86" v2. PLM

I will say I'm pleased with these cheapie light modifiers.

1dmk3, 35L, 86" silver PLM with diffuser, Elinchrom 300RX. I'd imagine my 64" PLM would have similar results in this tight shot.

Finally got some time to configure my PW flex's to be triggered by my Sekonic light meter (C2 for manual, C1 for ETTL). Fortunately my daughter participated in my "testing". I was actually quite suprised of the IQ the 1d3 produced in this photo. Normally I would have used my 5dmk2 or 5dc but I just grabbed the big beast. I am truly pleasantly suprised of the output the 1.3 crop produced. Best IQ I've seen from this body.

I still would like to purchase the affordable Elinchrom EL 26186 69" Rotalux Octa Softbox but for now the PLM's work for my application. I would love to own the Elinchrom rotalux line (light modifier porn) that Robert/TMR has but for now the PLM's are actually constructed reasonably well given the price to your door. Mind you I am not as critical as some of the guru's I respect on the POTN.


Metered to f/2 to blurr my ugly black leather sofa
f/2, 1/160, ISO 100

nice!

I want a PLM 86" myself.

Beautiful images Alan.

How far away was the PLM for you to meter f/2 at ISO 100 with a 300RX?

Rob,
He has the diffusion fabric on which sould deliver about F16 at 10 feet with 640Ws Einstein.
So presuming that 300RX would deliver F11, it would have to be 5 stops below full power.
Given the size of the catch lights, it may be that the light is farther away than 10ft.

Alan, based on my preliminary tests the 51" will give nearly identical results. The problem is that since you will want to have it closer, it will be hard to get the power down enough for the wide aperture shots.

TMR Design wrote in post #11343868
Beautiful images Alan.

How far away was the PLM for you to meter f/2 at ISO 100 with a 300RX?

Hey Robert,

The PLM was aproximately 5 feet (hmmm maybe 6?) from my little offspring Robert thank you for your comments. Your certainly are well respected in my books for on of POTN's knowledge base.

I had the 86" on my Manfrotto 1005bac (unbelievably stable) and added a 20lbs sandbag even though it was rock solid.

The elinchrom adapter from Paul C buff worked well. I will say the swivel on the 300RX needed to be cinched tight or the PLM sagged down from the weight. Sheesh the shaft didn't bend permanently but it sure seemed it marginally bowed but very minor.

I did test my 64 and it seems more manageable indoors with 9 foot ceilings.

With my limited experience with this type of modifier IMO the setup time isn't all that bad. Open up the PLM and it "pops" into position on the stubby shaft. Only cumbersome task is to insert the extension shaft and use the ghetto thumb screw into the hole. As the umbrella is pointed to the floor the hold on the stubby shaft lines up with the extension shaft real easy. Throwing on the diffuser is like some massive sheet. Unlike a softliter the diffuser on the PLM just covers the spokes and tightened with a cinch cord.

The PLM is truly well constructed to my eyes. I'm not a fanboy of Paul C's guinea pig/ beta tester attitude regarding his products but V2 isn't all that bad. TRUST ME I'm not justifying my purchases. For the price of the PLM its certainly a value for a bigass modifier.

For outdoor use I'd be scared to even think about using a PLM. You can probably put it on a boat and use it as a sail. For indoor use I feel 100% comfortable.

In time I would love to get some Rotalux modifiers. At this moment a 86 and 64plm and other modifiers I have will suite my needs. I must improve my technique and gain more experience and stop buying more gear.

Dmward, thanks for chiming in. My next purchase will be a 600RX for some more Ws. The 300RX seems like a wonderful strobe for me indoors.

Used v1s for a while, and just the other day received v2s.. yet to use them tho!!

Thanks for your feedback

AlanU wrote in post #11344452
Hey Robert,

The PLM was aproximately 5 feet (hmmm maybe 6?) from my little offspring Robert thank you for your comments. Your certainly are well respected in my books for on of POTN's knowledge base.

I had the 86" on my Manfrotto 1005bac (unbelievably stable) and added a 20lbs sandbag even though it was rock solid.

The elinchrom adapter from Paul C buff worked well. I will say the swivel on the 300RX needed to be cinched tight or the PLM sagged down from the weight. Sheesh the shaft didn't bend permanently but it sure seemed it marginally bowed but very minor.

I did test my 64 and it seems more manageable indoors with 9 foot ceilings.

With my limited experience with this type of modifier IMO the setup time isn't all that bad. Open up the PLM and it "pops" into position on the stubby shaft. Only cumbersome task is to insert the extension shaft and use the ghetto thumb screw into the hole. As the umbrella is pointed to the floor the hold on the stubby shaft lines up with the extension shaft real easy. Throwing on the diffuser is like some massive sheet. Unlike a softliter the diffuser on the PLM just covers the spokes and tightened with a cinch cord.

The PLM is truly well constructed to my eyes. I'm not a fanboy of Paul C's guinea pig/ beta tester attitude regarding his products but V2 isn't all that bad. TRUST ME I'm not justifying my purchases. For the price of the PLM its certainly a value for a bigass modifier.

For outdoor use I'd be scared to even think about using a PLM. You can probably put it on a boat and use it as a sail. For indoor use I feel 100% comfortable.

In time I would love to get some Rotalux modifiers. At this moment a 86 and 64plm and other modifiers I have will suite my needs. I must improve my technique and gain more experience and stop buying more gear.

Dmward, thanks for chiming in. My next purchase will be a 600RX for some more Ws. The 300RX seems like a wonderful strobe for me indoors.

Hi Alan,

Thanks for all the info. I'm very surprised that at 6 feet with a 300RX at minimum power (I'm assuming) you were able to get f/2. I was imagining it to be much more efficient than that.

I wouldn't mind checking one out if it was sent to me free of charge but I can't see buying one even at that price. I don't really see where it would fit in or offer me something I need but I can certainly see why it's so attractive and why PCB can't keep them in stock.

Robert,

With all that wonderful light modifiers you have I dont see the purpose of a PLM in your hands.

In time I can see some of the rotalux modifiers in my gear list but I do find that I must try/experiment with the gear I already have.