Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Into the suggestion box for the company:

Make a bunch of inserts for speedrings with various outer dimensions to meet the need for an insert that allows the Einsteins to securely grip and hold large modifiers. I've discovered recently, as I guess most here already know, that the Balcar "standard" varies enough that most of my inserts do not allow my Einstein fingers to fully retract (or retract beyond 60% let's say). All of the Buff gear with respect to inserts and reflectors work great and feel very firm in the Einstein mount, and my other gear would as well if the inserts matched the exact AB/Einstein standard, like about 89mm internal diameter. As an example this insert:
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Studio-Soluti ... 131&sr=1-6

was recommended on one of the lighting forums, but as one of many examples, that insert has an internal diameter of closer to 87mm. The Einstein feels ~OK with that one, but the mechanism is not fully retracted like the gear from PaulCBuff. I have not so cheap Chimera ones that also are too small in internal diameter.

Second suggestion, make a variety that are flat like the Kacey and Mola ones, that get the flash tube into the dish or box further to take full advantage of the available power output and provide even distribution of light. The Kacey insert looks good, but it only comes in two outside diameters. It would be nice to have some available that would fit smaller speedrings, or even some that were big with the ability to drill out holes to just permanently screw them in place, allowing for great flexibility in fit.

I think these would sell well, and if provided cheaply, they would go a long way towards upping sentiment and satisfaction with the Einstein unit for past and future customers. I get the feeling this is the number one issue (reliable hold of large modifiers) that concerns potential Einstein customers. A correctly fitted insert really does seem to up the reliability immensely.

The fact the fingers do not retract 100% is not a reason for concern in and of itself. Einstein is designed to hold the widest variety of modifiers using a variety of different speedrings. We have tested with several major brands, and all work well. We cannot, however, test all the third party offerings. If your light is not holding as it should, you may want to give us a call to further discuss it.

As for the extra inserts, the demand is not high enough that it can be done at an affordable price.