New Gear arrived today..Am I doing something wrong?

So UPS was nice enough to leave my $600 package from Alienbees out on my doorstep today.

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' | Redirected to error image by ZENFOLIO PROTECTED

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' | Redirected to error image by ZENFOLIO PROTECTED

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' | Redirected to error image by ZENFOLIO PROTECTED

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/png' | Redirected to error image by ZENFOLIO PROTECTED

The flash should be turned 180 and insert the umbrella from the opposite side as well. The umbrella hole is drilled at an angle it should be inserted so the center of the umbrella is raised torward the flash head.


As for the tube collapsing that is common with many umbrella shafts, my partner filled his with a black silicone like substance (from home depot) and let it dry for a week, didn't completely eliminate the issue but helped quite a bit.

And yes the dinosaurs thing is completely normal.

1) you have your flash facing the wrong way...attach the flash with the lever on the right (notice in the pic is is on the left of the flash, facing down)...then the flash will hit the center...
2) break off a piece of pencil, shove it down the shaft of the umbrella and you'll be alright...

You have your umbrella positioned in the bracket the wrong way. The whole is angled and is directional. Also, only screw your umbrella in at the base where it is reinforced.

Wow, thin metal there. I've cranked in my Softlighter umbrella as hard as possible and I've never left a mark.

Haha, I just read about this situation on the strobist lighting 101 blog yesterday. It's a common mistake that people often put the umbrella backwards as the hole is drilled. I think your umbrella will be alright even with the pinch on it too. Enjoy your new kit!

yep, and there's even a vid at the strobist 101 section showing how to attach the flash...
http://strobist.blogsp​ot.com/2006/03/lightin​g-101.html

Sam|McGuire wrote in post #9224360
You have your umbrella positioned in the bracket the wrong way. The whole is angled and is directional. Also, only screw your umbrella in at the base where it is reinforced.

but there are some instances when you need to screw them in the mid part of the shaft for certain effects.

+1 on the pencil suggestion.

I shoved pencils into the shaft on all my umbrellas. Works like a charm.

int2str wrote in post #9224774
+1 on the pencil suggestion.

I shoved pencils into the shaft on all my umbrellas. Works like a charm.

+2

Here's an example of how you should set up your flash, and umbrella

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

1. Little difference in practice.
2. Buy a better quality umbrella with a solid rod.
3. There is no three. La de dah.

Whoops!!! Rookie Mistake! Thanks for the assistance all. I realized that I was definitely tightening the umbrella into place too tight. I think I'm still going to shove a pencil in it to be safe. (This is the only instance where speaking this sentence if OK" )

I have a lot of learning to do. Thanks for the link to "The Strobist". That seems like a great starting point.
Time to go Practice Practice Practice!

Thanks Again!


PJ

1) your umbrella is mounted wrong, and your flash head can be turned 180 degrees. Do this and you'll be golden.

2) you do not need to over tighten the knob that holds the umbrella in place. Just tighten it to the point where it won't move, and you'll be golden!

The whole dinosaur thing? That's up to you. Not me.