HELP with Excalibur SP1600 kit

[kpiela]

Not sure what I am doing!! I apologize in advance for the simplicity of this question but I seem to be overlooking something very basic!

I've got one light set up and it triggers, seems to work, etc. The second light.... I am clueless how to connect it all together!!

Can anyone explain to me how the second light connects?

[kpiela]

NEVER MIND.... i figured out what i was doing wrong... modelling light, duh. Thanks anyway!

[steve_shelly]

Hey Kristine can you let me know how you like that kit....I've been looking at it so I just wondered...thanks

[kpiela]

So far so good...just learning but here is one from tonight:

118541

[JMHPhotography]

the 1600 is the 160 W/S kit right?

[kpiela]

the 1600 is the 160 W/S kit right?

Yep.

[mjordan]

They are good lights. I have all 3 sizes of the SP Excalibur lights. The SP-1600 is good as a hair light, background light, kicker, etc. when used with their more powerful SP-3200 or SP-6400. I found the difference in power for a frontal fill light a bit of a reach though with the SP-6400. The SP-1600 doesn't fill out a softbox or large umbrella (60") very well where the SP-3200 and SP-6400 work very well with each other when only used a stop or two apart.

The SP-1600 is limited to the rocker switch for power and modeling light, full, half and quarter, where the 3200 and 6400 both have slider controlles for continuous changes from max to lowest.

But they are good lights and often over looked, even though they are cheaper and comparable to the Alien Bees. The SP line of perrifials (softboxes, umbrellas, light stands, snoots, barndoors, etc., ) are good quality but cheaper as well. I've used mine going on 6 years now.

Mike

[johnlo]

great lights too. I have two SP-3200. I got them for using Preschool Photography with one light system. it was purchased as a kit from B&H about 3 years ago.. cost me under $600. Came w/ 2 lights, softboxs, umbrellas, lightstands, dish reflectors and the case.... i think thats it. damn, i just remember one of my flashtude is broken. Need to get an replacement.

hey Mike, do you know where I can buy the flashtube that doesnt cost $60 like B&H???

[JMHPhotography]

They are good lights. I have all 3 sizes of the SP Excalibur lights. The SP-1600 is good as a hair light, background light, kicker, etc. when used with their more powerful SP-3200 or SP-6400. I found the difference in power for a frontal fill light a bit of a reach though with the SP-6400. The SP-1600 doesn't fill out a softbox or large umbrella (60") very well where the SP-3200 and SP-6400 work very well with each other when only used a stop or two apart.

The SP-1600 is limited to the rocker switch for power and modeling light, full, half and quarter, where the 3200 and 6400 both have slider controlles for continuous changes from max to lowest.

But they are good lights and often over looked, even though they are cheaper and comparable to the Alien Bees. The SP line of perrifials (softboxes, umbrellas, light stands, snoots, barndoors, etc., ) are good quality but cheaper as well. I've used mine going on 6 years now.

Mike

What size softbox are we talking about? I have a couple JTL 160 w/s lights, both with 24" x 24" softboxes and even at 1/8 power, I can fill up my softboxes.

[mjordan]

Johnlo, I've never had to replace my flash tubes. Did it go out on you or did it get banged? I know flash tubes are not cheap although $69 is about the cheapest I've seen for replacement flash tube for the SP-3200. At least it's replaceable. Some monolights the tubes are soildered in.

John, I tried using my 160 ws light with a 60" umbrella and a 24x36 softbox and it just doesn't give even lighting or have enough power to light up the areas I was shooting. It does great with a 45" umbrella or smaller (I use a 16 or 18" parabolic reflector mostly on mine). I have a 24" Octogon Ez-Up softbox it would probably do ok in at full power, but I have my 320 ws light in that. I like the 160 ws light for background, hair and kicker light. It does a good job of that. Of course, it all depends on what you are shooting and how much area is needed lit. I find doing close up and light tent work that the 640 ws light is a bit of a over kill. :D

Mike

[johnlo]

Johnlo, I've never had to replace my flash tubes. Did it go out on you or did it get banged? I know flash tubes are not cheap although $69 is about the cheapest I've seen for replacement flash tube for the SP-3200. At least it's replaceable. Some monolights the tubes are soildered in.

Mike


i broke it myself. i wasnt paying attention (got to the preschool late) and had my hand on the flashtube and broken it off. since i was only using one light system, i had the other flashtube in my bag as a backup. THANK GOD. sounds like B&H is cheaper. thanks.