Jumped On The Alienbee Band wagon

[mrclark321]

Just ordered a Alienbee ABR800, carrying case, 30" moon unit and wireless remotes. I don't have a flash meter but hope I can get by for the time being.
Hopefully I have a gig to shoot some gymnastics in the fall and want to practice till the time comes. Paul C Buff was great enough to respond to me personally for some input and I think this is what makes his company a step above. So Curtis N I will probably using my daughter for trial and error and always appreciate yours and everyone elses comments to improve.

Dan

[::John::]

Dan,

Enjoy!

I recently purchased some lights and backdrops and 'stuff' and am finding some of the posts in this forum are incredible.

Here is one I am using as a kinda self-trainer: Click here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=251549)

[mrclark321]

Thanks John :)

[Curtis N]

Good luck with the lights. I hope you aren't expecting much help from me. ;) Though I'll probably buy some Bees myself someday.

All I can say is you have made an excellent choice for a test model. I look forward to seeing the results! :D

[TMR Design]

Congratulations on the Bees. Do yourself a favor and don't wait too long before you get a light meter. You might be able to get things going with trial and erorr and checking the histogram but when you have a meter and you remove all the guesswork from the equation it's a pisser!

[scot079]

I'll be buying that ring flash soon too. Be sure to post up your first impressions please!

[bwolford]

You don't plan to use the ring light during a gymnastics meet do you? That won't be allowed.

Perhaps you are taking some posed or staged gymnastics shots... Please clarify.

[mrclark321]

Good luck with the lights. I hope you aren't expecting much help from me. ;) Though I'll probably buy some Bees myself someday.

All I can say is you have made an excellent choice for a test model. I look forward to seeing the results! :D
Thanks Curtis you always pitch in to help and it's appreciated :)

Congratulations on the Bees. Do yourself a favor and don't wait too long before you get a light meter. You might be able to get things going with trial and erorr and checking the histogram but when you have a meter and you remove all the guesswork from the equation it's a pisser!
I imagine I will get one but might have to wait a bit :confused:
I'll be buying that ring flash soon too. Be sure to post up your first impressions please!
Will do ):

[kuanyu]

I got my ABs with the thought I would get the metter later, after playing with the lights I found the money the next day for the meter. It just makes it so much easyer than guess working it.

[TMR Design]

You're so right, and I'm usually not one to recommend that people go out and start spending money but the hand held light meter is not just a luxury, it's as important a tool for getting correct exposure as your camera or lens. Inexpensive meters work fine, they just don't have all the bells and whistles so that's something to consider.

[poloman]

I heartily agree on the meter. I picked one up after the first few sessions with my ABs. Now I can measure ratios and know my exposure will be dead on. Cuts the trial and error way way down.:)

[mrclark321]

I wonder if I should call them on Monday and order the 15' sync cord as a back-up incase the wireless remotes ever failed :(

[TMR Design]

It's always a good idea to have backups, especially when it comes to batteries and cables. You may never need it it you'll know it's there. And if you have a cable tucked in a bag that doesn't get used, make sure you take it out once in a while and test it. Cables fail at all the wrong times.

[poloman]

I wonder if I should call them on Monday and order the 15' sync cord as a back-up incase the wireless remotes ever failed :(
Each of my ABs came with a 15' sync cord tucked into the box. I imagine your's will too. Won't hurt to call anyway....

[mrclark321]

Anyone have a mint Sekonic 358 for sale :)

[::John::]

LOL

I am currently waiting for my 358 to arrive. I have a cheaper non-Sekonic one I am currently using but I want the 358 for, probably, the same reasons you do.

[poloman]

Anyone have a mint Sekonic 358 for sale :)

You'll have to wrest mine from my cold dead hands!:)

Seriously, keep checking here in the for sale area. One will come up occasionally when someone upgrades to the 758. You have to be quick though, they sell fast.

[mrclark321]

You don't plan to use the ring light during a gymnastics meet do you? That won't be allowed.

Perhaps you are taking some posed or staged gymnastics shots... Please clarify.

Yes I would be the photographer for the portraits :D

[mrclark321]

Each of my ABs came with a 15' sync cord tucked into the box. I imagine your's will too. Won't hurt to call anyway....
Called today and added the sync cord. :)
I have the option to buy a 2 year old Sekonic 358 for $175 US.......Not sure if I should bite

[jefftaz]

Called today and added the sync cord. :)
I have the option to buy a 2 year old Sekonic 358 for $175 US.......Not sure if I should bite

I would keep looking at Ebay. I looked for a used L-358 over a period of 2 weeks. I figured if I could get one for $150 or less that would be a good deal. When a new one would post on Ebay, I would send a comment to the seller asking if I used Buy It Now with immediate payment through Paypal if they would accept an offer. I ended up getting one that is like new but without a manual or original box for $120 shipped. It works flawlessly and I just downloaded the manual from the Sekonic website.

[mrclark321]

I picked up one from bolantej so thats another piece of the big puzzle out of the way.

[mrclark321]

WOW, strobe showed up today.....Now I can't wait till the meter shows up!