Speedotron

[neil poulsen]

I've been having trouble locating commercial lighting that I can justify price-w ise. I considered Norman, but I learned from this site that Norman isn't a very efficient light source, when compared to other brands. (light per watt-second. ) Dyna-lite was also recommended, but reduction in weight of these systems is r elatively expensive.

Although some models are heavy, what is the performance of Speedotron? Are they as efficient as other light systems? It appears from their web-site that one c an obtain all the w-s ratio, combined/uncombined options that one would typicall y need.

Any other comments or advice regarding speedotron?

As an enthusiast who took this really terrific workshop from Norman McGrath, I w ant to take interior shots. But, I can't afford to put $4000-$5000 into lightin g equipment.

[Ellis Vener]

My experience is with Speedotron Blackline equipment.

Speedotron makes terrific gear. Well built (heavier duty than almost anything else except Broncolor, Profoto pro 5, Pro 6, Pro 7 (not Acute) and Balcar, excellent performance , terific value for the money. My comments aboutthe inefficiency of Norman equipment was based on the following direct test: I had a cable made that allowed me to use a Speedotron 102A head (it is a very slight modification that has to do with the diference in how the internal cooling fans work on Speedo heads vs the way they work on Norman heads) on a Norman P2000X pack. The Speedo head put out twice as much light ( i.e. an additional f-stop) at all power levels and with the head configured in all sorts of ways: bare tube, umbrella reflector, normal reflector, into a soft box, in to an umbrella and with the head pointed directly at the meter or with the head aimed at the 11ft. high ceiling in my house. I measured using a Minolta Flash Meter IV.

if you are buying new, look at the 2405 packs. If you are buying used just be aware that the xx01 and xx03 packs are very big and very heavy.

[doug_2325]

Here in chicago the home of speedo's they are everywhere. They aren't as efficient as some high end lights ie profoto. but they are real battle ships they can take an amazing amount of abuse and keep on working. They do have a problem arcing so always make sure you turn them off before unplugging heads. Since you want to go on location with lights really consider the weight of these pack they are real heavy. Personally I use a combo of dyna-lite and profoto's. If you are going on location consider the dyna's I really love mine check out some used packs I've seen 1000 wt packs for around $500 in the back of photo distric news. Speedo's are great in the studio but tough to lug around.

good luck doug

[Carl Weese]

My experience is a bit out of date, but I don't think the Speedo design has been changed. Some dozen years ago I compared one of my 800 watt second Dynalite units to a colleague's 1600 watt Speedotron and the Speedo, which was about four times the size and weight, produced less than a quarter stop more light output in a softbox. He always worked in the studio so the black line stuff was fine for him. I almost always worked on location so the Dynalites were worth every penny.

[Ben Calwell]

In the For What It's Worth Dept, a few years ago, I bought a brand new blackline 2405 pack and two fan-cooled heads from Calumet. As I recall, about the third time I used it, I fired it off and then waited for it to recycle. I waited and waited and waited. Then I got nervous; then I heard a soft sizzle-wooshing sound, followed by a cloud of smoke coming from the pack. That was immediately followed by a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. Wide-eyed and slack-jawed, I quickly turned it off and unplugged it. I sent it back to Speedotron, and they fixed what they called a "blown capacitor." There was no charge for repairs and the pack has performed flawlessly since then.

[Carl Weese]

Correction: (memory going)

It was a 2400 watt Speedotron, and it produced just under half a stop more light than the 800 watt Dynalite from the same softbox.

--

[Wayne_6692]

A Calumet catalog a few years back had a multipage spread comparing the Real-life output of many different flashpacks and heads, along with the color-temperatures. I don't know the origin of the information, but I seem to reall coming across it again on the web. Maybe Calumet or someone else can direct you to it.

[tedkaufman]

You can't go wrong with the Speedotron Black line. It is the workhorse of the NYC studios. In fact, I don't even know anyone who uses another brand, except for location shooting. Speedos are admittedly heavy, but they are incredibly reliable and a great value. I might only recommend another brand if you have to cart them airport to airport, or if you can get by with lesser output, then something like Dynalite might suit you better.

[Wayne_6692]

Thinking about it further I believe that it was information supplied by a soft box manufacturer, and I later found it again either on their site or in manufacturer's catalog. Ring a bell anyone?

[Jonathan Brewer]

What are your power requirements? The Profoto Acute2(fan-cooled) puts out 2400WS assymetric. The basic difference between the Acute2 and Pro-7 is flash duration.

Having said that, a twin-head with the Acute-2 gives you 2400WS through one head w/short flash duration and if you wish, the Profoto ringlight which is the best, is available.

Profoto which is distributed by Mamiya is always having promotions, a while back they had the Acute or Acute2(I can't remember which) with 3 heads for $2400, which is half of the figures you mentioned. I beleive that's with the UV outer covers for the bulbs.

You can definitely wait for a deal, for any of these packs, but I've usee Profoto for years, and their ringlight, and just can see life without it. When the new models w/their bells and whistles come out the dealers just stamp some of their units 'demo', with a lower price to move them