Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Hello,

I have a AB 1600 head that is only a few months old, to date it has never given me any problems. Yesterday during a session I started to notice a strange smell in the studio... not a burning smell but a very plastic like odor.

When the session ended and I was packing up I noticed that the 1600 head was very hot... and I must stress VERY hot and it was clear that this smell was coming out of the head.

I shot about 300 images during the session at 1/2 power. I have another AB 1600 head that I was also using during the session and it remained cool and I noticed no smells.

Obviously, something isn't right with this head that was getting hot, has anyone come across this problem.

How should I proceed?

Kind Regards,

Joe

Can you hear the fan running? What was the modifier and how was it oriented? How long was the session, and how bright was the model lamp?

Hi,

To be honest, I don't recall if I heard the fan or not... that's a good question, I really don't know.

It was in the normal horizontal orientation, just sitting on top of a stand pointing at the subject.

The model lamp was not in use and the head was set to 1/2 power.

The session ran about 1 1/2 hours.

Hope that helps a little.

Cheers,

Joe

The only question unanswered is what modifier was mounted. If you had, say, a grid in a reflector, then it is quite possible to get very hot.

If the fan was not working, then that would explain things. Verify nothing has been lodged in the fan vents on the bottom. If there is, dislodge it and verify the fan works, and you should be good to go.


If the unit was in a well ventilated modifier, then you may need to make a warranty claim. I would suggest contacting customer service, and they will be able to help facilitate this for you.

Hi,

I was using your largest parabolic umbrella with the standard reflector mounted. The entire head is not at all enclosed so there was no airflow restriction whatsoever.

I'm not currently at the studio so I can't check the fan for proper operation. I will certainly check that ASAP.

Thanks for your help.

Kind Regards,

Joe