Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

I'm looking to soften even further the specular highlights coming from using a Soft Silver PLM with the white diffusion sock. I would also like to actually reduce by a few stops the light that comes from this configuration and the X3200. Even at the lowest setting, I cannot shoot at wide apertures without using an ND filter on the camera.

So, my question is could I put two (or more) white diffusion fabrics on the PLM and achieve one or both of these goals?

One diffuser will give you light as soft and even as any soft box . . . better than most soft boxes, and drop the output 1 to 2 f stops to about the same as a double diffused soft box If you put your X3200 on 1/4 power you'll have essentially a B800 or WLX 800.

I have no data on adding a second diffuser but suspect it would drop the output about one more f stop.

See http://www.paulcbuff.com/plm-competitor.php

Thanks, Paul.

Yes, the light is indeed beautifully soft already from the PLM system. I am getting some amazing shots with this.

As an experiment, I think I will try two socks and see what kind of reduction in power I get. The best solution for the reduction in power though might be for me just to buy a smaller light.

To have the greatest span/range of power, since I already have an x3200, would you recommend the x1600?

If you have the speedring version of the PLM, you can wrap a cone of ND gel around the cage.

Also, just so that it is said, don't forget you have the blue 1/4 power switch. With this popped out, you reduce power by 2 stops.

John, the X1600 will get you one stop less output (5WS Min). An Einstein will get you down to 2.5WS plus the benefit of absolute color consistency and exceedingly fast flash durations.