Are these worth while? Some flashes

AlTheKiller

http://austin.craigslist.org/pho/3216226561.html

If you dont want to click the link, there are pictures in the link:

This $200.00 lighting package includes:
(2) Vivitar Flashes
(2) White Umbrellas
(2) Light Stands
(2) Umbrella Stand Brackets
(2) Filter Packs
(2) Filter Hoods
(2) PC Sync Cables
(2) Battery Cables
(1) Quantum Battery 1 Pack
(1) Quantum Battery Charger
(1) AC/DC Power Distributor
(1) AC/DC Adapter
(1) Power Cable

Bonus:
(1) approximately 53" x 107" White Paper Background
(4) Background Clips

This strobist lighting package should work with canon, nikon, olympus, pentax, konica, minolta & sony (requires adapter), etc.


As of right now all I have are hot lamps and I think its limiting me quite a bit. Would this little setup work well at all? I think for the price it seems to be worth it for a little bit until I can afford some nice strobes. :dunno

ziggy53

It's hard to tell from the picture but the Vivitar flashes look like older Vivitar 283 flashes, which often have very high trigger voltages. If so, they would not be safe to use directly on a modern digital camera. The umbrellas look very small. The lack of specifics is scary.

AlTheKiller

Thank you for the information. I was just hoping I came across a decent find for the money and if not oh we'll I'll keep shopping

waywardfool

If you know a bit about electronics, or got a friend, it's not that difficult to mod the trigger voltage...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=416117
http://repairfaq.cis.upenn.edu/Misc/strbfaq.htm#strboaof

ziggy53

waywardfool wrote: »

If you know a bit about electronics, or got a friend, it's not that difficult to mod the trigger voltage...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=416117
http://repairfaq.cis.upenn.edu/Misc/strbfaq.htm#strboaof

Alternately, you can use a "SafeSync" product:

http://www.adorama.com/WNSSHSHS.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/245292-REG/Wein_W990560_Safe_Sync_Hot_Shoe_to.html

You can also use radio trigger sets.

Unfortunately, the age of the flashes plus the other components of this advertised "kit" are not worth the time and trouble, or the cost (IMO).

ziggy53

waywardfool wrote: »

If you know a bit about electronics, or got a friend, it's not that difficult to mod the trigger voltage...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=416117
http://repairfaq.cis.upenn.edu/Misc/strbfaq.htm#strboaof

Having a little trouble locating the parts for this project. I presume that you have a source for the parts?

AlTheKiller

I didnt end up bothering with these and will be ordering some Alien Bees here shortly. I ended up selling my motorcycle haha. Only problem I am having now is which ones to get? Im thinking to start with one of the 800s and see how that is before ordering 2 more.

ziggy53

What is your application and need for lights?

Indoors, outdoors?
Amount of ambient light?
Size that needs illumination?
Type of modifiers?
Need for modeling light?
Portability concerns?
AC/mains or battery power?
etc.

The more you can tell about your needs, the better we can advise.

AlTheKiller

99% indoor for modeling, typically a single person but maybe two at most. Not overly concerned about portability but may be used outdoors from time to time. more than likely it wouldnt be in middle of the day lighting situations but late evening and night time. If its used outdoors other than a model or two, I would like to be able to illuminate a vehicle/motorcycle nicely. Id use soft boxes, not a huge fan of umbrellas but that doesnt rule them out. I dont have a problem running extension cords haha

ziggy53

Alien Bee, B800 flashes are used by a lot of photographers for indoor and outdoor work, similar to what you describe. I was with a photographer last Saturday who used a pair of B800 monolights for the formals.

While you may ultimately want some additional lights, starting with a pair of B800s is a great way to get started.

AlTheKiller

thank you! I found one B800 with medium soft box and the 13ft stand for 380 on craigslist. Hopefully they still have it and can get back to me