WL and AB Accuracy/Color bashing revelations

[paulbuff]

We are using the same connectors and pinout as Dynalite.
Haven't decided yet about offering CC tubes. Not intially.
I certainly listen to shooters but I do the designs and concepts myself.
No at-head-disconnects are contemplated at this point.

Regards,
Paul

I would like to know more details as to the type of connector
cables for the Zeus line. Connectors have run the gamut, some great
some awful to use. Will the units be arc free as others pack
systems? Will UV bulbs be available for the Zeus heads? Do the
cables have disconnects at the head in addition to the pack? These
type things make using gear everyday fluid or not. Also, do you
have a core group of photographers with whom you bounce ideas off,
test new designs and concepts or is it only you?

I know I am safe to say that you, yourself, don't like to be
tainted by the designs of other products when designing your new
products, but never ignore many tried and true designs and
functions that make using a product that much more enjoyable.

Canon buried mirror lock-up on its DSLRs 6 years ago and has yet to
bring back an exterior mechanical option that existed for decades
on film SLRs. That's a good example of a company not looking to
practicality and user experience.

I am a fan of your gear and will be for a long time so I look
forward to the new products. I just regret that some features
suffer from status quo instead of forward design (which in some
ways has existed elsewhere for quite some time).

John

http://www.schweikertphoto.com

 

[Robert Strom]

To Paul and all others:

The only reason to spend valuable time on these forums (or by reading anything else on the internet or in a book), is to learn more than yuu can learn by just trial and error.

I welcome, read and respond to those who share my desire to become a better photographer.

Specific products will be talked about. Specific photographers will be talked about. We all benefit directly or indirectly by Looking at portfolios and product websites.

Blatant self promotion should be discouraged or banned. Other than that we are all advertising our products or knowledge and should be encouraged to pass it forward.

Robert
--
http://www.streamlinestudio.com

 

[Don Krauss]

Hi Paul, LPA compatable seems to be a newer term. My guess is that the RR2 will be designed with the same LPA engineering that the new pocket wizards use, maybe even compatable.

My understanding from your statement is that microprocessor features like Second Curtain Sync, Delayed trigger, Multiple trigger and receiver auto confirmation might be included in the RR2 feature set. The original product posts indicated the RR1 problems were really the 900MHZ band issues and that was driving a newer system.

Since the newer RR will obviously cost more, do you still recommend the Remote One as a purchase. The full control, remote trigger and excellent cost package stills attracts me as a potential buyer. 900MHZ devices have always worked well for me. I think I could live without LPA.

Thanks for any opinion, And please stay on the forum. You must simply learn to tolerate the troublemakers.

 

[stiksandstones]

Get what you pay for...plain and simple.

 

[CWilt]

Do you have spectral data?

--
Light illuminates while shadow defines.

http://stakeman.smugmug.com

 

[BobDavid]

I've been using two to four B800s for photographing fine art for producing limited edition giclees. I also use B1600s as well as the Vagabond for location work. I'm generally impressed with the quality and the consistency of the light (especially when cost of ownership is factored into the equation). When I need absolute consistency from one shot to the next, I set the Bees to 1/2 or full power and use neutral density filters.

People complain about the cheap build quality of the reflectors, barn doors, etc. Sure, they're flimsy. However, they are priced low enough so that if something gets bent or broken, it can be easily and cheaply replaced.

My only complaint about ABs is that I wish there were a wider range of modifiers available. I do a lot of table top work and require modifiers for more precise control of light.

 

[paulbuff]

Don,

RR1 at 900MHZ worked great when first introduced and still works well for many users. The problem is the 900MHZ band has grown so much (cel phones, alarm systems, etc) that an increasing number of users get more interference than desired signal and are seeing unreliable operation of RR1 (as well as other devices on the frequency band).

We still sell RR1 but with the caveat that, depending on location, the user could experience reliability problems. If this occurs we, as always, back them up with our absolute satisfaction guarantee.

Regarding RR2 - since LPA has far and away the best technology for these purposes, we decided to work with them in developing a compatable system.

What this means is that Pocket Wizards will fire RR2 receivers. Beyond that, LPA is developing software to allow their MultiMax transceivers to control RR2 in terms of power control and all the features you mention below. So a full blown system will combine our RR2 receiver with LPA manufactured Pocket Wizard or MultiMax. It will plug and play with all PCB flash units from 1986 Ultra forward. (With the exception of those very few "Zap" units produced in the 1990s that don't have a remote jack).

We haven't priced it yet because we are waiting on LPA. It will probably cost more than RR1 but we will limit our profit margin as much as we can to keep it in line.

No timeframe has been released yet because some of the development is out of our control. But we're getting close.
Paul Buff

Hi Paul, LPA compatable seems to be a newer term. My guess is that
the RR2 will be designed with the same LPA engineering that the new
pocket wizards use, maybe even compatable.
My understanding from your statement is that microprocessor
features like Second Curtain Sync, Delayed trigger, Multiple
trigger and receiver auto confirmation might be included in the RR2
feature set. The original product posts indicated the RR1 problems
were really the 900MHZ band issues and that was driving a newer
system.

Since the newer RR will obviously cost more, do you still recommend
the Remote One as a purchase. The full control, remote trigger and
excellent cost package stills attracts me as a potential buyer.
900MHZ devices have always worked well for me. I think I could
live without LPA.

Thanks for any opinion, And please stay on the forum. You must
simply learn to tolerate the troublemakers.

 

[Don Krauss]

Thanks Paul for the inside info. One last question... do you think the RR1's will be sold in the future so a user could upgrade later to more receivers if the product worked okay for him? thanks, good to see you still around

 

[Keithtr]

I will personally come over and twist the nose of anyone who criticizes the BEES!

I own 10 and I love them!

AB400 Mainia!

--
For evil to triumph, good men need do absolutely nothing.

 

[paulbuff]

We will continue to supply these as long as there is any demand. We try very hard to never leave customers stranded.
Paul

 

[paulbuff]

This adage is not always true.

I recently bought a $60,000 Audi S4 and it was a piece of (explative). A technological wonder that didn't cut it in the real world. And they sure didn't take it back - cost me $20,000 to get rid of it.

Our customers generally say they got a lot more than they paid for. The 1/2% that don't feel that way are never left in the cold.
Paul

Get what you pay for...plain and simple.

 

[paulbuff]

The spectral data of our product (and most competitors) is beyond the equipment we have to measure it. This is pretty academic - all Xenon discharge lamps produce the same characteristic Xenon spectral data. Even if we did, not one in a thousand users would lnow how to interpret it.
Paul

Outdoor light and flash can have the same colour temperature but
produce very different tones. Spectral data is needed, not just
color temp.

Do you have that information?

--
Light illuminates while shadow defines.

http://stakeman.smugmug.com

 

[precognito]

Paul,

The usual puns aside, thanks for giving us all a few things to think about. How refreshing to encounter an industry leader who is so accessible (and knowledgable) online. Once I get past the brand name hand wringing and chest thumping that extends through many of the photography threads, I often find helpful information or thoughtful analysis. These days many critical decisions are based upon faulty information (or lies). Brand loyalties are often formed by impressions rather than informed opinion or actual experience.

Of course there are photographers who dismiss the Bees as plastic toys not up to the rigors of daily use, sneer at the analog slider, bemoan the lack of digital display or fret over slight color shiifts when stepping down. As one who appreciates minimalist design, I applaud the honesty of your products. As my lighting requirements grow, I'll be adding Bees to my kit. And I'll opt for a bright color.

Paul

 

[paulbuff]

Paul,

I appreciate your feedback and support. I've been doing this sort of stuff all my life - long before photo lighting I owned a sound recording studio, then manufactured equipment for the studio industry. Along the line I learned the vast majority of users prefer mimimalist equipment and actually like the feel of direct human touch on a slider to the keypad or dial-in sort of control (that group includes me). I have no problem in adjusting 1/4 stop or so with a slider - that's what you really do in the studio - tweak the lights until you get what you want - rarely less than 1/3 stop or so.

When it comes to high tech stuff I have to say I am among the best in the country in configuring such systems - In the pro-audio industry my name is well known as the father of the computerized recording studio console - and believe me, this technology makes studio flash look like child's play.

The point is, this is not what the masses really want. They, like you and I, prefer touchy/feely control that does what you expect it to - "simply effective". I chuckled when (Photogenic - our biggest competitor at the time) first came out with digital control in wattseconds as the only means of controlling their latest line of goodies. While I understand the relationship of WS to light level as well as anyone, the thought of dropping a hairlight from "87WS" to "62WS" is total Greek to 98% of users.

That's the philosphy behind WL and AB - a simple to buy and simple to use tool for real people - a tool our vast customer feedback base says works as well and often better than ones that cost 3 to 10 times as much. Beyond that, we follow the Golden Rule in how we deal with customers. That, in a nutshell, is what we do.

Hype? Sales pitch? I don't think so. If I were only a forum member and not a manufacturer, I would welcome this sort of feedback and mission statement from any supplier.
Thanks again,
Paul

Paul,

The usual puns aside, thanks for giving us all a few things to
think about. How refreshing to encounter an industry leader who is
so accessible (and knowledgable) online. Once I get past the brand
name hand wringing and chest thumping that extends through many of
the photography threads, I often find helpful information or
thoughtful analysis. These days many critical decisions are based
upon faulty information (or lies). Brand loyalties are often formed
by impressions rather than informed opinion or actual experience.

Of course there are photographers who dismiss the Bees as plastic
toys not up to the rigors of daily use, sneer at the analog slider,
bemoan the lack of digital display or fret over slight color
shiifts when stepping down. As one who appreciates minimalist
design, I applaud the honesty of your products. As my lighting
requirements grow, I'll be adding Bees to my kit. And I'll opt for
a bright color.

Paul

 

[rmstudio]

Hey Paul dont take it personally look at the source of people writing the bashing? Most are forum trolling wanna be's that most likely dont even know what Kelvin's are or have there monitors calibrated. They only make those kind of statements so they can feel or think they are hip or cool and know what they are talking about. Also to brag that they spent money on Elichrome or Pro Fotos to feel like they are cool because they own the expensive stuff or to impress there forum buddies. But cant even figuire out how to sync their camera's to the studio flash systems. I own one of your old WhiteLighting 10,000 heads "Someone gave it to me" I have beat that thing to death it still works after 10yrs of almost daily use and is consistant as any of the PRO Foto power pack and heads that i also use. The people that make those kind of comments really dont know what they are talking about and just make those statements to feel like they are important. Its obvious you dont need to prove these forum types that your products are just as good as the big expensive lights when it comes to consistancy and color balance. You know its good most real pros that have used them and understand light know they are consistant and color balanced. But there will always be some "Forum Head" that wants to feel like a big fish in a little pond by bashing your lighting system. Also that same guy that says that stuff is most likely a weekend warrior that runs around with a 80 to 200 zoom lens at indoor events because he "Thinks" it looks cool. LoL. Most of the people on these forums are here because they are not out working or making a daily living at this. Because if they where they wouldnt have the time to be posting on forums hourly like they do. LoL.

 

[gwprovost]

Thanks for posting the test results and exposing some of the foolishness that's been posted here in the past.

 

[RDKirk]

--
RDKirk
'TANSTAAFL: The only unbreakable rule in photography.'

 

[precognito]

Paul,

Your points are all well taken. Serious photographers are always having to deal with mixed lighting sources of much greater variance than those most strobes exhibit when stepping down. And when looking at a photo, absent a giveway reflection from a polished surfance, who could ever identify the brand of the light source much less the camera and lens? Skillful use of light modifiers and reflectors earns the merit badge. Shooting RAW and judicious post-processing takes care of most of these challenges. The sun has always been my primary light source and I turn to others only when the images demand it so my priorities differ from those who shoot in studios exclusively. My first strobe purchase was a Hensel kit, primarily because the modeling light was brighter than most and wireless integration seemed to be especially good. As I gain more experience using strobes for location shoots, I doubt that the modeling light will be much of a consideration and because of their reasonable cost, compact size, light weight, and bargain batteries, the Bees will be my go-to kit on location.

You would bring up the complexity of digital audio. Because I'll be putting together some small video projects in addition to my still work, I've had to dive into digital audio capture and editing. The learning curve is near vertical and there is a whole new layer of gear and software to sort through. You have an Alien Ears setup in the works? I need cost-effective simplicity in the worst way.

Regards,
Paul

 

[Debbee]

Paul,

Would you believe my husband Paul got banned from dpreview for his comments? He is asking them why, but they don't respond -ticked someone off I guess.
Thanks for your support.
Deb Buff

Paul,

Your points are all well taken. Serious photographers are always
having to deal with mixed lighting sources of much greater variance
than those most strobes exhibit when stepping down. And when
looking at a photo, absent a giveway reflection from a polished
surfance, who could ever identify the brand of the light source
much less the camera and lens? Skillful use of light modifiers and
reflectors earns the merit badge. Shooting RAW and judicious
post-processing takes care of most of these challenges. The sun has
always been my primary light source and I turn to others only when
the images demand it so my priorities differ from those who shoot
in studios exclusively. My first strobe purchase was a Hensel kit,
primarily because the modeling light was brighter than most and
wireless integration seemed to be especially good. As I gain more
experience using strobes for location shoots, I doubt that the
modeling light will be much of a consideration and because of their
reasonable cost, compact size, light weight, and bargain batteries,
the Bees will be my go-to kit on location.

You would bring up the complexity of digital audio. Because I'll be
putting together some small video projects in addition to my still
work, I've had to dive into digital audio capture and editing. The
learning curve is near vertical and there is a whole new layer of
gear and software to sort through. You have an Alien Ears setup in
the works? I need cost-effective simplicity in the worst way.

Regards,
Paul

 

[Debbee]

Have you heard - Paul got banned from dpreview for his comments. The majority agreed with Paul's observation on the definition and implications of "power adjustment range" but I guess he ticked off someone that disagreed. Too bad - he pointed out discrepancies in how things are specified and they killed the messenger of truth.
Thanks for your comments.
Deb Buff

Hey Paul dont take it personally look at the source of people
writing the bashing? Most are forum trolling wanna be's that most
likely dont even know what Kelvin's are or have there monitors
calibrated. They only make those kind of statements so they can
feel or think they are hip or cool and know what they are talking
about. Also to brag that they spent money on Elichrome or Pro Fotos
to feel like they are cool because they own the expensive stuff or
to impress there forum buddies. But cant even figuire out how to
sync their camera's to the studio flash systems. I own one of your
old WhiteLighting 10,000 heads "Someone gave it to me" I have beat
that thing to death it still works after 10yrs of almost daily use
and is consistant as any of the PRO Foto power pack and heads that
i also use. The people that make those kind of comments really dont
know what they are talking about and just make those statements to
feel like they are important. Its obvious you dont need to prove
these forum types that your products are just as good as the big
expensive lights when it comes to consistancy and color balance.
You know its good most real pros that have used them and understand
light know they are consistant and color balanced. But there will
always be some "Forum Head" that wants to feel like a big fish in a
little pond by bashing your lighting system. Also that same guy
that says that stuff is most likely a weekend warrior that runs
around with a 80 to 200 zoom lens at indoor events because he
"Thinks" it looks cool. LoL. Most of the people on these forums are
here because they are not out working or making a daily living at
this. Because if they where they wouldnt have the time to be
posting on forums hourly like they do. LoL.