Photek Softlighter Recommendation

tetrode wrote in post #11813086
Well, you piqued my curiosity so I ran downstairs and gave it a try. It actually worked very well. The PLM front diffusion cover has a drawstring type of setup on its elastic band so it's possible to tighten it up some for the smaller diameter Westcott collapsible. It looks a little like a baggy suit on someone who's lost 10 or 15 pounds but, so what?

I tested briefly by mounting the 43" Westcott collapsible with silver interior on a PCB Einstein. For a reflector I used the AB USK "spill kill" which is a very shallow, 7-1/2 inch saucer-shaped affair. The Westcott umbrella is quite shallow so most strobes would probably have to be backed down the umbrella shaft a bit to allow full interior coverage. The Einstein with the USK reflector offers a tremendously wide dispersion pattern so it was possible to position the light pretty far up the shaft and still retain full interior coverage.

Meter readings taken a few inches from the diffusion material and around its face fell within a spread of .3 or .4 f/stops. This was a *very* quick test so I'd like to have an opportunity to verify those readings. With the Einstein powered down to 60Ws to simulate a 580EX or SB-900 class flash unit, I was metering a little over f/8 at about 3' and ISO 200.

I'd say the small Westcott with the PLM diffuser seems to be a pretty good combination bearing in mind the need to position the strobe properly to insure good illumination of the umbrella interior. I think there's enough potential here to warrant retesting the setup with one of my Elinchroms.

And Leo, while I do have a sizable collection of lighting tchotchkes, most of the modifiers are of the bargain basement variety. I own two Rotaluxes and a gaggle of no-names. In any case, doesn't everyone own at least one collapsible Westcott umbrella?

Dave F.

Thanks. I'm sensing that there may be the purchase of a couple of 51" diffusion fabrics in my near future.

I just received my 46" softlighter 2 in the mail today.

Does anyone else use this with their alienbee lights? I have a B800 and cannot get the sock to go around the 7" reflector. Any ideas? I did not want to really push it when I attempted to get it around the reflector for fear of it tearing or having the umbrella break.


Also for those interested the 60" softlighter 2 is back in stock at B&H. Got my notification email 2 hours after my item arrived. Grrrrr - could have waited 3 more days!

blurry_image wrote in post #11851524
I just received my 46" softlighter 2 in the mail today.

Does anyone else use this with their alienbee lights? I have a B800 and cannot get the sock to go around the 7" reflector. Any ideas? I did not want to really push it when I attempted to get it around the reflector for fear of it tearing or having the umbrella break.


Also for those interested the 60" softlighter 2 is back in stock at B&H. Got my notification email 2 hours after my item arrived. Grrrrr - could have waited 3 more days!

Try this. Remove the reflector and insert it inside the softlighter. Then push the small end of the reflector through the sock from the inside out. You don't need to push the reflector through all the way, just enough for the small end to clear the sock. Then mount the reflector to the strobe.

Or, if you have an AB speed ring insert, you can try something like this:

https://photography-on-the.net …?p=11715153&pos​tcount=397

PacAce wrote in post #11851703
Try this. Remove the reflector and insert it inside the softlighter. Then push the small end of the reflector through the sock from the inside out. You don't need to push the reflector through all the way, just enough for the small end to clear the sock. Then mount the reflector to the strobe.

Or, if you have an AB speed ring insert, you can try something like this:

https://photography-on-the.net …?p=11715153&pos​tcount=397

Thanks Leo. That way works but it is very awkward and time consuming. I think the speed ring might be better. I just looked on the AB site and saw this:

http://alienbees.com/7​ur.html

I'm wondering if I will have the same problem though since it is still the same width at the widest point?

-----

edit: nvm - I saw Rob posting in another thread that he "forced" it on so I just took the area where the sock meets the fabric and started stretching it the best I could without ripping it. Then I put the diffuser over the reflector without being attached to the umbrella just to make it a little easier to work with and was able to get it over the reflector. Then I attached it all up and was able to use it without any problem.

Seems really fragile but it is pretty tough where the fabric meets the sock material.

Very pretty light. So ......... *soft*

I have found that the Softlighter comes in 7mm and 8mm shafts, is one better than the other?

Thanks

I think most prefer the 8mm 2-piece shaft, which also comes with two reflector discs, and I believe it's less expensive. Removing the end of the shaft after everything is set up allows you to position the light closer to the subject.

Also, if you have elinchrom strobes, it fits perfectly up to the joint where the shaft screws apart, which just happens to be about perfect placement. The 7mm shaft is too loose to use in elinchrom strobes without securing it somehow.

Dave Jr wrote in post #11914018
I think most prefer the 8mm 2-piece shaft, which also comes with two reflector discs, and I believe it's less expensive. Removing the end of the shaft after everything is set up allows you to position the light closer to the subject.

Also, if you have elinchrom strobes, it fits perfectly up to the joint where the shaft screws apart, which just happens to be about perfect placement. The 7mm shaft is too loose to use in elinchrom strobes without securing it somehow.

Thanks Dave

You're welcome.

Anyone have a cheaper place to buy a 46" softlighter kit to fit my 580?

sinjans wrote in post #12024882
Anyone have a cheaper place to buy a 46" softlighter kit to fit my 580?

Cheaper than what? and where?

You can always get the Steve Kaeser pair of umbrella softboxes for ~$35.

Sorry for the generic question. Having frazzled day :\

I have figured out my options with the SL. Does the SL fold down to a managable size for transport?

sinjans wrote in post #12025095
Sorry for the generic question. Having frazzled day :\

I have figured out my options with the SL. Does the SL fold down to a managable size for transport?

The Softlighter folds down just like an umbrella. Very easy and convenient to transport.

sinjans wrote in post #12025095
Sorry for the generic question. Having frazzled day :\

I have figured out my options with the SL. Does the SL fold down to a managable size for transport?

It is an umbrella (with outer diffusion material), so yes, it does.

Rob beat me to it.

Thanks Guys. And rob I just called you TMR on another thread. Don't be mad

Ok, I really tried to get this answer from the plethora of other threads on the subject; but just can't get there. Likely just my inexperience.

-Interested in the Softlighter II 60"

-Plan to use with use with 1 or 2 580EXII's (I know about the center sock and need for a bracket mod etc....that I've seen plenty about and understand)

-I plan to use a swivel bracket (modded as acknowledged above...let's say this one just for instance: http://flashzebra.com/​brackets/0041.shtml)

My questions surround the 7mm v. 8mm shaft:

1. Will the 8mm shaft not fit through the umbrella mount hole? Is that why they make the 7mm to fit this type of bracket? If it would fit, why would I not get the 8mm?

2. Only the 8mm shaft is "removable". Removable how and where? From what I read, it appears that it unscrews somehow; but how far up the shaft? The way I intend to use it, it needs to stick out far enough to go through the umbrella bracket right?

I'm just not getting this somehow. The product website is not clear on this at all. Anyone shed some light for me?