Calling All QFlash Owners:

[MDJAK]

So, I read with interest many topics here on the Qflash and have been considering buying one.

However, on the B&H website, a somewhat new feature is "user reviews."

There are, I believe three (which admittedly is quite low) reviews of the QFlash, and they are, in a word, lousy reviews, slamming both poor quality manufacture, etc, etc.

So, give me your two cents worth.

mark

[DavidW]

If you're talking about these reviews (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/400103-REG/Quantum_Instruments__Qflash_T5D_with_Turbo.html#go to_itemInfo), the two people with exposure problems seem to be using Nikon cameras, whilst the person raving about the Qflash is a Canon user.


I am delighted with my Qflash X5d-R / Qpaq-X / D13w-R QTTL module / Qnexus setup, even though I've only had it since the beginning of the month. I have had only one bad exposure in TTL mode, and that could well have been a camera related glitch. In TTL mode, you're reliant both on the camera and the flash gear, as you are with any preflash based TTL setup. That's why I think that it's very significant that the users having problems with TTL are seemingly Nikon users - it could be that Qflash with Nikon TTL setup isn't working that well. I genuinely am having no problems with Qflash and Canon TTL.


So long as you haven't got a modifier on that blocks the sensor (some do, such as the soft box, but most don't, including the reflector without a diffuser or with any of the diffusers, the folding softbox or the Bare Bulb Enhancer), you can switch to auto flash with one button press if TTL isn't giving you the results you want. I usually run my Qflash with three programs in program mode - P1 is QTTL, P2 is Auto, P3 is Manual with suitable settings for the average shot, and you just need to press one button to move up and down the program list.


There's probably nothing better than an example shot:
http://www.wood2.org.uk/potn_forums/20070707%20-%204187.jpg
© David Wood / Methodist Church 2007
(Permission is explicitly NOT given to edit or modify this picture, contrary to my usual forum settings)


This is a lightly cropped image with some basic processing in Lightroom - but it's pretty much as it came out of the camera. The setup was an EOS 20D and BG-E2 grip, EF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens, Newton Di400CR bracket, Qflash X5d-R with standard reflector and diffuser, D13w-R QTTL module and Qpaq-X power. It's 1/60s at f/4, ISO 400 with the lens at 65mm - the camera was in Av mode, with -1 1/3 stops FEC dialled in on the D13w-R for fill flash.

The lighting in that hall was very challenging - there is an argument that I should have gelled the flash with at least a half CTO or CTS gel to bring its colour temperature nearer to tungsten, but the colour temperature of the lighting was very mixed and, as is usually the case, the colour temperature of each light depended on its fader position.


I could have probably got away with a 580EX and Promax System (with white insert) for that particular shot, but I finished up doing some very challenging things in the shoot that required the full 200Ws available and the fast recycle of the Qflash was also welcome. I was certainly making use of the ability to be shooting 7-8 metres away from the stage with adequate flash power, and the Qflash has a lovely quality of light with the standard reflector and diffuser.


My advice is to go for it. I've had no build quality issues, and the only question I asked of Quantum (about the hook and loop fasteners supplied with Qnexus - it turns out that there's no separate hook and loop pieces, instead they're universal and stick to themselves) was answered very speedily and courteously by email.

Get the free DVD if you haven't seen it - it's a bit "Qflash is great, Qflash is wonderful" but it does give you an idea.


One thing you will need to watch - if you want the QTTL module, you'll need to wait for the D13C to appear. This is a new software revision in the D13 series of Canon EOS modules, which adds support for the 1D Mark III. Older modules can be upgraded; I've asked Quantum about a free software upgrade on my D13w-R bearing in mind how new it is, so that I have 1D Mark III support in case I need it in the future. They've passed my request to their UK repair agents, who are supposed to be contacting me - I wait to see what will happen.

Quantum work on planned non-obsolescence - where possible, older products can be sent in for a chargeable software upgrade to the latest specification.



David

[marian]

The Qflash ( I have 2 of them) will work long after the "other" brands will burn out, or shut themselves off to cool down, etc. The only problem is the price. Yes, much more pricey than other brands, but in the long run, they are worth every penny!

3 reviews at B&H? I haven't seen them and don't care. Talk to a lot more people who work with them.

[MDJAK]

Thank you, all.

Marian, by this thread, that's exactly what I'm trying to do, talk to lots of people who have experience with them. I appreciate your input.

Anyone else?

mark

[lara6470]

I also use qflashes. I have 3 of them along with freeXwires and turbos 2x2.
they are absolutely the best out there. small, lightweight and with plenty of power.
A bit expensive, but worth it.
I used them as my main lights and my 580 in top of the camera as fill.
the 580ex is small patotes compare to the qflash.

[RichNY]

Mark- PM J Rabin. He's a big Q flash user and works for Rutgers in NJ. He was really helpful helping me to decide to go with the Quantum. (I've made the decision but just haven't done it yet)

[MDJAK]

My, oh my, the Prodigal son has returned from whence he came.

yeah, I know old jackie. I sold him my 100 macro. I didn't remember he was a qflash owner. Maybe I'll have to visit him to get a lesson first hand.

Thanks, pal.

me

[DavidW]

I've asked Quantum about a free software upgrade on my D13w-R bearing in mind how new it is, so that I have 1D Mark III support in case I need it in the future. They've passed my request to their UK repair agents, who are supposed to be contacting me - I wait to see what will happen.
I got an email from Quantum's UK agents saying that they'll upgrade my D13w-R to D13C free of charge when they get the software disk for their programmer. You can't ask for more than that.



David

[RichNY]

My, oh my, the Prodigal son has returned from whence he came.

yeah, I know old jackie. I sold him my 100 macro. I didn't remember he was a qflash owner. Maybe I'll have to visit him to get a lesson first hand.

Thanks, pal.

me

I haven't seen him post any macro pictures- this may be your chance to be reunited with your old 100 Macro :)

Let me know if you take a ride down to see Jackie; no need to make him go thru showing us twice.;)

[aaronrider]

Hi, is the new Q flash compatible with high speed sync on the canon bodies?

[MDJAK]

David, thank you very much for your very thorough reply on my post re: the qflash.

If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you another question. I went to B&H yesterday to purchase it. Unfortunately, and believe it or not, they were not as familiar with it as they should be, and after an hour and a half, I walked out empty handed.

Here's my questions.

1. You own the X model. Yet you say the full 200 ws available. According to the brochure, it's capable of 200-400 ws. True?

2. The R model is the only one that can be powered by the Compact SC, is that right? Yours cannot, correct?

3. Also, if you use yours on a bracket as your main flash, as I plan to do, what do you use for the focusing beam that's absent from the QFlash but present on the 580?

Thanks again,
mark

[PacAce]

Hi, is the new Q flash compatible with high speed sync on the canon bodies?

No, they're not. I asked Quantum tech support that very same question and they responded that the Qflash does not support HSS.

[bieber]

3. Also, if you use yours on a bracket as your main flash, as I plan to do, what do you use for the focusing beam that's absent from the QFlash but present on the 580?

Different reflectors, I believe. Not that you should really have to worry about your beam-spread that much, you've got plenty of power there.

[MDJAK]

My apologies, I was not clear. I am not talking about beam spread, I am speaking of the red LEDs that emit the pattern of beams which help the camera focus in low light.

[DavidW]

1. You own the X model. Yet you say the full 200 ws available. According to the brochure, it's capable of 200-400 ws. True?
The difference is down to the power pack. I currently have a fairly basic Qpaq-X setup - just a PX command module and a PB1 battery. With the X series, the flash capacitors are in the pack, not the flash.

PX has 200Ws of capacitors - so whilst the head I have is 400Ws capable, I only have a 200Ws pack. You can add up to a further 600Ws to a Qpaq-X by adding up to three 200Ws PXC modules - though the limit per port is 400Ws. If I had one PXC I could either power one port at 400Ws or two ports at 200Ws. The Qpaq-X manual (http://www.manuals.qtm.com/p432.htm) explains it pretty well.

The beauty of Qpaq-X is it is modular; if you want a spare battery, you can just buy a battery, whereas with a Turbo if you want a spare battery, you have to buy a spare Turbo. If I had a PXC, I could put it into the pack when I needed the extra power, and take it out when I didn't need the power and wanted a lighter, more compact pack.

The disadvantage with Qpaq-X is the weight and the bulk, particularly with the larger PB1 battery.

2. The R model is the only one that can be powered by the Compact SC, is that right? Yours cannot, correct?
There's two series of Qflashes - T and X. Current models are 5d-R, so there's a Qflash T5d-R and a Qflash X5d-R.

The T series are powered by Turbos - including the Compact SC. They're 150Ws units.

The X series are powered by Qpaq-X. They're 200 or 400Ws units, depending on the power pack - you set the power connected in the OPT menu.

3. Also, if you use yours on a bracket as your main flash, as I plan to do, what do you use for the focusing beam that's absent from the QFlash but present on the 580?
The shot I posted earlier in the thread was with the Qflash on bracket - though it was being used for fill rather than main flash.

On bracket use is one application for a QTTL module - for Canon, that means the D13C. The QTTL module goes in the hot shoe of the camera, and plugs in to one of the accessory ports on the side of the Qflash. Not only does it provide a sync pulse, it transmits aperture and ISO information to the flash, has an easy way of selecting FEC on top of the module, and enables full TTL capabilities. There's switches on the back for first/second curtain sync, and focus assist on and off.

The focus assist is a red LED in the front of the D13w-R (in my case - that's the older version that's not 1D Mark II compatible) or D13C module - it's not as good as the 580EX, and you have to be a little careful not to block it with cables or your bracket, it works well enough in most cases. There's a picture here (http://www.onecall.com/ImageCache/quantum_D12WR_300x250_s.jpg) of what it looks like - the lens at the front is the focus assist emitter. (Yes - I know the URL of the picture says D12WR in it, which is the Nikon module, but it looks the same, and the camera in the image looks remarkably like a Canon 1 series anyway).


You'll probably need to wait another couple of weeks for the D13C to be available - it's a software upgrade over the existing D13w-R to add 1D Mark III support. The D13w-R doesn't work with the 1D Mark III according to Quantum.

B&H's description of the D13w-R (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/398531-REG/Quantum_Instruments_D13WR_D13W_Wireless_QTTL_Adapt er.html) is misleading - whilst you can use it with the FreeXWire radios for wireless QTTL, you can also plug it straight into the Qflash.


The Qflash 5d-R manual (http://www.manuals.qtm.com/p635.pdf) makes worthwhile reading - though there's one mistake. It states the power of Qflash as 150Ws, which is correct for T5d-R, but not X5d-R.


It's probably helpful if I list my exact setup:

Qflash X5d-R (which, like the T5d-R, includes the QF60B reflector and QF64 diffuser)

Qpaq-X PX command module
Qpaq-X PB1 high capacity battery (big, heavy, but lasts for ages)
PB1 charger - you need to buy the charger separately for Qpaq-X. Being in the UK, I have a PB1UK.

D13w-R QTTL module (soon to get a free upgrade to D13C software)

QF67A wide angle diffuser
QF62Bs silver bare bulb enhancer
QF69 folding softbox

That's the kit that's used on bracket (in my case a Newton Di400CR with a 5-102 quick release and a 2-106 Quantum T4/T5/X4/X5 plate).


For off-camera use, I have a Qnexus (to turn the Qflash into a wireless E-TTL slave) and a QF72 multi-bracket, which is used together with a light stand, umbrella and PPM pole mount for the Qpaq-X.

Some companies, including Chimera and Photoflex, make Qflash speedrings, though all but the smallest softboxes have to be mounted on the stand via the speedring and not via the Qflash to avoid overloading the Qflash mechanically. Finally, Norman make the OSB19-BP 19 inch octabox and SSB12-BP 12 inch softbox which mount directly on a Qflash.


On a 1.3x body, the focal length coverage for each of the accessories used on bracket is approximately:

QF63B Telephoto Reflector - 95mm and upwards
QF60B Reflector (standard item) - 32mm and upwards
QF60B with QF64 diffuser (both standard items) - 24mm and upwards
QF60B with QF67A wide angle diffuser, or either of the Quantum softboxes - 17mm and upwards

The bare bulb enhancer is theoretically around 10mm - so that would work with any focal length you can get a lens for, apart from a fisheye.

All these modifiers are mentioned at the bottom of the Qflash page on the Quantum web site (http://www.qtm.com/Qflash).


If you want to use a Qflash with a Turbo Compact SC on bracket, you will need:

Qflash T5d-R
Turbo Compact SC (the charger is included with a Turbo)
D13C module (a D13w-R is no use, as you have a 1D Mark III).


If you decide to go X series instead, you will need:

Qflash X5d-R
Qpaq-X PX Command Module
Qpaq-X PB1 or PB2 battery (PB2 is smaller and lighter, but lower capacity - see the Qpaq-X page on the Quantum site (http://www.qtm.com/Qpaq) for more details)
Qpaq-X PR1US charger
D13C module.


I'd add a QF67A to the items above for when you're using an ultra-wide lens (it may be wise to use a QF67A at the wider end of something like a 24-70mm to ensure adequate flash coverage). Obviously you also need whatever accessories you need to mount the Qflash to your bracket - the Qflash mounts with a 1/4-20 thread, but you may need some kind of adapter or anti-twist module for your bracket.

Finally, if you go for a Turbo based setup, I'd pick up a CZ lead so that you can use the Turbo as a high voltage power source for your 580EX when you're not using the Qflash. The 580EX has its uses, even if you own a Qflash - for example:
when you want a smaller, lighter setup
for the better AF assist coverage of a 580EX
as a fill light and E-TTL master when using a Qflash/Qnexus combination as a E-TTL slave key light
for any application where you need to use high speed sync (though you can always put a ND filter on your lens to bring down the shutter speed if that isn't going to leave you with motion blurring, then use the Qflash)
when the 580EX is all the flash you need and you want to leave some heavier bulkier kit at home.I often carry a 580EX on a walk around - I wouldn't carry a Qflash as part of my walk around kit unless I was sure I was going to use it.


Does that help?



David

[Dajuan]

Hi David,

Do you carry the battery pack on your shoulder / across your back, or do you use an assistant when you have the X5d flash bracket mounted?

I too am interested in Qflash, X more so than T, but have never seen X used on camera flash bracket.

[DavidW]

At the moment, I'm stuffing the Qpaq-X laid on it side in a Lowepro Utility Case (PX plus PB1 fits, just - it's rather tight on the zips) and belt carrying it. Be careful not to lose your trousers from the weight if you put it on the belt through your trousers! There are, of course, purpose made belts such as the Lowepro Deluxe Waistbelt (I do have a Deluxe Waistbelt / Vest Harness setup).

I think Qpaq-X may fit better in the (soon to disappear, I fear) Lowepro Film Organizer AW, which is nearer the shape of the Qpaq-X, but I can't get pictures of the insides of that accessory to see what it looks like inside when you remove all the dividers. I may well order one of those to see, as I want my Utility Case back for other purposes. If it doesn't work out, the Film Organizer AW will probably get used for chargers.

Another option is to suspend the Qpaq-X from my Lowepro Deluxe Waistbelt somehow - I've thought of some possibilities with the carrying lugs, but I haven't yet tried anything. The Lowepro Utility Case works, but it's not ideal.



David

[MDJAK]

David, thank you very much. That was both a cogent and complete explanation. I truly appreciate the detail.

I rewatched the DVD just now, and unless I'm a complete idiot (and that's debatable) there is absolutely nothing on the DVD with relation to the X model that you have. I don't believe I would need that though.

Thanks again,
mark

[MDJAK]

I'm sorry, one more thing. I don't see the X model that you have on the website, meaning a picture of it. Does it look the same as the T5DR?

[J Rabin]

Mark, I'm back on line a bit. You know I respect my QFlash, but it is not recommended for everyone. First and foremost, it is an event photographer's dream set up. You certainly get other uses out of it, as I do, but if you're not doing at least some events, what's the point?
There is no competing on-flash-bracket flash with the studio light quality QF's parabolic reflector provides, its room-filling light provides, evenness from shot-to-shot, shoot rate, combined with metering for Auto, Q-TTL, Manual, the new QNexus, etc.
One day I connected 16-35L with an extension tube because I like "wide-angle, thing in its environment close-ups," and shot this Cucurbita moschata peduncle, just for artsy-fartsy fun with QF: http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~rabin/Plants_or_Fungi/Misc_Plants/slides/Cucurbita_moschata_2.htm
vs. the normal QFlash stuff, like this bounced into an umbrella:
http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~rabin/Personal/Emily_Bat_Mitzvah/slides/EmilyC_BatMitzvah_101.htm

This was Mr. QFlash with QNexus mounted on a pole, with the $45 19" portable Norman Octagon softbox, fired from on camera ST-E2.
http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~rabin/NJ_Ag_Expt_Station/Marucci_Staff_Web_Shots/slides/Maruccci_AmyHowell_1.htm
This is my favorite "one-light" location set up for working quick in close quarter. Sometimes you need to get in and out quick to not irritate people, in this case Amy Howell in her lab who elucidated the chemical structure of the natural anti-bacterial compound in cranberry juice that reduces incidence of urinary tract infections. For a one-light lab shot with glass reflections and scopes and distractions, the QF gave just enough shadow modeling on her face, like a studio flash.

Anyway, like Ferris Beuhler says, "If you have the money, I highly recommend it..."
Jack

[MDJAK]

Thanks, Jack. I was under the impression that the ST-E2 would either not fire the qflash, or if it can, only in manual. Is that true?

[MDJAK]

And that flower shot is amazing. The shots of the ceremony are very well lit.

mark

[FlashZebra]

Does the Q-flash happen to have a "household" (HH) sync connector (the one that looks like a common ungrounded AC plug)?

Enjoy! Lon

[DavidW]

There is, indeed, absolutely nothing on the DVD about the X series Qflashes. The flash looks exactly the same as the T series - apart from having a different connector on the power cable, and the flash tube being larger. The power pack is where the obvious differences lie - Qpaq-X is rather larger than any Turbo.

The ST-E2 can fire a Qflash in as an E-TTL flash. The Qnexus that Jack mentioned turns a Qflash into an E-TTL slave; it's a very neat solution. Support for Qnexus was the clever new feature in the 5d-R Qflashes. I use a 580EX on bracket to fire my Qflash / Qnexus combination; I use the light from the 580EX as fill, as Qnexus works just fine with a ratio.

Lon - the Qflash has a household sync connector.



David

[MDJAK]

Thank you, David.

Just another question if you don't mind:

The CZ lead you mentioned, would that go from the Turbo SC battery to power my 580 ex?

Also, I have a custom bracket. How does the Qflash attach to a bracket? Right now I have a hotshoe connector on it.
mark

[FlashZebra]

Lon - the Qflash has a household sync connector.

David
Thank you, I am making a list.

Enjoy! Lon

[DavidW]

I've been away for a few days - but came looking for this thread when I got home.

The CZ lead you mentioned, would that go from the Turbo SC battery to power my 580 ex?
That's exactly what it does. It plugs into the high voltage socket under the little removable cover. You still need AA batteries in the 580EX to power the electronics and the zoom motor and, depending on the setting of Custom Function 7, to contribute towards recycling the flash (C.Fn 7=0) or not (C.Fn 7=1).

The main advantage is that the flash will recycle faster (probably somewhere around twice the speed). Your AA batteries will last longer, too.

Also, I have a custom bracket. How does the Qflash attach to a bracket? Right now I have a hotshoe connector on it.
Qflash uses a 1/4-20 screw - there's a 1/4-20 socket in the base on the flash.

You'll need a different flash plate for use with the Qflash - assuming you have a QRS or PRO bracket, it looks like you need an FQ-2 (see here (http://www.custombrackets.com/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=43) for details). I'm bemused as to why they have one product for the 4d and 5d Qflashes, and another for the 5d-R, as the 5d-R is just a software upgrade on the 5d to my knowledge. I don't believe Quantum changed the case of the flash.

Whilst I'm here, I presume that you've now seen this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=361041). There's a picture there that shows a 350D plus grip on a Custom Brackets PRO-M, with the QTTL module, Qflash T5d-R and Turbo 2x2. That will be much nearer your intended setup than my Newton based rig.



David

[cbeam2]

I just found this thread doing a search. Are you guys using the FreeXwire system? Are you finding the wireless TTL exposure to be good?

I would be using it for weddings so I'm trying to figure out how it would be best to carry it around from room to room. A regular light stand would probably get in the way for to much for getting ready shots.

I'm in the process of putting together my setup to do wireless TTL. I still have to send in my T4D for the upgrade and I will be ready to go.

thanks Chuck

[louis24x7]

I use my 580EX II on my camera hot shoe to trigger the T5DR with QNexus and another 430EX. I find that working quite well for indoor. Outdoor is another issue. I use EL Skyports to trigger the 3 lights.

[jlrichmond76]

I worked as a 2nd shooter for a guy with and older Q, not sure what model, and he ran circles around me with his setup versus me with my 580ex. Said he loves his flash, recommended it to me. I bought mine today.