Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I photograph rodeos, barrel races, etc. Once I got caught in an sudden, unexpected rain shower in a show that went after dark, which shorted out one of the flashes before I was able to get them down. I was able to get it repaired cheaply and reasonably quickly, thanks to Buff's great service! But still, it's something I'd like to avoid. So I often turn away outdoor gigs if the forecast looks even slightly risky.

So any ideas for precautions to protect a flash with a sport reflector, raised up 13' in the air? I don't use the modelling lights in these situations, so heat shouldn't be a huge issue... but I do fire off shots in fairly rapid succession at times (more so for rodeos than for just barrel races).

Would a clear, plastic bag cause problems? Maybe with holes to allow air through or something?

We do not have any official recommendations. However, it is important to allow ventilation, even without the model lamps. As long as the light is well ventilated, and nothing touches the tube, you should be fine.

This is completely off the wall, and I have no idea if it would work, but I've got this image in my mind of an umbrella being used - rigged to keep the rain off, rather than to modify the light.

I've actually thought about the umbrella idea myself... for indoor rodeos, it would probably help keep dust off the units, which would be good. Outside, I would worry about wind, which can be an issue, though. I'm also thinking about trying to use the umbrella-holder as a way to secure something to the unit... I should go to Home Depot or someplace and see if I can rig up something, I guess...

I think I have heard of someone using a large PVC pipe. I don't know exactly how they configured it, though I imagine a channel on the bottom to allow the tube to slide past the stand mount. I also imagine there is venting on the bottom, with relief cuts for the power cord. And a cap on the back.

Heh, I just went to Home Depot and was actually eyeing the PVC pipes... I wasn't sure any were big enough around, though... I thought about taking one of the lights with me, for sizing purposes, and should do that next time. Also was thinking of something similar with 5 gallon buckets...

In the end, I just got some clear plastic bags... and I also got some of that new Rustoleum NeverWet, but despite the video showing an iphone submerged in water, I don't think I'll attempt to coat my strobes with it! It'll probably find use as a protectant for my boots when I have to slosh in mud at the rodeos.

Probably best. 1) I don't think it will help the vents much, and 2)if it did, it would block the airflow!

(I suspect you figure this, and I am putting this out there for posterity) 8-)

Somebody did it with an iPhone on YouTube, by opening it up and spraying it inside and out, and then was able to immerse it completely in water. He said it sounded muffly when he tried to call on it, but apparently that was from the water that was still inside, and not from the spray!

Still not going to try it on my X1600's, though!

Just an idea off the top of my head....

Plastic storage box, maybe a square vertical model typically used for food storage, slightly oversized. Cut it out on one side and slip it over from the back, so the cutout side clears the swivel. Then use a bolt through the umbrella holder to keep it in position and allow ventilation. That should keep out rain.

I have no idea whether a suitable plastic container exists.

Good idea... Maybe I'll have to bring an Einstein and a WL to a kitchen store or something.

I tried simply putting clear trash bags over the lights at a recent outdoor show, taping them up, and poking holes for ventilation, which would've worked for the unexpected rain shower which did occur - but I didn't anticipate the strong winds that came before! It made an awful din with the trash bags, which would have spooked the horses, so I had to just take the flashes down completely.

I ended up shooting video for the rest of the evening instead, and was able to still make a little money.