Anybody using White Lightning 5000 stobes..old model

[dave newton]

I was in a local camera store and saw that they have one of these old Paul Buff White Lightning model 5000 monolights. From what I can gather, they were 200 ws. and have a small modeling lamp.

I am on a slim budget but the $200 price with a stand and 45" silver umbrella included seemed reasonable.

This light would not likely see "severe duty"

What is your experience with these lights (this model only. I know Paul Buff' current stuff is outstanding).

Is the output consistant? Reliable? Etc...

Thanks in advance,

Dave
--
Imagination Rules The World!

 

[dave newton]

I was in a local camera store and saw that they have one of these
old Paul Buff White Lightning model 5000 monolights. From what I
can gather, they were 200 ws. and have a small modeling lamp.

I am on a slim budget but the $200 price with a stand and 45"
silver umbrella included seemed reasonable.

This light would not likely see "severe duty"

What is your experience with these lights (this model only. I know
Paul Buff' current stuff is outstanding).

Is the output consistant? Reliable? Etc...

Thanks in advance,

Dave
--
Imagination Rules The World!

--
Imagination Rules The World!

 

[John Fulton]

Hi Dave,

I have 4 of the 5000 WL. In this image I am using three of them. The main light is the WL Ultra 600 and the rest are all the WL 5000. You can see part of the white housing on the hair light wich I made a snoot for. The background light is not reflective in its small dome, it is filtered direct thru white linen. The fill light is also a 5000 and it is reflected from the foil inside its dome and then filtered thru white linen. I really like these lights. They are light weight, can be powered to 1/3 - 2/3's or full power settings by a push of a button. I have used them for more than 7 yrs. in my studio pretty much as you see them in many different combinations. I have only replaced one flash tube in one of the 5000's and one I sent back to Paul C. Buff for repair and the cost was $ 50 W/ shipping. I purchased all but one of them used and the last one I bought earlier this year was used for $ 95. So your price with stand and umbrella of $ 200 is reasonable but I would not pay any more than that.

I have taken these on location as well and they have been real dependable. The ultra 600 ( my main light ) has been very reliable and I've not had any problems with it for 7 yrs. You can put different watt light bulbs in for your modeling light to make them brighter especially when the light is used for a umbrella ( reflected )



Here is a link to a shot of which the above setup was used and as well if you view all my galleries you will see studio images where the 5000 is used in every capture in some way or other.
http://www.pbase.com/s1procam/s2_2_cute

Yeah I like my PC Buffs !

JHF

 

[David B.]

A new Alien Bees AB400 is $224.95. It's easy to pick up a decent light stand and umbrella on ebay for about 20 bux each.

The AB400 gives you:

Infinitely adjustable output down to 1/32 power
1/2 second recycle @ Full power
Interchangeable reflector
Remote control capability
Fan cooled chassis
2 year warranty....

For an extra $50? No contest.

As for use, yes, I've used WLs since the original, including the 5000 and 10,000. I prefer the ABs hands down. The Ultra series is another matter.

My 2¢...

David B.

I was in a local camera store and saw that they have one of these
old Paul Buff White Lightning model 5000 monolights. From what I
can gather, they were 200 ws. and have a small modeling lamp.

I am on a slim budget but the $200 price with a stand and 45"
silver umbrella included seemed reasonable.

This light would not likely see "severe duty"

What is your experience with these lights (this model only. I know
Paul Buff' current stuff is outstanding).

Is the output consistant? Reliable? Etc...

Thanks in advance,

Dave
--
Imagination Rules The World!

 

[dave newton]

Thanks David,

I appreciate your advice. I'm sure I can negotiate a slightly better price for this light combo; my main concern is if the light is "good" or not.

Is the power of the 5000 roughly the same as the AB 400? Can you elaborate on the Ultra comment?

Thanks

--
Imagination Rules The World!

 

[Sal Giambruno176311]

I really, really like the one(s) of the Asian girl with the bright orange hat, especially DSCF0140 OUT.jpg. Beautiful.

 

[John Fulton]

Hi Sal,
Thanks You ! She is a yearly client.

JHF

 

[Jason Stoller]

Dave have you checked the white lightinig site for the specs on it. I think that they have all the specs on the older or discontinued lights in archive on the site. If not I am sure you can call them and they will give you the information. I did notice that WL was actually closing out a particular model of one of his lights, but its more than $200, I think it was $399 with a 5 year warranty. Alien Bees have a 2 years warranty. The 2 year warranty on the 400 ws Alien Bee, along with the fan cooled head and easy adjustment of the power, might just be worth the extra $50 if you are comparing it to used.

Jason

Thanks David,

I appreciate your advice. I'm sure I can negotiate a slightly
better price for this light combo; my main concern is if the light
is "good" or not.

Is the power of the 5000 roughly the same as the AB 400? Can you
elaborate on the Ultra comment?

Thanks

--
Imagination Rules The World!

--
Jason Stoller [email protected]

We are just Beta Testers who pay the Camera Companies to test their new products!

 

[Photoobservor]

Smith-Victor has a 200 Watt Second strobe the new 200ix that should be available for less than $200 new. Its made by Photogenic which has been purcased by Smith Victor.

I was in a local camera store and saw that they have one of these
old Paul Buff White Lightning model 5000 monolights. From what I
can gather, they were 200 ws. and have a small modeling lamp.

I am on a slim budget but the $200 price with a stand and 45"
silver umbrella included seemed reasonable.

This light would not likely see "severe duty"

What is your experience with these lights (this model only. I know
Paul Buff' current stuff is outstanding).

Is the output consistant? Reliable? Etc...

Thanks in advance,

Dave
--
Imagination Rules The World!

 

[Expressphotos]

Hello Dave,

I hope you have not purchased one yet because I'm selling mine. I had it serviced last year and they put all new internal parts inside. They are workhorses. Paul Buff is one of the best lights you'll find on the market. Although I have upgraded to the Alien bees and newer model strobes; it is still a great light. I was getting ready to put it on ebay. I only want $75 for it. Call me if you're interested. I'm located in Tampa, Fl 813-728-3537 Bj.

 

[Peter Berressem]

Expressphotos wrote:

Hello Dave,

I hope you have not purchased one yet

If 9 years later he still hasn't decided I think he won't ever.. :-D