Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I recall reading this post in another forum about the AB1600's flashtube. I'm wondering if this also applies to WL lights as well. I wouldn't mind replacing my old WL tubes for shorter flash duration tubes even if my old ones are working perfectly well. I like to squeeze out any extra performance I can when it comes to high speed flash photography. Looking forward to the Einsteins. ;)

Here is the quote from PCB in case the link dosen't work:

"Flash duration of RX600 is is essentially identical to AB1600 at all power settings, as is color shift with power adjustment. Actual t.5 of AB1600 has been decreased to 1/2100 when we changed flashtube design a year or so ago - published specs (1/1600) haven't been updated. B800 Full Power duration is about 1/3500 t.5.

The fastest non IGBT monolight per WS seems to be Bowens Gemini . . . 1/2900 t.5 at 500WS. I haven't confirmed this spec."

Here is the link:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/835412/6#7977380

RMS

That depends on which light you have, and what tubes are installed. Pleas specify so we can better tell you what you can do and expect.

TS

I own the now retired X2400 lights. RMS

The X2400's did use 12mm tubes, therefore 14mm tubes will extract a little faster flash duration.

TS

Thank you. I'll order some as soon as possible.

RMS

I have WL Ultra 600's and 1200's, can I replace the bulbs on those too? And I just bought a UZ 800 used without a flash tube. Will the same flash tube for the Ultras work in the Ultra Zap 800?

The Ultras will still use the same basic tubes as the original tubes (some minor design and color temp options are available, depending on your specific heads) so no "upgrade" tubes are available. The UZ's use a different tube altogether from the Ultras. This is the same tube as X and AB series lights. The new 14mm tube for it will yield a faster duration than the original tube.

TS

So you are the one who outbid me :evil: