 |
|
Question:
Will the ProMax SoftBox attach to my Nikon SB-27, which
is a little different from the Nikon SB-24 mentioned in
your FAQ? I want a simple, reliable attachment, nothing
jury-rigged, please. Chris B.
Question:
Can you tell me anything about the compatibility of
your SoftBox or Mini SoftBox with a Nikon SB-27 flash?
It has kind of a weird design compared with the flashes
pictured in your website photographs. Thanks for your
help. Peter M.
Question:
Could I use a ProMax SoftBox/Mini
SoftBox on my Nikon
SB-27 speedlight? Does it interfere the speed light
auto-sensor? Which one of these is better on SB-27?
Liew K.
Question:
Can I use the ProMax SoftBox Model LQ-925D with my
Nikon SB-27 flash? Adnan S.
Answer:
In response to your questions regarding LumiQuest®
accessories for the Nikon SB-27, no, I'm afraid
that we don't offer any products for that model.
There are currently no plans to produce such an item,
but models in our current line do work well with the
Nikon SB-24/25/26 models.
How does bouncing the light soften the shadow?
Answer:
Essentially, the larger the light source, the
"softer" the shadow, given the same lighting
source to subject distance. The larger light source
makes the transition between the area which is fully
illuminated and the area in deep shadow more gradual or
"softer". By using a LumiQuest® device, or any
bounce surface for that matter, you are making that
surface the new light source, thereby increasing the
size of the light source.
Does the Snoot concentrate and increase light output?
Answer:
No, it doesn't. There are devices using Fresnel
lenses which actually increase light output for
telephoto flash work, but our Snoot does not. The
LumiQuest® Snoot isolates the light to a 7 - 10 degree
spread for a hair light, accent light or any time you
need to illuminate a specific area of the frame without
spilling into other areas.
What are some basic considerations to help make my flash photography look more natural?
Answer:
Unfortunately, virtually every step to improve the look
of your flash photography takes a bit more effort than
on-camera flash. Moving a flash off-camera and locating
it so that the subject is illuminated from a more
natural direction is a huge step in the right direction
... rarely in nature are you the light source for the
subject which you are observing. Another important
consideration is to enlarge the light source to soften
the shadows. This is usually accomplished by bouncing
the light off some neutral surface or refracting the
light through a diffusion screen or some combination of
the two. The concept of improving the quality of light
in this manner is nothing new. Look around your home
and you'll find all sorts of light modification
devices (i.e., lamp shades, window coverings, etc.).
October, 1997
Question:
Which one of your attachments works with the Metz 50-5
flash? Which one of your attachments works with the
Minolta 5400HS flash? I am interested in getting the
Pocket Bouncer and the ProMax
System. Can I get one set
and use them for both flashes? Mehrdad S.
Answer:
All of the LumiQuest® accessories, including the ProMax
System, will work fine with both the Metz 50-5 and the
Minolta 5400HS flash units. With the ProMax System you
receive the basic unit, which is the 80-20, and three
inserts. The white insert will convert your 80-20 into
a Pocket Bouncer, the silver metallic insert adds a
specular look to highlights and the gold metallic
insert adds a warm tone to the scene. Also included in
the ProMax System is a diffusion screen which is ideal
for close-ups and portraits. The ProMax System is our
most versatile model. You may purchase additional loop
fasteners to apply to your second flash and interchange
the system with both flashes.
Which of your accessories can be used with the Metz 32Z-2 flash?
Answer:
I'm afraid that there is to date no LumiQuest® model
which is designed to work on the Metz 32Z-2 flash.
I own a Vivitar 283 and 285 flash units as well as a Canon 300 TL flash. Will your SoftBox fit all three? How far back can I stand (ASA 400 film or ASA 100) to shoot "face-on" to subject? How do I judge my exposure. What lens focal length is best to use? Ray F.
Answer:
While I am not familiar with your Canon 300 TL, all of
our products will fit your Vivitar 283 and 285 flash
units. Our products are most needed and most effective
at close to medium lighting instrument to subject
distance. At distances beyond 10-feet, I would remove
the bounce/diffusion device and shoot direct flash as
it is becoming a point source of light at that range.
With the exception of the Snoot, all of our products
cover approximately 80% (24mm lens on a 35mm camera).
I'm not quite sure what the table top reflector system contains. Could you elaborate? Gordon P.
Answer:
The LumiQuest® Table Top Reflector System consists of 5
sizes of mirror surfaces to be used to reflect light
for table top photography. You can use the mirror
surface or wrap around the silver crinkle surface or
white surface to enhance your table top photography.
There are two risers to attach your surfaces to and one
boom to extend any of the surfaces to direct the light
exactly where you want it. All the pieces fit nicely in
a storage pouch.
November, 1997
Question:
I'm a press photographer and work in a local
newspaper. I'm interested in one of your products.
I own a Canon EOS 5 and a 540EZ flash. I do a lot of
press conferences, official meetings, etc. I have been
watching your web page and I can't decide between
the ProMax Pocket Bouncer and the ProMax
Midi Bouncer.
Could you please tell me the differences and if these
are the products that best satisfy my needs. Luis
V.
Answer:
The difference between the ProMax Pocket Bouncer and
the ProMax Midi Bouncer is that the Midi
Bouncer was
specifically designed for the Metz flashes. The back of
the product curves around the dial and the loop
attachment supplied to be adhered to the flash is
curved, as well. Therefore, the Pocket Bouncer is
adequate for your flash. I would also recommend the ProMax
System which offers three devices in one - the 80-20, which is the basic unit; a white insert to
convert it into a Pocket Bouncer and a diffuser for
portraits which makes it into an Ultrasoft. The ProMax
System also includes a gold metallic insert which is
used to add a warmer tone to outdoor photos and a
silver metallic insert which is nice to use for
weddings.
Would any of your diffusers attach okay to a Canon 540EZ flash. If so, which one would give me the maximum softening? Gordon P.
Answer:
All of our products will fit your 540EZ flash, however,
care must be taken when using one of the SoftBoxes that
they don't block your sensor. The Ultrasoft softens
your photographs by not only bouncing off the device,
but also passing the light through a diffuser. The
ProMax System gives you the most versatility
of several products in one — the Pocket Bouncer, the 80-20 and the
Ultrasoft plus gold and silver metallic
inserts.
I would like to fit a Pocket Bouncer and a softbox type device to a Metz 45. Which of your products would fit the Metz 45 CL-4 the best? Would the SoftBox fit the Metz flash heads? Clarence L.
Answer:
Any LumiQuest® products will fit your Metz 45 CL-4.
However, several years ago we introduced the
MidiBouncer which is about 35% larger than the original
Pocket Bouncer and is curved at the rear so as not to
interfere with the dial on that unit.
December, 1997
Question:
I want to use some of your products (especially the
SoftBox) with my Minolta Maxxum 3500xi flash. Which
products can I use? Pedro C.
Answer:
All of the LumiQuest® products can be used with your
Minolta Maxxum 3500xi flash. As with all new equipment,
we suggest that you do test shots with whatever
accessory you choose.
How did you determine which colors to include in the LumiQuest® FX?
Answer:
The five colored gels do not correspond to any standard
or color temperature value. Color selection was based
simply on what colors might be most useful and,
obviously, any other color gel can be cut for use in
the holder. Over the years, I have periodically found
the need to colorize the light for some special effect
and this product is the result of that need. Should
there be a demand for other specific colors, we are
prepared to put together additional kits incorporating
those colors.
Could you please tell me if the Pocket Bouncer is equally effective in the vertical position as it is in the horizontal? If not, which, if any, of your products have been designed for both positions? Chuck
Answer:
Well, yes and no. The Pocket Bouncer is designed to
cover 80-degrees horizontally. When shooting vertically
with a 35mm camera and a 24mm lens, this could result
in some fall-off top and bottom unless you also rotated
the flash with the Pocket Bouncer into the vertical
position. If this were accomplished using on-camera
flash, the subject would be illuminated from the side
which would cast a very noticeable shadow to the
opposite side. If this new light source location is
objectionable then you will have to remove the flash
from the camera and locate it over the camera in a
vertical position.
Hopefully you will have benefitted from the use of our products and will also benefit from discussions regarding their use. Please feel free to contact me if you have any specific problems or questions. You can e-mail your questions to Quest by clicking the 'Email Quest' button at the top of this page.
Good shooting,
Quest C. Couch, III
