How to make old strobes wireless

Seajay

Seajay

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Cathy
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Hi everyone!
Just bought two old Bowens Esprit studio lights. Looking for advice on how to make them work without connecting the wire from the radio slave 4 i system that they came with.
I have my original Lencarta lights that I love! and just so used to using them with my trigger system and no wire needed. Looking to try and find a way to do the same with the Bowens ones too.
Cathy
 
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Hi Cathy,
by simply adding radio transceivers instead of the connecting cable.
In my operation, I use the PW III but other makers are fighting for
your favour out there!

Try searching: photo radio transceivers
 
If it's just for triggering, Yongnuo RF603's, but depending on your Lencarta transmitters, there might be something else you could do.
 
I've found a pc-sync cable from yongnuo's into a pc-sync port on the lights usually works.
 
Seajay said:
Hi everyone!
Just bought two old Bowens Esprit studio lights. Looking for advice on how to make them work without connecting the wire from the radio slave 4 i system that they came with.
Click to expand...

The only truly wireless option is an IR trigger (pretty sure every Esprit has an IR receiver) but that will cost slightly more than a radio trigger and has line of sight issues in large areas or outdoors.
 
What model are the Bowens lights?
Do they have a built-in slave? (Probably, unless they're very old.)
What size is the x-sync socket? 3.5mm or 1/4in?
Do you want to use them only as extra heads with your Lencartas?
Or do you also want to use them without the Lencartas?
What model is your Lencarta trigger?
 
Kodiak Qc said:
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Why is it the "only truly wireless option"?
Click to expand...
At a guess because any other wireless trigger would hang on a wire out of the sync port? :thinking:

However that does seem to fulfil the aim of hitting the brief whilst missing the point :confused:
 
Phil V said:
If it's just for triggering, Yongnuo RF603's, but depending on your Lencarta transmitters, there might be something else you could do.
Click to expand...

Hi Phil! I use The Wavesync Commander System that came with my home studio kit. I would like to use these Bowens lights on their own and along with my lencarta ones should i need them.
 
HoppyUK said:
What model are the Bowens lights?
Do they have a built-in slave? (Probably, unless they're very old.)
What size is the x-sync socket? 3.5mm or 1/4in?
Do you want to use them only as extra heads with your Lencartas?
Or do you also want to use them without the Lencartas?
What model is your Lencarta trigger?
Click to expand...

They are Bowens Esprit 500 I have no idea about the size of the sync socket where will i find that out lol! The Lencarta trigger is The Wavesync Commander System.
As they came with large soft boxes I am happy to use them on their own or with my Lencarta set.They came with a Radio slave 4i system which allows me to attach one part to my camera and the main box I click onto my stand for the soft box. Hate having to use the wire attached to my camera.
 
Phil V said:
If it's just for triggering, Yongnuo RF603's, but depending on your Lencarta transmitters, there might be something else you could do.
Click to expand...
Had a look at these Phil and maybe this is just what I need. However need to buy a on camera flash head first.
 
Seajay said:
They are Bowens Esprit 500 I have no idea about the size of the sync socket where will i find that out lol! The Lencarta trigger is The Wavesync Commander System.
As they came with large soft boxes I am happy to use them on their own or with my Lencarta set.They came with a Radio slave 4i system which allows me to attach one part to my camera and the main box I click onto my stand for the soft box. Hate having to use the wire attached to my camera.
Click to expand...

Is this the one? http://jafaphotography.com/bowens_500.htm And the trigger? http://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Radio-Wireless-System-Control/dp/B00023JKAQ

In which case, they have built-in slave cells and will fire automatically in sync with your Lencartas. This is usually a very easy and reliable method, provided the actual slave cell gets a decent 'look' at the flash from the Lencartas, and you're not working in bright ambient like sun shining through windows. It just means you won't be able to use the Bowens without the Lencartas, but then why would you want to? The triggers look like the ones Noah threw overboard when he was doing all those ID shots. They might still work, but I'd just bin them.

If you need to use the Bowens heads as a standalone set-up, then the best way would be with an additional Lencarta Rx unit but that would need a USB-to-jack adapter and I don't think such a thing exists. Plus you'd not get remote power adjustment, just triggering. So that would mean replacing the Lencarta triggers with something that would work with all the heads, such as a Yongnuo RF603. They're great little triggers, and cheap. They're primarily designed for off-camera speedlites, but can also trigger studio lights and cameras too - with the appropriate connecting cord. If those other applications appeal, the Yongnuo route might be favourite, with all options open (except remote power adjustment).
 
Richard thank you!
The link to the trigger is what I have lol! I will forget these and Noah can have them Haha! The one to the strobes is very similar to what I have mine might be a little older.
I am happy to use them along with my lencarta set and I am going to set up all 4 to see if this works.I am sure it will and once again I appreciate the help :)
 
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