Anyone using this softbox (Elinchrom)?

[TheToad]

Hi,

Is anyone here using the Elinchrom Rotalux 27"x27" softbox? I am interested in getting some smaller modifiers (everything I have is really big) and was looking for a little input. Thanks.

[TMR Design]

Hi,

Is anyone here using the Elinchrom Rotalux 27"x27" softbox? I am interested in getting some smaller modifiers (everything I have is really big) and was looking for a little input. Thanks.

I don't own that box but I have used it. I liked it quite a bit. The 27" box is a nice size for a variety of work. I used it mostly for location portraiture. In a pinch you can feather it and get a full length shot but it's perfect for head shots, head and shoulder shots, half body, and even 3/4 shots.

I didn't do any careful testing but it seemed to have very nice falloff from the hot spot to the edges.

Having said all that..... for about $40 more you can get the 39" x 39" and get a lot more flexibility. The folded size is only slightly larger than the 27" square box.

[tetrode]

...
Having said all that..... for about $40 more you can get the 39" x 39" and get a lot more flexibility. The folded size is only slightly larger than the 27" square box.

So true but let's not forget that the 27" square is the only Elinchrom SB with an available grid (in stock at B&H) at the moment.

Dave F.

[TMR Design]

So true but let's not forget that the 27" square is the only Elinchrom SB with an available grid (in stock at B&H) at the moment.

Dave F.

Correct Dave. I didn't think of it or mention it because the OP didn't indicate it was needed or wanted.

I'm still amazed that Elinchrom is dragging their butt's and not getting those other grids out. It's so far past the supposed release date that it almost seems like they've dropped the idea. Hard to say.

[tetrode]

Correct Dave. I didn't think of it or mention it because the OP didn't indicate it was needed or wanted.

I'm still amazed that Elinchrom is dragging their butt's and not getting those other grids out. It's so far past the supposed release date that it almost seems like they've dropped the idea. Hard to say.

I think they've quietly shelved the idea of producing additional grids, Rob. If they have, it would be a shortsighted business decision in my estimation. Maybe it's time for you to send an inquiry to your friend Thomas (?) at Elinca.

Dave F.

[TMR Design]

I think they've quietly shelved the idea of producing additional grids, Rob. If they have, it would be a shortsighted business decision in my estimation. Maybe it's time for you to send an inquiry to your friend Thomas (?) at Elinca.

Dave F.

Good idea. I think I'll do just that.

It's too bad that Elinchrom is making non-standard size boxes. It would be great to use a third party grid. I wonder if an oversized grid from another manufacturer could be trimmed on a long and short side and then repaired and have velcro added. I'm going to look into this possibility.

[Chris&jess]

I want grids badly. To the extent that I'm considering a grid too short for my EL strip.
Chris

[TMR Design]

I want grids badly. To the extent that I'm considering a grid too short for my EL strip.
Chris

Hi Chris,

I know that we're discussing grids, but have you had any experience with the narrow masks for the Elinchrom strip boxes? I've never tried them or seen the control they offer but I'd be curious to see how they do.

Which strip do you have and which grid are you considering using?

[abdul10000]

I want grids badly. To the extent that I'm considering a grid too short for my EL strip.
Chris


I haven't tried them myself yet, but consider Creative Light's new softboxes. They come with recessed fronts and optional grids. Prices are really good and I heard many good things about them.

I am going to order one softbox plus grid soon I just can't make up my mind on size. I am leaning towards a smaller size (16x24) but worried that might be too small.

[tetrode]

I haven't tried them myself yet, but consider Creative Light's new softboxes. They come with recessed fronts and optional grids. Prices are really good and I heard many good things about them.

I am going to order one softbox plus grid soon I just can't make up my mind on size. I am leaning towards a smaller size (16x24) but worried that might be too small.

Yes, Abdul, the Creative Light offerings are looking *very* attractive. I understand the grid for their 5' octa is due out in November though I'm not interested in that modifier. The 1' x 4' strips are what caught my attention.

Have you watched the videos on the Creative Light site? If not, do so immediately!

Dave F.

[Hermes]

27" square isn't a particularly useful size/shape in my experience (unless you're doing still life/tabletop work). Even for headshots where the size would be right, the perfectly square catchlights are off-putting to me.

It would be a quick job to buy an oversized grid and then reduce it to the right size - maybe half an hour of sewing. You probably won't even have to cut the grid - just fold the fabric back on itself and sew it together to make it narrower. Light-tools will also make grids in custom sizes if you don't want to do it yourself.

The broader problem with the elinchrom softboxes is that even if you find a way to sort out a grid, there's no velcro on the exterior of the boxes to attach things like barndoors or gels, and the material is too thin to take a lot of heavy modification. Also no interchangeable speedring insert in case you need to buy/rent a different brand at some point. For these reasons, I don't see them ever being 'complete' softbox solutions like Chimera and other third-party boxes.

The feedback I get from my dealer suggests that Elinchrom aren't particularly bothered about this. When I ask why Elinchrom drag their feet making things like grids, the reasons given are usually, "they're too difficult to manufacture", "they'll be too expensive to sell", they'd be too delicate to distribute", e.t.c. They seem to be more interested on making sure everything they sell has a huge profit margin than offering a complete range, which is why I no longer own any Elinchrom softboxes or dishes.

[abdul10000]

Yes, Abdul, the Creative Light offerings are looking *very* attractive. I understand the grid for their 5' octa is due out in November though I'm not interested in that modifier. The 1' x 4' strips are what caught my attention.

Have you watched the videos on the Creative Light site? If not, do so immediately!

Dave F.

I did watch them and they were nice. Six videos in total, impressive number and quality of videos for a company that "just started" ehm.. Profoto.

You like prefer the 1x4 over the 1x3. I was considering getting two stripboxes after I try the 16x24 softbox. Any reason why you prefer the narrower stripbox?

[abdul10000]

27" square isn't a particularly useful size/shape in my experience (unless you're doing still life/tabletop work). Even for headshots where the size would be right, the perfectly square catchlights are off-putting to me.

It would be a quick job to buy an oversized grid and then reduce it to the right size - maybe half an hour of sewing. You probably won't even have to cut the grid - just fold the fabric back on itself and sew it together to make it narrower. Light-tools will also make grids in custom sizes if you don't want to do it yourself.

The broader problem with the elinchrom softboxes is that even if you find a way to sort out a grid, there's no velcro on the exterior of the boxes to attach things like barndoors or gels, and the material is too thin to take a lot of heavy modification. Also no interchangeable speedring insert in case you need to buy/rent a different brand at some point. For these reasons, I don't see them ever being 'complete' softbox solutions like Chimera and other third-party boxes.

The feedback I get from my dealer suggests that Elinchrom aren't particularly bothered about this. When I ask why Elinchrom drag their feet making things like grids, the reasons given are usually, "they're too difficult to manufacture", "they'll be too expensive to sell", they'd be too delicate to distribute", e.t.c. They seem to be more interested on making sure everything they sell has a huge profit margin than offering a complete range, which is why I no longer own any Elinchrom softboxes or dishes.


Yeah, that's the problem with many companies. They sacrifice the future for short term profit. Had Elinchrom offered a complete softbox system I would probably have not looked outside their brand. Now that I am learning about other brands like Chimera and Creative Light I am probably never going to look back at their softboxes.

[TheToad]

Thanks for all the input.

Rob - glad to hear that you liked it. I am working in a very small area and need something to do half body shots, head and shoulder shots, etc. I think that it will be the perfect size.

Hermes - I've never used a square softbox before so I don't know how the square catchlights will look??? I guess if I didn't like them I could always edit them in PS.

Thanks again for everyones help. I'm looking at the Creative Light softboxes as well.

[TMR Design]

Depending on the angle and height of the box, it will skew the shape a bit and not look square. I think you'll be fine. Give it a try and you can always return or exchange it within a certain period of time, depending on the retailers policy.

[sdipirro]

I ended up getting that recessed front diffuser for my Elinchrom 39" deep octa to try to control light spill with no grid available, but it only helps a little and really doesn't take the place of a grid. I had questions about the installation of this diffuser and exchanged email with someone at Elinchrom about it. So I had to ask about grid availability. He said he had no information on that.