Where to start..........

[Aspock]

A couple of days ago I posted about the merits of a YN-460 as a starting point for my first foray into flash photography.

Yesterday we were at my inlaws and I mentioned to my FIL what I had done (he retired as a pro some 8 years ago) and he said "If you want to try portraiture you can have these........"

So in the garage in a travel case is the following.

2x Bowens Prolight 60's
1x Bowens prolight 100
1x Bowens Prolight 41

2x Bowens Mk3 Monocells
2x stands
2x Umbrellas

First thought is ...................Wow

2nd thought is ............how do I make all this lot go together. From what I understand the monocells pick up a signal from a low level on camera flash and fire the Prolights. I asume as I only have 2 of these that I can only use 2 at once. Would I be better going with a more modern radio wireless set up?

One of the bulbs looks like it's seen better days, Is bowens the best place for a replacement or aftermarket?

At this stage I cant see myself using 4 lights, and 1 or 2 would probably be a good starting point. I don't have any manuals - if anyone has access or knowlege as to the switches and dials that would be great. I understand he is probably the best person to ask about this as he has used them before, but i do like to surprise him with my genius

Thanks for any help,

Aidan

 

[Garry Edwards]

I think that he must have had those for a long time before he retired, and there is a possibility that the capacitors may have failed through lack of use, but you may be lucky.

You may be able to pick up some of those Monocells on Fleabay. If not, you can plug in any other slave cell with the same older-type 6.5mm socket. But a better idea would be to get one slave cell plus a radio trigger set (any). The receiver will plug into the 6.5mm jack socket and the transmitter will plug into your hotshoe - a much better solution than using a hotshoe flash to trigger the studio flashes.

 

[Aspock]

Cheers Garry, I hope they aren't defunct, they are in good condition. I'll check if they work before splashing out on anything.

 

[Aspock]

All working ok Garry,

RF-603 hopefully these triggers will work?

I should then need a 1/4" mono plug to 3.5mm to get the receiver to talk to the light?

Can anyone confirm that this is correct? Will the wireless on the 7d work as the transmitter or use 2 of the RF603's

Cheers

Aidan

 

[Garry Edwards]

You're lucky, flash heads should be switched on from time to time to stop them dying the dreaded death of neglect.

Yes, a pair of RF-603's will work, and the adapter is just a simple audio adapter that you can get in Maplins or anywhere similar.

 

[Aspock]

You sir are a star!!

just got to wait for the chinese 603's to arrive!!