PhilBUGS: Anyone using the LumiQuest Promax System here?

[Adel]

I was able to acquire a complete six-piece set of the 80-20 and accessory pack of the LumiQuest Promax System for a song, and I am pretty impressed. It's like I have full access to my office's studio gear and setup all the time, anytime, anywhere.

It comes with the 80-20 hood (which bounces 80% of the flash off the ceiling through the holes, and sends 20% forward as fill)...



...and a set of three reflective panels for use if there is no handy ceiling or wall to bounce off of: a white neutral panel, a gold one for late afternoon shoots or if you want warm tones, and a silver one for specular highlighting...



...and a frosted diffusion screen, like a Stofen Diffuser.



The panels can be used together with the diffusion screen for more options. There is a handy table available for exposure compensation for the different combinations if you're not comfortable (or lazy) to use trial-and-error to find the right exposures.

Much as I like it, I myself am taking a while to get the right mixes (maybe because I have an oldie-von-moldie flash - a Canon 380EX Speedlite - and I find it a bit slow on the uptake and a little weak). I'll get it down pat after a week or so I guess. Aside from that, I'm not too happy with the micro-hook-and-loop (better known as Velcro) attachment system which requires you to stick four provided velcro patches onto your flash. Aesthetically it isn't very pleasing (who wants a hairy flash - sorta ruins the cool, y'know?); it makes the flash a bit sticky at first when the adhesive seeps out a bit, and you know eventually you'll have to replace the velcro when they lose their stick-togetherness. Velcro is also used to attach the reflective panels to the 80-20 hood. Also, when raised to its full form, it looks big and ungainly, although it really weighs next to nothing. But it works.

It's no big deal to carry around, it all folds and tucks into an included black leather wallet slightly bigger than a passport holder and just as thin.

Anyone in the MUG with experience with this? I'd appreciate some tips.

[Edited on 4-9-2005 by Adel]

[ncarandang]

i currently am using one right now. so far, i get great results from it. better than the stofen.

[Maverick]

how much does this cost?

[ncarandang]

35 dollars

[Adel]

Originally posted by Maverick
how much does this cost?

It takes way less effort to google it than to write a post asking the question, Mav, and you get instant answers as well, rather than waiting for hours or days for a reply.

ncarandang caught the low end. I've seen it selling for US$50 on some sites. I got mine second-hand for P500.

[Maverick]

just wanted to compare it with the prices of the local distributors in other places that's why I asked.

[arbil]

is it available locally? I've seen that in pbase with some intructions on how to create your own bouncer. I made one using an ordinary white card board. But if it's available locally, might consider buying one.

[mikaelrules]

Hi, just wondering, is this Lumiquest System or the Stofen available in the Philippines? If so, can someone please direct me to a shop near the ortigas area...


Thanks!