Bowens 400D light kit

[Cocohoney]

Hi, quick question- I have been offered a Bowens 400D lighting kit (2 monolights, tripods, brollies, leads and hard carry case) all in good working condition, for £250.

Is this a good price?

 

[marts_uk]

Depends how old it is really. Seems a good price though

 

[Garry Edwards]

That was a very good kit a very long time ago, but you can now buy a decent new twin head kit for just a little more than they asking price, and frankly you should.

1. Only full and half power settings (from memory) on the 400D
2. You may struggle to get any repairs done
3. You may struggle to get modelling bulbs for it
4. There are absolutely no modifiers available for it, so if you want any accessories other than what's provided, you won't get them.

I'm not saying don't buy it, but personally I wouldn't pay more than half that amount for it.

 

[Cocohoney]

My concern is just that, the age of them (no idea how old they are actually?) might cause problems with replacement/add on parts. Also, is there an issue with the trigger voltage of older lights?
I have been reading around the forum and I know opinion is divided on the old lights/'good' brands vs new lights/'cheap' brand. Having had neither, I can see both points of view, so can't make a decision! (never my strong point anyway!)

 

[flashted]

The Bowens 400 D has a 5 position output power switch covering 2 stops, model lamp is 275 watt ES photoflood or halostar just the same as a brand new Bowens Gemini 500. trigger voltage is 35 volts. good gear in its day but that was 30 years ago, i would think the kit is worth £ 125.00 ish not a lot more. almost no spares around. David