Genesis Umbrella Nirvana ...

[tetrode]

Those of you who follow these threads know that I've been kvetching since day one about the poor compatibility between the Genesis standard reflector and the 45" umbrellas supplied with the kit.

To refresh your memory of the issue, here's a photo I posted some time back:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2136/2358270628_202b54f67d_o.jpg

The problems are obvious: Pronounced central hotspot and incomplete illumination of the umbrella canopy with the shaft barely inserted into the lamp housing.

My feeling was (and remains) that Calumet should have provided a reflector more like the Elinchrom umbrella reflector as the Genesis kit is umbrella based.

In any case, I finally found something of a "deal" on eBay for an Elinchrom original and received it today.

Here's the Elinchrom reflector mounted on the Genesis:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2392/2535095540_456584f168_o.jpg

And here's the coverage it offers:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2534281671_d6cbdd9fea_o.jpg

The umbrella canopy is now fully illuminated and there is no hotspot. Notice too that full coverage is achieved with the umbrella shaft inserted a fair ways into the light housing and that there is no spill onto the black wall just behind the umbrella.

Personally, until I find a need for them, I'm going to retire the standard Genesis reflectors and get myself another one of these Elinchrom units.

Hope you found this helpful.

Dave F.

[claybuster]

Wow! What a difference. Time for me to go shopping:D Thanks for the tip.
Mike

[jgettis]

Does the reflector fully cover the modeling lamp. In looking at these new I could not tell if the would or not. Thanks John

[tetrode]

Does the reflector fully cover the modeling lamp. In looking at these new I could not tell if the would or not. Thanks John

Not even close, John. It's a very shallow reflector.

With the stock modeling light bulb:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2534658441_9996e47ba1_o.jpg

And with a shorter replacement bulb:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2535470978_b0cb5bc6cb_o.jpg

Dave F.

[jgettis]

Thats kind of what I was worried about. How accurate is the modeling light then?

[tetrode]

Thats kind of what I was worried about. How accurate is the modeling light then?

I think the answer has to be "more than good enough". Spill from the part of the bulb that extends beyond the reflector is really pretty minimal. The Genesis lights have a very inelegant modeling light implementation that we just have to live with: big bulb in a surface-mounted socket. Look at the Elinchroms for comparison: Small bulb, recessed socket.

When using the Elinchrom reflector, the modeling light may not be totally accurate but, what are the alternatives? If it's a choice between using the not-so-good stock Genesis reflector to get improved modeling light accuracy and using the vastly superior Elinchrom umbrella reflector and sacrificing some modeling light accuracy we're presented with the classic "no brainer". The Elinchrom reflector is definitely the way to go. I ordered a second one earlier this evening.

Dave F.

[Rudi]

Yup! That's why it's described as: "Gives wide, even umbrella coverage (no center hot spot), even at close flashtube-to-umbrella distance." This is one of the reasons why I buy Elinchrom light modifiers for my Elinchrom strobes, unless there is evidence of something performing even better. Doesn't happen very often...

P.S. I don't remember what reflectors I had with my Bowens set (years ago), they might have been shallower. That kit also had umbrellas, but the whole thing was a Bowens creation, so worked well together. I have to say - I'm surprised they did not put the right reflectors on those strobes...

[tetrode]

After having spent some more time playing with various umbrellas on the Genesis, I thought I'd add the following to my initial observations:

The Genesis 200 with Elinchrom umbrella reflector can fully illuminate a 45" Photogenic Eclipse umbrella from a distance of only 12":

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2351/2536212481_801299f4f5_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2537031174_9c13ee7d86_o.jpg

This short reflector-to-canopy distance is nice because it effectively increases the size of the umbrella since the light can now be brought closer to the subject. An added benefit is that the rig is more compact and manageable than it was previously with the stock reflector and the extended reflector-to-canopy distance that was required.

About the Photogenic Eclipse umbrella: The main selling point is that the umbrella ribs are covered with fabric. You won't see itsy bitsy umbrellas reflected in your subject's eyes. Before anyone asks, yes, the fabric is a very pale champagne color; not true white. Finally, the Photogenic folks must live in Liliput because their 45" umbrella actually measures 39" in diameter.

Dave F.

[TeeTee]

Dave, EXCELLENT tip for us Genesis users. Thanks very much. Quick question however, what size Elinchrom reflector do you use?

Judging by your photo with the measuring tape it's only ~8cm?! Please advise.

[Rudi]

TeeTee,

I'm not Dave, but this is the Elinchrom umbrella reflector that Dave is using in these pics: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=16868&is=REG

[TMR Design]

This is what I've been saying about some of the inexpensive reflectors, particularly the Genesis. The complete line of Elinchrom reflectors are excellent and if you're looking for great coverage with back lights and for use behind diffusion panels then the Elinchrom wide angle reflector is exceptional.

[tetrode]

Dave, EXCELLENT tip for us Genesis users. Thanks very much. Quick question however, what size Elinchrom reflector do you use?

Judging by your photo with the measuring tape it's only ~8cm?! Please advise.

Hi, TeeTee;

I am Dave and, you're welcome. Just love the way we help each other out on this forum.

Rudi pointed you to the correct item, the 6-1/3" Elinchrom Umbrella Reflector. It has proven to be stunningly good at its intended purpose. I've already ordered a second one from Amazon.

I also have to wholeheartedly endorse Robert's observation about reflectors in general. The standard reflectors that came with my Genesis lights are, I think, the weakest part of the kit. Light distribution is very uneven, they're not well-suited to umbrella use, and build quality could definitely be better. My suspicion is that not very much engineering effort goes into these low-end, China-sourced lighting accessories. The reflectors are probably made in the same factory as egg boilers and kitchen funnels.

There's economy, and then there's false economy. I am completely convinced that, for me, money spent on genuine Elinchrom reflectors is/will be money well spent. There really is that much of a difference.

Dave F.

[slivr]

Wow, Dave - That's an incredible difference, so I guess it's back to the vendors to get a set for me as well. I'm with you in feeling these reflectors are probably the weakest link of the Genesis lights, but I've been using softboxes more than reflectors with them and haven't noticed it before.

Thanks for the follow-up on your earlier post showing your resolution!

- Jason Stoll

[TeeTee]

Thanks to the responses Dave & Rudi (AKA Mr Not Dave) I'm guessing that's the 16cm reflector for us UK residents. Had me scratching my head trying to figure out the size!

And I have to agree with Dave on the statement about the Elinchrom reflectors. At the price, and given the savings made on the Genesis kit, it's not unreasonable to spend a slight bit more to get your lights up to 100% functionality. I haven't even bought my Genesis kit yet, however when I do I'll definitely be picking up a new reflector as well.