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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Elinchrom Quadra - Anyone using them..Thoughts?
Jason Myers, Photographer
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West Palm Beach | FL | USA | Posted: 5:12 PM on 03.17.11 |
| ->> Just ordered an Elinchrom Quadra kit (A version) today and was curious if anyone else is using them and if so, what are your initial thoughts. From a light/power standpoint, they are about the same size and have more power than my speed lights and much more portable than my other Elinchrom strobes. Should make it easier for my one man operation on the go. |
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David Seelig, Photographer
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Hailey | ID | USA | Posted: 5:20 PM on 03.17.11 |
| ->> I have it and love it much better light then my old norman 200c and 400 b . The only ther thought is using a 600 rx or s with he new mini vagabond but this will weigh more and be more bulky then the quadra. Highly reccomended |
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Matthew Jonas, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Evergreen | CO | USA | Posted: 10:16 PM on 03.17.11 |
->> I used a set of Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Pro A's for a little while. Initially I was pretty happy with the size, quality of light and ease of use. But that changed after using them for a couple of months.
I come from an off camera speedlight background and had a lot of accessories that didn't work with the new lights. In particular the 7mm umbrella shaft required by Elinchrom was annoying. I also really, really hated the skyport wireless system. I'm not sure if my body has a weird magnetic charge or something but I got about 2 out of every 3 shots lit while using them. I eventually went back to Pocket Wizards and they worked fine but it kind of defeated the idea of having a built in wireless sync system.
I wrote up a little post on my blog about using them a couple of months ago you can read at http://wp.me/pFfkb-vl. Overall they just didn't fit the way I was used to shooting and required more than I wanted to invest to properly outfit them with decent light modifiers. That most likely won't be a problem for you if you already own Elinchrom accessories. In the end, I went back to my PWs and old Nikon speedlights. |
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Michael Fischer, Photographer
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Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 1:34 AM on 03.18.11 |
->> Matt,
That's funny in a way. I'm less and less enthalled with the SU800. Ordered a Buff remote power pack today to see if I can get them to work with the Elinchroms.
At the end of the day, I think power outside trumps speedlights. |
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Matthew Jonas, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Evergreen | CO | USA | Posted: 10:30 AM on 03.18.11 |
->> Michael, I'm a C brand shooter with N brand lights for off camera work. I understand your frustrations with ETTL though. I gave up on the ETTL stuff awhile ago because of how inconsistent it was at least for Canon. For the times I need more power I just stick another speedlight on the stand. It has worked out great so far for me.
I do foresee a time in the future where I might need more power. I have been checking out the Paul Buff stuff lately. The Einstein and Vagabond Mini Lithium look like a promising combination. |
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Jason Myers, Photographer
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West Palm Beach | FL | USA | Posted: 11:29 AM on 03.18.11 |
->> Thanks for the feedback. I love my Nikon speedlights, but sometimes I just need more power and don't want to cary a bunch of SB's around. SB 800's used and SB 900's new aren't cheap, so I decided to invest in the Quadra for portable power. Just got it in and can't believe how small and light the heads are.
I already had some Elinchrom rotalux softboxes so I purchased the adapter ring ($100) so I can use any Elinchrom accessories with the Quadra. Haven't used the system yet, but I too think it needs to ship with longer cords. I see having to purchase the 11ft cable soon. |
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Michael Clark, Photographer
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Jason Myers, Photographer
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West Palm Beach | FL | USA | Posted: 8:23 PM on 03.18.11 |
->> THanks Michael..
p.s. Your old 300 f/4 is still in good hands :) |
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Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | US | Posted: 10:41 PM on 03.18.11 |
->> Zack Arias did a little write-up too:
http://www.zarias.com/where-hot-shoe-flashes-dare-not-go/
I just completed a job shooting about 750 people (10-15 shots each) over 6 weeks...the ERQ system performed brilliantly. I had a few hiccups (misfires) but that's typically at the end of the day when the battery in the pack or transmitter was getting low. Other than 10-15 misfires out of 8000 frames the system is a can't miss. |
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Neil Turner, Photographer
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Bournemouth | UK | United Kingdom | Posted: 7:50 AM on 03.19.11 |
->> As Delane said I have been a user since the day that they arrived on the market here. Still love them - the newer version is better with the brighter display and the new triggers are better with the locking collar to hold them in the shoe. If I have a beef with them it is the placement of the rings which you use to attach a strap. I use a simple strap to hold my packs to stands and once the weight is on the rings it is really hard to add a second cable/head. Now that I have two packs, I rarely do this but if there were a MkIII on the way that's what I'd change.
I also carry a PDF of the instruction manual on my iPhone. Every few weeks I need it and it is easier than having a paper copy in my bag.
The 7mm shaft thing could be annoying but really, if this is the worst thing that people can find to say then it has to be a great product.
I shoot a lot of location portraits and this is THE perfect kit for doing it as far as I am concerned. |
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Gordon Grant, Photographer
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East Hampton | NY | USA | Posted: 9:21 PM on 04.25.11 |
->> I was looking to purchase a Quadra A head pro set with 2 heads, 2 batteries.
No one seems to have the new (RX) or old version in stock.
Anyone have a line on one?
Thanks in advance.
gg |
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Delane B. Rouse, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Washington | DC | US | Posted: 9:49 PM on 04.25.11 |
->> Gordon-
Give Mo at Ace Photo a call at (703) 430-3333...he got me a 24-70 Nikkor lens when I couldn't get my hands on it at the shop closest to me. |
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Neil Turner, Photographer
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