Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

How about making a manual exposure, fast recycling, 5 stop step-less, battery powered, 200-400 equivalent watt second on camera bracket mountable (hot shoe) flash?

I am thinking of taking a small pack style unit, with the lithium battery, sans modeling light for location and even work.

Kinda like the old Norman 200B's or Lumedynes or the current Quantums.

I would use this on camera for fill and full flash and probably another unit on a remote stand.

I want the pack type system to reduce weight up at the camera level. For the same reason I am willing to forgo the modeling light.

Care to discuss the viability and options for this typed of light?

This was topic addressed here:
http://www.paulcbuff-techforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=826&start=50#p5489

Actually, no.

That wasn't the question I asked. I didn't inquire about efficiency of operation.

I asked about a light weight head that can be mounted on camera or on a stand with full controls, but no modeling light. No way can I run around with a AB800 mounted over my camera all night at a wedding.

A low profile, low weight head ala the lumedyne, norman and Quantums.

When you say "running around all night" at a wedding, you're apparently looking for a more powerful light source in conditions where you're not trying to overpower the sun. One issue against such a product is that pro camera's do a good job at higher ISO's, which means you can get by (in most cases) with high-end speedlights. Another issue is that the R&D cost to bring a new product to market is considerable, and the potential market size for the product you're looking for probably isn't large enough to justify the expense.

When ultra-portability is a concern, some photog's use something like the "Perfection Bracket" with two speedlights. Studio strobes, of course, will also be more portable when the mini-Vagabond comes to market.....as long as you're okay with not having the strobe mounted in the hotshoe.

My $0.02. YMMV.

Today I can use my existing Norman 200B which is a 200 watt second manual strobe with full, 1/2 and 1/4 power settings and that is it. Or I can buy a $1500 Quantum Flash.

I would like to buy a $500-$800, 200-400 Watt second flash with 5 stops of flash output reduction that I can mount to my camera or light stand. Some times I will use it as fill flash on very low power, other times I will use it to overpower or match the sunlight with direct flash or in a small soft box or umbrella.

There are many manual power flash users that would love a more controllable flash at a reasonable price and light weight.

At typical distances (i.e., not inches from their face), you'd need more than 200WS....more like 600-1000WS if you have any modifiers...

B&H Used Department to the rescue:

Quantum QFX2 (400w/s, 9 stop range) - $284
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8 ... el_X2.html

Lumedyne 400w/s battery pack - $349
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8 ... y_for.html

You might need to buy a cable too, but that's 400w/s for $633.

Unless you are using it in open shade, which is typically what I do or sunset images. My 200 w/s Norman gives me f:8 at about 8 feet from the subject with an umbrella @ ISO 100 settings.

Thank you. That is helpful. Of course that would be adding yet another manufacturer into the mix. My Norman is also available in a 400W/s style.

One of the reasons I want Paul to do it, is so there maybe some compatibility between the products. Like maybe the wired controller for when I put this in a location light or use it on a boom, etc. Just keep those RJ-11 connectors happening!