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Tue Feb 21, 2012 5:27 pm

Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 2:17 pm
Posts: 48
Location: Bend, OR

A number of Einstein 640 users have had issues keeping large Octas and soft boxes attached to the light. I have been working on a solution and think I have found a simple, relatively in-expensive solution to keep our modifiers attached to our Einsteins.

Image

Yesterday, a buddy and I mounted a 54" x 72" soft box to an Einstein and bagged it with over 100 pounds of sand outside the studio. Winds were 8-10mph, gusting to 15mph. Everything stayed in place. (Short iPhone video - http://youtu.be/LUjwOGEN7d4)

Image

More information can be found here: http://wizardbrackets.com/monster-bracket-for-einstein-640/


Paul, thanks for letting me post this. If it is a problem, please remove the post. Thanks, Ziv




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Wed Feb 22, 2012 10:45 am

Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:50 am
Posts: 306

Sturdier than the Manfrotto umbrella adapter?
That's the other way to attach ones of those speedrings.
Too bad the PCB foldable softbox speedrings don't have a spigot adapter :-(




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Thu Feb 23, 2012 2:47 am

Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2010 5:00 pm
Posts: 30

Ziv wrote:
A number of Einstein 640 users have had issues keeping large Octas and soft boxes attached to the light. I have been working on a solution and think I have found a simple, relatively in-expensive solution to keep our modifiers attached to our Einsteins.


The Chimera QR speed ring does not fit the Einsteins properly. Other people who have used this speed ring have also experienced issues with large modifiers falling off (small light modifiers may be ok). In fact, any speed ring that doesn't allow the fingers to close properly could experience issues (see my other post on here regarding this). The picture from the "Wizard Bracket" that you link to shows the issue clearly.

http://wizardbrackets.com/wp-content/up ... -14421.jpg

From your picture you can clearly see that the fingers are only closed about 60% and not in the locked position. The Chimera QR speed ring has an opening that is too small (or flange too long) for the Einstein. I've discussed this issue with Chimera and hoping they will update their speed ring insert.

Once the fingers close 100% (or very close to it) and lock they will not open. It's hard to describe but if you have a chance to see the inside of a Balcar clamp the reason is very obvious. If the fingers are only closed 50% you are relying on the spring tension to hold up your large modifier and that will fail. As the fingers get closer and closer to 100% closure you are relying less and less on spring tension and more on two pieces of metal wedging to hold the fingers closed. When the fingers are closed 100% they are locked close by two flat metal surfaces pressing against each other. Specifically, the flat surface of the finger is pressing against a flat part of a rotating ring inside the Einstein. The spring plays absolutely no part in holding up the modifier. The closure is rock solid and will not open. Again, if you see the way the part works it's very obvious that the fingers simply cannot open regardless of how large and heavy your modifier is.

Use a speed ring that closes 100% and you will have no issues with large modifiers. The Bowens Quick Ring with SP Systems insert works well.

BTW, I'm not knocking the "Wizard Bracket" product at all. It looks good and might be a fine approach for mounting large modifiers. I'm just trying to add more info as to why folks may experience issues with large (heavy) modifiers falling off Einsteins and offer alternative solutions.




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Fri Feb 24, 2012 5:57 pm

Joined: Tue Apr 26, 2011 2:41 pm
Posts: 102
Location: Los Angeles, CA

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=2520&hilit=if+you%27re+really+worried

^ to the OP: just curious if you have already seen this thread

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lightstand-3-8- ... 2eba74a982




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Sat Feb 25, 2012 12:15 pm

Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2011 7:21 pm
Posts: 9

I noticed in the photo referenced above:
http://wizardbrackets.com/wp-content/up ... -14421.jpg
that there is a handle through the umbrella hole that can be used for positioning an Einstein. I've had problems even tilting my lights with a big bank, because there is nothing to really grasp to tilt or reposition the head. All my other lights have handles that effectively allow me to tilt the head with a large soft bank.

Is the handle in that shot available somewhere on its own?
Image

Thanks

Stan
http://www.stanstudio.com




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Sat Feb 25, 2012 7:05 pm

Joined: Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:50 am
Posts: 306

Stan: you can also use a screwdriver...just put it into the umbrella hole.

I just grab the softbox and loosen the head, then move it while grabbing both, then tighten the head...




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Sun Feb 26, 2012 10:25 am

Joined: Thu Oct 06, 2011 7:21 pm
Posts: 9

Great idea! Thanks. Now to find a designer screwdriver . . .




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