AB800 and Umbrella

[tofin]

I recently purchased an AB800 and I have noticed that when I attach my umbrella through the Alienbee reflector and I use the modelling lamp that the shaft of the umbrella gets very hot. I was wondering if there is another way to attach an umbrella to an AB other than going through the reflector and the top of the AB. I do have an umbrella swivel mount for my 430ex. Could I use this or will it put the AB off axis with the umbrella? I am new to strobes so any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[Starbucker]

I've never used the reflector with an umbrella and can't recall having any heat issues.

[flash69]

Good question. I found this out this week when I took out my umbrella and almost burned my hand.

[bobbyz]

Turn off the modelling lights after you done adjusting your lights. Or let them c ool a bit before you tire down the setup at the end of the shoot.

[TMR Design]

You can use an umbrella adapter if you like. Try to get one that places the flash or strobe as close to the umbrella rod as possible and point your strobe towards the center of the umbrella. The reality is that as much as we are all somewhat anal about having the flash head on or as close to the axis of the umbrella rod, it will work fine and you'll barely notice or measure a difference in the evenness of light. Is it ideal? No. Does it work? Yes, just fine.

[Big Mike]

That's one reason they are made of metal and not plastic.

Why is this an issue?

[elzzimc]

Let it cool down?

[TMR Design]

That's one reason they are made of metal and not plastic.

Why is this an issue?

Quite true and certainly nothing to worry about.

[tofin]

Thanks all for taking the time to answer me. Just wasn't sure if I had it set up properly.