Softbox Assembly

[MDJAK]

I just purchased a light kit at B&H made by Hensel, a German manufacturer of lighting equipment.

It came with a free (that may be the operative word) softbox. Are they all that hard to put together, with "tent" like poles that go in each corner to the speed ring? It would take too long to take apart and put back together for a location shoot.

thanks
mark

[sony23]

Hi Mark, after a bit of practice mine takes about 3 minutes to put together.

Bruce

[Ineedhelp]

ROTFL - I thought I was the only one to have trouble with this! Once you have the "knack" it'll become straightforward. It's a bit like the first time you try to fold a lastolite background!

[walkien]

I have the same problem with the 47" octogon softbox, after I put together, then I have hard time to attached it to the light, I almost break the flash tube last time.

[waldograce]

Photoflex has nice little velcro tabs at the end to release the pressure on the poles so you can insert them in the speed ring.
Nice thing is that the poles stay in place while on the move.
Saves some time.

[tim]

I haven't managed to get my photoflex soft box together yet, but i've not really tried that hard. I know photoflex have a good guide on their website, you might see if it helps you, or check out the website for the box you have.

[MDJAK]

ROTFL - I thought I was the only one to have trouble with this! Once you have the "knack" it'll become straightforward. It's a bit like the first time you try to fold a lastolite background!

Don't say that. I am going to get one of those collapsible backgrounds. Don't need a hard time there too!

I figured that because mine was given away as a bonus, that it was a cheapie and that's why it was hard to put together.

OT: You know, as good as B&H is, when you ask the saleman to go ABCD, they aren't too happy. Like if you ask them to take a softbox that's on display and take it apart and put it together, they'll look at you like you got two heads.

[am_pitbull_terrier]

I've had problems with mine too.... You do get the hang of it after putting them together a few times..... The first time I did put one together I thought I was going to lose an eye or something. LOL

[MDJAK]

LOL.

I guess the bottom line, after reading everyone's posts, is that they're all basically the same. To quote a judge I work with when referring to members of a certain sex: Difficult at Best. (Uh-0h, I know I'm going to get in trouble for that one.):lol:

[mjordan]

I have a real simple Octogon softbox. It folds and open's up like an umbrella. Real spiffy. :D

That was my 2nd softbox. My first one was like veryone else said. I thought I was going to break the rods before I got it bent enough to get into the ring. I've only taken it apart a couple of times in the last several years. If it goes on location, it stays together or it doesn't go. That's why my 2nd one was one of the Ez-Up softboxes. :D

Mike

[brivett]

Here are the instructions from our square / rectangular series. This might help some...

Note - Always lay the softbox face down then offer the light into it – It’s MUCH easier

Barry - www.studioflash.co.uk

Instructions and assembly of ProDedicated Softboxes
( Applies to models : 90cm x 90cm / 70cm x 100cm / 70cm x 140cm / 80cm x 120cm )

Please read and understand before attempting assembly…

1) Identify the components

a. Speedring
b. Flexible poles
c. Reflector tent
d. Internal diffuser
e. Front diffuser

2) Lay the reflector tent out, silverside up.

3) Place the speedring on the tent, with the flash head mount down. Tighten the speedring in order that it cannot rotate

4) If your reflector tent has a velco seam radiating from the central hole, undo this velco seam.

5) If your reflector tent has a black velco pocket at one corner on the edge (front of the tent) ensure to undo this velcro and see that the pole is threaded through this first (passing between two layers of black velco with the flap open), and is left protruding to be tightened later.

6) Insert the poles into the pole sockets on the speedring at 90 degree spacing. Note – Where aluminium rod ends are present, insert the end with the shorter aluminium cap into the speedring. (On certain models you may need to assemble two shorter pole sections to make one longer pole to achieve this.)

7) Now for the interesting part… One by one, working around, stretch the tent over the flexible poles and carefully ease the thick pole ends into the pockets along the front of the tent. Where velco pockets are present, these should be done last as they make it easier and allow tension to be applied. Sudden actions could cause the cloth to rip.

8) Leave the diffusers off for now and mount the softbox on to the flash head.

9) Gently fit internal and then external diffusers, close the Velco seam where present.


Important – Please note :


• Lower the modelling light’s power or brightness whenever possible to reduce heat. This will extend the life of your product.

• Only remove the internal diffuser by carefully separating the velco tabs. Do not pull on the elastic.

• Ensure that the cloth components do not come into contact or near contact with bulbs. Check assembly before each use.