A New Bare Bulb Flash Arrives

I like the disk. I played around with putting convex mirrors into Buff foldables. Then Fotodiox started including a plastic disk with the EZ-Pro foldable. It really seems to help smoothing the light.

And yes, I agree the underexposed front face images are a reasonable way to show the smoothness of the light across a diffusion panel. Using the Lightroom eye dropper is a good way to measure it.

And I also agree about the grip head and tubing. I've got several. The hardest part seems to be finding the 5/8ths tubing.

I don't see much value in a hotshoe-mounted manual flash. Generally if it's on the camera's hotshoe then you're gonna want E-TTL or auto-thyristor metering.

I do see value in the portability of a relatively small light with a relatively small battery, with a stop or two more power than a Speedlite. But if it's going to be used off-camera then it may as well have a standard lightstand mount.

With that in mind, I think it needs to be priced competitively with the Alienbees B400 + VML (~$465).

Finally. I was going to pick up a 120J a while back, but one of Rob's posts alluded to a new bare bulb flash coming. I think that was almost two years ago, LOL. I assumed it was coming from Cheetah since he was tight with them. Hopefully, it's more affordable when it comes out.

klr.b wrote in post #15540775
Finally. I was going to pick up a 120J a while back, but one of Rob's posts alluded to a new bare bulb flash coming. I think that was almost two years ago, LOL. I assumed it was coming from Cheetah since he was tight with them. Hopefully, it's more affordable when it comes out.

I remember from lurking back then that Robert aka TMR is Cheetah's #1 adviser. There is no doubt he is working on a in-depth review for his site. I can wait to see the results
With any luck he will post it here too

ElliotD wrote in post #15540819
I remember from lurking back then that Robert aka TMR is Cheetah's #1 adviser. There is no doubt he is working on a in-depth review for his site. I can wait to see the results
With any luck he will post it here too

quite the leap of faith don't you think ? i wouldn't hold your breath, while Rob liked many Cheetah products i don't think he was associated with them in any official capacities, wouldn't that have made his reviews biased ?

Curtis N wrote in post #15540768
I don't see much value in a hotshoe-mounted manual flash. Generally if it's on the camera's hotshoe then you're gonna want E-TTL or auto-thyristor metering.

I do see value in the portability of a relatively small light with a relatively small battery, with a stop or two more power than a Speedlite. But if it's going to be used off-camera then it may as well have a standard lightstand mount.

With that in mind, I think it needs to be priced competitively with the Alienbees B400 + VML (~$465).

Good point Curtis,
I never thought about using a Q flash on camera nor does this seem to be an on-camera flash. I would like a more substantial connection than the hotshoe but its not a big deal.
Some of the early Q flash units had a 1/4 20 threaded mounting point which was preferable to me.

Anyway, one thing that makes this attractive is the size. An AB400 with VML would be a bit cheaper but much larger. The remote power setting capability is a significant benefit. The AB400 could do that with a CSR+ but that adds to overall size compared to the plug in module of this unit. And, presumably, this unit uses speedlite IBGT circuitry for triggering which means that as power is reduced the flash duration gets shorter for better action stopping.

Definitely a different feature set, even though there is overlap.

nice product,
but I need to know if I can use the softbox on Quantum,
the umbrella mount guess I need to buy the parabolic from Cheetah first

anyway,
I doubt Quantum weak accessorry mount can handle extra weight,
even now I already have problem with Quantum Trio,
Quantum weakness are on the accessorry mount and hot shoe,
materials and locking mechanism are kinda fragile

Subscribed. Love the idea of this!

My friend Google pointed me to this web page for more news

http://www.lightingrum​ours.com …-usa-by-cheetahstand-3298

dmward wrote in post #15541683
Anyway, one thing that makes this attractive is the size.

True enough. But for the thousands of shooters out there that already have Alienbees or Einsteins, VMLs and a Cybercommander, with a pile of modifiers to fit them, the price on this new gadget needs to be pretty competitive, I think, for them to buy into this system.

$568-11 on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com …ashes&hash=item​43b7cb3fe8

$399 for the flash without the battery pack.

http://www.ebay.com …ashes&hash=item​460bf4c2fb

dmward wrote in post #15541683
Good point Curtis,
I never thought about using a Q flash on camera nor does this seem to be an on-camera flash. I would like a more substantial connection than the hotshoe but its not a big deal.
Some of the early Q flash units had a 1/4 20 threaded mounting point which was preferable to me.

Anyway, one thing that makes this attractive is the size. An AB400 with VML would be a bit cheaper but much larger. The remote power setting capability is a significant benefit. The AB400 could do that with a CSR+ but that adds to overall size compared to the plug in module of this unit. And, presumably, this unit uses speedlite IBGT circuitry for triggering which means that as power is reduced the flash duration gets shorter for better action stopping.

Definitely a different feature set, even though there is overlap.

Very true, David. Curtis certainly makes valid points but I think the Godox/Cheetah can make a compelling case for itself if your requirements include small size, light weight, compatibility with an array of new and existing Quantum/Lumedyne/Norma​n/Sunpak/Godox accessories, and, WIRELESS power control. There's always going to be something cheaper (well, almost always) but if it doesn't meet your needs it isn't really a bargain. A Blazzeo 250Ws monolight on eBay can be had for $55 which might be the perfect tool for some while being useless for others. The AB400+VML combo is indeed a hugely attractive offering (I own four Einsteins and two VMLs) and if that's what suits your needs, by all means buy it.

But, then, look at this. Here's a complete 1 light CL-180 kit:

tetrode wrote in post #15543308
Very true, David. Curtis certainly makes valid points but I think the Godox/Cheetah can make a compelling case for itself if your requirements include small size, light weight, compatibility with an array of new and existing Quantum/Lumedyne/Norma​n/Sunpak/Godox accessories, and, WIRELESS power control. There's always going to be something cheaper (well, almost always) but if it doesn't meet your needs it isn't really a bargain. A Blazzeo 250Ws monolight on eBay can be had for $55 which might be the perfect tool for some while being useless for others. The AB400+VML combo is indeed a hugely attractive offering (I own four Einsteins and two VMLs) and if that's what suits your needs, by all means buy it.

But, then, look at this. Here's a complete 1 light CL-180 kit:

In that 35" long padded tripod bag I have:

1 Matthews Reverse stand
1 CL-180 flash body
1 CL-4500 lithium ion battery pack
1 Tx/Rx set for the CL-180
1 Power cable
1 10' Quantum QT49 extension cable
1 90cm x 90cm Apollo style umbrella softbox
1 Minolta FlashMeter
1 Avenger D200 grip head
Several lengths of 5/8" aluminum rod
A few small mounting odds and ends

I think that type of compactness and portability will prove attractive to many but, obviously, not all photographers. It's an embarrassment of riches out there and this is just one more option.

wow that is nice!

A user replaceable door like the Vivitar 283/285 would have been nice.

Does the Lumedyne ATTE Flashtube Extender fit? I assume it does but just wanted to confirm.