studio flash heads

[dave-nikon1958]

Hi all. Just got back from a shoot today and on setting up found one of my lumen8 heads didin't work. came on but no flash. Needless to say I was a bit miffed because they have only been used a few times,but they are out of warrenty.Having a look at different heads and came across these (NEW COREFLASH CF-D300 Studio Flash Head Fan Cooled 1148) has anybody got this make and if so what do you think of them. They look very similar to the lastolite heads but you can change the tubes yourself.

Cheers Dave

 

[andygrif]

I know a couple of people that have had problems with Lumen8 heads... they come with a two year warranty and fortunately each head of each person's sets expired just before the warranty expired (not that it matters if you can demonstrate that units are not fit for purpose).

In each case the heads started smoking before expiring or just didn't fire up. Lastolite were apparently excellent and replaced the heads very quickly and without quibbling at all. So it might be worth dropping them a line to see if there is anything they can do for you.

Meanwhile, I know someone that uses the Viewfinder Coreflash heads - he seems happy with them.

Personally I think all the lower cost units are a false economy - and for me I would always buy into Bowens or Elinchrom as you know that they will last for years and also they will be repairable for many more years too. Bowens still service heads that are twenty-odd years old.

Will these Chinese imports of the likes of CoreFlash, Lumen8 and others like them be serviceable or have spares available in five years from now?