Got a Mola Demi? Would you do me a small favor?

Then my vote goes to the Mola Setti for coolness factor.

Pfft.. The Beamm is shiny. SHINY!

Need I say more

TMR Design wrote in post #12261524
I have no idea how the translucent deflector affects the projected ring on a two dimensional surface but I really love the light.

So you don't cover the Speedo deflector? I thought it affected the shadows as well...sort of like a more normal reflector whereas the BD w/ the center covered is more like the ringlight your wife uses to put on makeup.

When you get the Demi, it'd be interesting to do a true comparison test on a person. Make sure the rim of the dish is in the same position, meter the same point on the face, use a gray background, etc. Then blind compare it

kenyee wrote in post #12262315
So you don't cover the Speedo deflector? I thought it affected the shadows as well...sort of like a more normal reflector whereas the BD w/ the center covered is more like the ringlight your wife uses to put on makeup.

When you get the Demi, it'd be interesting to do a true comparison test on a person. Make sure the rim of the dish is in the same position, meter the same point on the face, use a gray background, etc. Then blind compare it

The first thing I did after getting the Speedotron dish and doing some testing was to remove the installed deflector. I didn't really like the light or the black ring surrounding the translucent material. Since I had Elinchrom deflectors I decided that they would be more useful and I could choose the one I want and place it at any distance I wanted rather than the fixed position with the Speedotron disc.

I don't see myself getting a Demi. When the time is right I'm going to get a white Setti. It's not going to happen all that soon but when I do I'll be sure to do tests and comparison shots.

TMR Design wrote in post #12261524
Hi Dave,
...
For a while I really liked using the Elinchrom silver deflector in the dish but I"m actually not a fan of the dead spot in the center. I prefer to use the white translucent deflector to reduce, spread and diffuse the hot spot but I on't like to kill it completely.

I have no idea how the translucent deflector affects the projected ring on a two dimensional surface but I really love the light.

Now this is interesting, Rob. So you're back to using the Speedotron's stock translucent central diffuser disk. Translucent vs. opaque was a hot topic of discussion here two years ago. I remember Jason (aka "slivr") commenting that the stock frosted diffuser/deflector made the Speedotron behave more like a softbox than like a beauty dish. In April, '09 he posted this:

https://photography-on-the.net …hp?p=7687009&po​stcount=17

... in response to one of your posts.

Based on what you've written, I would assume, then, that you're getting adequate levels of contrast and "snap" from the Speedotron with its stock frosted central disk in place. Is the Speedotron the only dish that comes with a fully translucent central disk?

And, come to think of it, where is Jason/Slivr? He's been MIA from this forum for quite a long time. If you're out there, Jason, drop by and say hello!

Dave F.

tetrode wrote in post #12262423
Now this is interesting, Rob. So you're back to using the Speedotron's stock translucent central diffuser disk. Translucent vs. opaque was a hot topic of discussion here two years ago. I remember Jason (aka "slivr") commenting that the stock frosted diffuser/deflector made the Speedotron behave more like a softbox than like a beauty dish. In April, '09 he posted this:

https://photography-on-the.net …hp?p=7687009&po​stcount=17

... in response to one of your posts.

Based on what you've written, I would assume, then, that you're getting adequate levels of contrast and "snap" from the Speedotron with its stock frosted central disk in place. Is the Speedotron the only dish that comes with a fully translucent central disk?

And, come to think of it, where is Jason/Slivr? He's been MIA from this forum for quite a long time. If you're out there, Jason, drop by and say hello!

Dave F.

Sorry Dave. I must not have been clear.

I use the Elinchrom white translucent deflector. Not the Speedotron.

I'm getting the light I like the most with that combination. I also like that configuration with a diffusion sock.

TMR Design wrote in post #12262447
Sorry Dave. I must not have been clear.

I use the Elinchrom white translucent deflector. Not the Speedotron.
...

Got it. Thanks for the clarification, Rob. How far from the tip of the modeling light bulb do you generally position the translucent deflector?

Dave F.

I have the 'newer' deflector that comes with the rod that has a built-in stop. I go right up to the stop. When I use the silver disc on the older rod I place the disc about 4 inches from the flat part of the dish.

Ok since we are on the topic of the speedo dish I have a question. I just got mine and was wondering how far from the modeling light the stock translucent deflector should be so it doesnt melt? I will probably cover mine in foil or perhaps replace it all together but for now I added some space between the ring and the disc itself by using 1/4 inch motherboard stand offs attached to the ring with wing nuts.

mnaz wrote in post #12262956
Ok since we are on the topic of the speedo dish I have a question. I just got mine and was wondering how far from the modeling light the stock translucent deflector should be so it doesnt melt? I will probably cover mine in foil or perhaps replace it all together but for now I added some space between the ring and the disc itself by using 1/4 inch motherboard stand offs attached to the ring with wing nuts.

https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=6033589&p​ostcount=2

I don't think you'll get a definitive answer regarding bulb-to-deflector distance as there are several variables involved. With short halogen bulbs, the stock distance is fine. With elongated bulbs whose tips are in close proximity to the translucent material, additional spacing will be required. However, that said, the mod described in Slivr's post cited above worked well (I had the same Genesis lights at the time and duplicated Slivr's mod).

Dave F.

TMR Design wrote in post #12262545
I have the 'newer' deflector that comes with the rod that has a built-in stop. I go right up to the stop. When I use the silver disc on the older rod I place the disc about 4 inches from the flat part of the dish.

How does one get this deflector?

tetrode wrote in post #12263017
https://photography-on-the.net …php?p=6033589&p​ostcount=2

I don't think you'll get a definitive answer regarding bulb-to-deflector distance as there are several variables involved. With short halogen bulbs, the stock distance is fine. With elongated bulbs whose tips are in close proximity to the translucent material, additional spacing will be required. However, that said, the mod described in Slivr's post cited above worked well (I had the same Genesis lights at the time and duplicated Slivr's mod).

Dave F.

Yeah I saw Slivr's mod and I do have a genesis 400 as well and I measured the stock genesis modeling bulb and its about 3 5/8 inches. With the stand offs I added I have about 5/16 clearance roughly.

Harleypugs wrote in post #12263069
How does one get this deflector?

This is the deflector:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ranslucent_Defl​ector.html

I got one with my 69" Octa.

Thanks. I think I will play with my dish a bit more to learn it. Nice to know mod options are out there if needed.

tetrode wrote in post #12262423
Now this is interesting, Rob. So you're back to using the Speedotron's stock translucent central diffuser disk. Translucent vs. opaque was a hot topic of discussion here two years ago. I remember Jason (aka "slivr") commenting that the stock frosted diffuser/deflector made the Speedotron behave more like a softbox than like a beauty dish. In April, '09 he posted this:

https://photography-on-the.net …hp?p=7687009&po​stcount=17

... in response to one of your posts.

Based on what you've written, I would assume, then, that you're getting adequate levels of contrast and "snap" from the Speedotron with its stock frosted central disk in place. Is the Speedotron the only dish that comes with a fully translucent central disk?

And, come to think of it, where is Jason/Slivr? He's been MIA from this forum for quite a long time. If you're out there, Jason, drop by and say hello!

Dave F.

haha nice! I remember all of these topics from my research on the popular beauty dishes. You, Rob, and a bunch of others put up such helpful information and DIYs that helped many of us. And you're right: I haven't seen Silvr post in the forums for a long time now.

I'm a proud Speedotron owner now, although I still haven't changed out the stock translucent diffuser yet. The speedring DIY and the diffuser rod extension DIY really helped me out.