What is the largest softbox you can support on a Elinchrom D-Lite (pre IT) flash?

dubcat

dubcat

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Hi, my flashes are Elinchrom D-Lite 200's (pre IT models i.e. the original ones). I know the bayonet mount on these has a reputation for being soft/weak. Does anyone know what the largest softbox i can safely mount on this light is?
 
It's not just the size, it's the weight and depth that dictates the leverage on the modifier mount, on the stand clamp/mount, and also through to the casing.

I regularly use a 70x100 Lencarta Profold on my old D-Lites without a second thought and that's quite meaty as these things go. Others report no problems with a 135cm Rotalux Octa.

Regardless of make/model, it's common to support big modifiers with a second stand under the front. One idea I've thought about but never tried (never needed) is a kind of cantilever pulley - take a couple of meters of cord and hook/loop it around the top struts of the softbox then back down and through the D-Lite handle. Take the tension and tie it off around the stand somewhere.
 
I thought the rotolux 135 was ok on the newer IT model but not on the original delight? I might just go for that lencarta one though.
 
Going a bit off topic, but I regularly fit the Lencarta 150cm Profold softbox or the 70cm beauty dish to the front of the Safari Li-on flash heads, both indoors and out.These modifiers are heavy beasts and the standard Li-on flash head is definitely not designed for large and heavy modifiers - that's what the new heavy duty head is for - but it works perfectly OK.

As Richard says, it's about being sensible, supporting the weight and, outdoors in the wind, tying the whole thing down with guy ropes.
 
Hoppy are you using the 70x100 supported in some way in addition to the bayonet mount or unsupported? In your opinion is the 70x100 softbox a good versatile softbox for me to get to start my lighting kit with?

I have read posts by people who tried the rotalux 135cm octa on the original d-lites and said its a fail. They work find on the newer IT but apparently not on the original ones which is what I have.
 
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Practically any size you like if you use one of these with one of these. With this set-up the Softbox is supporting the light & not the other way round & I would also Locktite/Super Glue the stud in place on the base of the speedring, which has a standard 3/8th Whitworth thread.

If you have already got a (standard?) 152mm/6inch adapter then ask them to quote you for a plain speedring. More than happy with mine and certainly far better than the Calumet (Quickring) speedring I used to use this way in the past as it actually allows you to use an octobox.

Pic of the Calumet Quickring - so you get the idea.

aIMG_9905.jpg


Sorry no pics of the other speedring in use to hand

Paul
 
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dubcat said:
Hoppy are you using the 70x100 supported in some way in addition to the bayonet mount or unsupported? In your opinion is the 70x100 softbox a good versatile softbox for me to get to start my lighting kit with?

I have read posts by people who tried the rotalux 135cm octa on the original d-lites and said its a fail. They work find on the newer IT but apparently not on the original ones which is what I have.
Click to expand...

Easy answer - yes. Great all-rounder, very versatile size and shape. Not perfect for everything of course, but can make a decent fist of most things. Lencarta do a nice cheap grid, or it's easy to mask it off with foamboard and velcro tabs around the edges to make it square, or round, even a bit of a strip light if you rotate it 45 degrees to use 120cm across the corners.

Go to the Focus show at the NEC if you can, March 3-6. Elinchrom always have a big stand, as do most other major flash brands. Get hands-on with loads of stuff, talk to the experts. Or on the Lencarta stand, Garry :D
 
HoppyUK said:
Easy answer - yes. Great all-rounder, very versatile size and shape. Not perfect for everything of course, but can make a decent fist of most things. Lencarta do a nice cheap grid, or it's easy to mask it off with foamboard and velcro tabs around the edges to make it square, or round, even a bit of a strip light if you rotate it 45 degrees to use 120cm across the corners.

Go to the Focus show at the NEC if you can, March 3-6. Elinchrom always have a big stand, as do most other major flash brands. Get hands-on with loads of stuff, talk to the experts. Or on the Lencarta stand, Garry :D
Click to expand...

Richard, pop in and say Hi on the Lencarta stand, F31. I have a present for you:)

Edit: That didn't work, click the link
 
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Unfortunately (actually fortunately) i am starting a new job on Monday so can't do a mid week trip to the NEC. I have already got stuff booked for the weekend. I think I will buy the soft box based on your recommendations once I feel what I have already is limiting me :)
 
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