Flash Centre Elinchrom Videos

TMR Design wrote in post #6129034
I would imagine you have to be certain as to the number of clicks and make sure they are positive clicks.

yeah you're totally right...The problem is that in the real world every click to the transmitter doesn't necessarily get recieved. Anyhow, just depends on the person and how they work. I personally get really annoyed with it. It's hard to keep track of in a real world situation when there is a studio filled with people and mutliple lights on a set. Just my experience.

TMR Design wrote in post #6129034
Fortunatlely (or not) I don't see myself getting the 74" Octa and I believe that is the only modifier that actually mounts the strobe inside the box. The smaller Octa's keep the strobe outside. Is that correct?

Yeah, the 53 inch is especially nice with a large silver deflector attached to the head to reflect light back inside the box and bounce it onto the subject.

If you're adjusting the light intensity, do you really need to see the "value" it's set to? Can't you just meter the light and then adjust based on the number of clicks (.1 stop per click?) you need. I imagine you would set the strobe to the power level you think you'll need just before it goes into the modifier so you shouldn't need to, say, go from one extreme of the adjustment to the other.

PacAce wrote in post #6129393
If you're adjusting the light intensity, do you really need to see the "value" it's set to? Can't you just meter the light and then adjust based on the number of clicks (.1 stop per click?) you need. I imagine you would set the strobe to the power level you think you'll need just before it goes into the modifier so you shouldn't need to, say, go from one extreme of the adjustment to the other.

Sure, you can do whatever you want.

PacAce wrote in post #6129393
If you're adjusting the light intensity, do you really need to see the "value" it's set to? Can't you just meter the light and then adjust based on the number of clicks (.1 stop per click?) you need. I imagine you would set the strobe to the power level you think you'll need just before it goes into the modifier so you shouldn't need to, say, go from one extreme of the adjustment to the other.

You can Leo but in a way it defeats the high degree of accuracy that the Elinchrom strobes have.

In my testing with the Style 400BX one thing I am so impressed by is that if I want to adjust my lights and I'm metering f/5.6 + .6 and I want f/8, I literally can just bump up the power 4 clicks (4/10 stop) and don't have to re-meter. If I wasn't sure if each click was registering from the skyports I don't think I would be so sure of myself. So it's not a question of seeing the display or even knowing the setting, but just knowing that you've adjusted the strobe and each push of the button was in fact being received.

TMR Design wrote in post #6129599
You can Leo but in a way it defeats the high degree of accuracy that the Elinchrom strobes have.

In my testing with the Style 400BX one thing I am so impressed by is that if I want to adjust my lights and I'm metering f/5.6 + .6 and I want f/8, I literally can just bump up the power 4 clicks (4/10 stop) and don't have to re-meter. If I wasn't sure if each click was registering from the skyports I don't think I would be so sure of myself. So it's not a question of seeing the display or even knowing the setting, but just knowing that you've adjusted the strobe and each push of the button was in fact being received.

The signal from the transmitter is always received by the RXs as long as you are in range, the only slight problem is that you have to leave a short gap (1/2 a second or so) in between each click in order for them to register individually. Once you get used to it, it's no big deal.

Hermes wrote in post #6130008
The signal from the transmitter is always received by the RXs as long as you are in range, the only slight problem is that you have to leave a short gap (1/2 a second or so) in between each click in order for them to register individually. Once you get used to it, it's no big deal.

Ahh I see. OK that makes sense. Thanks.

Franko515 wrote in post #6126786
I let my photos pay for my gear

Robert I know you really like your PW and so do I but the whole Elinchrom Skyport kitis really really nice. I am one for options, control and reliablity and if choosing the RX units the Elinchrom Skyportsjust make sense with all the control it provides.

Just wondering what you thought about it, Rudi your input is welcome as well

Hey Franko,

Here are my thoughts on this. I know this is fairly unconventional but here goes.

Since I have the Sekonic meter and I'm a big fan of Pocket Wizards I don't see myself giving them up. Even if I were to use Skyports I would keep the PW's as backup and for Sekonic triggering. I realize I can just hold a transmitter in my hand and use the cordless auto reset mode of the light meter but that just doesn't float my boat.

So, should I make the jump to Style RX strobes I'll probably add a set of Skyports and set things up this way:

- Skyport transmitter on camera
- Skyport receiver and PW transceiver both feeding the sync input of the strobe(s) using a 'Y' connector.

This allows for the best of both worlds, and of course if I didn't already have PW's it's not practical or cost effective but since I have them, I'm fine with it.

The Sekonic meter will trigger the strobes with PW's for metering and the camera with a Skyport transmitter triggers the lights for shooting and also gives me the added control of power and modeling lights on the Style RX.

For my purposes (and I stress 'MY') it gives me exactly what I need with added versatility and a backup or alternate triggering system should I need or want it.

Hermes wrote in post #6130008
The signal from the transmitter is always received by the RXs as long as you are in range

c'mon now....never say "always" when you're talking about photography equipment...especially syncs

Gentleman Villain wrote in post #6129004
Just FYI...I have the 600rx and Large Octabank with skyports and RX remotes. It's not fun changing the settings on the RX with the skyports when they're in the box. There isn't visual confirmation and it gets cumbersome. Just a personal opinion....figured I'd share because I had similar plans until actually using the setup and discovering otherwise.

I was under the impression that If using the RX pack that the power settings were displayed on the pack (as in video 2) and as you change to each group, thaqt groups power level is diplayed at the pack.

Further if you get the USB thing for your computer all light settings (RX units only) are displayed on the moniter exactly as they appear on the back of the units (as in video 3) allowing full control without seeing the actual strobe unit.

Am I missing something or can somebody further explain what I have wrong?

Hi Franko,

You're right. If you're using RX strobes and the USB computer interface or a Ranger pack then you do get to see those settings but the strobes on their own obviously would not give you that.

TMR Design wrote in post #6133866
Hi Franko,

You're right. If you're using RX strobes and the USB computer interface or a Ranger pack then you do get to see those settings but the strobes on their own obviously would not give you that.

Cool, so the function is there just at an added cost .

Good thinkin about using the PW and Skyports together to trigger the flashes for metering. Then you can set the channel of the light with the skyport and then trigger that light with the light meter (since it has a PW module). When doing this there wouldnt be a need to cup your hand to prevent light spill from messing up the readings

I love having options

Franko515 wrote in post #6133728
I was under the impression that If using the RX pack that the power settings were displayed on the pack (as in video 2) and as you change to each group, thaqt groups power level is diplayed at the pack.

Further if you get the USB thing for your computer all light settings (RX units only) are displayed on the moniter exactly as they appear on the back of the units (as in video 3) allowing full control without seeing the actual strobe unit.

Am I missing something or can somebody further explain what I have wrong?

Yep that's correct. That's why I prefer to use my power pack with my large octa.

I've never tried controlling elinchrom lights via skyport and computer but that sounds like a great idea...I'd love to give that a try...especially for still lifes and architectural shoots that require multiple pops for extending DOF

Gentleman Villain wrote in post #6129004
Just FYI...I have the 600rx and Large Octabank with skyports and RX remotes. It's not fun changing the settings on the RX with the skyports when they're in the box. There isn't visual confirmation and it gets cumbersome. Just a personal opinion....figured I'd share because I had similar plans until actually using the setup and discovering otherwise.

If you use the USB adapter the screen shows exactly what the back of the head would show. I would think that would be the best thing to use with the large octa. Have you tried it?

Hi David,

I believe he said he had not tried it yet

sorry, yeah I walked away and posted when I returned without refreshing to see his post!