Rotalux dissasembly hints.

I just bought a 27" x 27" Elinchrom Rotalux softbox. The assembly process was a bit of trial, but I'm really having the hardest time trying to disassemble this beast to fit the hooded diffuser. Trying to pull out the spring loaded pins on the speedring that hold the rods is incredibly difficult. Is there a trick to this doing this? I can't imagine the work involved in assembling one of their really big softboxes. I told the wife we can get rid of the Nordic track exercise machine because we now have an Elinchrom exercise machine!
BTW, the light quality is really beautiful on head & shoulder shots, and the softbox came shipped with the translucent deflector set in addition to the other diffusers. Note, the included "documentation" with the Rotalux is a total joke, they must have had IKEA scribble it.

say_cheese wrote in post #11614177
I just bought a 27" x 27" Elinchrom Rotalux softbox. The assembly process was a bit of trial, but I'm really having the hardest time trying to disassemble this beast to fit the hooded diffuser. Trying to pull out the spring loaded pins on the speedring that hold the rods is incredibly difficult. Is there a trick to this doing this? I can't imagine the work involved in assembling one of their really big softboxes. I told the wife we can get rid of the Nordic track exercise machine because we now have an Elinchrom exercise machine!
BTW, the light quality is really beautiful on head & shoulder shots, and the softbox came shipped with the translucent deflector set in addition to the other diffusers. Note, the included "documentation" with the Rotalux is a total joke, they must have had IKEA scribble it.

You think disassembling a square Rotalux softbox is hard? You should try disassembling the Deep Octa. LOL

Anyway, to answer your question, the easiest way to pull the spring-loaded snap lock to unlock it is to push against the rib so that there's no pressure on the snap lock. You'll also need to press against the speed ring with the other hand while pressing on the rib. Without any pressure on the snap lock, it's very easy to pull it away from the speed ring body. Press on the rib with the palm of your hand and then use your fingers to pull the snap lock away from the speed ring.

Ummmm... yeah. You're not going to get any sympathy from anyone who owns the 39"deep octa! Heck, my 27x27 rotalux practically assembles itself in comparison!

What Leo says is the way to do it. Put the speedring on the floor with the box facing up. Press out on the rods with the palms of your hands, then unclip the locks once the tension is off of them. Same method for any of the Rotalux boxes. Quick and easy!

Thanks for the hints, worked like a charm once the technique is mastered.

Even the 53" midi is easier than the 39" DO and I'm 6'2"