MO: Cheapest Ever Studio Lighting Kit

[KCLow]

care to state what are ur settings for the lighting and on ur cam, how far is it placed etc....

Konica Minolta 7Hi
Manual Flash mode
1/2000 at f9.5
100mm
Manual focus, 1.5 meters

this is the unedited version imported in RAW format

 

[PQ23]

Hi all, I've setup some picture instructions on folding back. Hope this helps.

http://www.tagotech.com/light-tent/

 

[Adzz]

hmm.. 1/2000... able to sync at this speed? what's ur ISO?

 

[synapseman]

How bright is the slave flash and how far is the range?[/B]

It is Rated at 40 watt second, guide no. ISO100 @ 26m. Where Distance x Relative Aperture = Guide Number. At this specs, the power is more than enough for most indoor photography.

E.g
if the subject is 2m from the flash, at ISO100, the aperture of f13 will give you the correct exposure (2m x f13 = 26). Open up 1 to 2 stop with soft umbrella installed.

The bulbs that we got are 45ws, right?

Anyway, according to the formula, we can find the correct aperture setting. But what about shutter speed? In this instance, is the shutter-speed a constant? Can I change the aperture/shutter speed combination?

It'd be great if we could share some FAQs and tips w.r.t. use of this strobe set-up.

(Pardon me, I'm a complete newbie when it comes to studio lighting.)

 

[cyben76]

yes, you have to fold it into a 8 shape first.

grab each of the rounded end diagonally and twist it.

once, you get into the 8 shape, grab the righ end and try to fold it in indicated by the arrow.

then it will become a 3 rings folded up tent.

wow thanx for the visual.... need to practice alot though... cant imagine myself bringing this thing to customers place to do product shoot and end of day struggle to pack it up.... ppl would say "WTF that cameraman doin wrestling with that white thingy"

 

[PQ23]

The bulbs that we got are 45ws, right?

Anyway, according to the formula, we can find the correct aperture setting. But what about shutter speed? In this instance, is the shutter-speed a constant? Can I change the aperture/shutter speed combination?

It'd be great if we could share some FAQs and tips w.r.t. use of this strobe set-up.

(Pardon me, I'm a complete newbie when it comes to studio lighting.)

Yes I've packaged 45ws mentioned somewhere in this MO. Guide no ISO 100 @ 28m. Flash duration is 1/1000 sec.

 

[chunger]

Here is my sample pictures of the Unit A + B can do. Very good... just that the bending line in the backdrop is not perfect only.

Test Pic 1

Test Pic 2

Setup

 

[rafiano]

ok..here is a newbie question....if i am shooting portrait....should the strobe (with umbrella attached) be placed towards the subject (like a softbox), or should the strobe (with umbrella attached) be placed away from the subject (like a reflector)?? tried both ways...cant see much difference...hehehe

btw PQ23...keep it up bro!! am really enjoying my purchase. any updates on cheap background for portraiture??

 

[chunger]

ok..here is a newbie question....if i am shooting portrait....should the strobe (with umbrella attached) be placed towards the subject (like a softbox), or should the strobe (with umbrella attached) be placed away from the subject (like a reflector)?? tried both ways...cant see much difference...hehehe

btw PQ23...keep it up bro!! am really enjoying my purchase. any updates on cheap background for portraiture??

Actually there is a difference in the power it produced. You can see the difference if you do not change the distance. The lighting it generate should be the same (disffused) but at diffent power only.

Due to the strobe power level cannot be adjust. The only thing to play with is distance between the strobe and the subject. And the direction of the strobe pointing at the subject to create different power level between the two same power strobe.

Btw, any formula or rules for the distance between the bulb and the umbrella and what is the different when the distance between the umbrella and bulb changed? I will test it when I am free. But just want to know from some of the expert here. ^_^

 

[HOCL]

PQ

Maybe we shd have another feedback thread, but I thought I shd quickly report this ....

When I tried to connect the sync cord to the connector on the strobe, I could feel a short circuit through the cord. I quickly switched off the strobe (the switch on the strobe, not the mains), and then tried to connect the the other end of the snc cord to the camera (through the hotshoe adaptor). This time, with strobe off (but mains on), I could feel the current running through my entire camera! I quickly pull out the sync cord in case my camera got fried!

Otherwise, the strobes performed normally when triggered by built-in flash.

Is this normal?

 

[Adzz]

Here is my sample pictures of the Unit A + B can do. Very good... just that the bending line in the backdrop is not perfect only.

Test Pic 1

Test Pic 2

Setup

NICE SHOTS! any more other still shots from other members?

 

[Yih Yeong]

PQ

Maybe we shd have another feedback thread, but I thought I shd quickly report this ....

When I tried to connect the sync cord to the connector on the strobe, I could feel a short circuit through the cord. I quickly switched off the strobe (the switch on the strobe, not the mains), and then tried to connect the the other end of the snc cord to the camera (through the hotshoe adaptor). This time, with strobe off (but mains on), I could feel the current running through my entire camera! I quickly pull out the sync cord in case my camera got fried!

Otherwise, the strobes performed normally when triggered by built-in flash.

Is this normal?

Hi HOCL,

I encountered exactly the same thing too. I am also wondering if this is normal. I am afraid to reconnect back the sync cord to my camera. Anyone has any advice for us? Thanks in advance.

 

[Adzz]

u can try discharging the lights first before turning it off?

 

[koolz]

Still can't close the lighttent. Anyone can teach me?

 

[dawgbyte77]

How do you trigger both lights at the same time?

 

[Yih Yeong]

u can try discharging the lights first before turning it off?

Oh sorry for being unclear. However, I encounter the shock when I am trying to use the camera connected to the light. It is not getting the shock when I try to mismantle/off the setup.

 

[Adzz]

yes. maybe u can try to discharge the lights, switch off, then connect to camera?

 

[PQ23]

Oh sorry for being unclear. However, I encounter the shock when I am trying to use the camera connected to the light. It is not getting the shock when I try to mismantle/off the setup.

I've tested it extensively by all mean and ways, but still couldn't get any short. Tried with different bulbs and bulb holder too. Tested with digital volt meter and I get 0 volt AC, and 5 volt DC.

I have experience electric shock when using an old battery operated manual flash light attached to my camera with an extension cord. I guess this is normal with flash? Any expert here can advice?

 

[PQ23]

How do you trigger both lights at the same time?

You only need to connect the first light to your hotshoe. Second light with be triggered by the flash of the first light. As described in my first post, this flash can be triggered by cable or flash light.

 

[dawgbyte77]

You only need to connect the first light to your hotshoe. Second light with be triggered by the flash of the first light. As described in my first post, this flash can be triggered by cable or flash light.

Thanks... I guess I missed that. Haven't tried both lights since I can't figure out where to plug the wires before. :thumbsup: