Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I have been using PCB (4 ABs indoors) for a few years now and have a good working knowledge of off camera (3 speedlights outdoors) flash too.
I own/use peanut slaves, EL skyport, and the PCBuff wired remote. I have a good light meter.
I have been a strictly a 'Friends and Family' shooter but i am looking to expand my photographic horizons. I seem to get by OK using the remote triggering stuff I have.
So...
I am looking at ordering a couple of E640s and BIG bunch of a lot of other goodies with a huge grand total.
so, I did not include the Cyber Commander or Cyber Syncs Rx (one CC and 6 Rx) for all the lights to the order at another 500 bucks or more.
Should I be really rethinking the CC and CS Tx/Rx?
Paul

I would unless you have JrX Studios and you're hoping RP comes through w/ Einstein support...

I'm not an RP user (no complaining/knocking just never seen them).
I've read through CC's literature and aside from showing color temp I don't see anything other than time/walking savings. *According to my limited understanding that is.
I wonder... if CC reads color temp @ 5400 then one sets camera's WB to 5400 is the same(accurate) as doing a CWB (until power levels of lights change at least)?
Paul

I have 4 Einsteins and a CC. While the CC is handy to have it's not necesary. The color temp displayed in the CC is not really going to help you since the actual color will be dramatically different. The modifier used and environment that you are shooting in while have a large effect. A grey card is still the proper way to set your white balance.

Although the CC might save some walking time I personally shoot with all the lights in close proximity so it doesn't make too much of a difference for me. I will often change settings using the Einstein controls, even with the CC in my hand, because the UI can be challenging at times. Specifically the buttons are small and, as discussed on this forum, you may have to scroll through many screens to find the setting that you want to change.

If you have an Einstein high up on a stand I would definitely get the CC. The ability to meter the light then adjust the power based on f/stop is also very convenient. I don't use the CC as a trigger though. I purchased a CST for that. Seems to have less misfires, longer battery life, and much more compact when mounted on your camera.

I'm sure you'll hear many strong views both for and against getting a CC. Keep in mind that these views always come from the perspective of how different photographers use their lights. A sports photographer may have lights spread out all over the place so the CC is very convenient. Figure out how you use your gear. From your post it seems like you don't really need a CC.

I'll second the comments on the interface, it can be much more trouble than it's worth. But the metering is useful. Once you get it all set up, using the main screen to adjust and balance the lights and take meter readings is really slick.

I see that Elinchrom has just released an iPad app for their system. Seems like that's the future. The economics of making a physical interface vs. a computer app can't be favorable. I'd love it if Paul could make a CC transmitter with just a USB port and an SDK; apps would follow on their own.

great. i think I'll save myself some cash. i have 4 channel wired remote I use for stuff on booms. the E640s will replace the B800s be for main and fill so they'll be easy to reach.
thanks for your help/input.
Paul

Einstein is perfectly capable without CC. You can always add it later. Another option is a CSXCV on each (or one) Einstein ($29.95) and a $59.95 CST transmitter on your camera for wireless tripping without bells and whistles. The other lights can trip from their slaves.

I had 2 B800's for a few years and walking over to adjust the power never really bothered me. When I got my Einsteins I went the CyberCommander/CSXCV route and now I could not see myself ever going without it. The remote power adjustment alone is worth it for me. Metering ability is just icing on the cake.

Hi Paul,
I have an EL Skyport Tx/Rx and I see the E640 has the 1/8" input so I'm good for now.
Yes, I don't imagine shipping on a CC and the numerous Rx will be too terrible if I decide I 'need' them later.
Thanks again for everyone's input
Paul

I have 2 Einsteins. when I ordered I didn't see any need for wireless, figuring I could continue using the wire and optical slave as I had always done in the past.

Several posts here convinced me i should get the CST and CC. I did and have never been sorry. When you use a system that was designed to work together it is amazing how much easier it all is.

Not sure I'd feel the same if I had other brands or legacy lights mixed in, but for an all Einstein studio you can't go wrong.
Fred