Profoto B1(x) or alternative?

[dancook]

Are there some integrated lithium battery powered location lights, with model lamps and high speed sync that I can use with my Leica M10?

Are Profoto B1 a solid option, or should I look at others?

is HSS a limitation of the lamp only, or is there anything about the camera which would cause an issue?

 

[Kodiak Qc]

Are Profoto B1 a solid option, or should I look at others?

I had 4 of those, now 2 as I changed 2 for B1X for the 9 stop
(vs 7!). They are tough, reliable, constant in output and WB.

Sure, there are alternatives but…

You know why you're with Leica, you will know why Profoto.
Have a good time!

https://profoto.com/int/b1x
If you don't do closeups, you could save getting used B1's!

 

[f/1.2]

There is supposed to be a work around for getting the Godox 600 to work with a Nikon trigger to fire from Leica might be worth having a look at.

 

[dancook]

I had 4 of those, now 2 as I changed 2 for B1X for the 9 stop
(vs 7!). They are tough, reliable, constant in output and WB.

Sure, there are alternatives but…

You know why you're with Leica, you will know why Profoto.
Have a good time!

https://profoto.com/int/b1x
If you don't do closeups, you could save getting used B1's!

i thought used B1s would be a little more cost effective but what's wrong with closeups?

 

[Kodiak Qc]

what's wrong with closeups?

Because the B1 has 7 stops (B1X has 9!) one has to use a
vario ND or perhaps a CP at times.

I never saw the end of a power pack after a day on location.

 

[dancook]

Because the B1 has 7 stops (B1X has 9!) one has to use a
vario ND or perhaps a CP at times.

I never saw the end of a power pack after a day on location.

I follow now the lights are probably a bit extreme for my knowledge in lighting, but buy once and all that !

 

[ryanyboy]

I had 4 of those, now 2 as I changed 2 for B1X for the 9 stop
(vs 7!). They are tough, reliable, constant in output and WB.

Sure, there are alternatives but…

You know why you're with Leica, you will know why Profoto.
Have a good time!

https://profoto.com/int/b1x
If you don't do closeups, you could save getting used B1's!

Interesting. I had a conversation with a leading stockist this past few days. They assured me the only difference between the b1 and b1x was the modelling lamp. Is this not the case?

 

[Kodiak Qc]

Interesting. I had a conversation with a leading stockist this past few days. They assured me the only difference between the b1 and b1x was the modelling lamp. Is this not the case?

The obvious incompetence of that leading stockist is…

Visit the link I provided for the REAL features!

 

[HoppyUK]

Since it's you Dan Profoto B1X, though the smart money these days is Godox AD600 - very similar performance for a load less money. The two compared in the link.

There's a new Godox AD600-Pro just announced that addresses any shortcomings, particularly a much brighter modelling lamp, optimised flash tube position, amazingly fast recycling and better colour. Not seen any reviews yet, but I've been waiting for this and it's looking likely to solidly beat Profoto this time, if not by much, in sheer spec/performance terms, so I'll prolly be getting a couple in due course, and a few other Godox heads to go with them

Profoto holds the professional brand position of course, but in your shoes I'd check out all the Leica triggering options carefully first if you want to Full Monty TTL and HSS etc. Manual control is always an option though, and pretty much anything can be rigged to anything for basic triggering.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ou8ROX5dpo&t=867s

 

[Kodiak Qc]

the lights are probably a bit extreme for my knowledge in lighting

Think… you can grow with them!
They can take you well over where others will surrender.
Your decision, Dan!

 

[HoppyUK]

Interesting. I had a conversation with a leading stockist this past few days. They assured me the only difference between the b1 and b1x was the modelling lamp. Is this not the case?

Profoto promised three things with the B1X - 'power, power, and more power' but in fact the only thing it hasn't got is more actual power.

B1X has a slightly brighter modelling lamp than the B1, now on par with most mains studio heads and 1.5 stops brighter than the Godox AD600, plus a bigger battery, and HSS is now available at all output settings instead of just down to 1/4 power.

 

[HoppyUK]

I hesitate to mention, but there is a rather splendid review of eight high-end battery location flash units in the current edition (Feb 2018) of Digital SLR Photography magazine, including the B1X and B2, and a pair of AD600's twinned into the 1200Ws extension head option. That is one mighty combo

The detachable heads are a key feature of the AD600 (and AD600-Pro) so you don't need to have 3kg swaying around on the top of a stand. You then clamp the power unit lower down and suddenly an inherently top-heavy and wobbly rig turns itself into one of the most stable, and versatile, for outdoors.

 

[Phil V]

The usual answer is the Godox AD600, but I’d hesitate to recommend that to you Dan, if you feel the need for a Profoto you’re going to find a justification for that decision.

 

[dancook]

The usual answer is the Godox AD600, but I’d hesitate to recommend that to you Dan, if you feel the need for a Profoto you’re going to find a justification for that decision.

I will try to give godox a serious consideration.

I could spend the difference on outfits and modifiers for shoots that I imagine I will do instead of sitting inside all day :/

Louise needs some lights for photographing artwork, so I hoped to use it as an opportunity to get myself some, she can borrow, that will encourage their usage.

I do need to sell my Sl and Lens first though