Calumet Travelite 750 (prev gen model)

I long have been using a couple of Speedlights but just recently, I've crossed over to a set of 3 monolights. A gentleman in town wanted to sell his studio kit since it's been sitting in the garage for a few years. I noticed these are previous model of Travelite 750s. However, all are in great condition. The exceptions are one broken modeling bulb and 2 torn umbrellas. So we cut a deal and here they are.

There isn't much information on this model 750 on the forum here. I'd really appreciate any input or experience with this baby... pros and cons. How's this different to current model? What to look out for as far as upgrading to soft boxes, fittings... etc.

Hmmm... no comments huh?

OK, no luck after a trip to Lowe's in search to replace the broken modeling bulb. The 250w from Calmulet is $30 (link). Can you recommend where else to purchase for less?

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Just a general point, those things look like very close copies of Bowens' Geminis to me. You might find more useful information if you do a search on that.

Hi Hermes,

They actually are repackaged and rebranded Bowens.

I suspected that Rob but there are also a few differences - different switches, less features on the back panel, e.t.c. so I'm not quite sure how closely they match on features & performance.

I can say that the original Bowens are very solid and reliable. The access to the huge wealth of 3rd party 's-type' modifiers is also a big plus.

You're right... the last picture (on the back of the unit) indicate manufacture by Bowen... and made in England.

Thanks for the replies! Noob question again.

I'm able to trigger the light via PC sync cord, one attached and the other 2 via photocell (optical). My next purchase is to go wireless. I'm leaning towards Cybersyncs. If I was to get the setup, should I go with one CSRB receiver or 3, dedicated receivers?

mellofelow wrote in post #7674244
Thanks for the replies! Noob question again.

I'm able to trigger the light via PC sync cord, one attached and the other 2 via photocell (optical). My next purchase is to go wireless. I'm leaning towards Cybersyncs. If I was to get the setup, should I go with one CSRB receiver or 3, dedicated receivers?

You can get away with 1 receiver. Just be sure the other flashes can see the flash of the unit with the wireless. The flash sensor is on top of the unit, which is pretty bad placement. Each of my lights has a well-taped piece of tin foil for use as a reflector to bounce light into the sensor. It's really the only way I can use them outside.

I've been using 2 of these for the past 3 years. Combined with a Tronix Expolorer battery pack I dragged them down to New Orleans through some pretty rough conditions.

I bought mine used, and they're at least 13 years old. One of mine is only 1/2 the power of the other when set to maximum, and it recycles 2x as fast. I could send it into calumet for repair, but it seems alot of effort and cost for something that's not that big a deal in day-to-day use. But it might be something for you to check for.

k_strecker wrote in post #7674661
I bought mine used, and they're at least 13 years old. One of mine is only 1/2 the power of the other when set to maximum, and it recycles 2x as fast. I could send it into calumet for repair, but it seems alot of effort and cost for something that's not that big a deal in day-to-day use. But it might be something for you to check for.

Good info... thanks. That 13 yrs old really? The seller told me they were around 8 yrs maybe. OH well... perhaps I didn't get such a good deal after all.

Now I'm worried about the power output as you mentioned. How do you go about testing it? Light meter in darkness one at a time? If there are variances, could it be the bulb or monolight unit... or combination of both?

First off, stop worrying, i'm sure yours are fine.

Seondly, I mean that *mine* are at least 13 years old, yours could certainly be newer! Mine have stickers that say they were serviced and passed inspection in 1996.

I called Calumet, and their figured it was capacitor related. Yours probably won't have this issue, it's just something I've come across.

To test for the exact same problem you'd just have to set them all on full power, sit in such a way that you can see all of their green "ready" lights, and make sure they all come on at about the same time.

Mine is the difference between 1.5 and 3 seconds, so it's easy to spot.

Or you could bust out the meter, set it to flash mode and you won't have to do it in darkness.

Sorry for reviving this old thread.

I just met with a guy yesterday who is selling a three-light Calumet 750 setup. He claims that he bought the strobes from the Calumet store in Chicago 4 years ago and that he hardly used them. His intention was to do portraits of his grandkids but he never got into portraiture. I tend to believe him since they look almost new. But, he doesn't have any of the flash tube covers.

Does anyone know where I can find the flash tube covers? Or, would the Alien Bee/White Lighting covers work with Calumet 750?

Also, does anyone know when the 750R replaced the 750 model? I think that will give me a better estimate of the age.

In case anyone is curious here's the Ebay listing: http://cgi.ebay.com …qBsBViWUbo%253D​&viewitem=

Thanks.

I know this is an old thread but it seemed close to what I am looking for.

Hello all, a gent on Craigslist is selling a travelite 3x750 of the older model including stands, 2 soft boxes and an umbrella, 1 spare flash tube and 1 spare modeling bulb. He wants $500 which is obviously a good deal (bout what I paid for my two 430exii).

My questions are..

1. Portable power, the tronix mentioned seem like they would work but if working in the sun would I better off with a large power source or multiple smaller one? Are there any other brands one would prefer?

2. Being a newb to strobes, are adapter rings and all the modifiers I would want (pcb modifiers, mola setti, etc...) available for these things?

3. Would these be reccomended or should I just save and get something newer?

CptTripps wrote in post #14045333
I know this is an old thread but it seemed close to what I am looking for.

Hello all, a gent on Craigslist is selling a travelite 3x750 of the older model including stands, 2 soft boxes and an umbrella, 1 spare flash tube and 1 spare modeling bulb. He wants $500 which is obviously a good deal (bout what I paid for my two 430exii).

My questions are..

1. Portable power, the tronix mentioned seem like they would work but if working in the sun would I better off with a large power source or multiple smaller one? Are there any other brands one would prefer?

2. Being a newb to strobes, are adapter rings and all the modifiers I would want (pcb modifiers, mola setti, etc...) available for these things?

3. Would these be reccomended or should I just save and get something newer?

The Travelite units are nice and if the units function properly that seems like an attractive price.

The Bowens mount is very common and widely available. You will not have issue with finding light modifiers and attachments for these flash units.

Enjoy! Lon

I have a pair of the exact models posted by the op...

They are true workhorses

Calumet and Bowens are owned by the same parent company and are one of the most widely distributed brands in the world. You'll find countless modifiers and adapters on ebay. They're well designed and made. Pretty hard to go wrong with anything made by Bowens/Calumet. I have 3 Bowens Voyagers that are 30 years old, the original bi-voltage design that was the basis the Travelights. They work as well as the day they were new.