Follow-up to my Elinchrom BXRI 500 Strobes Review
After I posted my video review of the Elinchrom BXRI-500 strobes earlier this week, I was contacted by the folks at Bogen Imaging (who distribute Elinchrom gear here in the US), and who watched my review and saw that one of my few minor “dings” about them was the fact that you needed to keep the instruction manual around for assigning groups.
They let me know that they had created a downloadable quick chart (in PDF format) that BXRI users can now download, which has all the programmable controls laid out in a very simple and easy-to-use format (plus, the chart includes more than just how to assign groups). You can download their free quick chart right here.
My hat’s off to Bogen for making this available so quickly (I’m going to print and laminate two of them, then attach them to the lightstands so they’re right there when I need them).
NOTE: If you’re new to studio lighting, and you go to Bogen’s Web site, these will be listed under the heading “Monoblocks.” All that means is that strobes don’t require a separate power pack to power them—they plug directly into a regular wall-socket like any other electronic device.
Scott, I am a high school football coach working at a school just outside of Atlanta. I have been reading your blog every morning since I bought your first digital photography book two years ago. I met one of your friends yesterday as he was doing a photo shoot at our school. His name is Paul Abell. I am a beginner photographer so followed him around asking questions. He was just as helpful, friendly and accomodating as he could be. Just as I thought, he spoke very highly of you. He might make a great Wednesday guest blogger!! Have a great weekend!
David
Hi David:
Thanks for sharing your story. Paul is a really terrific guy, and great photographer and teacher as well! I’m working on putting a sport photography workshop together with him this year, and I’ll share the details once they’re all worked out.
Paul has taught me a lot, and I’m very grateful for his willingness to share his knowledge, and for his friendship. I’m glad you got the opportunity to meet such a great guy!
-Scott
Scott, I ordered 3 of the 500w lights and some other stuff. Do you think the quality is there since these are made in India unlike the RX heads? I wonder why they didnt make these able to work with the software so you can control on the laptop.
Scott and guys:
I was just over looking at Deke McClellands dekePod he has a new video where he sings a love song titled “The Droplet Song” its great you should check it out.
Scott keep up the good work!
Dude, I pointed this out on your review on the 16th! Don’t nick my ideas without giving me some credit!
I’ve already patented the laminating and hole-punching idea so you can tie it to the unit with anything except cable-ties!
Hey Matt,
Not to burst your bubble but doing the laminated card thing is hardly a new concept and doubt that you were the first to think of it. I’m not sure if any credit is owed to you. It’s nice of you to share what works with everyone; however, I’ve seen that idea used in lots of other areas.
Haha, I was only joking, Jack. Scott or someone mentioned how useful the card would be if the instructions could be condensed and these are as a single sheet PDF from Elinchrom, hence my comment and link on the other post. All the best, Matt
I have two Elinchrome RX600’s and LOVE them! One has a 3×4 softbox and the other a 12×36 strip (sometimes use umbrellas too). Also have a Monte Zucker (Westcott) constant light set up (Td5 and 2 Td3s) which are ok for very close portraits but not much else. I have been trying to use the 2 Td3’s for a background light, which works OK for a dark background effect but not for good background lighting of white or bright backgrounds. Would the BXRi 250s be good for background lights ?? (we also do silhouettes)
BTW, Awesome Blog! When are you coming back to Hartford?
and thanks for my one of a kind t-shirt that is coming! Wahoo! I was a top ten PSW referrer
http://lifethrulisaslens.blogspot.com/2009/03/photoshop-world-boston.html
Hi Scott,
I just wanted to say that I bought my kit Elinchrom Bxri (250/500) here in Belgium, and the quick chart was included in the kit, all well protected.
I’m a real fan of all your work and I must tell you that during the past 3 years, you really inspired me throughout all your books, photoshop tv episodes, … Thank you for being you and for contributing to the photographic world as you do with so much passion !!
Eric.
David,
Just finished Digital Photography Vol. 2….. very insightful. Thanks for sharing your knowledge… I’m new with digital and your book helped. Thanks….. David
hi,
I am planing to buy my first pro light..
I was just wondering that if I first buy Elinchrom RX600,is it possible to continue complete my set with 2*BXRI 500..are they compatible with each other? is skyport system also works with RX600? if not am I able to use my pocket wizard transceiver?My camera is D700 it has wireless so no need using pocket wizard with SB800,will it be the same when I use RX600?
I am so confused, I would be grateful if you assist me..
thank you so much