Konova (eBay) strip boxes?

DavidPhoto wrote in post #6012590
Chimeras are the best I have used but they are not cheap. I might opt for a photoflex next time.
I probably wouldnt do another Konova. its a little funky and by the time you fix or replace the diffusion materials its hardly worthwhile imo.

Just to give another perspective, I was really disappointed with the Chimeras. I tried a couple when looking for gridded softboxes and found them to be nothing special. They are well-finished and constructed but the light output & evenness was fairly average - below that of Elinchrom's own softboxes. When I factored in the cost of 20 degree grids (the widest I use), speedrings e.t.c. I realised that I could buy cheaper boxes and have them modified to my heart's content, easily surpassing the output & practicality of the Chimeras, for much less money.

Rudi wrote in post #6013376
Ooooh, they make them in silver or WHITE interior! No wonder the light is nice... I might have to look into this! Ummm, you have other Photoflex softboxes, haven't you, Robert? How do you attach them to your Elinchroms??

I really like the quality of Photoflex products. I have 2 of their softboxes and will probably get the large halfdome strip box from them.

The speedring I use is this:

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

The nice thing about the Photoflex speedring is that it has the 1/4"-20 and 3/8" threaded mounting holes so if you are using a heavy modifier and want to shift the weight to the speedring rather than swivel mount of the strobe you can do it easily.

Hermes wrote in post #6013425
Just to give another perspective, I was really disappointed with the Chimeras. I tried a couple when looking for gridded softboxes and found them to be nothing special. They are well-finished and constructed but the light output & evenness was fairly average - below that of Elinchrom's own softboxes. When I factored in the cost of 20 degree grids (the widest I use), speedrings e.t.c. I realised that I could buy cheaper boxes and have them modified to my heart's content, easily surpassing the output & practicality of the Chimeras, for much less money.

Interesting to hear. I've never tried a Chimera box so I can't comment on the quality of light but I was impressed by the build, materials, stitching, etc.

Hermes wrote in post #6013425
Just to give another perspective, I was really disappointed with the Chimeras. I tried a couple when looking for gridded softboxes and found them to be nothing special. They are well-finished and constructed but the light output & evenness was fairly average - below that of Elinchrom's own softboxes. When I factored in the cost of 20 degree grids (the widest I use), speedrings e.t.c. I realised that I could buy cheaper boxes and have them modified to my heart's content, easily surpassing the output & practicality of the Chimeras, for much less money.

I found the light quality from the chimera boxes to be pretty good. But yeah they are pretty expensive and thats why I gambled on the Konova. Seems that most of the strip boxes are fairly pricey when you add in speedrings and grids.
The light from all of the elinchrom boxes I have used has been great. My only complaint is with their construction.

EDIT: I put it together again today just to check it out. It must have been the way I initially put it up because it seems fine now. The light is still harsh but I will probably have my wife sew some diffusion material in.

My Konova sets up a little crooked! The speedring is a little awkward but maybe its just how I put it together??? I've only tried it a couple of times for tests. The light seemed fairly harsh but should suffice for a rim light which is primarily what I wanted it for. I may ultimately modify the diffusion material so that I can use it for more purposes.

Creating a zombie thread.....bringing it back from the dead!

DavidPhoto,
Any more feedback that you can share? Do you still use the stripbox? Are you happy with your purchase? Care to share how deep (thick) the grid is? how big are the holes in the grid?


thanks!

all in all the Konova box is OK. I may alter it someday to make it a little softer but the box itself is alright. Its well built and works. I planned to use it more but I've only used it once or twice mainly because I need more lights. When I get more lights I will probably buy another so that I can do some two-stripbox setups. I'll have to take a look at the grid to answer your questions...I just don't remember. I'll try to snap a pic or two and post.

If you do buy a Konova be sure to haggle!

DavidPhoto wrote in post #7096560
all in all the Konova box is OK. I may alter it someday to make it a little softer but the box itself is alright.

Do you mean that the box needs more diffusion?

I just found the light a little harsher than I like. It has both inner and outer baffles. Dependingt on what you are using it for it may be fine. Someone else suggested that they had replaced the material with a higher quality cloth and it worked well. I thought I may try that at some point.

The reason I asked was that you're not the first person to say that. And I was thinking of buying a strip box from them, but obviously will now have to weigh up the cheap price vs having to modify the box.

Dang!

Found them on Ebay, but it appears they no longer offer Bowens adapter rings.

WillMass wrote in post #7099973
Dang!

Found them on Ebay, but it appears they no longer offer Bowens adapter rings.

be sure to ask because I know they did. They accidentally sent me one...I'd give it to you if I hadn't thrown it out when I moved.

DavidPhoto wrote in post #7101866
be sure to ask because I know they did. They accidentally sent me one...I'd give it to you if I hadn't thrown it out when I moved.

Yep, definitely email them directly. You'll be able to specify exactly what you want to buy and you'll get it cheaper than ordering through eBay.

To answer an earlier question, I'd say that the stock grids have a pretty wide spread - most likely over 100 degrees but they're better than nothing and they can be modified to a narrower spread which is what makes the Konovas brilliant IMO - you can get a decent, hard-wearing softbox (much less flimsy than Elinchrom softboxes) and accessories for very little money and then by investing a little more time and money, you can create your own perfect softbox with qualities that you can't buy anywhere. I wouldn't trade mine for Chimeras or any other brand because they are now perfect for my style of work.

@Hermes: I know this is an old thread but I was just reading through it again and curious how you modified the grid.
I haven't used the strip box much but I would like to get another so that I can use a two box setup. They are pretty rugged.
Also, did yours come with a round mask? I sort of remember getting one but cant find it for the life of me now that I want to use it.

DavidPhoto wrote in post #5674041
Anyone know anything about these Konova products being sold on eBay? They are reasonably priced but I'm wondering about the quality. Anyone have first hand experience with them?

Take a look at this http://myworld.ebay.co​m/konova/

Thanks Rayk but I actually own one now