Another Elinchrom Insert Comparison Thread

A while ago I did some comparisons and measurements of Elinchrom inserts showing the flange, the transition from flange to collar, and the bayonet mount.

This comparison is strictly visual and shows how some of the more common inserts place the flash tube.

The Photek and SP Systems inserts are identical and bury the entire flash tube inside the collar. It's completely recessed. The Norman lets some of the flash tube peek out a bit, followed by the Photoflex that places the flash tube in an almost identical position but the flange is slightly thinner, thus revealing more of the tube. Lastly, the Chimera pushes the flash tube the farthest forward.

I still haven't tested or seen proof that the subtle changes make a difference and I suspect that if there is a difference it's probably measurable in some way but not visibly noticeable in the light or in images. I actually find it hard to believe that there could be a visual difference between the Photoflex and the Chimera but I do like the idea of getting the flash tube as far forward as possible. It's not scientific, just a gut feeling.

The Chimera insert not only places the flash tube further forward but also has the largest flange, making it easy to adapt to beauty dishes or other modifiers.

If it weren't for the fact that the Photoflex is a sloppy fit on the Elinchrom bayonet mount, it would be perfect for most applications. I just can't stand the loose teetering fit. The Chimera has a more solid and snug fit.

EDIT: I just added an image of the Elinchrom speed ring. The insert isn't removable so it's impossible to compare to the others.

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TMR Design wrote in post #12343609
The Chimera insert not only places the flash tube further forward but also has the largest flange, making it easy to adapt to beauty dishes or other modifiers.

If it weren't for the fact that the Photoflex is a sloppy fit on the Elinchrom bayonet mount, it would be perfect for most applications. I just can't stand the loose teetering fit. The Chimera has a more solid and snug fit.

thx for the pics Rob! I'm fairly certain I have the Norman and I can see it's a significant difference. And what you describe with the Photoflex, "loose teetering fit" REALLY bothers me about my insert. Def getting the Chimera now

Sure thing, Peter. The Chimera insert does seem to offer the best of everything.

Very cool. Thanks for this.

Nice comparison Rob, this is a great way to show the difference.

Just for reference Rob, maybe add a pic of an Elinchrom one in there?

Otherwise thanks again for another helpful comparison!

ben_r_ wrote in post #12346500
Just for reference Rob, maybe add a pic of an Elinchrom one in there?

Otherwise thanks again for another helpful comparison!

Hey Ben,

I thought about it (and still am, ). I didn't feel like disassembling one of my Octa's to get the speed ring. I wish there was a removable insert.

TMR Design wrote in post #12346512
Hey Ben,

I thought about it (and still am, ). I didn't feel like disassembling one of my Octa's to get the speed ring. I wish there was a removable insert.

HA HA!!! Yea I wouldnt want to either! Well... You could always buy a new one! lol

I just did a shot of the Elinchrom ring and I will post it but you can't use it to compare because the insert is mounted in the speed ring and the speed ring has some depth to it. If you get close and look in at an angle you can see the flash tube is forward of the insert but it's hard to tell by how much and you can't compare to the others where you can see it from the side.

TMR Design wrote in post #12346665
I just did a shot of the Elinchrom ring and I will post it but you can't use it to compare because the insert is mounted in the speed ring and the speed ring has some depth to it. If you get close and look in at an angle you can see the flash tube is forward of the insert but it's hard to tell by how much and you can't compare to the others where you can see it from the side.

Huh, okay well maybe that shot wont be that helpful after all... Ive honest never paid attention so I couldnt recall what the side angle looked like with just the speedring mounted. Come to think of it Im not sure Ive ever put just the speed ring in without it being attached to the softbox.

ben_r_ wrote in post #12346708
Come to think of it Im not sure Ive ever put just the speed ring in without it being attached to the softbox.

Why would you unless you were going to do this type of comparison? Ordinarily,.... who cares? LOL

Just edited the original post and added a side view of the Elinchrom speed ring.

You can't even see the flash tube but if the insert wee removable you'd see approximately the same amount of the flash tube as with the Chimera insert.

Thanks for posting this! Good information.

I have the Norman SRA-EC speed ring adapter (Cat #812635) on my beauty dish and I'm actually embarrassed about how sloppy it fits my RX600. The thing wobbles all around so much I fear it'll fall off! What a piece of junk it is. No one should ever buy one.
Chris

Does Chimera produce any foldable softboxes similar to Elinchom Rotalux?