Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Well I just got my silver 86" PLM and what a nice modifier. It is Huge, I shoot speedotron Blackline (fv 202 and 206 heads). I know the V2 Plm is made for AB and Elinchrom strobes. I plan to use the speed ring on my heads. I could use the shaft like an umbrella but I prefer to be different and make my own custom bracket.

Here are shot shots to show what I am running up against.




The protective glass cover for the strobe and modeling lamp is allot bigger than the Buff or Elin stuff . The glass cover hits the 3 little bars of the PLM speedring before it is flush with the focusing collar. I thought of just making a spacer to fill the gap, but I want to be able to fully focus the light via the collar. The spacer would cover the bulb, and I thing I need to be able to fully expose the the bulb (full barebulb).

What I was thinking I may do is drill a reflector (three holes) and make it the baseplate of the speedring. I dont know if a reflector would be strong enough, as a baseplate of the PLM is steel, the reflector is Alum. I dont want the bard to twist. So I my try to completely make one out of Steel.


I have also considered mounting the baseplate of the PLM speedring to the collar of my 202/206 and make 3 new rods that are bent to fit around the glass globe then welding it to the top attach point where the PLM shaft threads the rod with the Big Bolt (the one with no Screw Driver to secure it ;), What a crock of Shiet from FM about that)

Here is what all of the parts look like before I start my process of modification.


The main goal is to be Strong as Original, Fully function within the limits of my lights. lastly not look like Harry home owner with his golden screw driver attempted to Macgyver it together. So no Duck tape, zip ties, glue, silicone, or Tupperware is going to be used to make my PLM work as the V2 was intended to.

I haven't completely made up my mind how I am going to so this, but I will update the progress here, just encase some other Speedotron Blackline owners want to do the same without all the trial and error.

Nothing against AB lights, they are awesome $ for $ no one will give you more. Thanks Paul for developing such an awesome modifier as the PLM V2 the catch light it creates is so wonderful, I haven't even had a chance to fully test it, but it is coming soon.

PS I was turned on to this modifier from a YouTube video review test from John Ricard, I was on thr waiting list for what seems forever, but now I have it. and I plan to keep it inside and not loose it like Zack Arias to the Wind.

I believe the aluminum reflector will be strong enough. Nothing wrong with a little DYI . . . it's a necessary skill for a good photographer.

Ok then I will frill my reflector and mount the 3 rods with lock washers. The I will give it a go, the Lights are made of "Football helmet material" I think they can stand the weight, (with no wind, ;))

Use some wide area washers to help distribute the load.

Ok I frilled it! LOL, frilled what the heck is frilled? I drilled the reflector. It is going to work perfectly. I can rotate the collar on the vf202 or my 206 heads and focus the light. I wonder how much influence the reflector has at controlling spill vs a bare-bulb situation. I will drill an 11" reflector as well to see what happens. I wonder if it will create more of a spotlight type of hotspot. At 2400ws on the 202 and 4800ws on my 206's, man that is going to be a lot of light. I cant wait for a no wind day to take this baby out at High Noon and over power the sun. Ewweee, I am getting excited. I cant wait.

The only problem with adding extra washers is, the threaded end of the rod is only 1/4" or so and the bars come through the reflector at an angle. This shortens the threaded area even more, I have no room for a washer. If I see the reflector bending I will re think this whole idea and make my own rods, or use the umbrella shaft. It is very sturdy on the speedo VF heads. Thanks for the advice though. AKf

Could you take a photo of the other side of this? Looks funky...like you hacked off the PLM speedring and shove the rods through a speedo reflector...

Does the 202VF's focusing ring let you focus the head enough to get rid of any spill?