Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I notice on the 2 Einsteins I have the modelling light does not dim between pops. That's with trying all the modelling light settings. I have had 3 units fail on me so I'm a bit reluctant to let these 2 go back. One of them miss fires as well sometimes....I posted that on another thread.

On my first shoot one unit the modelling light kept dimming and then coming back on and the ready beep sounding with out using the flash. Then it worked but the modelling light went. I swapped out bulbs back at home and the fuse blew. I bought a 3rd light for backup...

The 2nd one I was using it only 10 shots into a shoot and the fuse blew...replaced the fuse but no modelling lamp.


The 3rd one the modelling light became very bright on a shoot in the studio, turned it off straight away (approx 200 pops). Took the modifier off tried it again but no flash and smoke started to come from the unit.
I'm in Australia with 240 volt power. The first unit to go was a at a different location not in the studio..

Anyone else been through this? I must say the back up service here in Aus is 2nd to none... the guys are excellent!...but the inconvenience of all this happening on paid shoots is wearing a little thin...

What power setting are the lights at when the model lamp does not go out? At lower settings, it wont go out, since it recycles so quickly.

While the nominal voltage is 240V, are you sure it is actually 240V. Rare, but it can happen that AC power has much higher voltage than it is supposed to.

Are you using grounded outlets?

Thanks TS...

The same at slower recycle times..no dimming.

The points are earthed...as I said it hasn't only happened here but also in another suburb approx 15 ks from here. I will check the power points with a multimeter today and see what the output is..

I've checked the voltage over 3 hours. It ranges over that time from 244 - 250 volts. I've consulted with 2 electricians from this area and they confirm that the reading I got is right for the Gold Coast area. I also checked the earth on each power point with my meter and everything is working fine.

It's under the global plug-and-play to 265 VAC...

They work fine on the 2 mini's but soon as the model lamps are used in the studio with mains power this is when the trouble starts....

Don't know what to make of this?

*Update* on the modelling light not dimming...my mistake guys!.. I forgot about the setting being on the other panel next to the modelling adjustment panel.

Wish the other problem was as easy to be sorted...