studio lighting/flash all in a bag?

Liking!! Envious. Other half might allow me one day
 
This has been a very good read for me too, and I'd already assumed that the eBay stuff had to be pretty poor kit.

I do have a question though because I need to shoot some portraits against a mottled backdrop. I'll have the Smartflash 200, stand, brolly and flash triggers but I'm not sure how to light the backdrop.

I'm happy to purchase another Smartflash but I wonder if I can do it with just a stand, another brolly and my existing SB-400?

Thanks all.

*** Edit - Actually some research on Youtube has pretty much answered this for me, some excellent videos on using just one light. ***
 
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have you lit the subject directly infront of them, slightly higher than their faces, so the 'shadow' would be lost as you too shoot below the light?
If you get what I mean lol
 
Steelmagnet said:
This has been a very good read for me too, and I'd already assumed that the eBay stuff had to be pretty poor kit.

I do have a question though because I need to shoot some portraits against a mottled backdrop. I'll have the Smartflash 200, stand, brolly and flash triggers but I'm not sure how to light the backdrop.

I'm happy to purchase another Smartflash but I wonder if I can do it with just a stand, another brolly and my existing SB-400?

Thanks all.

*** Edit - Actually some research on Youtube has pretty much answered this for me, some excellent videos on using just one light. ***
Click to expand...

Yes, that would work fine, in theory. You just need a way of triggering the SB400. Depending on your existing trigger, it would probably be possible to connect that to the SB400 and then the Smartflash's optical slave will pick on that and fire in sync.

In practise though, SB400 isn't a very powerful gun and would probably need to work hard and that will result in slow recycle times. Push the ISO to help out. Then there is the issue of power adjustment - not sure what's possible with an SB400 there. One trick that sometimes works with my Canon guns is if you can get them to fire at a certain outout on-camera, they will retain that setting when you take them off and fit them to a trigger, where they'll continue to fire at that output.

I'm thinking it may not be worth the hassle. Another Smartflash is pretty cheap, or a basic Yongnuo gun even cheaper.
 
My Hanhel triggers arrived today and the flash lead. Had a quick set up in the lounge to try out on my wife whilst she was working on the lap top. She wasn't really very impressed. LoL.

Got some clear shots at ISO 100 f:7.1 speed 125
Full power on the smart flash using shoot through brollie.



Quick question. Do i keep the model lamp turned on. Or turn it off when i start to shoot?

Didn't seem to make much difference to the outcome.
 
salsa-king said:
My Hanhel triggers arrived today and the flash lead. Had a quick set up in the lounge to try out on my wife whilst she was working on the lap top. She wasn't really very impressed. LoL.

Got some clear shots at ISO 100 f:7.1 speed 125
Full power on the smart flash using shoot through brollie.



Quick question. Do i keep the model lamp turned on. Or turn it off when i start to shoot?

Didn't seem to make much difference to the outcome.
Click to expand...

Sounds like the brolly wasn't very close. No problem, if you got the result.

Just about the only thing I'm not keen on with the Smartflash is the modelling light that is either full on, or off - not that it makes much odds. If you shoot at minimum power with it on, you may notice a slight warming of colour as the yellowish tungsten light just begins to influence and tint the overall image.

You may not notice it even then, and unlikely to be a problem even if you do. If you were being super critical, just turn it off. And it's usually best to turn it off anyway, as it is with any flash head, if you have a situation like an enclosed softbox with the head pointing down (so all the heat goes into the head) or are using a snoot or gridded reflector, for the same reason.
 
Is there a particular distance to work with when shooting with a smartflash?

I had it about 6' away from the subject.
 
salsa-king said:
Is there a particular distance to work with when shooting with a smartflash?

I had it about 6' away from the subject.
Click to expand...

LOL I guessed at 6ft :D Smartflash at full power would give you around f/16 at 1m with an 80-100cm white brolly. The shoot-though loses you one stop as half the light bounces out of the back, then you've moved the light to 6ft which accounts for another 1.5 stops or so.

There is no 'correct' distance. Ideally, you should position the head where you want it for the best lighting effect, bearing in mind that the larger the light, the softer the shadows, and size is relative to distance. Then adjust the power to suit your chosen lens aperture.

You should be able to do that in most portrait situations, but if not, tweak the ISO or modify the aperture to suit. Last resort is usually moving the light, as that will change the effect as well as the exposure, but sometimes you have to compromise and there are no set rules for that.
 
I need to have a fiddle and get my 'model' to pose for the camera lol

thanks again. :)
 
salsa-king said:
I need to have a fiddle and get my 'model' to pose for the camera lol

thanks again. :)
Click to expand...

Just to get a feel for the different umbrellas, ask her to sit for a simple head and shoulders - same pose, same position.

Fit the white umbrella and set the front edge of the brolly about 1.5m from her face. Approx, but measure it accurately. Say half power, adjust exposure, note settings.

Fit silver umbrella, don't change anything. Note the exposure, it will be brighter, and the shadows harder. Adjust aperture for correct exposure and note difference between the white.

Fit shoot-through, and move the light back so the front of the brolly is same distance as before. Adjust height and angle to match, too. Adjust exposure and note difference. Look at the shadows, they should be similar to the white, but probably a little less dense - that's the other half of the light punched out of the back and bouncing around the room and returning as a little more fill-in and softening. It may also pick up colour from curtains and furnishings if they're quite colourful. Also note that you can position the shoot-through closer to the model for a super-soft result.
 
good points Richard, thank you.

when you say adjust exposure, in what way?
I take it I should be in Manual setting, starting with speed 1/125 and start with ISO 100? f:11?
 
salsa-king said:
good points Richard, thank you.

when you say adjust exposure, in what way?
I take it I should be in Manual setting, starting with speed 1/125 and start with ISO 100? f:11?
Click to expand...

Adjust exposure however you like, probably with aperture. The aim is to get an idea of the different brightness with the three brollies so you know better where you are when setting up.

The other thing you might want to do is some tests varying the power of the head, then mark the dial in one stop increments for reference.

Edit: while you're in testing mood, set up in front of a plain wall and run through the different brollies again, this time noting the pattern and fall-off of light on the wall. Silver will project a smaller, brighter pool of light. The shoot-through will be much wider - good for groups.
 
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Just wanted to say that there is some excellent advice in this thread, especially for someone who was also looking at those eBay 'deals' :)
 
smithmgcsmith said:
Just wanted to say that there is some excellent advice in this thread, especially for someone who was also looking at those eBay 'deals' :)
Click to expand...


+1


I've not had chance to get my lencarta out properly yet to get photos to show you. I am going to a studio night in a few weeks and plan to take my set up to test it out.. somewhere with a bit more room.. and willing laydeeez to photo :)
 
I bought a couple of Lencarta heads with soft boxes and triggers a couple of years ago.
The wireless triggers fell apart on the 1st shoot.
The customer service was ''well these things happen that's life''
I waited weeks for replacements.
That was then maybe now manners have been acquired not for want of giving someone a much deserved bog wash.
Customer service!!!
 
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I give my Lencarta lights, triggers etc. a serious hammering. They're on at least 8 hours a day for 7 days a week. Had a couple of problems but customer service has been excellent. Far better service than I've had from other lighting companies in the past.
 
GlennBlack said:
I bought a couple of Lencarta heads with soft boxes and triggers a couple of years ago.
The wireless triggers fell apart on the 1st shoot.
The customer service was ''well these things happen that's life''
I waited weeks for replacements.
That was then maybe now manners have been acquired not for want of giving someone a much deserved bog wash.
Customer service!!!
Click to expand...

Nonsense.
 
What part is nonsense?
The evidence is to hand if need be including the ebay messages so tread carefully sunshine...
 
Come to think of it,it was more than a couple of years ago so my mistake but that goes to show how offended I was.

Here are a couple of pictures of the lights and the controllers.
I assume it took so long to send replacements as they were in China despite your Ebay listing claiming you held UK stock.

We had to use rubber bands to gaff the hot shoe controller back together.
I only bought the lights at the time as they were for a shoot for my sisters vintage fashion website which was delayed.

Lesson learnt for me was never buy cheap!


DSCF5507 by glennblackphotos, on Flickr
 
A shot of the controllers.
It was the hot shoe attachment of the one on the left that fell apart.
I have the broken controller around somewhere too.
Two weeks just to get that!

I hold no grudges as I got what I paid for although the customer service was poor but posting ''nonsense'' was not smart Gary.
Maybe you was having a bad day!



DSCF5506 by glennblackphotos, on Flickr
 
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Well, if it happened at all then it was quite a few years ago, before I became involved with the Company. Those were the first lights ever sold by Lencarta, and they were sold on Ebay only, before Lencarta even had a website.

Mind you, we are still able to replace some parts, and only a month ago we sent a part to a customer, free of charge:)
I assume it took so long to send replacements as they were in China despite your eBay listing claiming you held UK stock.
Click to expand...
Not true, all stock was held in the UK, stock has never been held in China.
I hold no grudges as I got what I paid for although the customer service was poor but posting ''nonsense'' was not smart Gary.
Maybe you was having a bad day!
Click to expand...
My name is in fact Garry. I wasn't having a bad day and I'm not going to let you spoil today either:)
I must say, it doesn't ring true when someone joins a forum and immediately starts slagging off suppliers...
 
Very very poor attitude.

The fact you accuse me of slagging you off and just joining says more about your outlook than needs to be said.
I in fact have not just joined this site and even if that were true it would not substantiate anything you say.

You were involved with the company as you were all over the videos promoting the equipment when I bought the lights from ''you'' on Ebay.
How on earth is that possible if you were not involved?

It took two weeks as you didn't have the stock in the UK which comes from China or Hong Kong as it clearly states down the side of the lights!

I wonder if anyone can recommend alternatives to Lencarta in order to avoid dealing with you.

Keep digging your hole I also kept the original communications from you for anyone who wishes to read them before buying from you.
 
My final post on this subject...

Yes, of course they were made in China. What you keep saying, which isn't true, is that the stock was in China. The stock was in fact in Hull, and last time I looked Hull was in England.

Yes, I tested those lights, some years ago, it was the very first job that I did for Lencarta, and I photographed them at the same time. I have tested, and photographed products for several lighting Companies. But I wasn't in any way involved with the Company, that came much later when they asked me to advise them on technical aspects.
 
Well i m happy with Gary service. I mean Garry service. Im out with my kits this evening at camera club shooting still life. We'll see how i go on.
 
Garry Edwards said:
My final post on this subject...

Yes, of course they were made in China. What you keep saying, which isn't true, is that the stock was in China. The stock was in fact in Hull, and last time I looked Hull was in England.

Yes, I tested those lights, some years ago, it was the very first job that I did for Lencarta, and I photographed them at the same time. I have tested, and photographed products for several lighting Companies. But I wasn't in any way involved with the Company, that came much later when they asked me to advise them on technical aspects.
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I cant believe the mentality of this guy!
You do realise by insisting the stock was not in China and that it was in Hull you reveal how ***** your customer service was considering it took two weeks to deal with a problem for a customer based in Manchester!

You were the person I payed and dealt with buying this kit from and I spoke to you on the phone but you claim you had no involvement with this company lol.
Jeez.
 
paul williams said:
Especially if you consider some other posts made - :lol:

Paul
Click to expand...

Would you like to give an example?
Gary said it dont ring true so I posted evidence!
After all these years I came across a post about this company so I took the opportunity to not recommend it.
 
GlennBlack said:
Would you like to give an example?
Gary said it dont ring true so I posted evidence!
After all these years I came across a post about this company so I took the opportunity to not recommend it.
Click to expand...

This was a good thread up to now, and one I've linked to several times when others ask the same questions :(

Glenn, you've made your point. Several times.

Whatever might have happened to you years ago, the present position is that Lencarta products have a good rep for reliability and, on the evidence of very many happy customers on here, Garry looks after Lencarta customers well.
 
The thread is still a good thread.
If people want lights on a budget and are not fussed about customer service then Lencarta is an option for them to consider.
My lights still work but a better set of controllers may be worth considering.
Truth is always a good thing and any company is only a good as it treats its unhappy customers!:thumbsdown::thumbsdown:
Its only fair people make buying decisions based on all reviews not just flowery ones.
 
GlennBlack said:
The thread is still a good thread.
If people want lights on a budget and are not fussed about customer service then Lencarta is an option for them to consider.
My lights still work but a better set of controllers may be worth considering.
Truth is always a good thing and any company is only a good as it treats its unhappy customers!:thumbsdown::thumbsdown:
Its only fair people make buying decisions based on all reviews not just flowery ones.
Click to expand...

And whilst its true that one unhappy customer will make more noise than 10 happy ones, it's a shame that the many happy Lencarta customers haven't managed to balance the amount of 'noise' made by one unhappy customer in this particular thread.

Particularly one who claims to have been on the forum 'years' but only has months worth of posts (most of which are in this thread:thinking:), and who initially claimed this was a 'couple of years ago' when it turns out to have been nothing of the sort:shrug:
 
Glenn

I'm surprised you buy anything at all as every manufacturer in the world will have had a problem at some point which would have reflected on their customer service dept.

You've made your point, it could have been better in the past. Have you tried it recently? No.
I have and it's good. Would you like me to bang on about just how good it is every alternate post?
Probably not.

Tomorrow is a new day. Go and enjoy it :)
 
Phil V said:
And whilst its true that one unhappy customer will make more noise than 10 happy ones, it's a shame that the many happy Lencarta customers haven't managed to balance the amount of 'noise' made by one unhappy customer in this particular thread.

Particularly one who claims to have been on the forum 'years' but only has months worth of posts (most of which are in this thread:thinking:), and who initially claimed this was a 'couple of years ago' when it turns out to have been nothing of the sort:shrug:
Click to expand...

I like to stick to the truth Phil and no where in this thread have I said I have been here years I in fact joined on the 04-09-2012.
I did say I bought the lights a couple of years ago when in fact it was to my surprise longer than that which just goes to show how offended I was by the guy.
And lets not forget that many unhappy customers who don't post online.
The problem is the guys arrogant attitude not the product.
 
photo si said:
Glenn

I'm surprised you buy anything at all as every manufacturer in the world will have had a problem at some point which would have reflected on their customer service dept.

You've made your point, it could have been better in the past. Have you tried it recently? No.
I have and it's good. Would you like me to bang on about just how good it is every alternate post?
Probably not.

Tomorrow is a new day. Go and enjoy it :)
Click to expand...
I enjoy every day thanks.
His reply to my problem is new so that represents his customer service now!
The box I was sent came from abroad.
Hes liar plain and simple.
 
PLEASE BACK TO THE THREAD!!!!


here are some shots I did last night at 'camera club' ;)


Marty-1 by salsa-king, on Flickr


Marty-7 by salsa-king, on Flickr


Marty-8 by salsa-king, on Flickr


Marty-9 by salsa-king, on Flickr


Marty-13 by salsa-king, on Flickr


Marty-22 by salsa-king, on Flickr

all the ones are here too
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neoquip/sets/72157632714067060/


for my first try I'm quite pleased.. also impressed with my efforts... never done it before
Marty (my modul) also thought the stand for my SmartFlash was quite good too ;)
 
I have used Lencarta for years now and have 3 elite pro heads that have taken some beating Over the years. Ringing Garry has always been a pleasure and when a new head developed a fault a replacement came the next day! Working in a busy professional studio means I rely on these to earn a living. I also have come to appreciate the level of support and customer service Garry Edwards provides.
 
I ordered a Lencarta kit on Weds.... looking forward excitedly to receiving it.

Big investment for me as an amateur, but after reading a LOT of posts on this forum, I concluded that they offered the right price/spec balance for my requirements.
 
salsa-king said:
PLEASE BACK TO THE THREAD!!!!

here are some shots I did last night at 'camera club' ;)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neoquip/8453617009/
Marty-1 by salsa-king, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neoquip/8454707366/
Marty-7 by salsa-king, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neoquip/8453614775/
Marty-8 by salsa-king, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neoquip/8453614439/
Marty-9 by salsa-king, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neoquip/8453613107/
Marty-13 by salsa-king, on Flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neoquip/8454702008/
Marty-22 by salsa-king, on Flickr

all the ones are here too
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neoquip/sets/72157632714067060/

for my first try I'm quite pleased.. also impressed with my efforts... never done it before
Marty (my modul) also thought the stand for my SmartFlash was quite good too ;)
Click to expand...

Hey Salsa, how's tricks? :D

Nice set, but 1 and 4 are pick for me. Like 3 too, as a laid back style, but the other two have a serious finish to them.
 
It's all subjective of course, so what I think is 'good' may be different to you. And only the photographer knows the effect that he was trying to get anyway,,,

So feel free to completely ignore my own thoughts.
No.1. Spoiled by the reflection from his glasses. There was a thread about reflections just a couple of days ago, basically the light or glasses have to be arranged so that the inevitable reflection flies off upwards, downwards or to the side - not towards the camera.

No.7. The broad side of the face is perhaps a little too well lit for my taste. And it's overexposed.

No. 8 and No.13, ditto. For me, these shots are lit too frontally.

No.9 works best for me, it shows character.
 
I first one i put in to show the reflection of the brollie. I don't like it as a shot and it was one of the first i took.

All were shot at f5.6 as someone had a light meter and tested the light.

If i had a bit more time id increase it slightly to darken the shots so not to over expose.

I do like how sharp they've come out though.
 
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