Photogenic PowerLight 1250 - 500WS Monolight

[dennykyser]

Does anyone on here use these monolights, I have read some good things about them and not much more than my alienbees. I was wondering if they come with the bracket to hold an umbrella?

[slin100]

My coworker bought one last year. He's happy with it. He shoots onto film and he did remark that the color temperature was a little on the cool side. He's probably using the non-UV coated flash tubes. In any case, this is a nonissue for digital with a proper custom white balance.

I'm in the market for a monolight myself and I considered this light. From what I've been able to discover, this light is a sure step up from the Alien Bees in terms of build quality, though it's at best a middle line model. I see more positive than negative comments about it. The only ones really disparaging it are ones who only buy Profoto or some other outrageously expensive brand. Accessories are also readily available at the usual places.

There are two newer, albeit more expensive, models: the PL-1250DR and the PL-500DR Solair. The 1250DR offers 1/10 stop digital control of the power, but otherwise is the same. The 500DR offers an 8-stop range on top of the 1250DR and is claimed to be color stable across the entire power range. Note: most monolights get progressively warmer in color temperature as you dial down the power output.

I seriously considered the Solair. Unfortunately, finding information about it or other users experiences has been fruitless for me. Photogenic's website hasn't been updated in years. What really turned me off, though, is that I learned that Photogenic was bought out by Smith-Victor and all but 2 of the staff was laid off. I've also heard less than glowing reports about lengthy service times. This may or may not be important to you.

I'm not 100% positive but I'm pretty sure there's a socket to accept an umbrella.

[DaisyHead]

I had one of those for my studio. Very nice light, definitely better built quality than Bees. I like their Mono plug sync cord betetr than the Stereo plug sync like the Paul Buff White Lightnings I also have. The PB WL sync cord always give me problems while the Photogenic never did.

[DaisyHead]

I had one of those for my studio. Very nice light, definitely better built quality than Bees. I like their Mono plug sync cord betetr than the Stereo plug sync like the Paul Buff White Lightnings I also have. The PB WL sync cord always give me problems while the Photogenic never did.

[dennykyser]

What really turned me off, though, is that I learned that Photogenic was bought out by Smith-Victor and all but 2 of the staff was laid off. I've also heard less than glowing reports about lengthy service times. This may or may not be important to you.


Yes that does concern me, I guess that is why I am not so sure about alien bees, Photogenic is sold by so many people and parts are easy to get. You here a lot of positives.

Sounds like if your going to purchase one, now may be the best time. I did a search on ebay and there seems to be lots of accesorires on there.

[slin100]

I've heard nothing but glowing comments about service at Paul Buff, so I would not be concerned.