Elinchrom lighting gear

[Faolan]

Whilst not set in Stone this is likely what I'll be getting in the next month or so:

3x 400BX heads, probably part of the Studio to go set.

18cm reflector+grid kit
Rotalux Deep Throat
1m octa , 135cm Midi-Octa or 197cm Octabank (not completely decided on these going to see them demonstrated).
Elinchrom 70cm maxisoft (beauty dish)
Skyport Universal Set
Polystand

The work I'll be doing is fashion/lifestyle and glamour work. So anyone have any feedback on what else I should be looking at or thoughts on this gear?

The reasoning behind three lights of the same power is that one is for either 3 light set-ups and also a 'spare' light in case one fails.

For reference this is being purchased in the UK ;)

[aia21]

Have you got a light meter already? If not you probably want to add one to your list, no?

Best regards,

Anton

[Faolan]

Aye, I've got a lightmeter. I do a lot of work with the Canon Wireless system. This is me upgrading it to a full studio set to compliment it.

Thanks :)

[irishman]

Fantastic kit. You're set for life!

[steveathome]

Nice kit, be careful of that reflector with grid. I think it is intended for the D-Lites of which the modeling lamp is shorter (If its the same one I'm thinking of). However, it does fit the BX range, I have both, but the lamp is pretty close to the grid. Personally I would turn the modeling lamp off once set up.

[Faolan]

Thanks for the heads up Steve, this is my first studio kit so it's all new to me even though I've used studio gear before.

Eventually it will be upgraded to either RX or a Ranger system

[Jarrad]

Is there any specific reason for going with Elinchrom over Bowens, Hensel, Broncolor or Profoto?

[dawnrogers]

Good purchase, I have 4 BX 400 heads.... a 100cm x 100cm square soft box which is fab....I have just bought the beauty dish....I also have the reflector and grid....and the skyports....and a couple of smaller softboxes....

You'll have a great time with it all...... the big soft boxes produce a lovely soft light...

[dragulaz]

Good purchase, I have 4 BX 400 heads.... a 100cm x 100cm square soft box which is fab....I have just bought the beauty dish....I also have the reflector and grid....and the skyports....and a couple of smaller softboxes....

You'll have a great time with it all...... the big soft boxes produce a lovely soft light...


Where did you find a beauty dish? Can you send me a link?

[dawnrogers]

The Flash Centre..here in the UK... not sure thats much help to you though...

[digitaljoe]

Dream Kit !! Congrats!!

The deep throat is a legend.

[hawk911]

man I wish there was a cheaper source...

[Faolan]

The reason for going Elinchrom is due to the fact you can remote control the lights with the Skyport RX, that and the fact when the strobe sits inside the octabank it's a god send in controlling ratios.

Also they are rock solid bits of kit, not down Bowens as they are cheaper and 3rd party accessories are more readily available I just prefer the Elinchrom system. Plus I plan to move to the Ranger RX system in the future for making location work easier.

The list has changed due to the octabank not being in stock, I will post the final list on Monday.

Thanks for the thoughts and feedback!

[steveathome]

The reason for going Elinchrom is due to the fact you can remote control the lights with the Skyport RX, that and the fact when the strobe sits inside the octabank it's a god send in controlling ratios.

I understand you can only control the RX series with the skyports, and not the BX/FX series.

[Faolan]

That's why I'm adding a 300RX to the set and dropping one of the 400BXs, I'm buying a universal receiver and use the light cell to control the 400BX lights.

I'm also planning for the longer term with this purchase and factoring my time lost by having to walk backwards and forwards to adjust ratios!

[steveathome]

You wont be disappointed, Elinchrom make some lovely kit.
Cant wait to see what you produce with it.

[disneydork06]

ooh, I so want some elinchrom lights. i like that you're able to use the skyports to change them yourself. they did a little demonstration at my school with a bunch of their lighting. I love their ringflash with the ranger pack.

[Faolan]

I wish I could Username, but I need a three light rig for the styles of work/flexibilty and insurance in case one of the lights fails. Also long term it's going to be the Ranger system which will suit my style of work far more. I Just need gear to generate the cash first, plus I have the modifiers to use with the Ranger system and the familiarity to get the possible results.

I've spent the last 8-12months planning this transition from using pure flash guns. So hopefully this will go smoothly.

I don't like posting what gear should I get, as it's down to personal preferences. This is why I posted up a gear list to get feedback in case I missed anything obvious and also contacted the store to ask questions, lots and lots of questions.

[Faolan]

As promised here's the final gear list:

Style 400BX 2 Head Kit + Style 300RX - The RX head will be for the lofts, octabank and other awkward places.

Midi-Octa 135cm - Went for this in the end as it will be more suited to the environments I'll be working (ie cramped in all likely hood).

Rotalux Deep Throat - I love the focused light this gives.

Elinchrom 70cm maxisoft white with deflectors - still in two minds about white or silver, will find out next week.

21cm Reflector kit complete - useful for filters and barn doors in the future.

Elinchrom Skyport RX Set + Universal receiver - This covers several bases: Remote trigger for both the BX and RX with added control over the RX and also remote trigger for my flash guns when I do want to use them.

This should cover much of my needs, with me getting the Octabank later in the year if I do need it and still be useful for the Ranger kit I'll be purchasing next year.

Once again thanks for all the input.