Calumet Genesis Accessories..

shooterman wrote in post #5186662
The Photoflex SB's and Amvona SB's should work with the speed ring I linked to . I'm sure a bunch of different brands would too.

Yes this speed ring you linked. Also on Adorama for 10$ will work on the Amvona SB.

tetrode wrote in post #5180792
One frustrating aspect of this problem, Linda, is Calumet's refusal to admit there might be a problem. Here's a snippet of an email I received last week from Calumet in response to my raising the reflector coverage issue. Note that I supplied them with the same photos appearing in my earlier post:

"I spoke with my boss about the umbrella problem you
were having, and he has not experienced that. He uses them in our
lighting seminar and has been getting excellent coverage. He suggested
moving them umbrella farther out from the light head, and that should
cure the problem."

Tech guy's "boss" obviously thinks I'm an idiot if he's suggesting I move the light further from the umbrella. Jeeze, it's already as far down the umbrella shaft as it can go.

I think I'm going to try one of the Elinchrom umbrella reflectors. I'll report back when I do.

Incidentally, your dignity was never in jeopardy.

Dave F.

I haven't had any issues using the supplied reflector in standard umbrella mode. Also that tight reflector is a gem if you plan to do some shoot through umbrella work, keeps the beam focused for those too cheap to buy a real softbox off the cuff.

You also don't have to buy the Elinchrom acc. Just purchase the Calumet/Elin speed ring and what ever calumet acc. you want. Then if you happen to upgrade to Bowens, etc. or whatever lights down the road you just buy a new speed ring and keep using the same modifiers.

I don't see any issue with buying a top dollar softbox or whatever for these strobes. The modifier will out live these little lights if you get serious about lighting.

You might be forced to Calumet for most grids anyhow as even Elinchrom doesn't produce much beyound umbrellas and softboxes/octaboxes for their own line of lights.

thanks, Randy, for the info on the reflectors.

Good work, Dave. I think I may become a guinea pig of these Konova boxes. Once of course, Calumet gets the lights in stock.

Weegee is a school nickname of mine for many years. It was only later I learned there was photographer of the same name. Our styles are about as opposite as you can get. Take a look at my zenfolio gallery and you'll see why. I like big, bold colors, overpowering landscapes, etc. And most importantly, I hardly ever shoot people. Hence my ignorance to the studio lighting aspect and all my questions : 0

I am trying to get into some basic studio lighting. I do like the low key, film noir style portrait, so that's maybe my only connection to The Weegee.

I been on this Genesis waiting list for like 3 weeks now. I am getting tempted to go with Dlites since they use the same modifiers as the Genesis. Of course I will not be able to use my Wescott umbrella though.

MrChad wrote in post #5187209
I haven't had any issues using the supplied reflector in standard umbrella mode. Also that tight reflector is a gem if you plan to do some shoot through umbrella work, keeps the beam focused for those too cheap to buy a real softbox off the cuff.

You also don't have to buy the Elinchrom acc. Just purchase the Calumet/Elin speed ring and what ever calumet acc. you want. Then if you happen to upgrade to Bowens, etc. or whatever lights down the road you just buy a new speed ring and keep using the same modifiers.

I don't see any issue with buying a top dollar softbox or whatever for these strobes. The modifier will out live these little lights if you get serious about lighting.

You might be forced to Calumet for most grids anyhow as even Elinchrom doesn't produce much beyound umbrellas and softboxes/octaboxes for their own line of lights.

Because the supplied reflector works adequately with the kit umbrellas does not in any way mean that it works optimally. In effect, the constrained beam angle is reducing the working diameter of the umbrella. I think the photos I posted earlier in this thread demonstrate the point well. It appears that a 32" umbrella might work just about as well as the kit's 45". Smaller umbrella = harder light, bigger umbrella = softer light. Personally, I would prefer to utilize all the umbrella real estate available. To do this with the Genesis lights will require a wide angle reflector. I'll do some tests once I get the Elinchrom 90-degree umbrella reflector.

As far as grids are concerned, I had read (unverified) that just about any 7" grid set will work in the Elinchrom 7" reflector. However, Elinchrom EL26135
includes the 7" reflector and 3 grids for a not-too-bad $170 so that's probably the most practical option.

Dave F.

tetrode wrote in post #5188330
Because the supplied reflector works adequately with the kit umbrellas does not in any way mean that it works optimally. In effect, the constrained beam angle is reducing the working diameter of the umbrella. I think the photos I posted earlier in this thread demonstrate the point well. It appears that a 32" umbrella might work just about as well as the kit's 45". Smaller umbrella = harder light, bigger umbrella = softer light. Personally, I would prefer to utilize all the umbrella real estate available. To do this with the Genesis lights will require a wide angle reflector. I'll do some tests once I get the Elinchrom 90-degree umbrella reflector.

As far as grids are concerned, I had read (unverified) that just about any 7" grid set will work in the Elinchrom 7" reflector. However, Elinchrom EL26135
includes the 7" reflector and 3 grids for a not-too-bad $170 so that's probably the most practical option.

Dave F.

There is nothing special about the umbrella's or stands they just shove some off the shelf Calumet gear with the lights for cheap. So the reflector is the one the lights come with in the box, they are in no way a true kit. So the reflector isn't a developed bit for these umbrellas. You can't expect the world for the $300 bucks for the twin head kit.

They basically give you the stands and umbrellas for free, you can find these bits on the shelf at any Calumet it's the heads that are unique for the kit as it where.

another trick you might try is simply cutting back the length of the inbox reflector that could increase the spread for these things too. I'm fine with the more focused pattern however.

If you really want big soft light spring for one of the huge Octaboxes and call it a day and stop fussing with these reflectors. You'd still have less invested then some other kits with just umbrellas.

Got this from the Konova rep in response to my question about softbox fitting Dlite2 or Genesis 200.

______________

Dear Sir:
Yes that will directly fit on Dlite2 as we r the Elinchrom agent in Korea.
U can just put it on them is Ok.
Thank u
Frank

_______________

I asked him again directly about Genesis 200, but I'm assuming it should be fine since they take Elinchrom accessories.

I'm definitely going to give these guys a shot once of course Calumet gets some lights in and I can buy a pair. Kenova has got some pretty large sized stips and boxes at decent prizes. S&H is a killer, but if they'll discount on the 2nd box, might work out okay. Certainly an option to paying $80 for speed ring + $100+ for a small or med SB.

weegee wrote in post #5190493
S&H is a killer, but if they'll discount on the 2nd box, might work out okay. Certainly an option to paying $80 for speed ring + $100+ for a small or med SB.

Thanks for that information, weegee. Now you should get back with your new best friends at Konova and ask about a group buy. Maybe you can round up 4 or 5 other folks on this forum who might be interested in a Konova softbox or octabox if they'd discount shipping substantially. Just a thought.

Dave F.

now we're talking, Dave!

Maybe once Calumet gets them in stock again and there's a batch of new buyers, I'll start up the thread again. They told you six weeks, did I read that somewhere?

weegee wrote in post #5190685
now we're talking, Dave!

Maybe once Calumet gets them in stock again and there's a batch of new buyers, I'll start up the thread again. They told you six weeks, did I read that somewhere?

Yes indeed. That's what I was told. Calumet seems to be fairly consistent in telling folks 4-6 weeks on the 200's. Truth of the matter is, I don't think they really have any idea. The last time I spoke with them (which was the middle of last week) I was told '4 to 6 weeks but maybe sooner'. The up side to this is that I was also told the next batch of 200's should come with the redesigned protective covers.

The Genesis 400's are in stock (probably because of the hefty price differential between the 200's and the 400's).

I'm certainly not a 'power user' of my lights but, to this point, I'm *very* happy with the Genesis kit. There's no way you can beat 2 200 watt-second studio lights, 2 medium duty lightstands, and 2 good quality 45" umbrellas for the price of 1 Nikon SB-800.

Dave F.

I was tempted to go with the 400's, but I think it's overkill for me. For my portrait work I'm going to do low key lighting. Heck, I can probably get away with just 1 200. There's always that "you never know factor", but it's a big jump in price difference for someone who's not even sure how much or even how for that matter to use the 200's.

I'd rather put the price difference towards a decent prime, then I can shoot wide open and don't need the extra watts.

im sticking with the 200's. I got them ordered with the 20$ discount before they sold out. I am thinking they are getting some design changes/ fixes. I have been waiting 4+ weeks now for mine. I got my amvona softbox and my speedring adapter all ready and waiting. I have a tiny room so the 400s are not a choice for me.

reviving this thread.

So, if I go with this SB from Amvona http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem

which speed ring do I get to adapt it? Can I use the cheapie $10 one from Adorama or do I need the more expensive one via Calumet? It's almost like one of these too good to be trues compared to other SB prices I've seen around.

edit: went back and reread and I've seen a couple mentions of what speedring to buy, but still not getting it. Are you throwing out the speed ring they include, or adapting it by attaching the elinchrom compatability one to the universal?

I just got my genesis 200 kit this week and I am interested in some accessories for them .soft boxes etc. I have been reading through this thread and saw the speed ring tetrode shows in post #24 but I am having trouble finding it. Can someone please post a direct link to this speed ring?
Mike

claybuster wrote in post #5407825
I just got my genesis 200 kit this week and I am interested in some accessories for them .soft boxes etc. I have been reading through this thread and saw the speed ring tetrode shows in post #24 but I am having trouble finding it. Can someone please post a direct link to this speed ring?
Mike

Tada:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Ring_for_Elinc​hrome.html

Dave F.