Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I purchase a new alien bee flash unit but cannot adjust the angle of the light. The manual says to rotate the ratchet arm counterclockwise to loosen it, however, the ratchet arm is unable to rotate counterclockwise past the light box even when it is pulled all the way out. I'm wondering if someone can confirm that it is supposed to be able to rotate in complete circles I'm not clear if there's something simple that I'm missing or if there is a problem with the unit.

The ratchet mechanism is used by loosening the handle as much as possible before it hits the housing. Then pull out on the handle, rotate it back the other way (this makes the handle spin freely), once repositioned, let the handle back in so that it re-engages and turn the handle to loosen again. Do this as necessary to loosen the stand coupler.

Thank you sooo much. It has all become clear.