Tired of softbox assembly

I use Photoflex softboxes with Paul C. Buff Einstein studio flash heads. If you do the same you will know how much of a pain it is to connect and disconnect these softboxes to and from their PCB compatible speed rings (sold by Photoflex).

Chimera sells quick release speed rings for use with their softboxes. See here...

https://m.youtube.com/​watch?v=YwO6uO1oRc4

Does anybody know of a similar quick release speed ring that can join Photoflex softboxes to PCB flash?

texshooter wrote in post #17464863
I use Photoflex softboxes with Paul C. Buff Einstein studio flash heads. If you do the same you will know how much of a pain it is to connect and disconnect these softboxes to and from their PCB compatible speed rings (sold by Photoflex).

Chimera sells quick release speed rings for use with their softboxes. See here...

https://m.youtube.com/​watch?v=YwO6uO1oRc4

Does anybody know of a similar quick release speed ring that can join Photoflex softboxes to PCB flash?

I sold all my Photoflex soft boxes years ago once I started using the EZ Pro and PCB softboxes. They open and close like an umbrella but they still have the speedring which allow for the use of adapters to mount to any flash system. Pro Studio Solutions and FotoDiox market the EZ Pro with FotoDiox being a bit cheaper and easier to purchase through Amazon than buying the Pro Studio Solution through Photo X Gear which is the only place that I have found them for sale. PCB softboxes use the same breakdown style but are a bit spendy for about the same quality as the EZ Pro boxes. The thing about PCB is they offer a smaller folding strip box than you can find anywhere else. Bowens sells a "Quick Ring" ( http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ick_Ring_with_S​wivel.html ) which uses adapters for different systems but having owned several of these they can be just as awkward to use as a stadard speedring. Phottix just introduced some new folding style Softboxes based on the Luna series folding beauty dishes they introduced a while back. SP Studio Solutions also offers some collapisble style softboxes and octoboxes which are lighter than the EZ Pros and they hold up well. They can be bought through B&H. Definitely the EZ Pro boxes offer the largest selection of sizes and styles with optional grids all for a very reasonable price.

EZPro boxes kick butt.
I've got Bowens Quickrings for my Photoflex, but they're still a hassle.
My Elinchrom Rotolux are pretty easy to deploy.

EZPro all the way.

windpig wrote in post #17465090
EZPro boxes kick butt.
I've got Bowens Quickrings for my Photoflex, but they're still a hassle.
My Elinchrom Rotolux are pretty easy to deploy.

EZPro all the way.

This mean speaks the truth!

Thanx for the tips. I'll try the Bowen quick speed ring. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll need to drill another hole in the ring to fit octoboxes (according to the comments in this video page)...

https://m.youtube.com/​watch?v=qIcTWnsCxKk

Anything is better than what I do now.

texshooter wrote in post #17465196
I'll try the Bowen quick speed ring.

Send me a PM I think I've got a spare.

texshooter wrote in post #17465196
Thanx for the tips. I'll try the Bowen quick speed ring. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll need to drill another hole in the ring to fit octoboxes (according to the comments in this video page)...

https://m.youtube.com/​watch?v=qIcTWnsCxKk

Anything is better than what I do now.

Finding insert rings for those are a pain in the butt

abbadon31 wrote in post #17465787
Finding insert rings for those are a pain in the butt

Along with the fact that the holes for the rods are pretty big diameter, I had to make inserts so that the Photoflex rod ends fit snug.

Buff makes a nice collection of foldable soft boxes.
They are heavier duty and thus heavier than the EZPro.
I have both for my Einsteins. They are the only real solution for easy to assemble and disassemble soft boxes.

windpig wrote in post #17465852
I had to make inserts so that the Photoflex rod ends fit snug.

How did you do that? Is it that bad?

One other thing I learned from this review here...
http://thelightingacad​emy.com …bowens-quick-ring-review/.
Is that the Bowen Quick Ring will make the softbox all cockeyed. Hope that's not a problem when using grids.

abbadon31 wrote in post #17465787
Finding insert rings for those are a pain in the butt

If you meant the adapters they take the 5 1/2" which are available from B&H, the SP Studio one currently available ( http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Balcar.html/pr​m/alsVwDtl ). Do not buy a 5 7/8" (6") adapter that are being used by Fotodiox, Pro Studio Solutions or Phottix and Cheetah Stand Luna softboxes/beauty dishes.

Just an update you can buy a Calumet Quick Ring from Amazon for $28 which is cheaper than the $49 Bowens at B&H. They take the 5 1/2" adapter as well. You do not have to drill any new holes to use Octaboxes you just have to drill out the two existing 1/4" and 3/8" threaded holes that are in the 2 blanks spots. I drilled out two of mine for Octaboxes and not a big deal just make sure to chuck it up in a vise or clamp it down solidly while drilling.

texshooter wrote in post #17466113
How did you do that? Is it that bad?

One other thing I learned from this review here...
http://thelightingacad​emy.com …bowens-quick-ring-review/.
Is that the Bowen Quick Ring will make the softbox all cockeyed. Hope that's not a problem when using grids.

It was awfull. I tried wrapping the ends with foil tape, but the heat of the modeling light would cause the tape to give, the rod ends would pop out of the holes. I got some brass inserts that I was able to modify to fit. The boxes are a bit distorted, but I can still use grids. If I were to do it all over again I'd have gone strictly with the EZPro for general purpose modifiers. Wanna buy some Profoto boxes with Bowens QRs?

agv8or wrote in post #17466114
If you meant the adapters they take the 5 1/2" which are available from B&H, the SP Studio one currently available ( http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Balcar.html/pr​m/alsVwDtl ). Do not buy a 5 7/8" (6") adapter that are being used by Fotodiox, Pro Studio Solutions or Phottix and Cheetah Stand Luna softboxes/beauty dishes.

Just an update you can buy a Calumet Quick Ring from Amazon for $28 which is cheaper than the $49 Bowens at B&H. They take the 5 1/2" adapter as well. You do not have to drill any new holes to use Octaboxes you just have to drill out the two existing 1/4" and 3/8" threaded holes that are in the 2 blanks spots. I drilled out two of mine for Octaboxes and not a big deal just make sure to chuck it up in a vise or clamp it down solidly while drilling.

Yep called B&H and they had no clue what i was talking about when I tried getting the insert rings. After that I gave up on using them. I have 4 setting and collecting dust on a shelf.

Here's the Quick Ring.
Photek insert for Elinchrom.

abbadon31 wrote in post #17465787
Finding insert rings for those are a pain in the butt

Calumet fittings work just fine, do you have any Calumet stores left in the US?