Elinchrom Quadra or Ranger?

[Cathpah]

Originally Posted by roanjohn

I tried using the adaptor with the deep throat softbox and I couldn't get it to stay put (it kept creeping down) - I had to overtighten the darn thing and was afraid it will break!!

wow, that's not good at all. That alone would be a deal breaker for me...

[TMR Design]

It looks as if they've taken the swivel mount from the D-Lite or BXRi and used it on the Quadra heads. I don't know why they don't know or realize it's an inferior mount that has design flaws.

[MR do little]

Cathpath Its unfortunate but im quite sure its redeemed by replacing two washers, ill pick up some tomorrow.

Robert
Yes im not sure why ? I mean they could have made it smaller and lighter then the sturdier mounts on RX/BX/FX but still maintain the friction if they used "locking" washers (dont know the term in english, sorry)

Kindest

[MR do little]

Im actually thinking of taking one of my Manfrotto swivel umbrella adapters and modify the Elinchrom adapter to it, i just take of the top of the manfrotto and have my dad machine "distances" larger metal washers that is the same shape as the manfrotto (bottom) insert and be done with it.

It will requrire some cutting at the base of the adapter though, will explore the "locking" washers first, and will speak with the dealer tomorrow to let him now what POS that swivel mount is....

Kindest

[roanjohn]

Paul - would be interested to see what you come up with. The locking mechanism for my quadra (not adapter) came off when I was attaching the deep throat on the adapter, I saw a rubber washer and a small metal washer. I wonder if I can buy a skinnier rubber washer and use that on both sides of the lever.......

[MR do little]

Hi Roan!

Just done modifying my adapter to fit the Manfrotto swivel adapter, works like charm!

However getting rid of the rubber washer and the thin metal washer and replace them with a "locking" washer and a thicker metal washer will solve your problem. No creep at all.

I havent noticed any problems with the mount on the actual head since i dont have to tighten it that hard considering i only use the 13,5cm and 18 cm reflectors on it.


Ill post some images later today.

Kindest

[Rai33]

Paul - please do. Just picked up my Quadra and adapter today... very interested to see your modifications to it.

[fi20100]

Also, would be great to see a pic of the Quadra with an Elinchrom beautydish.

[MR do little]

OK here's some images.


Original


I replaced the red outlined washers (the big rubber washer and the thin metal washer) with a flat washer and a "locking" washer (rugged)

Replaced two washers


Put together with new washers.



Manfrotto mod.
Iv just took apart the Manfrotto 026 Swivel umbrella adapter


Put together


Elinchrom Beauty dish mounted on the adapter.
Forgive the poor snap


Quadra with the 18cm+Grid mounted.
Forgive the poor snap


By just replacing the washer (mentioned) the original adapter works as it should, no creep whatsoever, if anything brakes it will be the plastic part at the base of the swivel mount.

For those that want an all metal swivel mount like the Manfrotto, just a slight cutting at the base of the Elinchrom adapter is needed (the manfrotto isnt deep enough) and add a few washers.

Hope this helps.

Kindest

[TMR Design]

Very nice job Paul. Can you show an image to illustrate what you had to cut on the Manfrotto adapter?

[fi20100]

Great seeing those pictures! Tusen tack Paul!

[Rudi]

This is just sloppy engineering on Elinchrom's part! I mean, seriously, how hard would it have been to do properly in the first place?

(And now I have a post to show people when they accuse me of only bashing Paul C. Buff products. ).

[TMR Design]

Originally Posted by Rudi

This is just sloppy engineering on Elinchrom's part! I mean, seriously, how hard would it have been to do properly in the first place?

(And now I have a post to show people when they accuse me of only bashing Paul C. Buff products. ).

Oh Rudi, you're just a hater and you know it.. LOLOLOL

The reality is that if something isn't right we modify and/or post about it regardless of brand, even if it's a brand we own and love.

[roanjohn]

WOW!! THANKS!! I will work on this later.

[tetrode]

Originally Posted by MR do little

OK here's some images.

...

Elinchrom Beauty dish mounted on the adapter.
Forgive the poor snap

Nice going, Paul. Two good alternatives presented here. One thing, though, it would appear from your photo of the Quadra head with the beauty dish that the ability to tilt the assembly downward is severely restricted. That is to say, it looks as if the back of the dish will hit the stand if it's angled downward even slightly. Maybe it's just an optical illusion and it really isn't as close to the riser as it seems to be. Is motion in the tilt axis adequate for most usual placements of a BD?

Thanks much,

Dave F.