOL :) Also it's been submerged in three different oceans, and still usefully kicking. Kinda does have a lot of venerable battle scars, never babied it, threw it around a lot.

Mal Paso

11-Aug-2024, 07:15

I've only used the Zone VI for print washing, don't have an insert. Water is distributed across the top and is drawn from the bottom on exit. Old thinking was since hypo is heavier ....... But whatever hypo there is, is in solution and it doesn't make much difference. I just use it as a deep print washer and shuffle the prints every few minutes since they float to the top. Pretty sure it came with the Beseler. I grew up on Ansel Adams and was set in my ways by the time Zone VI came along. Never met Ansel but he lived a few miles from here. His son Michael is very nice. The Weston place is right on the highway, Kim still lives there. Brad Pitt moved in across the street. Property values are high enough I hesitate to wash my car. There's at least $1,000 of Real Estate on it right now!

grantflanagan

12-Aug-2024, 16:22

Hello everyone,

just caught up on a few months worth of posts on here. My ascor sunlight kit is still out of order, can't seem to locate a power supply or a repairperson. In other news, I've been consolidating fifteen years worth of lighting gear I've had scattered across the country at friends and family homes. In addition to the ascor kit, I've now got a full Norman kit with a P2000D and 40/40 (liberated from the industrial department at Brooks Institute when I graduated), a Dynalite kit with Altman spot, a 6" fresnel ala 1k Moles, and a pencil/sticklight. I've been spending my late nights on ebay searching for a wide scope of photo-flash related esoterica.

I was lucky to score 2 large Balcar Variable Prism Light boxes from a photographer here in Manhattan who never used them! While I have an AlienBee I can use now, I've got two additional speedrings for the VPLBs coming from eBay this week, planning to dremel them out so I can fit larger flash heads inside. I also just brought my Broncolor Impact kit home from my dad's house upstate, the only way to get a fibrelite for less than $1000!

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Daniel Unkefer

14-Aug-2024, 07:43

Hey Grantflanagan,

Welcome back and thanks for the report. This thread is about LF Strobes of all kinds. I happen to like olde Broncolor myself. But whatever works in my book. I would love to have a FIBROLITE IMPACT you are right it is way "spensive. But WOW useful.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53922967979_25e80c6999.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2q9ZiJt)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2q9ZiJt) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

My CFV16 Hasselblad Fat Pixel Digital Back 36x36cm 60mm T* Distagon 500C/M 25th Anniversary P&F 200J Ringflash with Hasselblad Adapter. I used to use this Ringflash for Fashion Photography, back in the day. LOL. Now the CFV16 Digital Back gives me instant gratification. The Flash and Norman 200B pack (two packs actually) went to New York City Flash Clinic (sadly gone SNIFF). They Hot Rodded it to the Norman pack, everything needed adjusting by them, so the flashtube didn't "sparkle" after firing. This until runs off on 12V Dry Cell Batteries, trickle charged. I've replaced the batteries several times, just solder 'em right in. This works great and is an UBER HOOT to shoot with. Many more uses for this thing up ahead. Maybe buy some more cheap batteries, they are available on Amazon.

Daniel Unkefer

14-Aug-2024, 07:58

grantflanagan

14-Aug-2024, 15:30

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Heres a ringflash for you, Daniel! I have to say, this thread really has sent me down the rabbit hole for weird flash-related stuff. This image is from a "Hints and Tricks of Photography" book published in 1937. Recently found in Cooperstown, Monies Books has a wonderful and well priced photo section.

grantflanagan

14-Aug-2024, 15:34

252366

Here's another I thought you'd enjoy, with all the tinkering with the Impaspots and all. This is from a compilation of Popular Mechanics articles pertaining to DIY photography. Both of these books have been passed along to my friends who most often do DIY photo projects.

Mal Paso

14-Aug-2024, 17:41

interneg

15-Aug-2024, 06:06

Very Cool! In the '70s we were building plywood softboxes lined with foil. Seems all pretty crude now.

Or they were buying things like Broncolor's Cumulite system if they had proper studio space and money. 4x7ft or multiples thereof, fibreglass shell, capable of taking 12000j of power.

Mal Paso

15-Aug-2024, 11:20

Or they were buying things like Broncolor's Cumulite system if they had proper studio space and money. 4x7ft or multiples thereof, fibreglass shell, capable of taking 12000j of power.

Nope, no money then. I got by on 1,000 watt tungsten and 50B flash bulbs. After I made some money I got 2 Norman P2000Ds and a large Chimera soft light on a Manfrotto Superboom. I had 5 LH2000 heads and 30x8 feet of silks for huge soft light. That was enough to shoot Ektachrome 64 at f16 on a 10 foot set with heavily modified light.

Building plywood softboxes was a good experience though, I thoroughly appreciate the Chimera! I learned that things not in the picture don't need to be pretty, they need to work and you can do a lot with simple things.

interneg

15-Aug-2024, 14:07

they need to work and you can do a lot with simple things.

The truth of the matter is that on some of the most expensive Bron soft light sources, the front diffusion was 2 layers of Lee #400...

grantflanagan

16-Aug-2024, 07:29

Nope, no money then. I got by on 1,000 watt tungsten and 50B flash bulbs. After I made some money I got 2 Norman P2000Ds and a large Chimera soft light on a Manfrotto Superboom. I had 5 LH2000 heads and 30x8 feet of silks for huge soft light. That was enough to shoot Ektachrome 64 at f16 on a 10 foot set with heavily modified light.

Building plywood softboxes was a good experience though, I thoroughly appreciate the Chimera! I learned that things not in the picture don't need to be pretty, they need to work and you can do a lot with simple things.

Recently saw 3 Cumulite/Hazy lights tucked away gathering dust in a studio in Palm Springs, California. Sad to say there just isn't enough room in most places for those beasts anymore. Likewise with how many Foba/Studio stands I see for sale in New York for sub-$400.

Daniel Unkefer

20-Aug-2024, 10:05

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53935144187_e434936d40_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qb4Hi6)Broncolor Hazylight 404 606 Packs (https://flic.kr/p/2qb4Hi6) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53936323303_e1bc8d19a5_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qbaKNF)Broncolor Hazylight 404 606 Packs 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2qbaKNF) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53936585450_ca68aac2b7_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qbc6Js)Broncolor Hazylight 404 606 Packs 3 (https://flic.kr/p/2qbc6Js) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53936387028_d7c4ec15c4_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qbb5Ko)Broncolor Hazylight 404 606 Packs 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2qbb5Ko) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I have a Hazylight, it's currently in storage. It was part of a NYC Fashion Photographers setups for 8x10 chromes. I had a Minivan at the time, which was necessary to get it home. It does make beautiful Hazy Light, no question about it. The 606 heads had 1000W Modeling Lights, 220V, which were bright enough to use in some instances. My Octobox 150 is covering nicely for this unit, with a smaller studio footprint.

I have a couple of 404 packs 1600J and one 606 6000J Pack. I've also put them into storage. Kevin at KHB told me they are getting to be too old and to move up to more current offerings. Which I am happy to have accomplished at this point.

Peter De Smidt

20-Aug-2024, 10:34

I had a verbal agreement for someone to sell me a Hazylight, but, alas, they changed their mind the next day. :(

grantflanagan

20-Aug-2024, 11:45

I think everyone would find this book interesting: The Photographic Flash, a Concise Illustrated History, co-authored by Pierre Bron of Broncolor. I recently found a print copy on Etsy, and then through more research found a link on the Broncolor website to download the e-book in a multitude of languages in PDF. It's an amazing history, primarily of European sources.

252535
252536

Here is a link to the English PDF (https://s3.amazonaws.com/ebuploads2/uploads/6383957228650496/The_Photographic_Flash.pdf?ebToken=eyJlaHViX2NhbXBhaWduIjoiYnJvbmNvbG9yIiwic3Vic2NyaWJlcl9kYXRhIjoie1wiZmlyc3RuYW1lXCI6XCJST0JFUlRcIixcImlkXCI6NTc0OTU4ODkwMTQ5NDc4NCxcImVtYWlsXCI6XCJncmFudGZsYW5hZ2FucGhvdG9AZ21haWwuY29tXCIsXCJsYXN0bmFtZVwiOlwiRkxBTkFHQU5cIn0iLCJlaHViX2VtYWlsIjoiZ3JhbnRmbGFuYWdhbnBob3RvQGdtYWlsLmNvbSJ9)

and here is the Bron site to get access to the French and German versions as well as epub versions versus pdf. (https://lp.broncolor.swiss/the-photographic-flash)

dxp

21-Aug-2024, 01:18

dxp

21-Aug-2024, 01:22

The Hazylights appear pretty regularly on the used market here in DE, for stupidly cheap prices usually, and then sit for unsold for months on end. Just too much effort to transport and setup/test etc for most people, I assume.

I'd love a Rondolight, but they appear a little less frequently, and it would be challenging to fit into my small shooting space as it is currently set up.

Daniel Unkefer

21-Aug-2024, 05:03

Broncolor Hazylight 1000W 220 Modeling Only.

Hazylight is beautiful light! Notice how delicate the detail and texturizing on the petal of the orchid.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53289427867_ff3b57267f_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pc1fk6)500CM 135 f5.6 S Planar C TStar Polaroid Hazylight (https://flic.kr/p/2pc1fk6) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Hasselblad 500C/M 135mm F5.6 C T* S-Planar Bellows Lens. Fuji Instant B&W Film. Broncolor 6000J 606 Hazylight 6000J Modeling Light Only 1000 Watts 220V.

dxp

21-Aug-2024, 05:29

And not Broncolor, but still Swiss-made...I took a little drive yesterday to pick up a two-light, Elinchrom Style RX600 kit advertised on a classifieds site.

I've said a few times I don't really want to add another mount type to my collection of gear, but I recently ended + gridup with a couple of Elinchrom modifiers, and so have kept an eye out for a cheap Elinchrom monoblock flash to use with them.

Yesterday's purchase includes 2x Style RX600 heads in barely used condition in a nice Elinchrom hard case, a total of five assorted reflectors plus two sets of barn doors, two soft boxes, two umbrellas, a snoot + grid, a complete El-Skyport trigger kit, a couple of stands and a bunch of different cables, all for less than 300€ including half a tank of fuel used for the journey.

I've only had a quick play with the heads, but so far I'm quite impressed with them—they're well built, recycle quickly enough, auto-dump, and the modifiers are relatively solid and attach well...it's a nice little system.

MrFujicaman

24-Aug-2024, 13:42

Very Cool! In the '70s we were building plywood softboxes lined with foil. Seems all pretty crude now.

If it works and it was cheap to build, it's not crude! My light stands for hummingbird photography were made from: old disk brake rotors, plywood disks bolted to them, 3/4 pipe flanges and 3/4 EMT tubing. As they sit on the porch from late April till early September most years, exposed to the weather, I didn't want to ruin my folding light stands.

Mal Paso

25-Aug-2024, 12:21

If it works and it was cheap to build, it's not crude! My light stands for hummingbird photography were made from: old disk brake rotors, plywood disks bolted to them, 3/4 pipe flanges and 3/4 EMT tubing. As they sit on the porch from late April till early September most years, exposed to the weather, I didn't want to ruin my folding light stands.

Crude from the standpoint of usability. Plywood soft lights were great on the ground but created a demand for that quality of light overhead. Also they were hard to take on location. Enter Chimera and the tent style soft lights, I could put them on a boom and roll them up when I was done.

Your approach is correct though. If it isn't in the picture, it doesn't need to be pretty, just structurally sound.

The exception is working for those lesser art directors who are only impressed with Profoto.

Daniel Unkefer

26-Aug-2024, 06:22

It's all about repurposing what I already have, in my book.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53949224838_e399a49de8_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qciSYW)JB Welding Restoring an 8x10 Sinar Norma Monocular Viewer (https://flic.kr/p/2qciSYW) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Going to mix up a lot of JB Weld epoxy. Gluing together an original Norma 8x10 WA Bellows, to a Sinar Norma Monocular Adaption Panel. I've JB Welded the Norma Monocular Eyepiece into the Adapter Frame, and marked with sharpie pen, where I'm going to smear a lot of JB Weld. The result will be something I can use reliability use out in the field, without it coming apart. So you do what you have to do to refurbish and reutilize what you already have. To me that's the whole point. I also putting light leaking rubber strips on the left and right edges where the bag meets the camera, so it fits more tightly and lightproof with the 8x10 Norma Back.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53943113479_9e7e7a3f7e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qbLyhF)Plaubel Peco Junior 100mm Bag Bellows Adjustable Viewing Unit (https://flic.kr/p/2qbLyhF) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

The lens is a 100mm Plaubel F3.9 Supracomar, it normally would be attached to a 9x12cm Avus folder. On the Peco Junior the circle is plenty big enough for full camera movements. The Adjustable Magnifer on the back, allows me to see right side brightly, or with a shift, left side brightly. Leitz Ball head attached to an early Leitz Tiltall, notice I JB Welded a Bubble level to help level the legs. I could hike for miles with this thing if I wanted to, folded up it's easy to carry around with one hand! A small padded bag for holders and backs, and I am set. I also have a custom made E Sony Digital APSC Back for this camera, which also works quite well in the field.

Mal Paso

27-Aug-2024, 18:26

I have the shorter Leitz ball head, Punches way above it's weight!
I just put a Manfrotto Fluid Head on my lightweight tripod and it's lightweight again. The Manfrotto Super Ball I took off must weigh 5 pounds. The fluid head is really light and eliminates left/right tilt, will see how well it works.

Daniel Unkefer

29-Aug-2024, 09:16

I have some portrait/fashion projects coming up. Here's a really excellent video tutorial that gives me a few new to me ideas. Great stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAsszoPjhc

Mal Paso

29-Aug-2024, 21:14

I got 2 shoot through umbrellas with a studio I bought, haven't used them yet. I would imagine they are hotter in the center, like a sphere. I've got 2 6 foot umbrella soft lights that only drop a half stop center to edge. The flash head is inside facing rear with no reflector. This isn't me it's a B&H photo

252772

They are listed as a 7' umbrella but they are 6 feet across the face.

grantflanagan

30-Aug-2024, 14:44

Decided to pop the rivets on the Broncolor Impact Fibrelite and re-fit it to work with profoto strobes. Works great!

252782
the original mount, which is about 30" smaller than a current Pulso mount.

252783
Adding 20mm L brackets from Amazon

252784
I added non-level spacer rings on two of the four posts, then balanced the tightness on the two without spacers for a snug fit without play.

252785
And the final product! Fits 80mm proheads and B1/B10 flat face strobes. With a B10 this is a handheld hosemaster!

Daniel Unkefer

30-Aug-2024, 18:01

Nice job Grant.

That modeling light in the Profoto B10 is a powerhouse!

Maybe you could have 3D printed those Fibrelite Plugs?

I'll let you know if I ever come across any plugs in the future.

Daniel Unkefer

3-Sep-2024, 11:11

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53966594820_8205716b72_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qdQUto)JB Welding Continues Digital Backs Plaubel Makina and Canon (https://flic.kr/p/2qdQUto) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Above Left Next Door gave me a Digital Canon Rebel T7, needs battery and charger. Above Right Plaubel Makina Film Pack Back Makina Mount Adapted to Sony Nex-C3 with Rubber Hood. Bottom Center Plaubel Peco Junior Back Stripped and holes filled with JB Weld. Then JB Welded the cut-down Peco Junior Board, cut down to precisely fit on the Makina Back. Then a generic short Canon Extension Tube will be JB Welded to the assemblage. More repurposing and useful stuff comes out of it. Instant APSC is a great way to check lenses, exposures, and TUNE UP STROBE LIGHTING. No need to Fujiroid tests any more.

Daniel Unkefer

3-Sep-2024, 11:15

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53927363525_a18ee64fe5_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qanQnK)PandF Ringlight Hasselblad V (https://flic.kr/p/2qanQnK) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53927177263_5df33140e4_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qamT1k)PandK Ringlight Hasselblad V (https://flic.kr/p/2qamT1k) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

grantflanagan

8-Sep-2024, 17:43

Hi everyone!

I’ve just wrapped a big entertainment advertising shoot in Auckland, New Zealand. While normally as an assistant I’ll use Profoto, it seems if I go from Brooklyn to the other side of the world everything flips and everyone uses Bron! I rented all but 2 of the Bron packs available in country for this shoot. Pulso and Unilite heads, Scoro, Grafit, and Primo (!!!) packs.

Everything worked well though we luckily were able to use head extension cords to avoid using any of the Primos so our recycle rate stayed below 0.4 seconds throughout the shoot (which is info I could not find on a Profoto pack!)

dxp

9-Sep-2024, 18:45

Yup, I studied photography in Melbourne and then cut my teeth in several studios there...while there's definitely some Profoto gear floating around, the uni studios were full of Scoro packs and Pulso heads, and then most of the studios I worked in were packed with Bron gear as well.

grantflanagan

10-Sep-2024, 22:20

Here is the image I thought I attached! Broncolor Flash Pack Bonanza!
253144

Mal Paso

11-Sep-2024, 07:27

Here is the image I thought I attached! Broncolor Flash Pack Bonanza!
253144

Cool! How many thousand Watt Seconds? My personal stash is 20KWS.

Daniel Unkefer

11-Sep-2024, 08:13

Here is the image I thought I attached! Broncolor Flash Pack Bonanza!
253144

NICE!

The "Fashion" Primo pack has super quick recycle, would work with motor drives. You must have been popping a lot! LOL.

Love it. Massive Firepower!! Everything in my studio is set to "slow recycle" which is like 10-15 secs

grantflanagan

12-Sep-2024, 13:26

Cool! How many thousand Watt Seconds? My personal stash is 20KWS.

My count is this:

3 Scoro A4 (3,200w/s) packs - 9,600w/s
6 Grafit A4 (3,200w/s) packs - 19,200w/s
1 Grafit A2 (1600w/s) packs - 1,600w/s
4 Primo A2 (1600w/s) packs - 9,600w/s
1 Primo Fashion (1200ws) pack - 1,200w/s

for a total of 38,000w/s. We didn't use the Grafit 1200 or the Primos and nothing was over about 7.0 in power so theres some load shedding there. We also had 2 800w/s battery powered Siros L monoblocs but we didn't use those either.

dxp

12-Sep-2024, 22:57

You've got four Scoro packs pictured there though, don't you? One with a black handle, three with the blue?

Mal Paso

13-Sep-2024, 10:07

My count is this:

3 Scoro A4 (3,200w/s) packs - 9,600w/s
6 Grafit A4 (3,200w/s) packs - 19,200w/s
1 Grafit A2 (1600w/s) packs - 1,600w/s
4 Primo A2 (1600w/s) packs - 9,600w/s
1 Primo Fashion (1200ws) pack - 1,200w/s

for a total of 38,000w/s. We didn't use the Grafit 1200 or the Primos and nothing was over about 7.0 in power so theres some load shedding there. We also had 2 800w/s battery powered Siros L monoblocs but we didn't use those either.

Thank You! Very interesting. I grew up on strobes from Burbank, Ca. Profoto wasn't around back then and Bron had a smaller market share than Norman in Southern California. My local camera store serviced Norman but that was only needed once.

Can you give us a hint where we might see the results of your labor?

Daniel Unkefer

13-Sep-2024, 11:51

I found this KEWL Fashion Video, that reveals the olde '60's Fashion Trick, of partially collapsing the 'brollie. It concentrates the light in a beautiful gradient lighting.

Egad, it's a "poor man's" substitute for the Beeg Bron Para's. And it fit's well in my smaller square foot studio.

This is truly cool to me. I was going to junk the 'Bron Brollies, which I have never used!

Out they are going to come out. I have some really cool older ones too, from the earlier days of Bron.

NEVER THROW ANYTHING AWAY. This is darn clever IMO.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3bP9dMUsS4

Daniel Unkefer

19-Sep-2024, 09:48

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54006880278_4ca50cb008_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qhpnWf)New Copy Setup in Studio (https://flic.kr/p/2qhpnWf) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I've been copying RC Silver prints in my Enlarging Room, with ambient LED lighting. I have decided to move my Minolta Copy Stand into the studio area, and leave it set up on a permanent basis. From Harbor Freight a rolling cart (I have several), with an Apple Box Riser on the top shelf, makes a strong base with wheels for the copy stand. Easy to move around as I please. Recently donated to me, a pair of Broncolor Impact 300J Impacts, with well used strobe tubes working perfectly, and a nice matched pair. Standard Impact Reflector, attached 3M Polarizing Filters on both lights. Camera for 35mm film is a Minolta SRT-101 with SRT Diopter Eyepiece Correction, SRT Cable Release, 50mm F3.5 MC Macro Rokkor, and 55mm Minolta Hooded Polarizing Filter. All filters set for maximum polarization, lighting balanced to 1/3 fstop with Broncolor Incident Strobe Meter. With Ilford PanF+ rated at EI 25, I'm at F16 without polariizer exposure correction, so I did a bracketed series at 1/2 stops to establish a good baseline. This is a pretty good setup I'm intending to leave up all the time, and it's easily movable.

I also intend to use the setup for copying flat art and I have a Skier Box for digitizing negatives with the same setup. This will evolve.

Mal Paso

19-Sep-2024, 20:24

Must be a 1/8 Apple. I've heard a lot of Apple Box jokes but can't remember one now.

Daniel Unkefer

20-Sep-2024, 06:02

I've heard a lot of Apple Box jokes but can't remember one now.

I resemble that remark! LOL

grantflanagan

20-Sep-2024, 16:35

Hi Dan,

Can you shed any light on why the standard, non gel holder Bron reflectors have that lip on them?

grantflanagan

20-Sep-2024, 16:37

Yep, I just can't count! So 41,200w/s plus another 1600 for the two Siros so 43,200?

I will post the results when it the poster comes out!

Daniel Unkefer

20-Sep-2024, 17:10

interneg

22-Sep-2024, 10:15

I have some really cool older ones too, from the earlier days of Bron.

Bron archaeology challenge: what clamp would you use for attaching a Bron Jumbo umbrella (i.e. the one with the bigger shaft, not an 8mm one) to a universal or 606 head?

grantflanagan

22-Sep-2024, 16:47

Hi Grant,
The reflectors I found in my boxes are the grey plastic umbrella type, the front lips are removable on these two. The polarizing gels were cut to size, and taped on the inside of the metal lips, and then reattached. I also have some reflectors that are similar in shape, that take barndoors, and on those mount gels on the outside of the reflector.

I suppose I could switch out the reflectors, to the ones I have that take barndoors and have the usual front mounting gel clips. Or do you think there is a better way to do this?

I agree with the method but I believe the reflectors with the silver lips on the front were sold as the "umbrella" reflector. Spill kill of some sort? I also have a set of Balcar grids that include a silver donut for reducing the diameter of the reflector for umbrellas and grids.

Daniel Unkefer

23-Sep-2024, 05:44

Bron archaeology challenge: what clamp would you use for attaching a Bron Jumbo umbrella (i.e. the one with the bigger shaft, not an 8mm one) to a universal or 606 head?

interneg,
I'll look through my olde Bron pieces and parts, but I don't think I have any of the Jumbo Umbrellas. I do like the Universal 1600J heads, I have quite a few of them. And 606 packs and 606 heads too. I'll check and see if I have any attached umbrella brackets about and let you know.

I would imagine it's possible to cobble something together that will sling your jumbo. Doesn't have to be Bron if it works :)

Daniel Unkefer

23-Sep-2024, 05:51

I agree with the method but I believe the reflectors with the silver lips on the front were sold as the "umbrella" reflector. Spill kill of some sort? I also have a set of Balcar grids that include a silver donut for reducing the diameter of the reflector for umbrellas and grids.

Hmm Thanks Grant. Yep it's the Impact Umbrella reflector. Drilled out the rivits, attached the Pola Filters inside, and reattached the "silver lips" using cut strips of Gaffer Tape. Again I'm repurposing and finding new uses for all the stuff I already have. The modeling bulbs are only 50 watts in the Impacts, so not much heat buildup. There is one hole for ventilation, where the Umbrella was inserted through. And Thanks again for the two Impacts. Yahoo!

Daniel Unkefer

24-Sep-2024, 08:43

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54018861099_c47ce573fe_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qisMq8)Organizing the Studio (https://flic.kr/p/2qisMq8) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Bought a lot of plastic storage boxes, to better organize things, and to keep them at hand. Project progresses as I have time for it. I configured a second Telescopic Norma (on the left), this one in 520mm/4x5 size, for easier portability outside, with same perspective. I used to take exploratory photos with 4x5 film, and If the subject was strong enough, I would sometimes return with the 8x10 Norma. You can see the completed 8x10 Norma Monocular Unit on the back of the 1000mm Norma Unit on the right. I like using it so much, I'm going to make two smaller versions, one for the 5x7's, and two different ones for the 4x5. So more JB Welding ahead!

Daniel Unkefer

24-Sep-2024, 08:58

This thread and a few others online have really inspired me these last few months (plus I've been out of work with the SAG strike) to achieve a long-time goal of owning an Ascor SunLight system. In September I drove up to Boston from my home in Brooklyn and met a wonderful photographer named Ed Braverman who graciously gifted me a complete 800 series kit along with a 900 series stroboscopic unit.
The 800 unit, with daisy-chain condensers, allows for up to 38,800 w/s with the correct flashtubes. My kit has six condensers, so I'm topped out at 4,800w/s now, with each condenser collating 800 w/s. Unfortunately the power module burned up and I'm on the hunt now for a new one. I've also got a ton of paperwork and bits and pieces I've scrounged on ebay and the dregs of old stores in the New York area. I hope to share some work soon once I'm back up and running.
A few years ago I bought a ton of IT-N internegative film here on LFPF and I'm excited to use this beast to produce some studio portraiture on the IT-N (rating at 1.5ISO). As always, this forum is a great wealth of knowledge and I hope everyone has fun with strobes and large format.

244476

Grant,
Have you talked to Kevin at KHB about getting this going? He can rebuild some strobes. This is so cool!

grantflanagan

24-Sep-2024, 16:02

Hi Dan,

Kevin said this is a no-go due to age and voltage (5000V+) not to mention mercury discharge tubes and PCB caps. Currently trying to find a museum, Eastman Kodak or RIT to take it.

Daniel Unkefer

28-Sep-2024, 16:44

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54028394241_7778dd7904_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qjiDhD)New Broncolor Flooter S Fresnel Pulso Spotlight (https://flic.kr/p/2qjiDhD) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Saw this Broncolor Flooter-S Pulso Fresnel Spotlight, at World of Used Photography a few weeks ago. Went in Yesterday and asked Gary about it. Priced at $1000 but very expensive so worth it. Then he reduced the price to $700, which is about 30% of it's original catalog price in 2000. It's in good usuable condition, a little dusty inside but not damaged. I do have an air cushioned large Broncolor Light Stand, but I need to come up with a better base mount for this. Have a lot of parts so we will see. And as a bonus, I think this unit has the Gel and Grid Holder attached to it. Some of these Gel Holders screwed in the front, and some had knobs that screwed on the front. But I think it's here so a nice bonus. Gary is such a nice Guy, he even carried it to my car :) One of my Primo Heads is attached here. This will be quite useful to me, great for precision lighting backgrounds and myriad other uses. The current model Flooter is over Four Grand so this is another great Broncolor deal for me.

grantflanagan

29-Sep-2024, 17:56

This link might have the rubber washers for your impact heads, Dan!

https://www.manfrottospares.com/broncolor-flooter-parts.html

Daniel Unkefer

30-Sep-2024, 07:56

This link might have the rubber washers for your impact heads, Dan!

https://www.manfrottospares.com/broncolor-flooter-parts.html

Thanks for that Grant! I ordered a set of these red rubber washers for my new to me Broncolor Flooter S. I moved a 3000J Pulso 4 Head onto the Flooter and it's going to stay there. Primo heads fit it too, but the Pulso Heads fit more tightly and less wobbly. Best of the best of the best, as they say.

dxp

2-Oct-2024, 19:26

Thanks for that Grant! I ordered a set of these red rubber washers for my new to me Broncolor Flooter S...

Are they made of the same material as the washers we discussed last year for the Impact and Compuls lights here (https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?171091-Broncolor-Flash-Pack-Bonanza&p=1697469&viewfull=1#post1697469)?

Daniel Unkefer

3-Oct-2024, 08:10

Are they made of the same material as the washers we discussed last year for the Impact and Compuls lights here (https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?171091-Broncolor-Flash-Pack-Bonanza&p=1697469&viewfull=1#post1697469)?

I'll let you know, the package is on it's way to me.

Daniel Unkefer

3-Oct-2024, 13:04

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54041036545_6ba47d1f9b_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qkqrpp)Broncolor Opus A2 1600J Pack (https://flic.kr/p/2qkqrpp) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I like to check in with Adorama in NYC from time to time, I've gotten some really good deals on used Broncolor items from them in the past. Yesterday I found this 1600J OPUS A2 Pack, originally $4525 in the catalog, for $185 plus shipping. So I bought it!

Mal Paso

4-Oct-2024, 07:34

I have 16,000 Watt Seconds knocking on the door, not sure I want to open it.

Daniel Unkefer

5-Oct-2024, 10:14

Hard to resist Eh?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54045080495_e007be29da_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qkMawF)Octobox 150 Balloon Flooter S Strip Light Opus 1600J works great (https://flic.kr/p/2qkMawF) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Broncolor OPUS A2 arrived yesterday in excellent condition. Powers up to 1600J no prob in 1/10 stop increments. Through my Balloon Head I'm getting a full 1600J blast and it's small heavy and intuitative. You can "ping-pong" A&B channels for powerful sequence firing. Will work good with my EL/M and motorized Minolta SRM. The Flooter has the Gelatin/Honeycomb Holder so that is worth $250 I was going to order one. So it really sweetens the deal. I'm going to order the Honeycomb 5 Degree Grid from B&H when they reopen. I've attached Diffusion Material from Dick Blick onto the front of the Flooter, I'll use a lot of small magnets to hold gels and diffusion in place. The Flooter sits on an olde Manfrotto Heavy Duty Stand with Wheels that was in storage now repurposed. Instant simulated Studio Sunlight.

Daniel Unkefer

8-Oct-2024, 10:41

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54051807442_d36c54255e_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qmnDdw)Broncolor Flooter Rubber Washers (https://flic.kr/p/2qmnDdw) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

dxp,

Here are the Broncolor Flooter Fresnel Spot Washers I ordered from Manfrotto Spares. Brownish red Rubber of some type. These fit my new Beeg Flooter ^^^
Can be repurposed, relatively cheap original Bron parts. BTW I cut out right sized discs from scrap rubber I had around, works very good and I made some spares. Compuls is larger than Impact, I made a template out of cardboard and cut with sharp scissors.

Outside Diameter 67.9mm
Center Diameter 8.9mm
Thickness 2.0mm

dxp

9-Oct-2024, 06:29

Thanks for the info.

I hadn't actually considered that the Flooter has rubber washers in its tilt mechanism, but of course it would...I need to check the state of mine at some point.

Daniel Unkefer

11-Oct-2024, 09:57

dxp

12-Oct-2024, 10:46

dxp,
Do you use the Flooter Five Degree Honeycomb much? I've ordered one from B&H. I've heard that the circle becomes much smaller from being a thirteen inch fresnel. Should be good for theatrical style portraiture. I also have three of the olde blue 1600J Universal Pulso Fresnels, which I need to start using. I'm repurposing cut-down P70 Honeycombs on the Universals. I'll use those flooter washers for something around here for sure.

My Flooter came without a honeycomb grid, so I have no experience with one, sorry. To be fair, I've barely touched my Flooter beyond a couple of quick tests, and then moving it from place to place as it's a bit of an awkward item to store in our apartment. It's a pity because I do like the quality of light it produces. One day I'll get to use it in anger...

Ooh...I need to tell you I made an exciting Broncolor purchase recently. Haven't received it yet so will keep its exact details secret until I actually have it in hand and working, but it's something I don't think I've ever seen you mention...

Daniel Unkefer

14-Oct-2024, 09:39

Bron archaeology challenge: what clamp would you use for attaching a Bron Jumbo umbrella (i.e. the one with the bigger shaft, not an 8mm one) to a universal or 606 head?

Hi interneg! Is this what you want or are you looking for olde olde Umbrella Clamps?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54066979614_177b3d16c8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qnHpnG)Schirmhalter fits Jumbo Schirm weiss (https://flic.kr/p/2qnHpnG) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Daniel Unkefer

18-Oct-2024, 08:45

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54076139869_d1b30a533c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qowmp8)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qowmp8) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

A venerable Olde Studio Light comes to me, providing me with beautiful light indeed. A retro FOBA F1000, relamped by me to 120 voltage, 100 Watt Globe Bulb makes it look right out of the catalog, and quite useful to me. It's mounted to a FOBA Combitube for sturdiness. Gorgeous soft light, the bulb can be moved forwards and backwards to focus and fine tune the lighting. This unit is designed to take up to a 220V 1000 Watt Bulb, just way too much light and heat for my needs. But it is made to take it!

Not Broncolor but from Switzerland, and they were hooked in with Broncolor. BTW FOBA has sold it's factory machines, and is closing up shop end of this year, the end of a very long history.

dxp

18-Oct-2024, 14:19

I didn't realise FOBA was closing...that's sad news indeed. That's a fantastic looking lamp though, and no doubt as solid as it looks.

Here's my new addition to the studio:
254183

Daniel Unkefer

20-Oct-2024, 07:18

dxp

20-Oct-2024, 13:01

Mal Paso

20-Oct-2024, 18:30

Yup, it has a 3200J tube inside along with four modelling lamps, and plugs in to any ol' Broncolor pack. Bit of a niche tool, but I'll certainly find a few ways to put it to use.

Hosemaster is an amazing name!

LOL

I used a similar machine lighting tight corners and adding highlights to microscope based electronic test equipment. Very handy if you have the need.

dxp

22-Oct-2024, 16:16

This takes strobe packs? WOW. Kinda like finding the Holy Grail of Broncolor. Congrats!

I have been looking at this one:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/395692650240?itmmeta=01J9AVQW9SZM6156J2A34P0EKV&hash=item5c211eaf00:g:LggAAOSwxixm6ExZ

Speaking of rare...this popped up on eBay over here today:

254337

I had no idea it existed...it's called a Varipuls and sits between a (modified) generator output and the lamp head, to modify the flash output duration. I won't link directly to the eBay listing, but the seller is asking over 1300€ presently, which I would be very surprised if someone were willing to pay given it only works with four older generator models, and they need modification in order to be compatible with it. EDIT: Flashman generators don't need to be modified, it's only the Pulso 2 & 4 packs that need the outlet to be modified.

The manual here (PDF link) (https://broncolor.swiss/assets/img/Products/Discontinued-Products/varipuls_operating-instructions.pdf) is an interesting read as it describes how the colour temperature changes as flash duration is reduced, and appropriate filtration values to compensate.

dxp

22-Oct-2024, 16:20

LOL

I used a similar machine lighting tight corners and adding highlights to microscope based electronic test equipment. Very handy if you have the need.

Apparently my unit earned its keep adding sparkle and highlights to jewellery photography a couple of times a year, for its former owner.

Mal Paso

24-Oct-2024, 18:01

Apparently my unit earned its keep adding sparkle and highlights to jewellery photography a couple of times a year, for its former owner.

Excellent application! Scale the lighting to the subject.

dxp

25-Oct-2024, 18:17

...I also just brought my Broncolor Impact kit home from my dad's house upstate, the only way to get a fibrelite for less than $1000!

252308

Hi Grant,

I was just searching back through this discussion looking for something else when I noticed your photo of the Impact fibrelite. I don't think I properly noticed it back when you first posted, unfortunately, since I've been interested in finding something like this...and if you scroll up towards the top of this page, you'll see I recently had some success, grabbing a Bron Fibrolite :)

Mine has come with two tentacles and a case of accessories, though it's missing a couple of holders unfortunately. I'll track down replacements or alternatives from somewhere eventually.

Can you tell me about your Impact fibrelite? What 's the little bit protruding out below where the arm mounts?

Daniel Unkefer

30-Oct-2024, 07:31

dxp

30-Oct-2024, 20:50

Hi dxp,

Thought this could be helpful for you.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54105223850_3dfc76b86b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qr6q45)Broncolor Fibrolite 2002 (https://flic.kr/p/2qr6q45) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I'm envious too. But this type of enhancement is precisely why I build and work with homemade Impaspots and Generic Light Projectors. To add a bit of specking and sparkle in a subtle way. I had a variety of diameters of pinholes lasered out, so I can vary the diameter of the speck. I have ten of them so lots of choices. Works good with the Minpuls and Impact Monolights up close.

This is fantastic, thank you! Did you find this online, or from a printed catalogue you have? I've found very little info online about the Fibrolite...even Bron's "discontinued products" archive on their site doesn't seem to have a user manual for it.

I have managed to figure out that the fiber optic cables Bron uses have a Volpi connection/mount on them, and being Volpi is a Swiss company, I presume they were probably Bron's supplier of those components, too. Means I can keep an eye out for some other interesting attachments to try. I have ordered a small Volpi fiber optic ring light intended for microscopy—that should arrive today, actually.

My Impaspot is still sitting in its box unfortunately, waiting on me to find a compatible light for it. There've been a couple of options show up in the used channels, but not in good enough condition, or at a reasonable enough price for me to consider.

Speaking of Umbrellas I just picked up six more olde 105cm Broncolor ones; two see-through, two white, and two silver. Good to have 15 Bucks each, I like the price :)

Also for my Beeg P45 Pulso Reflectors, two Broncolor Honeycomb Grids, and Broncolor P65/45 Barndoors, new in box never opened. Good prices too for top grade items.

Nice...those P65/45 barndoors and grids normally aren't cheap. I've got a set of each and treat them very carefully!

I thought I'd picked up a second P45 reflector for a good price a couple of weeks ago—came with a Compuls 65 being sold—but the seller did a terrible job packing them to ship to me, and the P45 got squashed into a egg shape, plus picked up a couple of nasty dents from the corner of the Compuls housing. The Compels lamp was also damaged during transit, so the whole thing was just a waste of my time, though I was refunded my money at least.

$15 for Bron umbrellas is a good price, I paid more than double that for the handful I've got. Those see-through ones really are very see-through, aren't they?

Daniel Unkefer

2-Nov-2024, 08:26

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53342496694_f07bdbe183_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pgGeQS)Digitized Test 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2pgGeQS) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Minolta SRT Copy Stand Sony Nex-5 30mm Nex Macro. First test of digitizing B&W prints. I have been scanning everything for years, I think I like this result better. 120 roll Makina Back Plaubel Peco Junior View Broncolor Octobox 150 frosted bulb supplemental diffusion. One Pop Broncolor C200 Monolight 1500J. 8x10 RC Arista Print Ilford Multigrade Developer, Omega DII 105mm black Rodagon laser aligned.

Daniel Unkefer

3-Nov-2024, 14:25

This is fantastic, thank you! Did you find this online, or from a printed catalogue you have? I've found very little info online about the Fibrolite...even Bron's "discontinued products" archive on their site doesn't seem to have a user manual for it. I have managed to figure out that the fiber optic cables Bron uses have a Volpi connection/mount on them, and being Volpi is a Swiss company, I presume they were probably Bron's supplier of those components, too. Means I can keep an eye out for some other interesting attachments to try. I have ordered a small Volpi fiber optic ring light intended for microscopy—that should arrive today, actually. My Impaspot is still sitting in its box unfortunately, waiting on me to find a compatible light for it. There've been a couple of options show up in the used channels, but not in good enough condition, or at a reasonable enough price for me to consider. Nice...those P65/45 barndoors and grids normally aren't cheap. I've got a set of each and treat them very carefully! I thought I'd picked up a second P45 reflector for a good price a couple of weeks ago—came with a Compuls 65 being sold—but the seller did a terrible job packing them to ship to me, and the P45 got squashed into a egg shape, plus picked up a couple of nasty dents from the corner of the Compuls housing. The Compels lamp was also damaged during transit, so the whole thing was just a waste of my time, though I was refunded my money at least. $15 for Bron umbrellas is a good price, I paid more than double that for the handful I've got. Those see-through ones really are very see-through, aren't they?

It's from a 2002 printed catalog I have, useful for reference. I think that Fibre Optic unit is really cool, you have got something there highly coveted by small product commercial photographers. Enjoy it, it's very hard to find. And you have figured out their supplier, that's most excellent. Well done. The Umbrellas are something I am coming around on, especially since my studio is a small footprint. Yep the see-through is quite transparent indeed. I need another P45 myself, and P65's too, if I can find bargains. Sometimes you buy the accessories before you have the main item. LOL. I think the partially collapsed Umbrella 1960's Fashion Shooter Trick is really going to help me out. A Para 88 is over $4000 or so, the Olde Umbrellas were $15 each. It graduates the light beautifully when partially collapsed. Now I want to find some Jumbos as well. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1193655-REG/broncolor_b_33_483_03_para_88_reflector_kit.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_q7zt6jFiQMVckp_AB08sAWKEAQYDCABEgIfUvD_BwE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3bP9dMUsS4

dxp

4-Nov-2024, 00:18

Old catalogues as reference material are really useful—I've been accumulating a few over the past year or so from the likes of Bowens, Elinchrom, Multiblitz, Manfrotto...I've got one on the way at the moment that details Elinchrom's still life table offerings from the 80's I believe, specifically for smaller smaller product a specimen photography.

I had a Volpi fibre-optic ring-light arrive late last week, to use with the Fibrolite. Unfortunately it had some damage the seller had neglected to photograph or details, so it's going back, but I sourced another one over the weekend, from Italy, and will hopefully have that here later this month or early December. Here's a shot of the damaged one, though:

254629

The Para 88 actually sits pretty high on my list of wants. Not a useful modifier in my little home studio, but for some of the location stuff I do it'd be great. Yeah they're expensive, but on the used market here they're regularly selling for under 1500€, and I already have a Bron ring-light I can use with it, plus the Move 1200L battery generator, which together opens up some interesting location options.

dxp

8-Nov-2024, 07:36

Ok, this thread is called Broncolor Flash Pack Bonanza, but it's been a little bit since we've had an actual pack posted.

So here is my humble—and topical—contribution, a new addition picked up earlier this week from a photographer an hour away who is beginning to wind down his professional studio:

254719

It's a tiny little pack, but has two asymmetric channels and three outlets, and lets me use my RFS trigger natively, which I love.

I was also able to grab a 5m extension cable, a perfect condition honeycomb grid set for P70 reflectors, and a 4-door barn-door set for the same, for great prices as well. That completes my P70 accessory quest for the time being!

The retiring photographer said he'll get in touch when he has more equipment to sell—I think I spotted a couple of P65 reflectors in perfect looking condition as well, plus some octas, and more packs, so we'll see!

grantflanagan

8-Nov-2024, 17:18

Hi! Sorry for the delay. You managed to figure out the manufacturer which is where I struggled while trying to source items for it.

That being said, I have come to realize the entire system is built off medical fibreoptic cable design. Bron just rebranded fibre optic cabling for medical lighting instruments! The "ringlight" attachment is usually used for lighting microscope slides around the optic. By searching in the medical imaging and lighting category on ebay, "fibrelight wand" or "fibreoptic rope light" tons of options come up. The bron uses a 10mm solid core end glow fiber optic cable with a 3mm jacketing. The brand name was what I was missing but that allows you to eliminate Schott and Fostex.

I've ordered two "fan" or blade style fibreoptic fixtures, I will send photos soon. Essentially just a large fibreoptic tube with a 30 inch cable, I plan to mount it on a custom version of my Bron/Profoto fibre optic head. Really went on a deep dive into the ENT lighting world. Some neat stuff, micro lights for adding contrast across microscope slides and microchips!

Old catalogues as reference material are really useful—I've been accumulating a few over the past year or so from the likes of Bowens, Elinchrom, Multiblitz, Manfrotto...I've got one on the way at the moment that details Elinchrom's still life table offerings from the 80's I believe, specifically for smaller smaller product a specimen photography.

I had a Volpi fibre-optic ring-light arrive late last week, to use with the Fibrolite. Unfortunately it had some damage the seller had neglected to photograph or details, so it's going back, but I sourced another one over the weekend, from Italy, and will hopefully have that here later this month or early December. Here's a shot of the damaged one, though:

254629

The Para 88 actually sits pretty high on my list of wants. Not a useful modifier in my little home studio, but for some of the location stuff I do it'd be great. Yeah they're expensive, but on the used market here they're regularly selling for under 1500€, and I already have a Bron ring-light I can use with it, plus the Move 1200L battery generator, which together opens up some interesting location options.

Daniel Unkefer

9-Nov-2024, 09:13

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54127862039_52b8a1b529_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qt6rAF)Opus 2 1600J Pack New Studio Flooring Mighty 606 Pack (https://flic.kr/p/2qt6rAF) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here is my new to me Opus 2 1600J Broncolor Pack, powered up and working great. It's mounted on a large Broncolor Rolling Light Stand, with the aid of a Generic Broncolor Pack Tray, which keeps it up off the floor. Also notice I am laying down rubber flooring over the entire studio floor, and have installed several heavy duty hubs, to give me extra outlets close by easy to access. In the back there is one of my Mighty Broncolor 606 6000J Power packs, being stored out of the way presently.

dxp

9-Nov-2024, 13:23

Hi! Sorry for the delay. You managed to figure out the manufacturer which is where I struggled while trying to source items for it.

That being said, I have come to realize the entire system is built off medical fibreoptic cable design. Bron just rebranded fibre optic cabling for medical lighting instruments! The "ringlight" attachment is usually used for lighting microscope slides around the optic. By searching in the medical imaging and lighting category on ebay, "fibrelight wand" or "fibreoptic rope light" tons of options come up. The bron uses a 10mm solid core end glow fiber optic cable with a 3mm jacketing. The brand name was what I was missing but that allows you to eliminate Schott and Fostex.

I've ordered two "fan" or blade style fibreoptic fixtures, I will send photos soon. Essentially just a large fibreoptic tube with a 30 inch cable, I plan to mount it on a custom version of my Bron/Profoto fibre optic head. Really went on a deep dive into the ENT lighting world. Some neat stuff, micro lights for adding contrast across microscope slides and microchips!

Your timing is perfect—this was delivered a few hours ago:

254736

This has an 8mm bundle with a 10mm OD housing at the emitter end, so won't transmit as much as the standard Bron Fibrolite light guides, but it's 1500mm long and wasn't expensive.

Broncolor (and others) likely didn't have anything to gain by reinventing the 'fibre optic wheel' so reusing existing medical/scientific products makes sense, and is kinda cool anyway as it allows for some interesting additional attachments and uses, such as the ring lights.

dxp

9-Nov-2024, 13:30

Here is my new to me Opus 2 1600J Broncolor Pack, powered up and working great. It's mounted on a large Broncolor Rolling Light Stand, with the aid of a Generic Broncolor Pack Tray, which keeps it up off the floor. Also notice I am laying down rubber flooring over the entire studio floor, and have installed several heavy duty hubs, to give me extra outlets close by easy to access. In the back there is one of my Mighty Broncolor 606 6000J Power packs, being stored out of the way presently.

My goodness...I knew the 606 was big, but seeing it next to the Opus 2 really shows what a monster it is!

Daniel Unkefer

9-Nov-2024, 13:44

Larry at Broncolor Service called it "The Iron Horse", their name for it at Broncolor. Larry told me the 606 had a street value of $100,000 in today's money. Actually I paid about $100 for it. Took two people to load it into my Minivan. And I have two of them.

I have a Cinema Camera Friend who calls it "The Broncolor Electric Chair". LOL It is a BEAST.

Daniel Unkefer

10-Nov-2024, 10:54

From a FOBA Friend in Switzerland:

Foba factory is almost empty... so sad...
some parts became scrap metal other stuff is saved...

ENLARGER SAVED!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54130362573_25450475e3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qtjfVk)Enlarger FOBA plant saved (https://flic.kr/p/2qtjfVk) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

2 COLUMN STANDS NOT SAVED! A third one SAVED!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54129242272_05eb46e7e5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qtdvTN)FOBA Column Stand One Saved Two Scrapped (https://flic.kr/p/2qtdvTN) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

OLD LAMP WITH ORIGINAL STAND SAVED!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54130063951_1cb78d09eb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qthJ9F)FOBA stuff Saved (https://flic.kr/p/2qthJ9F) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

So happy to see amazing stuff being put to good use instead of going into a Landfill.

dxp

10-Nov-2024, 23:45

That's sad to hear but at least a few things are being saved.

I'm still waiting for a smaller sized FOBA column stand to pop up in my locality through the second hand channels. So far they're either too tall, or too far away.

Daniel Unkefer

14-Nov-2024, 08:17

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53806418713_95f2dbab6a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pYFXGn)First Test of NPL 8x10 HRU 1000mm F32 18 pops Octobox (https://flic.kr/p/2pYFXGn) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

First test of Negative Lab Pro, a program which converts large format negatives (small ones too) into nice looking positives. This is 8x10 Fuji HRU XRAY Film, D23 replenished. Neg copied with Sony Nex-7 (36mp) with 50mm Zeiss F2.8 Touit, an AWESOME optic.

1000mm f16 Rodenstock Apo Ronar test, I adjusted the curves and prefer this new version.
18 pops effective f64 aperture. Two stops were required to compensate for bellows draw. The 8x10 Norma is infinitely extendable. I could have upped the power pack to something mucho bigger, but in this case I decided for ease to go with multiple pops. Beautiful wrap around lighting and notice the attractive specular catch lights, thanks to the wonderful Broncolor Octobox 150. Power Pack was a Broncolor Primo 2 1600J I bought from Gary for Fifty Bucks.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/985915-REG/broncolor_b_33_601_00_octabox_4_9.html

Daniel Unkefer

15-Nov-2024, 07:32

I have an Olde Manfrotto Superboom, I acquired many years ago for very little, it's been in storage until now. I went to World of Photography, I found the base section of this uber huge stand, and acquired it for Fifty Bucks. Two more trips to the shoppe were required to acquire additional bits, to restore the SuperBoom to it's original form and function. Now it's together, with the new base section and my small studio footprint, I thought I would need a smaller shorter boom..... WRONG!! Assembled the Superboom up high across the ceiling, and I LOVE it! With the fifteen pound counterweight, it balances one of my Broncolor Impact 41 Monolights (with Impact Beautylight and Honeycomb grid) exactly and relatively safely. I am uber pleased.

Here is the unit basically as I now have it, except I have the Olde original longer Superboom, they show the "Mini" Superboom in this bundle. $738 from B&H... I paid prolly $75 total. YAY.
It's ten times more useful to me in the longer boom version.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/560175-REG/Manfrotto_025TM_025TM_Mini_Super_Boom.html

Finally the 15lb counterweight seems dangerous to me, so I will replace it with this Matthews fifteen pounder with steel balls instead of sand.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/139748-REG/Matthews_299859_Shotbag_15_lb.html

A nice upgrade IMO. Guys, I want some additional sandbags to put of the Superboom's base legs. What would you recommend for this purpose?

Mal Paso

17-Nov-2024, 17:35

The price seems too cheap but these are great sandbags: https://www.ebay.com/itm/161676170199

I lost my superboom in the fire, still looking for another. There is one in LA but I really don't want to go there. I am getting by with an Inpact boom from B&H. My superboom counterweight is cast iron and is the only part to survive.

I had to take a few days off for a cardiac event at the local hospital. Worst part is No More Caffeine.

Daniel Unkefer

17-Nov-2024, 20:04

[QUOTE=Mal Paso;1725083]The price seems too cheap but these are great sandbags: https://www.ebay.com/itm/161676170199

Thanks Mal Paso.

Just ordered a set for the new Manfrotto Base. Remembered you showed these before but I couldn't find them. Got a bag of sand somewhere outside around here.

My Superboom had a bolt instead of a release handle and that kinda scared me. Had to use vice grips to slide the weight back and forth. Not good. Even went back to Garys and bought an original handle, but gave up trying to fit it to the 15 pounder. So went with Matthews with steel buckshot. Much safer IMO.

And, Hope you are feeling better.

grantflanagan

19-Nov-2024, 08:55

dxp

19-Nov-2024, 12:10

Here is a recent score I got on a trip to Cape Town last month.

The Bron LightBrush! 5 w/s per second, with an audible beep every second. It's a weird piece. I used a hosemaster in college, it was continuous and a tungsten source. This is a tiny flashtube continuously popping daylight balanced flash, which the seller made sure to point out as the advantage to this unit. He supplied it with a few attachments and a Lee gel swatchbook for color correction. Currently wired for SA standard plugs, I suppose I'll get a 240v-120v converter as this unit definitely doesn't have internal power adaption.

I see these pop up for sale on eBay from time to around here, but usually for more money than I'd be willing to pay to have a play around with one. I've seen a few videos where they're put to good use in the studio for still-life shoots.

How do you plan to put it to use?

grantflanagan

20-Nov-2024, 11:55

No idea what to do with it yet. Maybe some Paolo Roversi style images?

Daniel Unkefer

20-Nov-2024, 13:00

Mal Paso

20-Nov-2024, 15:36

Very interesting Broncolor items Guys! I am a huge Fan of Paolo Roversi :)

This Dude had a fantastic idea regarding articulating hanging backgrounds. I think I may try to do this in my little studio.... Hmmm...... "The Best Photo Backdrop System No One Makes"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIQxhV7wko8

I remember struggling with available off the shelf parts to assemble photo tools. Now I have a 14" carbide tooth chop saw, MIG welder, mill, and a few other toys to build projects like this from scratch. Those roll holders are a couple dollars worth of steel strap and can be made any length.

grantflanagan

20-Nov-2024, 18:50

Very interesting Broncolor items Guys! I am a huge Fan of Paolo Roversi :)

This Dude had a fantastic idea regarding articulating hanging backgrounds. I think I may try to do this in my little studio.... Hmmm...... "The Best Photo Backdrop System No One Makes"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIQxhV7wko8

the guy in that video has a garage larger than my apartment in Brooklyn. The articulation is interesting, that would be helpful when doing Irving Penn style corner images.

Daniel Unkefer

22-Nov-2024, 07:31

the guy in that video has a garage larger than my apartment in Brooklyn. The articulation is interesting, that would be helpful when doing Irving Penn style corner images.

Here I found what that Guy utilized in his video:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R5TFHQR/ref=pe_386300_440135490_TE_simp_item_image?th=1

I just ordered a used one of these from Amazon. Total cost $24.76 with shipping and tax. Unlikely I could make this from parts from Lowes or Home Depot at this price point. Also some of the parts are CNC'ed, that would add to the total cost. I worked hard to avoid enrolling in Amazon Prime. If this was a photographic item no doubt you could multiply out the total price many times :/

And Yes! I'd like to be able to make "corner set" constructions for Irving Penn style images. :)

Also check out his "Phase II" Dream Studio Background Enhancements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rebHtq17JxI

Mal Paso

22-Nov-2024, 14:38

The last video got me wondering if he should have sandblasted the walls for the concrete look. If the ceiling is concrete the walls are too.

CNC is only valuable for mass production. For one offs a simple mill with Digital Read Outs is faster. I started to type DROs but I hate it when people do that.

Good Stuff but it seems the real market is selling stuff to photographers.

Back to the old joke. The way to become a million dollar photographer is to start with five million.

Daniel Unkefer

25-Nov-2024, 14:22

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54160911602_42baeae5b0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qw1Q5J)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qw1Q5J) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

LOL. Thanks for this Mal Paso.

I used a bathroom scale to fill these four sandbags up to 15 pounds of sand each. So that's four units for a total cost of Twenty Five Dollars. It pays to be thrifty! These will go on my newly rebuilt Olde Manfrotto Superboom. One on the end of the boom arm, and three holding down solidly the three legs on the extra large base. So maximum safety at minimum cost. I cancelled my order for a Matthews Sandbags 4X more expensive, these will do just fine :)

Daniel Unkefer

30-Nov-2024, 11:37

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54174818905_7cc07974ce_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qxf7eP)Superboom Up Apus 2 Primo Head Universal Beauty Light (https://flic.kr/p/2qxf7eP) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54174819900_68d926f32b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qxf7wY)Superboom Up Apus 2 Primo Head Universal Beauty Light 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2qxf7wY) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I wrestled around with the Superboom today, got it all tuned up and decided to do a quickie test shoot ala "Beauty Lighting". Overhead Primo 2 Head with Universal Broncolor Beauty Dish, did some machine work to convert it to modern Pulso fittings. Apus 2 Broncolor Power Pack turned down to 7.9 power setting. Pulled out one of my Mamiya C22 TLR's with 135mm, loaded with Shanghai 220, camera has the Porrofinder and Stovepipe so fully tricked out. Metered with Broncolor Strobe Meter. It was fun to get back into the studio after a short hiatus.

dxp

12-Dec-2024, 01:25

It's an interesting time of the year here for studio equipment. In the past week a whole lot of used Bron gear (along with plenty of other brands) appeared online, being sold by studios presumably downsizing, closing down, or writing off the value of equipment for tax purposes.

After buying that little Senso A2 generator last month I thought I was done with with lighting purchases for the year, but some of these new deals are too good not to explore further, and I've reached out to a couple of sellers for further info about condition and service history, and have a particular generator I'm very interested in.

Unrelated to all that, for a while I've been keen to find myself a used Boxlite for not too much money. Tried a couple of a months ago with a Hensel unit being offered on eBay for a good price that I intended to send off for conversion, but the seller was not forthright with the condition description and photos, and did a terrible job packing it too, so that got refunded.

This week I tried again, and now have a Bron Boxlite 40 en route for a very reasonable price...hopefully its seller is a little more competent than the last one. Fingers crossed!

Daniel Unkefer

12-Dec-2024, 07:00

I've removed the "cradle" section of my honking big Broncolor Hazylight (drilled out the rivits), and I intend to add bolts and screweyes, so I can suspend it directly (by use of ceiling chains) over my small product studio set. I have an Olde Universal Hazylight Head, 1600J power, specifically designed for my Hazylight. Even have a quad 1600J Universal "Power Head" that has four cables for 6000J total, four 120V packs through four Universal 1600J flashtubes. And even a 606 Hazylight head that I will likely sell off when I get around to it, it's just too much power for this space.

So, basically a "Poor Man's homemade Cumulite" utilizing parts I already have that are currently in storage. BTW I have a giant Grid Attachment for my Hazylight, as well as plexiglass and Hazylight frosted front screens. Have to do some basic carpentry to make it doable, and to allot the time to do it. Repurposing "the best of the best of the best" as they say at Broncolor. And it clears out more of my storage space and gets this going again. :)

I'm had my eyes on those Boxlights myself. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

dxp

14-Dec-2024, 02:23

A pair of Hazylights and their respective stand were listed yesterday on a classifieds site here, 150 € for the lot, with working heads! If I had more space...

My Boxlite is yet to be shipped, unfortunately....was hoping to play with it this weekend, but alas no.

And I missed out on the deal I hinted at the other day. It was a large commercial studio clearing out seven Scoro 1600 S packs for bargain prices. I thought I was first in line for the unit with the lowest flash...it had only been used for 30k flashes, and was on offer for only 800 €....just 800 €...but while I was waiting for the seller to confirm some details, another buyer swooped in and grabbed five or six units including that one, and I didn't get a single one. Still a bit miffed about it, honestly...the Scoro packs are amazing.

The seller did briefly offer me the most used unit...300k flashes and it looked quite dirty in the couple of snaps they sent through, but that too sold within a couple of minutes of the message being sent and before I was able to reply.

Daniel Unkefer

14-Dec-2024, 10:34

Well Now that's a Bummer. I'd like to hear what you have to say about the Boxlights.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54204242108_5d22b5c2cf_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qzQUJq)Quad Universal Head 4 X 1600J Four Pack 120V 6000J New Never Used (https://flic.kr/p/2qzQUJq) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

"The Power Head" has been in storage until now, bought new in box never used. Connects to four 1600J Packs, Four 1600J Flashtubes, one central modeling light. I have enough 1600J Packs, and planty of Broncolor 1600J 4190 Flashtubes. Takes standard central single 250W Quartz modeling Bulb, Universal screw in type. This would give me the massive 6000J single action stopping pop which could be an advantage at times. I paid under $100 for this, and I have a second one (a spare!).

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54204257258_e905d28f6f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qzQZeC)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qzQZeC) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

A view of the Special Hazylight 1600J Universal Hazy Light Head. Inside my Hazylight, Grid Screen in Front. The combination of the special Reflector on the front of the Head, and the curved silver surface of the Hazylight, makes for beautiful simulated window lighting. Dosen't weigh all that much either, I drilled out the Rivits and removed the cradle which I'll save for future use. I intend to add chains all four corners and hang it over my small product set. It should be adjustable to some degree also. This is a work in progress.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54204246379_2a7bf9e324_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qzQW14)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qzQW14) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53936585450_74820db161_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qbc6Js)Broncolor Hazylight 404 606 Packs 3 (https://flic.kr/p/2qbc6Js) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53289427867_8e7b0592ca_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pc1fk6)500CM 135 f5.6 S Planar C TStar Polaroid Hazylight (https://flic.kr/p/2pc1fk6) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This test was taken with just the 220V 1000W modeling light in the 606 Hazylight Head. It does make beautiful light, I like the texturing of the petals in this one.

interneg

16-Dec-2024, 16:48

Boxlites are both a brilliant solution to several problems (including scanning negs) and horribly easily to smash through carelessness.

The Rondolight is easy to convert to a junior pin - the boss on the yoke that attaches to the vari-stand has a 3/8 thread up the middle.

dxp

17-Dec-2024, 03:06

Well Now that's a Bummer. I'd like to hear what you have to say about the Boxlights.

Turns out what I assumed was a Boxlite 40 is actually the Boxlite 30 (so 30cm x 20cm) which is great because a smaller one is more useful to me and most importantly these days....requires less storage space! :D

I opened it up to clean out some dust and a couple of injects, and the flash tube is in very clean condition, modelling lamps are good, and everything functions correctly. It has a three-position rocker switch for controlling the modelling lamp; central is off, one side gives the generator control over the lamp level, the other side is full power even if the generator has the modelling lamp disabled, which is an interesting override.

I didn't realize the entire box (apart from the rear panel) is made from acrylic, and the black, outer walls are just a coating. They show some wear, feel ever so slightly tacky in a couple of places, and where the coating has worn away you get some bleed from inside (second photo).

But it's a nice little light source and the only thing missing from mine is the rear bracket allowing it to attach to a light stand easily. I'll track one down in time. Paid less than 120 € all up, so much cheaper than a Picobox for my Picolite, which is another option I was considering.

255691 255692

Daniel Unkefer

19-Dec-2024, 07:01

Mal Paso

19-Dec-2024, 18:31

Merry Christmas All! :)

Broncolor has a beautiful new online catalog that outlines what they offer right now. A great resource to anyone interested. Takes while to load but worth it.

https://broncolor.swiss/assets/img/Support/Downloads/System-Catalogue/241210_broncolor_system_catalogue.pdf

37 seconds on Starlink, that was a big file! Beautiful Photos!

255724

Highway 36 in Trinity County, Ca 12/12/24

dxp

19-Dec-2024, 21:24

Merry Christmas All! :)

Broncolor has a beautiful new online catalog that outlines what they offer right now. A great resource to anyone interested. Takes while to load but worth it.

https://broncolor.swiss/assets/img/Support/Downloads/System-Catalogue/241210_broncolor_system_catalogue.pdf

I always enjoy looking through Bron's catalogues but noticed in this one that the Move 1200 L generator, and MobiLED lamp-head have both been omitted. I wonder if they're planning on phasing them out or replacing them over the next year or so?

Daniel Unkefer

21-Dec-2024, 08:33

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54214966536_776b4f144a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qAMSJm)Makiflex 4x5 SHANGHAI 100 (https://flic.kr/p/2qAMSJm) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Playing with the 4x5 Skier Box. Sony Nex C3 16mp 50mm Zeiss Touit Plaubel Makiflex Shanghai 100 4x5 Makiflex SK Grimes One Off Graphic Holder Back. Replenished HC110B Replenished Unicolor 8x10 Print Drum. Full Sun Exposure Test. Makiflex Auto Aperture Voigtlander Heliar.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54216041282_c8a9d16a11_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qATods)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qATods) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Standard Plaubel Makiflex Number Three arrived yesterday in a bundle from a shoppe in Prague. Good conditioned body fully functional, comes with 135 Tessar on Plaubel Recessed Board. Also a 240mm Tele-Xenar in Compur shutter, I transplanted this Tele-Xenar onto a 3D printed Peco Junior board printed in Italy. Shown on my Long Rail Peco Junior, camera focused carefully at infinity, plenty of rail available for closer in shooting. Need to put yellow medium filters and lens hoods on these new lenses, and try 'em out. 135 is perfectly collimated to focus just a teeny past infinity, so perfectly constructed IMO. Quite a bit of maching skill shown here, many of my Makiflexes from Prague have been tweeked and modded. Very clever technicians. The Stovepipe might be legit Olde Makiflex, I remember seeing one other, so maybe? Maybe in some literature too? Both of these cameras take Plaubel Makina Film Backs and Planfilm Holders.

Beautiful new to me overhead small product lighting. FOBA F1000 Silver Reflector Globe Bulb at 12:00 straight down over the set. FOBA Combitubes suspended from the ceiling (bolted overhead FOBA fixtures). Boom Arms totally adjustable wherever needed. Another FP1000 camera right with spotlight bulb, at 45 degrees. Nice new lighting. 3x4ft foamcore panel off camera left at 45 degrees. Thinking about how best to hang up my Hazylight. Need some bolts with screweyes and some heavy weight chains I think. Can get everything at local Lowes. Vinyl backgrounds came from Amazon, I have about a dozen different colored ones. Also thinking about maybe making a translucent Plexiglass light table so I can suspend objects. Setshop sells sandblasted one sided Plexiglass, and I like their plans to make one as cheaply as possible out of wood. Would fill up my space but can be quickly stored away inside the room.

dxp

30-Dec-2024, 04:30

Merry Christmas All! :)

Hey Daniel, hope you had a nice Christmas and are ready for 2025 to roll around!

I have a bit of a technical question for you, and am hoping you might have the answer somewhere in all your reference material or spare parts box!

This first photo below shows the rear of a Bron Boxlite 40, and the mechanism used to attach it to a stand.

What I'm trying to determine are the profile dimensions of that dark metal arm connecting the swivel on the stand to the circular mount. The circular mount has a channel that the arm mates into.

255917

This second photo is a silver aluminium arm that may or may not have the same profile as the dark one in the first photo:

255918

I'm trying to work out mounting for my Boxlite 30 that arrived a fortnight ago. I have a circular mount like the one visible in the first pic, but the channel is too narrow for one of those silver aluminium arms that I also happen to have in my spare parts box.

So it's either that Broncolor's silver and dark square-profile arms have profiles that are dimensionally different, or the circular mount I have is from another brand that uses a narrower sized profile, hence why the silver Bron arm doesn't fit.

Any chance that's answered in one of your older Bron or B&H catalogues?

Daniel Unkefer

30-Dec-2024, 11:46

Hi DXP!

Yep we has a good XMAS and I think as ready for 2025 as we can be. Doing Well Thanks.

Is that black circular plate have a female threaded hole? If it were me I'd investigate getting a piece of threaded rod and screw into the circular plate. Then put a bolt on it to tighten it down. Then you can configure something to grip the circular rod. Or maybe a metal angle iron L piece bolted to the black? Then you could grip something together to go out off of that. Broncolor catalogs only show the Boxlite front views. You'll need to get creative and cobble something together out of Olde Broncolor/hardware store items. Shouldn't be too difficult to configure something really workable. That Boxlight mounting rod could be a lot longer IMO to be more useful. I think that L-piece looks to me like Universal Umbrella Holder. And the squarish black rod they use seems to me to attach to one of their standard Head Clamping Piece.

If that silver piece you have fits a standard Head Swiveling Clamp thingee, then you are Golden. If so I'd trim it down a bit with a hacksaw. You could even bolt the umbrella bracket to the circular plate, I'd add some rubber and fender washers in that case.

Sounds like you got a steal-deal on that Boxlite. Over here they start at around $300.

Daniel Unkefer

30-Dec-2024, 12:55

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54235463262_a82036b63e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qCAVGb)JB Welded 18x24cm Kodak Film Holder almost done (https://flic.kr/p/2qCAVGb) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here I've used an electric Dremel Wheel to carefully cut down a Kodak 8x10 Stainless Steel Film Holder. I left tabs exposed, so i could carefully JB Weld the cut-down pieces tightly together. On Ebay these Metric sized film hangers are expensive! I have a lot of 8x10 holders so I will prolly make a few more of these. Still figuring the final cutting on the top piece that hold the film in the holder. Then final JB Welding and it's done. Notice the JB Welded lower right corner. Really solid connection.

Daniel Unkefer

30-Dec-2024, 13:10

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54236795960_3c571a8c60_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qCHKRJ)Large Screw Eyes Added to Broncolor Hazylight (https://flic.kr/p/2qCHKRJ) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here I have fired-up the 1600J Universal Hazylight Head, first time in thirty years or so. Works great, beautiful Hazy Light, can't wait to start using it overhead, above my FOBA Sweep Table. It will hang from medium sized chains, hooks screwed into floor joists make it super solid. And adjustable light angle, by manipulating the chains. Should work Ok we will see. I also have some other Hazylight Heads, the Quad Head, and the 606 too. And Universal 1600J Heads also work in the Hazy Shell. As big as it is, it's surprisingly light weight. I used large screw eyes, Rubber Fender Washers, and Metal Fender Washers, to redo a way to hang this above my small product set.

dxp

30-Dec-2024, 16:07

Is that black circular plate have a female threaded hole? If it were me I'd investigate getting a piece of threaded rod and screw into the circular plate. Then put a bolt on it to tighten it down. Then you can configure something to grip the circular rod. Or maybe a metal angle iron L piece bolted to the black? Then you could grip something together to go out off of that. Broncolor catalogs only show the Boxlite front views. You'll need to get creative and cobble something together out of Olde Broncolor/hardware store items. Shouldn't be too difficult to configure something really workable. That Boxlight mounting rod could be a lot longer IMO to be more useful. I think that L-piece looks to me like Universal Umbrella Holder. And the squarish black rod they use seems to me to attach to one of their standard Head Clamping Piece.

If that silver piece you have fits a standard Head Swiveling Clamp thingee, then you are Golden. If so I'd trim it down a bit with a hacksaw. You could even bolt the umbrella bracket to the circular plate, I'd add some rubber and fender washers in that case.

Sounds like you got a steal-deal on that Boxlite. Over here they start at around $300.

The circular plate does have a hole but it's not threaded and is simply a pass-through. The threading is in the back of the Boxlite itself and there's a rubber-ish washer thing in between the circular plate and rear housing to prevent the plate rotating when locked down, fixing it all in position.

Yes the L-piece is a universal umbrella holder...I think I could even just file down the sides of it slightly until it fits the channel, and problem solved since the hole in it is large enough for the shaft of the locking knob. I have a couple of other ideas to try as well.

Mal Paso

30-Dec-2024, 17:14

Daniel Unkefer

1-Jan-2025, 17:02

Thanks Mal Paso. My Sister used to silver solder sterling jewelry, I wonder if that is similar process?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54239864477_d653b22aef_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qCZu2c)FOBA F1000 converted to Broncolor Universal (https://flic.kr/p/2qCZu2c) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

The importance of repurposing what you already have. Here a FOBA F1000 Fixture (missing stuff) was converted to Broncolor Universal Mount. So a Broncolor Universal Quadrofix olde Softbox now fits beautifully. Integrates with all my FOBA Combitube stuff. Optional Quadrofix Diffuser shown, I have two of the Quadrofixes around, venerable lighting units. From the same source I bought this FOBA Acrylic Diffusion Cone, perfect for illuminating small products on my sweep table. The conversion involved Gaffer Tape, Brass Micro Hobby Bolts and Screws, and Strips of Gorilla Tape. Now I can put any Universal attachments onto this Olde Swiss light.

dxp

2-Jan-2025, 17:23

...Integrates with all my FOBA Combitube stuff. Optional Quadrofix Diffuser shown, I have two of the Quadrofixes around, venerable lighting units. From the same source I bought this FOBA Acrylic Diffusion Cone, perfect for illuminating small products on my sweep table...

I'm curious if you've ever come across a printed FOBA catalogue? I've started looking a bit more closely at the system and ordered a couple of items this past week, but now that their website has been shut down it's a little more challenging to get info about their products.

Daniel Unkefer

2-Jan-2025, 19:03

Yes I have modern FOBA catalogs, I printed them out for my use. The Olde stuff is quite interesting and has turned up for me. Don't own everything but what I have sure is great to use.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52511914746_cc0a351b6e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o1ihLs)FOBA Brochure 3 (https://flic.kr/p/2o1ihLs) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52511913841_0bd1e11e57_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o1ihuR)FOBA Brochure 4 (https://flic.kr/p/2o1ihuR) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52512181249_743c4ee808_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2o1jDZk)FOBA Brochure 6 (https://flic.kr/p/2o1jDZk) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I think I have most of these pieces, I'm glad I got them at decent prices over time, and it's great to have a "FOBA Box".

Mal Paso

3-Jan-2025, 18:08

This has been my bag of tricks for grip.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/869948-REG/Impact_Impact_Grip_Kit.html

I cut a 5/8 pin about 2.5" long and use a 3/8 bolt in the second threaded hole in the "Impact Grip Head" to secure the pin. When the Grip Head is installed on top of the light stand that pin provides a strobe/light mount above it. The 40" Grip Arm clamps in the Grip Head. One end is 5/8 diameter for mounting a strobe, instant boom. The other end is a clamp to hold umbrellas, flags, reflectors, scrims....... Clamps any rod from less than 1/4 to 3/4". I'll try to post some pictures later.

grantflanagan

5-Jan-2025, 16:39

Is there a clear reason why so many brands used letters instead of parts numbers? It just seems very counter productive for a swiss company!

Daniel Unkefer

6-Jan-2025, 10:56

Howdy Grant!

Have no idea why they code as they do?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54250885194_07948c6f90_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qDXY6y)Original Pecolight Accessories Composite (https://flic.kr/p/2qDXY6y) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is a composite shot that shows Broncolor Picolite Acessories. It is helpful to know what is available and what it looks like.

interneg

6-Jan-2025, 11:09

Is there a clear reason why so many brands used letters instead of parts numbers? It just seems very counter productive for a swiss company!

Pronounceable telegraphic code names.

Seemed to be a particular habit of companies whose main corporate language was German (hence Foba, Durst etc).

Daniel Unkefer

6-Jan-2025, 15:00

Hmmm. Great contributions.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54250188142_6c6bd0af65_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qDUoTq)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qDUoTq) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Unpacked this Broncolor Universal Pulso Background Light, mounted to an olde Photogenic Floor Stand. I think I prolly will use this light for lighting my many backgrounds. 750 Maximum Joules with no modeling light. Scoop Reflector makes for really wide light coverage. Fired right up POP POP POP. Will get some use from now on.

dxp

7-Jan-2025, 03:54

...

This is a composite shot that shows Broncolor Picolite Acessories. It is helpful to know what is available and what it looks like.

I don't suppose you could post a larger version showing just the 8 gobos when you get a spare moment?

Coincidentally, just before Christmas I took delivery of a brand new Picolite Projection attachment, and I think those gobos must be an optional accessory for it, but seemingly discontinued. I'm still weighing up whether I'll keep the attachment or not, as it was hugely expensive and arrived in less than new condition despite being sold as new stock by a large photography chain.

In other news, an eBay user in the Netherlands has listed for auction a used Fibrolite in the past couple of days. The opening bid being asked (1500€) is nearly double what I won my unit for last year, so it'll be interesting to see if anyone is willing to bid that much or if the seller will need to lower it. The case of accessories is more complete than the lot that came with my unit though, so maybe if they don't get any interest I'll ask if they're willing to split a few things out.

Daniel Unkefer

7-Jan-2025, 08:33

Here is the original mask set as far as I can tell.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54252445008_3c33ff3238_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qE6XLU)Broncolor Picolight Accessories (https://flic.kr/p/2qE6XLU) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

dxp

7-Jan-2025, 11:44

Here is the original mask set as far as I can tell.

Thank you!

Daniel Unkefer

9-Jan-2025, 17:48

Here's an olde thread very relevant to this topic. When I get something new and not familiar, I call Kevin at KHB. He's generous with his time and WOW he knows his stuff, the electronics of it from the bottom up.
Me if I get a new pack and i'm scared, I test it in the garage as was suggested in the linked thread. Good Advice.

https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?56043-Danger-of-using-old-strobes/page7&highlight=broncolor

dxp

10-Jan-2025, 03:58

...
Me if I get a new pack and i'm scared, I test it in the garage as was suggested in the linked thread. Good Advice.

On the windowsill, window open, ready to be kicked out at the first sign of liberated capacitor internals!

Daniel Unkefer

11-Jan-2025, 10:54

Right. Onwards with the new year, I want to continue reconfiguring my teeny studio into maximum usefulness. Hanging my Hazy Light over my FOMA DIMIL Sweep Table is a good way to repurpose something, I'm ready to hang it up, it will be good to get it out of the way. Keeping the Hazylight 1600J 250W dedicated Hazy Head on, it's not a fan cooled head. I used it with the 606 1000W 220V modeling and it was fine. Like magnificent simulated window lighting which reveals detail. Also a venerated tool everywhere. Too big to use on a stand here.

Another project is to get going, I have a couple of 30x120cm Strip Lights, need to get them on stands so I can move them exactly where I want them. I also have a pair of attachments for these lights, which turns them into really narrow strip lights. I have some different kinds of Broncolor Stands (some I have repaired) along with some FOBA Stands that work with FOBA Combitubes, very heavy construction so very sturdy and can support a bit of weight. I also have two boxes of FOBA parts to configure stuff, some adapter pieces would be necessary to attach to my two Pulso 4 3000J heads, fan cooled with brand new 3000J clear tubes. One thing I noticed when playing with the new Strip Lights, is that they require a lot of power. Dedicated Pulso 4 was top of the line back in the day. Kevin at KHB thinks the Olde Universal (not fan cooled) heads are excellent in every way, great choice for attaching to the more modern packs. Which I may experiment with as well in due time.

So things to keep as busy as I want to be. Endless adaptation and Endless Invention. I really like this Guy's Videos. I've been watching how he uses the Broncolor Strip Lights. Very informative. You move the subject back and forth as well as the strobe position. That's helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFsONwuxS1Q

Daniel Unkefer

11-Jan-2025, 11:48

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54260694380_558ecb0a73_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qEQf2s)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qEQf2s) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Two new to me smallish items, a Broncolor Impact set of 50 Colored Filters to fit the Impact Barndoor Reflector. An an IRS-E 2 Channel Broncolor Pulso IR Transmitter. Two bargains from a few weeks ago, The IRS-E in the catalog was $480US, this one was about Fifty with shipping. Fifty dollars for 50 cut Gels (some original Impact) included all in good condition, also a bargain to me. Clean and in perfect condition. The transmitter works great (channel 1 or 2 with my Pulso 2 Packs). It takes a few minutes to "energize" and it lets you know it's ready with big alarm. Interesting and worthwhile, as I have a couple of Pulso Packs and a bunch of Pulso Heads.

dxp

12-Jan-2025, 02:15

...along with some FOBA Stands that work with FOBA Combitubes, very heavy construction so very sturdy and can support a bit of weight. I also have two boxes of FOBA parts to configure stuff, some adapter pieces would be necessary to attach to my two Pulso 4 3000J heads, fan cooled with brand new 3000J clear tubes.

Picked up this trio recently. Now gotta find bases and tubes to use them with.

256354

Missed out on an amazing deal recently from someone liquidating their studio setup, who had a bag containing 8x 80cm and a handful of 40cm Combitube sections, along with a heap of connectors and accessories, for only 60€. I offered to pay double the shipping rate for them to send the set to me, but seller had a preference for local pickup, and that seems to be what happened.

Daniel Unkefer

12-Jan-2025, 08:55

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53297965176_a1cbab0a34_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pcL1b5)FOBA COSNO Stativ-Klappstander Modell 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2pcL1b5) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Those are incredibly useful for placing lights exactly where you need them. I have four of them myself, they are the Olde Grey FOBA ones.

Another good FOBA snag for me. Four original COSNO FOBA Stativ-Klappstander Model 1 units. These turn FOBA Combitubes into very heavy duty collapsible stands. They will support just about anything and Combitubes are infinitely extendable, and have parts galore to make useful studio things. I'm glad I found these, they are kinda rare I think. First time I have seen these offered.

Daniel Unkefer

13-Jan-2025, 15:16

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54264012312_916da245d8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qF8fkb)Broncolor Hazylight Suspended Finally (https://flic.kr/p/2qF8fkb) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

The Hazylight is finally suspended, it is about what I have imagined. I'll leave this set up all the time, it's over my FOBA Sweep Table. Actually, things are becoming more well stored so I can find things. My 8x10 Norma Overhead Camera is getting a new to me 8x10 Back so that completes my second 8x10 Norma. Space is tight but things are improving.

Daniel Unkefer

14-Jan-2025, 12:44

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51561297033_760ef9e515_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2myi8eT)47mm F8 F32 4x5 Norma HP5 (https://flic.kr/p/2myi8eT) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

My widest LF lens, the chrome 47mm F8 Super Angulon in Compur shutter. Mounted on an original Sinar Norma Recessed Lensboard. Tim Kelly lighting, extreme close-up, lens less than a foot away from my test target. Three Broncolor Pulso C171 Monolights plus fill panel, HP5+ 4x5 (in Linhof Plate Holder) D:23 1;1 in 8x10 Unicolor Unidrum and Uniroller. 8x10 4X print Arista #2 RC Multigrade dev Omega DII laser aligned 180 black Rodagon Omegalite Diffusion Head. In close up mode this lens -almost- covers 4x5. You can see that in the four corners of this shot. BTW I picked up my stand-in "model" and the plant base at the local IKEA store. :) The base is "Rubbermaid Studio". Seemed appropriate to me. The canvas background was hand painted by Artist James Bright

dxp

14-Jan-2025, 14:43

Another good FOBA snag for me. Four original COSNO FOBA Stativ-Klappstander Model 1 units. These turn FOBA Combitubes into very heavy duty collapsible stands. They will support just about anything and Combitubes are infinitely extendable, and have parts galore to make useful studio things. I'm glad I found these, they are kinda rare I think. First time I have seen these offered.

I've had some COSNO stands on my watch list for a while now. Your comments above motivated me to finally make an offer on a pair, so they're now bought and paid for and hopefully here by the weekend.

I assume that central tube in yours is the steel version, and not aluminium?

Daniel Unkefer

14-Jan-2025, 14:53

Yes, mine are all steel version of combitubes. Haven't seen any aluminum ones.

Daniel Unkefer

18-Jan-2025, 13:23

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54272712517_66f37a3acd_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qFTQAH)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qFTQAH) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here I'm testing my suspended Broncolor Hazylight Modeling Light On. Additional FOBA F1000 Head down low left to illuminate shadows. The 3D Printed Tophat appears robust to my eye, we will see. This I intend to test out in the field soon. I can carry it around assembled for now. I will put the 5x7 Bag Bellows and Monocular on the back, for outdoor viewing. I do have the Reducing Back for 4x12/9x12 as well if I need cropping. BTW the Schneider Lens Hood (the correct one!) has been glued on, never coming off. Oh Well. Here the Broncolor Hazylight Head is doing what it does best. Providing beautiful simulated "window lighting". I'm using the Broncolor Hazylight 1600JHead which is an unusual design.

dxp

20-Jan-2025, 15:09

My Flooter got a new little friend over the weekend!

256558

Size differences aside, the Flooter definitely has a nicer light quality to it, with more pleasing falloff, while the Pico Fresnel develops a slightly darker center portion for a small part of its adjustment range. But after only a short play with it I think I quite like it and could find a few uses for it in my shooting.

Mal Paso

20-Jan-2025, 19:54

Fresnels throw a softer shadow than conventional lights of the same size. Made them popular on movie sets. Wish I'd grabbed that Norman Fresnel when it was up for sale.

Daniel Unkefer

22-Jan-2025, 09:01

Fresnels are new to me, I'm thinking I will enjoy using my Flooter for selectively lighting backgrounds. Adding the correct Bron Grid also enhances what you can do with it. Making my own Barndoors, out of two Manfrotto Clips, and some black Mat Board, I stocked up on medium sized sheets at the Art Supply Store. I cut the barndoors exactly where I wanted them, with my rotary cutter. The black Manfrotto Clips work good for this. I'll also be barn dooring my three Universal Pulso Spots, I'll put four barndoors cut also from black mount board. These are medium sized 1600J Spot units, not too expensive, and a good size for tabletop work.

joan90

23-Jan-2025, 05:19

dxp

23-Jan-2025, 06:15

Ive got an interesting tidbit about Broncolor that I recently discovered, I’m talking about the Picolite system accessories that can totally change the way we approach lighting in photography, these might seem like little things, but they can seriously elevate shots especially the projection lens set that allows precise control over the shape and quality of the light... they’re apparently no longer being produced, so it's worth hunting for used ones as they can be pretty hard to find... I managed to grab one of these sets on the second-hand market, and I'm really impressed!!! also with Picolite it's better to invest in the right holder – the difference in light quality is huge :eek:

So this is interesting, because I've had retailer tell me the same thing, and then I've checked with Broncolor in Switzerland who've refuted it.

I actually bought a new (but discounted) Picolite projection attachment late last year, which arrived in less than new conditon (only slightly so, but enough for me to contact the retailer). They offered a slight discount, but I instead requested an exchange for another copy. They told me that was their last one, that their supplier has advised them it's now been discontinued, and so another copy is not an option.

I contacted Broncolor who said no, those are in stock and are definitely still able to be ordered. So I'm not sure what the actual situation is.

In addition to this, Broncolor released a new product catalogue exactly a month ago, and the Picolite and all its accessories are still featured in it. It would be a rather large oversight if they were planning kill off some or all of the accessories only weeks later.

Can I ask who told you the accessories were being discontinued, and did they mention specific products, or were they referring to the entire accessories lineup?

Regarding the Picolite projection attachment, I'm actually not all that impressed with it physically. On my copy there's a fair bit of slop in the threading for adjusting the focus, likewise there's an excess of clearance in the channel for the gobos. Considering the astronomical price to buy one new, I expected something better built.

I'm still considering whether I keep this one, or return it and wait to pay half as much on the used market, but like you indicated used copies are relatively scarce.

Daniel Unkefer

24-Jan-2025, 09:02

This is what got me going hanging my Hazylight from the ceiling. Love it and now it's out of the way! The Cumulite would be great but I love my Hazylight. I'm using it a lot, the 1600J Hazy Head is not fan cooled, but way cool. I did remake the Diffusion Screen Mount for my Hazylight, it's still in perfect condition. And I have the Hazylight Grid as well, that is going to get some use.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54285335495_993c71b2ea_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qH1wYg)Broncolor Cumulite (https://flic.kr/p/2qH1wYg) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

dxp

24-Jan-2025, 09:52

This is what got me going hanging my Hazylight from the ceiling. Love it and now it's out of the way! The Cumulite would be great but I love my Hazylight. I'm using it a lot, the 1600J Hazy Head is not fan cooled, but way cool. I did remake the Diffusion Screen Mount for my Hazylight, it's still in perfect condition. And I have the Hazylight Grid as well, that is going to get some use.

Nice! Are you only using a single lamp in it?

Hey I saw this photo the other day of a Flooter with the honeycomb grid fitted...it looks like it sits behind that front fascia...is there a trick for accessing that, or do you simply have to unscrew the screws?

256717

Daniel Unkefer

24-Jan-2025, 10:43

Daniel Unkefer

24-Jan-2025, 10:51

I scrounged a Hazylight in a big bundle, it was in storage for a decade. Just one head design, very even and unusual flashtube, its way forward in a odd looking reflector. I think my Hazylight is in the general results as the Cumulite, scaled down it's 42x42cm, covers my entire sweep table, with a big projecting forward. Dosen't impede any of my other setups. Planning to leave it set up all the time. I prolly paid $100 for my Hazylight, including the diffusion panel and the Grid Panel. Looking forwrd to playing with that next. Do have two of the Universal Quad 1600J Heads. I've heard this called the "Power Head", I do have enough packs...... 6000J in one pop, four 4190 Tubes, one 250W Modeling. I do have all of this stuff around.

Daniel Unkefer

24-Jan-2025, 14:37

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54285677724_8ba0a9d232_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qH3hGL)Broncolor Flooter Grid and Flooter Filter Frame (https://flic.kr/p/2qH3hGL) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is the Broncolor Flooter Grid and the Flooter Filter Holder. LOL I didn't realize there was a filter holder on the front of mine, until I pulled on the BLACK KNOB. The Grid precisely fits into the Holder.

Since I have a teeny studio, I think I will dig using the Flooter with the Grid. I have yet to experiment but that's coming. Using it specifically as a background accent light.

dxp

24-Jan-2025, 15:00

This is the Broncolor Flooter Grid and the Flooter Filter Holder. LOL I didn't realize there was a filter holder on the front of mine, until I pulled on the BLACK KNOB. The Grid precisely fits into the Holder.

Since I have a teeny studio, I think I will dig using the Flooter with the Grid. I have yet to experiment but that's coming. Using it specifically as a background accent light.

Ha! This is why I love this thread so much! I did try giving the black knob a turn and then a gentle yank the other day, but there wasn't any give. Turns out it just needed a bit more force! Also means I can clean the dust off the front of it a bit more easily.

Thanks!

Daniel Unkefer

25-Jan-2025, 10:45

Good deal. Not obvious, was it?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54287336000_26fcd914aa_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qHbMDJ)My Broncolor Flooter with Grid Fired UP AOK (https://flic.kr/p/2qHbMDJ) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here I'm testing the Broncolor Flooter, ready to go working just great. 3000J Pulso 4 Head with new 3000J Clear tube. Broncolor Flooter Grid, I bit the bullet and ordered from B&H. Glad I have, it's lovely hard sunlight. Mounted on a hefty Manfrotto Heavy Stand. The outer Gel Holder holds the whole thing together. I did make a diffuser for mine with a sheet of diffusion material. Hooked up to one of my Primo 4 packs, this will put out 3000J in one pop.

I used the modeling lights in my 3000J Pulso 4 30x120 Strip light to shoot this digifoto. A good size for this type of thing.

interneg

25-Jan-2025, 15:23

very even and unusual flashtube, its way forward in a odd looking reflector. I think my Hazylight is in the general results as the Cumulite, scaled down

Long story cut very short: apparently Briese (he of the focus umbrellas) started out with Bron, was involved/ possibly originated the counter reflector design, fell out with Bron over something (IP?), struck out on his own. The Hazy, Rondo and Cumulites all use the counter-reflector with varying lengths of extension tubing (effectively defines how focused the source is). The older model of Cumulite could alternatively be had with 8x1600j tubes (wired so you could run it on up to a pair of 606 packs) - or a pair of counter reflector lamps of either of the power options they offered - and you could gang Cumulites together - e.g. with 4 of the counter reflector heads running off a 606 - and controlled off a Servor remote in the full ceiling rigging (which is quite a thing to work with - effortless movement of the biggest softbox you will probably ever use - outside of even more specialist rigging). The diffuser they talk up so heavily was 2 sheets of Lee #400 on an aluminium frame - at least in its earlier form. I had to scrap a Cumulite a few months ago (imagine a 4ft x 7ft x 3ft fibreglass/ polyester bathtub) that had been structurally compromised and salvaged the electrics (for the 8x1600j) version and most of the fittings - they were made just about as lightly as they could get away with - and, possibly more interestingly, could also be fitted to a flamingo stand.

Daniel Unkefer

26-Jan-2025, 11:48

Thanks for that Interneg. Good inside info.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54289569780_0d57f5045c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qHoeFb)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qHoeFb) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Trimmed some Black Art Board, and attached it to the Flooter front with Manfrotto Black Clips, secured securely by strips of Gaffer Tape both sides. Very adjustable and nicely folds flat in front for storage. You can see the Pulso 4 3000J Head attached, it's got brand new clear 3000J Tube in it. POP POP POP.

Daniel Unkefer

26-Jan-2025, 12:05

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54289422044_6bf1aede94_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qHntL1)Flooter first test Hazylight Gridded (https://flic.kr/p/2qHntL1) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Broncolor Hazylight overhead with Hazylight Grid. Broncolor Flooter with Flooter Grid and Barndoors, just skimming the frontal area. Both heads run off one 1600J Primo Pack. Liking it so far.

Daniel Unkefer

27-Jan-2025, 08:54

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54291069166_5cf2c42e95_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qHvVoE)Broncolor Hazylight Overhead with Grid Attachment Fresnel Flooter left (https://flic.kr/p/2qHvVoE) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54291067521_aaee5daaef_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qHvUUi)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qHvUUi) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

"The Mothership" LOL. Broncolor Hazylight suspended from my studio ceiling.

dxp

29-Jan-2025, 02:08

...they’re apparently no longer being produced, so it's worth hunting for used ones as they can be pretty hard to find... I managed to grab one of these sets on the second-hand market, and I'm really impressed!!! also with Picolite it's better to invest in the right holder – the difference in light quality is huge :eek: ...

I had to contact Broncolor in Switzerland earlier this week about something, and asked them to confirm whether or not the Picolite accessories are discontinued or still being produced, and they replied to confirm that they're still in production, including the Projection attachment.

Daniel Unkefer

1-Feb-2025, 12:31

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54299707777_2f00271f3d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qJhcme)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qJhcme) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Also picked up another Primo 2 1600J Pack, and two Primo 2 Heads, for $80 plus shipping. And finally ordered two more 3200J Pulso Clear Tubes from China, those will be going up soon in price, better to get them now, for spares. $150 each for new 3000J Tubes.

It looks to me like some of the Pecolight accessories could be manufactured in a workshop. There are a few items I could use with my Universal Optical Spotlights.

dxp

1-Feb-2025, 21:35

It looks to me like some of the Pecolight accessories could be manufactured in a workshop. There are a few items I could use with my Universal Optical Spotlights.

Hero shot of my Picolite projection attachment.
256980

Behind the scenes (taken before I realized the Elinchrom head that I was using for the background light was in set to 'action' mode, causing the blue cast).
256981

The projection attachment partially dismantled in order to fix an alignment issue with the pressure plate that was allowing one of the shutter blinds to slip around loosely.
Fixed and now it's working correctly.
256982

Finally, a quick test shot using an item I had at hand, with the masks focused, and then defocused to give a lovely gradated falloff on the edges of the can.
256983

—

This week I took delivery of another used Minipuls C200 monolight, this being my fourth unit. Unfortunately the seller didn't ship it with enough packaging around it, and the handle at the back got damaged and the tilting lock/unlock mechanism slips. Otherwise it's in perfect working order. With the partial refund the seller gave because of the damage, it cost me all of 60€ including a P70 reflector and an umbrella reflector (neither of which were mentioned in the ad).

I really love these C200 lights...they're solid and uncomplicated and offer plenty of power with their 1500J outputs. In my little studio they can be a little too powerful for some things since at their minimum 1/16 setting they're still putting out nearly 100J, but I can usually work around that, or just grab a different light.

Daniel Unkefer

3-Feb-2025, 12:15

Hero shot of my Picolite projection attachment.
256980

Behind the scenes (taken before I realized the Elinchrom head that I was using for the background light was in set to 'action' mode, causing the blue cast).
256981

The projection attachment partially dismantled in order to fix an alignment issue with the pressure plate that was allowing one of the shutter blinds to slip around loosely.
Fixed and now it's working correctly.
256982

Finally, a quick test shot using an item I had at hand, with the masks focused, and then defocused to give a lovely gradated falloff on the edges of the can.
256983

—

This week I took delivery of another used Minipuls C200 monolight, this being my fourth unit. Unfortunately the seller didn't ship it with enough packaging around it, and the handle at the back got damaged and the tilting lock/unlock mechanism slips. Otherwise it's in perfect working order. With the partial refund the seller gave because of the damage, it cost me all of 60€ including a P70 reflector and an umbrella reflector (neither of which were mentioned in the ad).

I really love these C200 lights...they're solid and uncomplicated and offer plenty of power with their 1500J outputs. In my little studio they can be a little too powerful for some things since at their minimum 1/16 setting they're still putting out nearly 100J, but I can usually work around that, or just grab a different light.

60 Euros for a C200 is doing really well! I also love the C200 (have two or three of them) great for setting up quickly and at 1500J, and no long cable (electrical resistance can cause power loss in long cable runs), it's a great grab and go. I thought I was doing well at $250 or so, I think they were around $1700 back in the day? In fact Broncolor was stating that the C200 puts out more raw power than some other 2500J units. Also the Broncolor Reflectors maximum performance specs and this can also make a cumulative relative increase in exposure power, important for large format.

Today I am working on my three Blue FOBA Broncolor 1500J Universal Fresnel Spot Lights. All work great at full 1500J power, kinda make a nice -KATHUMP- when they fire full power. Substantial and I am cutting down P70 Grids with big scissors to fit them. And also adding black mat board Barndoors to each. Using Manfrotto Stands to place them where I want them.

dxp

5-Feb-2025, 14:26

60 Euros for a C200 is doing really well! I also love the C200 (have two or three of them) great for setting up quickly and at 1500J, and no long cable (electrical resistance can cause power loss in long cable runs), it's a great grab and go. I thought I was doing well at $250 or so, I think they were around $1700 back in the day? In fact Broncolor was stating that the C200 puts out more raw power than some other 2500J units..

My other three C200 units worked out to about 140€ each, and came in the Broncolor padded case/bag, so I'm really happy with 60€ for a fourth copy. One of my existing C200s is permanently set up on a C-stand with a P70, a grid, and barndoors, so it's always ready to go!

Daniel Unkefer

6-Feb-2025, 08:25

Really good powerhouse Pulso fit units. There is a lot to like in the C200's.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54310541221_615f226015_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qKeHKK)Broncolor Fresnel FOBA Spotlights 1400J all working aok (https://flic.kr/p/2qKeHKK) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Took these out of storage yesterday and they all fire up well, 1500J each. Broncolor (badged FOBA) Fresnel Spotlights, my plan is to install Grids and Barndoors on these units and use them for simulated sunlight. With a grid attached it tightens the beams up a lot, more useful for closer range light placement. These will also be great for Portraiture. Put each on a Manfrotto Light Stand, makes a fairly small footprint in the studio. Useful for product photography too. So I changed each of these to a Manfrotto fitting, which is what I have around. This looks to me like the earlier version of the Pulsospot 4, which takes a projection attachment.

These units make a resounding "KA-THUMP" very hearty noise when they POP. I like that!

Daniel Unkefer

10-Feb-2025, 11:17

Continuing on with FOBA, I've reorganized alot over the weekend. Took a FOBA inventory, it turns out I have accumulated all of these basic parts in Olde Grey FOBA. Now I am starting to build things!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54318310557_db94627a8a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qKVxiP)FOBA Catalog Sheet (https://flic.kr/p/2qKVxiP) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Original prices in Fr DM.

dxp

10-Feb-2025, 14:59

Continuing on with FOBA, I've reorganized alot over the weekend. Took a FOBA inventory, it turns out I have accumulated all of these basic parts in Olde Grey FOBA. Now I am starting to build things!

Ooh...I've been doing a little FOBA'ing this past week as well. I had a pair of 80cm and a pair of 40cm silver tube sections delivered over the weekend—both are the steel versions—and yesterday I ordered what might be my most exciting FOBA find yet on the s/h market! I'll wait until I receive the delivery before saying anything else...don't want to jinx it!

Original prices in DM.

Are you sure those prices aren't actually in Swiss francs? Looks like there's a little 'Fr.' at the top of the pricing column.

I recently found a 1997 FOBA catalogue along with its corresponding price list, and that's definitely in DM. And also a 2003 Broncolor catalogue with its price list, but in Euros of course by that time.

Daniel Unkefer

10-Feb-2025, 16:27

I haven't ever seen an aluminum combitube. I like heavy steel, just don't run into any of it the dark. You could hurt yourself!

Yep it's Swiss francs. Stuff holds it's value!

I have a few long Combitubes that have lived hard; screw tips broken off, crushed circumferences. Must have been really rough. Anyways I'm going to cut those down with my Mini Machinists Band Saw. I need more shorter tubes and these'll do chopped down for my purposes.

dxp

15-Feb-2025, 17:21

I always enjoy looking through Bron's catalogues but noticed in this one that the Move 1200 L generator, and MobiLED lamp-head have both been omitted. I wonder if they're planning on phasing them out or replacing them over the next year or so?

I wrote the above back in December when the new PDF catalogue came out; indeed Broncolor now are phasing out the Move and mobiLED product lineups, with that terminology now reflected on their website:

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I wonder if an updated product range will replace it, or if it has simply been displaced by the Satos range, which can be powered by both mains and battery power? They're not as travel friendly as the Move 1200L setup is, though.

And Broncolor have released a new radio trigger, based on the latest Godox unit. I actually have the Godox version already, and it's a handy, and very compact little trigger. Pity these new Broncolor units are triple the price!

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Daniel Unkefer

16-Feb-2025, 08:56

Good stuff! I see Mobil Heads on Ebay for $200 or so.

I'm putting together Combitubes of all sizes. I have an Olde square tubing FOBA Sweep Table, (minus the acrylic sweep) and amazingly, have figured out that I can combine the square tubing DIMIL tubes, with steel round Combitubes. American 3/8 inch steel threaded rods, and 3/8" Nuts and Bolts from our local Lowes, makes it happen. Loaded up at Lowes for Fifteen Bucks.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54330389385_a987247746_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qLZrVt)Olde FOBA Combitube Sweep Table (https://flic.kr/p/2qLZrVt) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I think I have enough Combitubes and Angle pieces to build this as you see here. I am measuring to add two sheets of tempered glass.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54331458776_330e61a9cb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qM5VPf)FOBA Combitube Connectors Threeeight Inch Tthreaded Bolts and Stuff (https://flic.kr/p/2qM5VPf) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

dxp

16-Feb-2025, 16:49

Good stuff! I see Mobil Heads on Ebay for $200 or so.

The Mobil heads are different again—they're basically a Picolite modified with a low-voltage modelling lamp and fan—and are the precursor to the MobiLED head. I have a pair of Mobil heads, plus a single MobiLED one...would love to grab a second one.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54331458776_330e61a9cb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qM5VPf)FOBA Combitube Connectors Threeeight Inch Tthreaded Bolts and Stuff (https://flic.kr/p/2qM5VPf) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Oh you've got one of those mini FOBA base-plates! I'm trying to track down a pair of those but they rarely show up on the used market.

There are a couple of those FOBA sweep tables being advertised over here for very reasonable prices, but they're just a little big for my space. There's also a miniature one FOBA used to make, either to use on a regular table top, or with leg extensions to make it freestanding. One of those popped up recently through a used channel, but I dragged my feet in contacting to the seller and it sold to someone else for only 100€.

dxp

17-Feb-2025, 14:19

...and this is what I want two of those bases for...I grabbed a couple of second-hand copies of these CIBAO articulated arms last week. The price of a new one is off the charts...over 750€, it's crazy money!

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Daniel Unkefer

21-Feb-2025, 11:40

Hey I'd like a couple of those too! Very Cool.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54342014694_7b9f82a39a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qN22HQ)FOBA DIMIL minus sweep underlight floating Maki (https://flic.kr/p/2qN22HQ) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here I have removed the hardwood section on my FOBA DIMIL minus the sweep. Installed top rung, 3/8" tempered glass 24 inches deep and a bit wider width to solidly hold the heavy glass. Got another piece to install underneath, for backgrounding. Laying a piece of diffusion material on this top will add beautiful diffused underlighting, so this is new and exciting to me. Here I am "floating" my Maki Auto, and underlighting it. Also a FOBA1000 light up high right behind to provide some rim lighting. Also the Hazylight with Grid Over head. A small mirror reflects light onto just the front of the lens. This is fun.

Daniel Unkefer

22-Feb-2025, 10:40

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54344055375_d092e7c089_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qNcukZ)FOBA F1000 Lampe 50er Katalog 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2qNcukZ) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

With a modern 100W 120V LED Globe Bulb, I do have to say it makes beautiful light.

Daniel Unkefer

22-Feb-2025, 10:50

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54342758152_bcc0a565b0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qN5QJ5)FOBA DIMIL Now Has Two Pieces Tempered Glass to Float Objects (https://flic.kr/p/2qN5QJ5) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is resurrecting the Olde FOBA Shooting Table, using tempered glass to "float" objects. I want some Grey Background Paper "Studio Grey" to light evenly. Notice the new Hazylight (I leave this set up all the time). This one sat in a field in Florida for a good while, but it cleaned up nicely with a little work. The Broncolor 700J Tube Only (no modeling) sits awaiting me finding the proper connector somewhere in my parts boxes. This type is the precursor of the Acrylic FOBA Sweep Tables.

Daniel Unkefer

23-Feb-2025, 13:16

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54346426038_078028fc30_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qNpD4u)FOBA Broncolor Universal Spot Acessories (https://flic.kr/p/2qNpD4u) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

These are the items that I am currently looking for, if anybody has anything I'm interested.

Daniel Unkefer

25-Feb-2025, 17:39

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54351395253_edabacbe1d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qNR7eB)Broncolor Fresnel Spotlight Test Simulated Sunlight (https://flic.kr/p/2qNR7eB) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Testing the Broncolor FOBA 1600J Optical Spotlight. Simulated Sunlight, unit was about ten feet away, light beam tightened to maximum. Shot on my new glass shooting table. NexC3 50mm F1.5 16MP

Daniel Unkefer

27-Feb-2025, 09:56

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54354489103_c6fd49be16_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qP7XVR)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qP7XVR) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

1960's Sinar Norma meets 2000's Broncolor TTL Ambient and Flash Metering. I am a solid User of the Olde original Norma TTL Sinarsixes, I have four of them, and all the accessories. Shown here are the 4x5, 5x7, and 8x10 Sinar Norma Meter Cassettes. These are all on the money (YAY!) Gossen Lunasix TTL Meters. Have always enabled me to NAIL the exposure. There are over a dozen variables which are minimized by using TTL Metering. Now, 2000's Era Broncolor Meter Probes measure both ambient and Flash Lighting TTL, including mixed light situations. My goal here is to learn this new to me technology, which completely eliminates wasteful film bracketing. And my time to shoot and process the extra frames. Exposures are controlled TTL to 1/10 F/Stop TTL, and my Broncolor Pulso Power Packs can be remotely controlled via these FMC2 Meters. I was also told that Larry in Broncolor Service (GREAT GUY!) modified the earlier FCM Meter, by increasing the cells inside from two to four. Yay. These are matching FCM2 Meters, they are reading identically for me. So a bit of a learning curve ahead but all worth it in the end.

Daniel Unkefer

28-Feb-2025, 09:54

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54355406142_268baa8bf4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPcEwS)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qPcEwS) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I've had these two original FOBA Combitube Light Stands up for a while, now I've set the original other pieces to complete these two 1600J strobe spotlight units. Adding the counterweights make these a lot safer, now they won't tip over. I'm cutting down some Honeycomb Grids to fit the fronts of these. Repurpose what I already have. Anyway these are small footprint Retro Vibe Spots fully functional Broncolor workhorses. These will be great for Large Format Portrait Photography, and also for general commercial purposes. I have some black FOBA Cable Hooks coming, which screw onto the Combitube tops, great for storing the cables.

Daniel Unkefer

28-Feb-2025, 10:14

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54356359876_3ae7a057bb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPhy3y)FOBA Atelierstativ 50er Katalog 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2qPhy3y) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Some of you out there might want a bigger camera stand for your 8x10 Normas. Here is a good one to consider LOL :)

Daniel Unkefer

3-Mar-2025, 07:49

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54361873012_e55c39a4fa_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPLNUC)Scoro Boxlite Testing Success (https://flic.kr/p/2qPLNUC) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I'm getting a like new (used very little) Broncolor Boxlite 40 from a studio in Germany. Here he's firing it up on his Scoro E Pack, it's working A1 Maximally. BTW that Scoro E sure is KEWL. He seems very happy happy with what my new Boxlite 40 is outputting. 1493 Joules.

Daniel Unkefer

3-Mar-2025, 09:27

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54363328955_8bfe5754ea_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qPUgH6)All Cleaned Up New Glass Table Overhead 8x10 Norma (https://flic.kr/p/2qPUgH6) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Went to MPEX and picked up Super White and Studio Black Seamless Paper 1/2 wide size, then cut it down with my Chop Saw in the garage. The paper burned and smoked quite a bit but got a nice clean cut, here the Super White is installed. Boxed up all the clutter and shelved it. On the right is my 8x10 Overhead Set 8x10 Sinar Norma, I've been shooting tabletop with this, and the 165mm and 121mm Super Angulons. A Friend wants to sell me his 210mm Super Angulon, I will get it eventually, that will complete my set. I'm enjoying shooting a lot of test film with my Minolta SRT's, testing the new lighting. A lot of fun. And I need a better way to hang the custom cut paper rolls, I have ideas on how to do it with stuff from Lowes. Under the 8x10 Norma is a "Set Shoppe Sand Box", I have some sand I bought from Sanibel Florida I will be playing with soon in the Sand Box.

Mal Paso

6-Mar-2025, 09:55

I have a 36x48" Softbox with a 2400 WS head parked against the ceiling over my work table. It's on an Impact boom, ready to be lowered for photography any time. This is an Elmer Keith 44 Mag bullet mold I was documenting this week. This was f20 ASA64 at about 300 WS with just the softbox.

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Daniel Unkefer

7-Mar-2025, 13:56

wow. Big Wadcutter Bullets!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54371792888_9e6a4657d9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qQDDJY)Foba Combirohr Bohrmaschine 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2qQDDJY) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This apparatus (from the FOBA factory) threads the inside of Combitube, so it can accommodate the Combitube End Pieces. I have steel Combitubes which have broken off end pieces, and some even with dents in the steel tubes themselves. That would take an amazing amount of force to dent a Combitube!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54371585316_86f6c8aa9d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qQCA39)Foba Combitubes End Pieces (https://flic.kr/p/2qQCA39) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

And here are some finished End Pieces, that thread into the Combitubes.

Daniel Unkefer

9-Mar-2025, 11:08

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54375772008_d9a95934d1_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qR13Au)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2qR13Au) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Today I finished machining and Assembling my Irving Penn inspired style Articulating Photographic Background Mount. The idea is to make a "V" shaped set, using two rolls of seamless paper, or two canvas backgrounds. The Punching Bag Mount ($25) came from Amazon, sawed off Impact Background Metal Hanger (cost $5 each) from B&H, and some large Washers from Lowes finishes this. Next comes mounting this to ceiling, parts ordered today from B&H to facilitate this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIQxhV7wko8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rebHtq17JxI

This clever fellow gave me the idea to make this up.

dxp

11-Mar-2025, 09:45

Daniel, have you ever come across one of these in your travels? It's one of FOBA's COKLO clamps, but with this tubular assembly riveted onto the top/rounded jaw of the clamp.

That's an LED inside—not sure if it's an emitter or a receiver—so I assume it's part of some kind of triggering system. There's no branding on it at all, but it looks like it's been manufactured that way rather than just a DIY job.

Bought it for 1€ from someone who was selling something else I wanted, and they couldn't tell me what it was used for—they'd had it for years.

258340

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Daniel Unkefer

11-Mar-2025, 15:19

Hi dxp!

I'd say it's something configured for some unknown special purpose. If I had that, I'd drill out the rivits, and throw the COKLO in my FOBA parts box.

It's worth a Euro :) Something useful for almost nothing.

dxp

12-Mar-2025, 05:08

...If I had that, I'd drill out the rivits, and throw the COKLO in my FOBA parts box.

And that's exactly what I did over the weekend!

It took a little while to carefully drill the rivet out (the only drill bit I could immediately lay my hands on that was suitably sized was a masonry bit) but I got through it without mangling anything, cleaned up both sides of the hole with a reamer, and it's good to go.

dxp

13-Mar-2025, 15:16

Today was a very good day...the following purchase from last week finally arrived! It's a complete CAMIN kit (the mini sized Combitube set) and the previous owner had barely used it. Just needed some dusting off, and it looks nearly like new.

I've been trying to find a good kit for a while now...buying piece by piece gets expensive!

258420

I've been acquiring a little bit more Elinchrom gear lately, too, including a pair of their (now discontinued) ELB400 battery generators, along with a pair of Hi-Sync heads for each. I specifically want to use them for some location work, and I've read a lot of positive reviews about these particular units, especially when wanting to freeze action using fast shutter speeds with a focal-place shutter camera. Also grabbed a 70cm Octa from their Rotalux range, and a 44cm softlight reflector kit (basically a silvered beauty dish) so when the weather fines up again I'll head out to do some testing.

Daniel Unkefer

15-Mar-2025, 14:25

Mal Paso

15-Mar-2025, 17:56

Here's a good reference for prices on professional strobes of the day, it's from B&H.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/FrameWork/Product_Resources/SourceBookProLighting/02StrobePacksHeads.pdf

101 pages of great stuff and info! Enjoy! :) POP POP POP

Thanks! Much of Norman's middle years power packs is missing but what's there is fantastic! More info than I had before!

Daniel Unkefer

19-Mar-2025, 18:12

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53019476266_5e562d57c0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oM9F89)Set Shop Stuff Accumulated Ready to Use (https://flic.kr/p/2oM9F89) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here is all the Set Shop Stuff I have accumulated and ready to use now. I made the "Sand Box" and ordered three pounds of "Sanibel Sand" which came from a place in Florida that has 50 colors of sand cheap. Armature Wire is cheaper at Set Shop; I bought three different diameters. The Machinist's Angle pieces in 1" 2" 3" from Ebay. The heavy steel blocks also came in bars, also Ebay. I cut the 1.25" steel bars in 1" 2" and 3" with my Lil' Machine Shop mini band saw. I want to make more of these and buy more angle pieces, too. They are -handy- for holding and propping things up!

I like their Lucite Ice Cubes.

https://setshop.com/

Daniel Unkefer

22-Mar-2025, 07:18

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54401762482_f7d40e15f0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qTifE7)Broncolor Boxlite 40 Coming My Way (https://flic.kr/p/2qTifE7) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

A Studio in Germany is sending this my way. It's like NEW lightly used. Complete with bracketry and correct Broncolor Stand, ready to power up. I'm excited about getting this.

Daniel Unkefer

24-Mar-2025, 08:11

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54407378056_04a9d99f67_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qTN2Ym)Broncolor Effect Light on FOBA Combi Base (https://flic.kr/p/2qTN2Ym) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Back together after all this time. Broncolor Effect Light, 900J maximum, no modeling light. Easy to place behind things. Attached to FOBA Short Combitube, and Combitube Base with felt pads. Overlight from Broncolor Hazylight. Nex 3 16mp with 30mm Nex Macro and Minolta SRT Polarizing Filter, to kill reflections. A useful new tool for me.

Daniel Unkefer

24-Mar-2025, 08:17

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54407648798_1b6ac5a5a2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qTPqsj)Broncolor Pulso Connecting Pin (https://flic.kr/p/2qTPqsj) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

EDIT:
This is a Broncolor Pulso Connecting Pin for Broncolor Light Stands. I was able to find three of these pins on Ebay, they are coming now from Australia. Seven Bucks apiece.

Daniel Unkefer

27-Mar-2025, 10:48

Back when I had a perfectly good Pulso 2 Pack develop a problem, I think it's the fuse socket not playing nice. Eventually I'll send it to George Brown. Now from Roberts Camera a perfectly good more modern Pulso A2 Pack, also a Pulso Head Extension, worth about $250 by itself. Sooooo, major score here, pack was $6495 when new. With shipping $361 for all! I waited them out and they dropped the price, a great resource. Happy Happy.

Got an offer for a good as new Octobox 75 for a hundred bucks, I love my Octobox 150 and this is similar just smaller and can be used closer in. Here's why I wanted a small Octobox 75.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8kfDNiCOvw

Mal Paso

27-Mar-2025, 16:49

Small Soft Boxes are great when you have a small studio like I do. I went with rectangles rather than octagonal though.

Here is my nuts and bolts problem solver from Impact and B&H.
I took their standard Impact Grip Head and added a pin and bolt so I could put a strobe or another Grip Head on top.
The Grip Head will hold any rod from 1/8 to 3/4 inches including flags, scrims and reflectors. The Grip Arm is the same head on a 40 inch steel 5/8 inch rod.

258701258702258703258704258705

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/371923-REG/Impact_KCP_200_Grip_Head_2_5.html

The kit throws in a super clamp for a very good deal.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/869948-REG/Impact_Impact_Grip_Kit.html

Daniel Unkefer

28-Mar-2025, 09:57

Nice contribution, Thanks!

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54414861082_4fcb2eee45_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qUsoq3)Five Broncolor 1600J Power Packs all aok (https://flic.kr/p/2qUsoq3) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Three 1600J Broncolor Primo power packs, purchased for Fifty Dollars each. In back left is my Olde Pulso 2 power pack, and in the front left, my NEW 1600J Pulso A2 pack, with six month warranty. As you can see, a "10" power rating meaning the caps are putting out full output. Yay. The A2 will even do TTL with certain Hasselblad models. And it can ping-pong if you are shooting motorized film cameras. All of these units are putting out the same output, measured with strobe meter. At 1600J I'm at F45 ISO 100, through the overhead Hazylight. Also I have two more Primos 3000J each, and another Pulso A that needs a fuse repair. And an Opus A2 1600J firing through my Octobox 150. Packs roll around, off the ground with dollies from Harbour Freight.

Shooting 4x5 film at 1600J F45 is right where I want to be with a view camera. Appropriate for a large format forum.

Daniel Unkefer

29-Mar-2025, 12:39

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54418299015_6b6f346f90_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qUL1oK)CFV16 120mm f5.6 S-Planar C TStar Zeiss Proxar .5 Polarizer (https://flic.kr/p/2qUL1oK) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Testing "floating" in blackness on FOBA glass sweep table. Hasselblad 500C/M with Zeiss 120mm f5.6 S-Planar with Zeiss .5 Proxar lens and Hasselblad Polarizer (rotated to eliminate reflections). CFV16 Hasselblad Digital Back (16MP) Broncolor Hazylight suspended overhead. Hurray for FAT PIXELS. Has an almost Kodachrome 25 look to it.

dxp

30-Mar-2025, 07:17

Look what I found this week!

It's a 50cm FOBA gooseneck (part-name unknown—doesn't appear in any of my catalogues in that length) with a COFLA holder plate, on a 2.1kg, 125mm diameter base, also of an unknown part-name.

Both the baseplate's 3/8-threaded male connector and the gooseneck's corresponding female receiver feature the proper FOBA conical connector, unlike the 20cm COFLO gooseneck that's included with my recent CAMIN set—it has just a standard cylindrical 3/8 tapping.

But that means this base mates up perfectly with my fancy CIBAO articulated arms, plus the COFLA holder plate matches nicely, too (3rd picture).

Gotta order some corresponding 40mm self-adhesive Velcro dots (with the 'loop' covering) to stick to a bunch of things that need accurate positioning—smaller cutters and reflectors, small mirrors etc.

258746 258747 258748

It's a couple of neat little accessories that make smaller shooting jobs a bit easier and faster.

Daniel Unkefer

6-Apr-2025, 10:09

Very nice project with the CIBAO's. I'd love to find a few cheaply.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54434130686_af76ba4f68_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qWa9AA)Broncolor Universal to Impact Pulso and Speedring Adapters (https://flic.kr/p/2qWa9AA) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I have a lot of the Olde original Blue Broncolor Universal Reflectors around. In my workshop I have made these Adapters. On the left, a Broncolor Universal to Pulso Speedring unit, so I can put modern Broncolor softboxes onto Universal mount heads. On the lower right, Broncolor Pulso to Universal Adapter, to put Universal Reflectors onto the modern Pulso heads. The two on the upper right are Broncolor Impact to Universal Adapters, to put Universal Reflectors onto the more modern Impact Monolights. All made up from things I had around in my parts boxes. Cutting out the metal "donuts" was not fun, but I think all of these will get some use.

Daniel Unkefer

8-Apr-2025, 10:05

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54439021266_27ea041848_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qWAdoW)New to Me Broncolor Boxlite 40 (https://flic.kr/p/2qWAdoW) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This New to Me Broncolor Boxlite 40 just arrived yesterday from a studio in Germany. Plugged her in, and POP POP POP Love it. However, the modeling lights are a different story; they are very dim and deep dark orange in output color. So I guess these are 220V modeling bulbs (take four E14 40W frosted), have not opened it up Yet! Printed out the instruction book, downloaded from Broncolor website. Indeed 220V and 120V bulbs are listed, sooo Ah-Hah. Ordered four 120V Broncolor 40W Boxlite 40 Bulbs, they have two in stock and now shipped, two are being drop-shipped from the supplier. The modification of the mounting apparatus is very interesting, it works fine! Anybody here have input regarding USA Boxlite modeling bulbs? I see some Cheap-Cheap E14's on Amazon, not sure if they are the same thing? So for me best to go through B&H, a trusted Broncolor Dealer of good repute.

Daniel Unkefer

10-Apr-2025, 07:27

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54443309730_ee761542a9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qWYccY)Satco S3381 40W 120V E14 Broncolor Boxlite Bulbs (https://flic.kr/p/2qWYccY) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

These are the Broncolor Boxlite 40 Modeling Light Bulbs that arrived yesterday from B&H. I searched the internet, not finding ANYBODY else that has these S3381 Satco Incandescent Bulbs. Looks like they are DISCONTINUED, being replaced with LED equivilents. So I jumped back on B&H and ordered another four of these. So today I have six more of these coming at this point, and I will have four extra for backups/replacements.

BTW the Boxlite 40 is $2836 new from B&H; I paid about $450 including shipping from Germany, which is about 16% of the new cost. Again quite a Broncolor Bonanza as far as I am concerned.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54401762482_f7d40e15f0_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qTifE7)Broncolor Boxlite 40 Coming My Way (https://flic.kr/p/2qTifE7) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

In this from my catalog the evenness of the box is apparent. That is why I dwell on this aspect of my new ownership. I want eveness of illumination and here you see it.

Mal Paso

10-Apr-2025, 22:05

Those look like Mini Candelabra Bulbs.

Most of my needs are DC Bayonet with a couple MR16s in the optical spots.

I'm glad they didn't ban specialty bulbs when they banned regular light bulbs. Speaking of which you might do better with LEDs as usually modeling doesn't compete with strobe. More light output/less heat.

Daniel Unkefer

11-Apr-2025, 10:33

Perhaps in the future I will try the dimmable LED's. I will have eight of the B&H supplied "Torpedo shaped" incandescent bulbs in house shortly, these have 1400 hour ratings, so I shouldn't need any more bulbs for quite a while. My immediate goal is to restore the Boxlite to original full Broncolor factory USA functionality. Thanks for responding :)

This isn't like a Pulso or Primo head with which I am quite familiar; According to the instructions, it has additional circuitry inside, including caps!! I believe. Will open it up with great care.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54444434537_57044058aa_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qX4Xzc)Broncolor Website Boxlite 40 Bulbs (https://flic.kr/p/2qX4Xzc) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

FEDEX delivered one bulb today, the same torpedo variety. Came from MAC who are the USA Broncolor Distributor. Looks like my other five will be on BACKORDER, hope they will be able to restock these....

Daniel Unkefer

17-Apr-2025, 09:14

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54458506298_bd7dd8eb9f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qYj5BL)Boxlite 40 Bulbs are Arriving (https://flic.kr/p/2qYj5BL) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Broncolor Boxlite 40 Modeling Light Bulbs are arriving. On the left, twelve E14 25W 120V Incanscent, I grabbed a dozen as they were $1.45 each LOL. I think these will work OK with my Boxlite 40, 25W instead of 40W, wonder what difference it will make. Also I'll be using the Boxlite extremely close to my subjects, 25W X 4 may be OK vs 160W??

On the right are three of the 40W 120 Ea14 Incandscent Bulbs, I have one on backorder from MAC, the USA Broncolor Distributor. If they have more of these available I may order additional spares.

Also have four E14 120v 40W LED bulbs coming, I will try those as well too, $4.75 each and the direct replacement for the Incandescent version.

Daniel Unkefer

17-Apr-2025, 14:14

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54458957074_5c1789e7dc_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qYmoBL)Success Boxlite 40 Four 25W Incandescents Modeling Output Satisfactory (https://flic.kr/p/2qYmoBL) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Four 120V E14 25W gives satisfactory amount of modeling light, I will use this for creating highlights. More bulbs still coming, but I'm able to use this now. And I like it a lot. Beautiful close-up lighting, Broncolor says you can use this for duping, it's extremely even lighting. So everything I hoped it would be. Using these bulbs means that I can't see the bulbs dim down, it's constant light even when changing the toggle switch. But at 100W this unit is perfectly useable as it is.

Daniel Unkefer

18-Apr-2025, 07:59

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54460299290_0039e55af6_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qYtgBq)Boxlite 40 Test Floating Glass POL E 3.5 30 Macro 100mm C Planar (https://flic.kr/p/2qYtgBq) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here I am "floating" my most used Hasselblad 100mm F3.5 T* Zeiss Planar. Glass Sweep Table White Seamless Paper Background. A Broncolor Balloon low 45 left, illuminates the background softly and pretty even. Broncolor Boxlite 40 8 inches 45 left, on the glass. A small Silver Mirror on a Gooseneck, provides fill camera right. Nex C3 30mm Macro Lens.

Mal Paso

18-Apr-2025, 17:57

Cool! Keeping the background muted stops the subject's edges from blowing out. When customers wanted a true white background I often shot a Kodalith mask with just the background light.

The 105mm and the 50mm were my favorite 2 1/4 lenses.

Daniel Unkefer

19-Apr-2025, 06:32

Great comments Thanks Mal Paso :)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53742319667_664da042fa_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pT2rhp)Test Target 1 New Broncolor Strip Light (https://flic.kr/p/2pT2rhp) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Test Digital Image Nex 7 checking lighting. New Broncolor Strip Light in right back corner, provides nice extra edge light. Hanging from Manfrotto Scissors from the ceiling, very adjustable and makes the most use of the space. One also back corner camera left available but not used for this test. Also the 1000mm F16 is aimed at this (same view), leaving it set up. Octobox 150, and Balloon used again as front and side (fill) light. 3x4ft White Foamcore Panel 45 camera right, just out of the shot. Background painted by Artist James Bright.

Daniel Unkefer

19-Apr-2025, 09:12

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54462458750_dfc2c326c7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qYEkxu)LED Bulbs Broncolor Boxlite 40 (https://flic.kr/p/2qYEkxu) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

And here are four of the replacement equivilent, incandescent vs LED. Good Good News is that these bulbs ARE the dimmable type. Soon I will try them in my new to me Broncolor Boxlite 40, and see if it is an upgrade I can see.....

Daniel Unkefer

20-Apr-2025, 07:50

I made an offer for two more Broncolor Boxlite 40's, about $200 each, and offer accepted LOL. I can see how vital an item this for photographing smaller objects. Having three fits in with my retro 70's 80's 90's Studio, all bought on the cheap. Austin Powers would say "Yeah Baby!" Me, pay a little, get an uber lot. Live large for less. Whatever works for me. Endless invention, and endless adaptation. That is what I like about this. Anyways now I'm going to need all these Unusual light bulbs. And will order more spares.

Daniel Unkefer

20-Apr-2025, 12:43

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54464773565_7eef786170_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qYScE6)LED's Installed Broncolor Boxlite 40 Back Panel Ready to Test (https://flic.kr/p/2qYScE6) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

New LED's installed in the back of my new to me Broncolor Boxlite 40. Now ready to test. I'm waiting for two more Boxlite 40's to be delivered. If this works AOK cool and bright as well as dimmable, I will order a bunch of spares. With Incandescent lights the Boxlite does get warm to the touch. Might be brighter, maybe?

This was lit from below by a FOBA F1000 Bare Bulb, on my floating glass sweep Table. Broncolor Overhead Hazylight with Diffusion Material from Dick Blick Art Supply. Nex 7 36mp Zeiss Touit F2.8/50 Micro Nikkor Polarizer. White Seamless Paper. I'm using four Machinist's Angle Irons in Larger Size to "float" the product and under light it nicely.

EDIT: The LED Bulbs work brightly, the proportional settings now work perfectly now, and no heat. So just ordered eight more LED bulbs, to upgrade my two additional incoming units. $4.75 each.

Mal Paso

20-Apr-2025, 17:20

Cool! Tungsten bulbs are 95% heat and 5% light versus LED which are close to 50/50%. Wish I could get some LED DC Bayonet bulbs in the 25 watt range to replace the Halogen but 6 watt is the most powerful I see.

Good Luck!

Daniel Unkefer

22-Apr-2025, 08:27

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54466419094_4109f6fd07_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qZ1CPh)Hasselblad ELM 135 C Zeiss Planar S 1to1 Macro Auto Bellows Stovepipe (https://flic.kr/p/2qZ1CPh) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Reconfigured the Hasselblad Automatic Bellows to fit the 500 EL/M model, and the 500 C/M as well. With the 135mm C Zeiss S-Planar, and Bellows Hood. Stovepipe Finder and A24 Back loaded with Shanghai 220. Broncolor Boxlite 40 8 inches away 45 camera right. Mirror on gooseneck 45 left for fill. Balloon light underneath glass table to softly light background. Rubber Eyecup on Stovepipe came from a Kiev60 Meter Prism LOL.

Great everyday rig for 6x6 film and now Hasselblad CFV16 Fat Pixel Digital Files.

Daniel Unkefer

25-Apr-2025, 08:01

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54475313356_3265329732_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2qZNdLC)Three New to Me Broncolor Boxlite 40s 1600J Recovered two (https://flic.kr/p/2qZNdLC) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here I have all three Broncolor Boxlite 40's up and popping nicely. Still have to figure which modeling bulbs where; the LED 40 Watter definitely "strobes" "flickers" so I think I'll go back to incandescent. I have a ton of 25 watt Incandescents now, so spares should not be a problems. The 40 watt incandescent get kinda warm if running for a while. I did use Pro Gaffers Tape to recover two of the Boxes, the acrylic does crack easily, now taped inside and out so good as new to me.

I have the black and white seamless paper hanging above all worked out now, easy to roll up and down. And extra wooden rods for backgrounds to hang easily.

Daniel Unkefer

30-Apr-2025, 07:17

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54486913496_33f0a031a9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2r1PF63)Fully Restored Broncolor Boxlite 40 C171 Brackets Broncolor Parts Stands (https://flic.kr/p/2r1PF63) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Just finished restoring these two badly roadbeaten Broncolor Boxlite 40's. Brackets extracted from Broncolor C171 Monolights (tossed out no good) allows swiveling and locking rotation on the back, and is now as it is in the original design. Two different types of modeling bulbs, I loaded up the truck, and am experimenting. All are useable so glad I grabbed some while still available. This shot lit by my Octobox 75 with Primo 1600J Head, and supplemental diffusion on the front of the Octobox. Really loving this Octobox 75, and also now 60x60 Broncolor Square Softbox.

The top unit is running 25W Incandescent bulbs. The bottom unit is running four 40W Incandescent 'spensive Broncolor Incandescents. For close work the 25W's work fine for determining highlight placements, a steal at $1.45 each. :)

The $15 Broncolor Stands were bought broken and missing connecting pins from Gary at WOUP. JB Weld and Black Duct 3M Tape makes them fully strong and usuable again.

Daniel Unkefer

7-May-2025, 09:02

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54503584324_b839c9d110_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2r3i7K7)New to Me Daylight Studio (https://flic.kr/p/2r3i7K7) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I built this with stuff from Home Depot. Years ago I took a Tim Layton course on Floral Photography. Tim used this daylight studio, and I'm impressed enough with it to make one for myself. It's outside in complete shadow in the early morning, great fun ahead. I had this in storage for years, now it's been outside for about a month. Ready for me to use it, just need to spray the dirt off with a hose. Tim supplied digital files, I printed out about a dozen colored beautiful backgrounds which exactly fit inside the daylight studio. So glad this is finally up and out of the way, ready to use. I use plastic boxes piled up to where I want them, they are filled with equipment to enhance this type of daylight photography.

Daniel Unkefer

9-May-2025, 08:41

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54508002995_88f0208746_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2r3FLg6)100mm Planar Plus 2 Zeiss Diopter CFV16 EI 50 F22 Four 1600J Strobes (https://flic.kr/p/2r3FLg6) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Broncolor Hazylight Overhead Two Boxlite 40's camera right and left eight inches. Hasselblad CFV16 Digital Back Black 100mm F3.5 C T* Zeiss Planar with +2 Zeiss Proxar 2 Diopter. EI 50 Broncolor Balloon underneath glass centered, four layers Architects Vellum on table. Image was shot handheld 1/125 F22. Underlighting and Boxlites help a lot with a white clean background shot.