Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I'm having an issue when mounting the 30x60 onto the X1600. No matter how hard I tighten the X1600s vertical tightening mechanism, the strobe will slowly drift downwards till the bottom of the softbox is resting on the light stand.

I'm not sure if this is an issue with the wieght of the softbox or the build of the tightening mechanism. I've tried tightening it as far as I dare without fear of breaking it or shearing it, but it always seems to drift down.

Any ideas how to keep this from happening?

Regards,
Widj

I can't offer any suggestions as I don't have the WL lights - but if it's of value to anyone out there, I had a 30x60 + grid hanging off the end of a new Einstein without issue. It was up for 3 days+ and never sagged a bit.

That was one of my first complaints when I got my WLs and 30x60, and like you, I thought I was going to break the handle. You won't break it, trust me.......but I still think the design is frustrating. I have a condition in my hands that makes it extremely difficult for me to wrench it that hard.

About the cheapest thing you can do is get a steel rod from Lowes, mount it in the umbrella holder from the rear of the light and hang a counterweight from it. Just take some safety precautions, like making sure the end of the rod can't poke your eye out.

I took a small rod, bent a little loop on the end of it using a torch to heat it, and clip a little weight bag to it.

I'm going to see if I can't improve the design and use a couple of washers that are grooved or textured. I imagine if I could tack weld a grooved washer to the stand mount, and another one underneath the plastic handle, it might work better.

It depends on the age of the light. We changed some of the washers of mounting hardware a couple of years ago. New mounting hardware would have the mounting block, neoprene washer, L bracket, curved metal washer (belleville washer), tightening knob (in that order). Old units have a leather washer and plastic washer in lieu of neoprene and Belleville washers, respectively.

Are these "upgraded" parts available for purchase?

If you have an older light, Customer Service can help get you what you need.

I purchased my lights at the beginning of this year, so they are new and should have the newest parts I am assuming.

In that case, yes, they should have the current hardware. It could be a matter of more force in tightening (you won't break it). However, just incase a component is out of spec, you can try adding a small washer between the handle and the Belleville washer.

I have always had this problem with the X series (and the Ultras before that). I wound up putting a bungee cord hooked from the top of the umbrella tightening knob down to one of the light stand section knobs, but it is still a pain in the backside.

I would really like to replace the whole thing with something that is quicker to tighten, and stays that way.

The last time I got a set of leather washers so maybe the newer stuff is better...but the handle itself isn't that easy to tighten.

Might have to try that rod in the umbrella shaft and sandbag idea...