Beau Hooker 
, Feb 28, 2007; 06:43 p.m.
Hello, Yes I did do a search and found this thread: http://photo.net/bboard/q-
and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00JRjf&tag=
I've long been intrigued by Elinchrom's Softlite design; however it was not
terribly clear to me in the above thread so please forgive me for flogging the
horse. I have some questions I was hoping someone out there (Ellis perhaps?)
might help me with, most likely regarding the Octa or Quadra softlite(s).
First, I see from the above-mentioned thread that I *think* I can deduce that:
Alien Bees/White Lightning lights can work with Balcar speedrings, which in
turn can work with the Elinchrom Octabank/Quadra Softlite(s). Is this correct?
If so, can anyone guide me to a concise website that tells me what I may need
to purchase and how much this might cost? (I've already got The Bees) I seem
to be bouncing all over the place and getting a bit more confused than
enlightened by the various Flash goo-gaws and doo-dads these sites have which
invariably refer me to other dealers with their own Flash goo-gaws and doo-
dads. (I hate Flash... sigh...) Anyway...
While visiting Elinchrom's page and looking for dealers, it would appear that
the *only* dealer in North America is in Canada. Is this correct? It seems to
be the only one showing up on their map. I understand these things aren't made
in the US but I would've thought *someone* would be a distributor here but
perhaps I'm wrong.
If I get lucky and indeed this setup I'm contemplating will play nicely
together, what about those little, extra "gotchas" like the stand for one of
these beasts? Would I need to purchase that through Elinchrom, I presume?
After looking at the illustration on Elinchrom's site of how it's put
together, the stand looks like nothing I own or have ever used.
Most of my ABs are the 800W variety - is that adequate? I'm not going to be
using them in very wide-open spaces; in fact my room is kind of tight so if
this flies, they'd be set up pretty close to the subject(s).
Any other advice, tips, useful links and/or knowledge about these things would
be greatly appreciated! I bounced around so many Flash websites my eyes are
crossed! Thanks very much!
Beau Hooker , Feb 28, 2007; 09:31 p.m.
I hate Flash
By that, I mean flash animation on these websites... Fancy but annoying. I wasn't too clear, was I? ;-)
Garry Edwards 
, Mar 01, 2007; 03:42 a.m.
I can only help with a small part of your question.
The Octa is marketed by Elinchrom as a 'Lightbank' rather than as a softbox - in effect the head fits inside facing the wrong way, the light bounces around internally and eventually emerges very evenly distributed. It's a good design that works well.
As for power, I would think your Alien Bees will be fine for most close work. I've used 6' Octas with 250J lights and got around f/11 (from memory) at close range. In fact, although I can't be sure, I think the light was turned down quite a bit.
As for the stand, Elinchrom lights fit the standard spiggots and the stand they (and I) recommend is their sliding arm stand, which is a standard piece of studio kit. Various manufacturers make them.
One word of caution - because of the 'wrong way' fitting it's a pain to adjust the lighting power - you have to pull the velcro apart to get at the adjustment, so remote control or pack and head lights are much more convenient.
Beau Hooker , Mar 01, 2007; 06:23 a.m.
Thank you Garry! I don't think I've ever worded a question so poorly but you cyphered what I was asking quite well! Your description of "the head facing the wrong way", etc. is what intrigued me about the design of the whole thing. I do have a remote for my Bees, so hopefully that'll work out well. If you happen to re-read this thread, is it your understanding that I'll also need to buy the Balcar speedring and any suggestions on a dealer for this stuff? It seemed that Canada is my only choice for the Lightbank - not that there's anything wrong with that! :) Once again, many thanks!
Garry Edwards , Mar 01, 2007; 06:27 a.m.
Beau,
Sorry, can't help with supply/speedring questions. I suggest you go on to the http://www.alienbees.com site and ask them - I have no personal experience of them as they don't sell them here in the UK but I'm told that they're helpful people.
Ellis Vener , Mar 01, 2007; 10:35 a.m.
trBeau,
yes the Alien Bees and all exceptthe early "white can" White lightning electronic flash units
use a Balcar based reflector, speed ring mounting system.
Try Flashclinic in NYC ; http://www.flashclinic.com and ask them about using Balcar heads in
the Elinchrom Octabank and what you'll need. http://www.fotocare is also a good resourse
Ellis Vener , Mar 01, 2007; 10:36 a.m.
Beau Hooker , Mar 01, 2007; 09:34 p.m.
Thanks Garry and Ellis - much appreciated!
