Older Photogenic studio set up

I have a photograph acquaintance who is closing his home based Photo studio
( a large extension, built on his house for just the intended use ) due to age and a lack of desire to chase biz in the digital age ( fine photog, but doesn't really need the photo biz money and enjoys nature photography and golf more now than brides and portraits (+: as he once did, and wants to use the space for other things now.

Anywho, we have discussed me buying the bulk, if not all, his set up, It is the following, Canadian pricing
1 Studio Master II Photogenic 500.
2 Photogenic Power Light's at 250. each
Britek 2 HS-55 hair light et 50. each
4 light stands 100. all 4
Lightware Bag 50.
Bowen's Overhead rail system 200.
Norman 200B portable light 150.
Chimera softbox 50.
$1650. total

A few extras parabolic shade and colour filters
Roll up backgrounds system included...The unit that concerns me is the old StudioMaster II, he seems to have a high regard and value attached to it ,but I'm more interested in the 600s.

The overhead rail system needs some very minor work that I can do myself and is a steal, compared to what I see these setups going for new!!

The Norman may or may not need a battery replacement?

I have dloaded the manuals for both and have googled to get as much info as I can and will be making him an offer, as the 600s are a tad high, as I think the Studiomaster is also not a realistic price, for a unit of this power and age, but what do I know ( not much about it )

I have read about reforming and capacitors etc and have read that Photogenics are a pretty solid and robust strobe.

All in all this equipment has been very gently used in his studio only
( except the Norman, of course ) and it always was a part time ( tax write off, to boot ) thing for him, as he had a very good full time position . Now fully retired, he said he hasn't done any studio work in three years, but fires up the strobes etc to keep them in shape.

If I could get this set up for 1300.00 would you experienced long timers think this is worth pulling the trigger on??? I'm starting out and don't even know if I have what it takes to make a go of it, but at this price could afford to play (+:

Any advice, thoughts, input would be appreciated Thanks

Man, this is a tough crowd!!! Is it my breath (+:

As long as everything still functions correctly, if you can get all that for $1300, and you have the cash and desire to do so, I'd say go for it. I have a photogenic strobe (a low end one), and while its not the best strobe out there, it lights my subjects just fine. For $1300, you could start doing some very nice studio work to save up and get newer nicer lights (so you'd get faster recycling, more control, more support for modifiers, etc).

I'm not an "experienced long-timer", but it sounds like a good deal. Especially with the Bowen's rail system.

aaron.dunlap wrote in post #10971999
As long as everything still functions correctly, if you can get all that for $1300, and you have the cash and desire to do so, I'd say go for it. I have a photogenic strobe (a low end one), and while its not the best strobe out there, it lights my subjects just fine. For $1300, you could start doing some very nice studio work to save up and get newer nicer lights (so you'd get faster recycling, more control, more support for modifiers, etc).

I'm not an "experienced long-timer", but it sounds like a good deal. Especially with the Bowen's rail system.

Very much appreciate your honest input, meet him today and hammered out a deal and I'm very happy and reassured by your comments.

Yeap, the rail system is actually in mint shape ane the roller system is a three poll set up with chains, not the cheap EeKbay stuff, but real well made!!

Now a whole new learning curve begins LoL Thanks again