Photoflex Litedome & Other small flash modifiers..

[angryhampster]

I'll be starting a small strobist kit when I get back into the US next month. I've pondered just getting an AB800 and going from there, but I've already got two high-power shoe flashes, so I may as well use them. I'd like to start shooting weddings & portraits commercially, but am on an extraordinarily tight budget (finishing college with student loans + car payment) so I have to keep my setup fairly inexpensive.

Anyhow, I saw someone mention the Litedome in another post in this section, but couldn't find many results from it.
http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/LT0805/

^ That's the one I'm talking about, not the large softbox for strobes. Does anyone have any shots from it? How much light does it kill?

On top of that, does anyone have any recommendations for other similar products? I'll be getting a big umbrella as well for remote flash.

[Wilt]

I have not used the Litedome, but I have used Chimera XS which is 12x16" and the same size as the Litedome XS. Wonderful light. The problem you need to be aware of is the need to elevate the flash high enough that the lens is not looking into the softbox! Using my Chimera XS on Metz 45 potato masher and Newton flash bracket elevates it high enough, and I have been using that configuration for about 15 years to great satisfaction. The little shoe mount flashes will create a problem when used with the same size softbox, I suspect.

[fpalitang]

Here is a shot from an SB-28 at 1/4 power into an XS Litedome on a voice-activated light stand (assistant w/ monopod). This was in a hotel lobby with dim lighting.

Canon 5D w/ 16-35 @ about 20mm
1/100 @ f4
PW trigger

http://www.palitang.com/clients/nluong/blog/nluo-004.jpg


A 45" or 60" shoot-thru umbrella is also nice for full length portraits.

[angryhampster]

Very cool. That's exactly what I wanted to hear on both counts. Thanks. :)

[bobbyz]

I have one and like it but I use it on a lightstand or someone holding it. Wish I bought the small one not the extra small one. To moount on the lightstand you need to order adapter thing that photoflex sells along with the umrella adapter.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/419377-REG/Photoflex_LiteDome_XTC_Extra_Small.html#

[Perry Ge]

I just got a litedome, the extra small one. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet but I'll let you know when I do!

[Blackey Cole]

I have two 16"x16" Soft-boxes that I use for my Vivitar 285s they barely fit the head of the flash but the uni speed ring dies work. They a well made and have a removable defuser panel inside and the front panel is removable also. It folds flat I store two of them with speed rings in one of the med Tamrac MAS pockets for their backpacks because that is what I had avaiable at the time. The 285s fill the front panel on all but the lowest setting and these will also work with studio lights since they are designed for them. I use a ball bungee or two to keep the head from zooming with the extra weight on it.

[angryhampster]

I just got a litedome, the extra small one. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet but I'll let you know when I do!


Yea definitely post pics in here. :)

[bobbyz]

Here is one of mine with 550ex fitted with photoflex extra-small SB.

http://www.bobbyzphotography.com/img/v4/p88236956-4.jpg

[DerekW]

Here's one on the G&N section....plus some extras

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=6196993&postcount=59