Hensel vs Multiblitz or ...?
Jan Werbiński
I'm planning to buy one studio lighting from Hensel or Multiblitz. I want to
use it mainly for locations photography of industrial, architecture, people
and schools - kindergarten. Lamps will be mounted and unmounted very often
and transported in a car.
I will probably buy Multiblitz Profilux 600 or Varilux 500 or 1500 Ws but I
don't know much about Hensel. What is difference between this two brands?
Which is more durable, reliable?
Hensel looks more durable with aluminium mounting plate but Multiblitz have
very good opinion among photographers here in Poland. Which should I buy to
have 10-15 years of intensive use?
Where I can find german prices?
I was trying to get this information on polish usenet without success.
I'm sorry I don't speak german.
Thank You
--
Jan Werbiński O0oo....._[:]) bul, bul, bul
Strona domowa http://pa54.zgora.sdi.tpnet.pl/jw/
Nasza sieć http://pa54.zgora.sdi.tpnet.pl/
Patrick Rudin
> I'm planning to buy one studio lighting from Hensel or Multiblitz.
Michael will sure tell you the story about his experiences with
Multiblitz...
> I want to use it mainly for locations photography of industrial,
> architecture, people and schools - kindergarten. Lamps will be
> mounted and unmounted very often and transported in a car.
Maybe you should not only think about a compact flash system, but also
about some powerpack with flashheads?
> Which is more durable, reliable?
As far as i know from local photographers, the professional series vom
Hensel (http://www.hensel.de), Elinchrom (http://www.elinchrom.com)
and Bron (http://www.bron.ch) are all very reliable.
> Which should I buy to have 10-15 years of intensive use?
Intensive use? Try them all, rent them for a few days.
> Where I can find german prices?
There are no prices on any website, afaik.
regards
Patrick
--
Patrick Rudin - Aeschengraben 17 - CH-4051 Basel
http://www.hoppla.ch/mittelformat/ - Kameras und Technik
Jan Werbiński
news:anvf55.3...@ID-36449.user.dfncis.de...
> Michael will sure tell you the story about his experiences with
> Multiblitz...
Something bad?
> Maybe you should not only think about a compact flash system, but also
> about some powerpack with flashheads?
In fact I was thinking about generator with flash heads but most people
advise its not good for transporting in a car. Well Multiblitz generator
2400 + 2 heads is about the same total weight like 2 1500Ws and just a
little more cost. Is it really good idea generator with heads for pictures
in school and kindergarten? I never seen anybody using generator in such
photographs.
> > Which should I buy to have 10-15 years of intensive use?
>
> Intensive use? Try them all, rent them for a few days.
It's a problem here in west Poland.
Thanks a lot.
Laurent Wirmer
> use it mainly for locations photography of industrial, architecture, people
> and schools - kindergarten. Lamps will be mounted and unmounted very often
> and transported in a car.
Do you know Elfo in Poland? I saw them at Photokina and they seem to
make good stuff *and* it is in Poland.
--
Grüße Laurent Wirmer
Homepage: http://www.foto-im-quadrat.de
Die d.r.f - Homepage: http://www.drf-FAQ.de
"Unser Kopf ist rund, damit unser Denken die Richtung wechseln kann."
-- Francis Picabia
Roland Winziger
>In fact I was thinking about generator with flash heads but most people
>advise its not good for transporting in a car. Well Multiblitz generator
>2400 + 2 heads is about the same total weight like 2 1500Ws
but not the same weight on the lightstands.
Gruss/regards
--
Roland Winziger
Patrick Rudin
> > Michael will sure tell you the story about his
> > experiences with Multiblitz...
>
> Something bad?
The short version: He experienced two times a exploding
multiblitz-head. But i don't now which product line it was. He will
sure tell you, just wait a few hours...
> In fact I was thinking about generator with flash heads but
> most people advise its not good for transporting in a car.
> Well Multiblitz generator 2400 + 2 heads is about the same
> total weight like 2 1500Ws and just a little more cost.
Okay, if you need only two heads, then there will be no advantage with
generators and heads.
> Is it really good idea generator with heads for pictures
> in school and kindergarten? I never seen anybody using
> generator in such photographs.
It depends on how many light you need. If you are working with 3000,
6000 Joules or more - there is no economic possibility with compact
flashes.
Maybe interesting for you, here are old prices (photokina 2000) for
the Hensel professional Line:
Mono-E 250: 534 Euro.
Mono-E 500: 611 Euro.
Mono-Max 750: 1047 Euro.
Mono-Max 1500: 1232 Euro.
Mono Max 3000: 1879 Euro.
The prices are without sales tax, you find the technical details at
the Hensel-website.
Jan Werbiński
news:anveur$rlb$00$1...@news.t-online.com...
> Do you know Elfo in Poland? I saw them at Photokina and they seem to
> make good stuff *and* it is in Poland.
>
> http://www.elfo.com.pl
Yes I know. I have one of their old lamps. Elfo is the best in Poland. I
have also Marco Flash which is really bad.
I prefer to buy imported. It's just my preference.
Christian Traube
I recently bought a set from Hensel and I'm very satisfied with it. The
mechanical construction and the flashlight looks much better than the
Multiblitz equipment.
If you have the chance to have a look at the different brands in a shop you
will immediately notice the differences.
The price of Hensel is higher than Multiblitz but not very dramatically.
I would really recommend Hensel!
Christian
Michael Quack
> I'm planning to buy one studio lighting from Hensel or Multiblitz.
Multiblitz only if you like the units to explode on you....
... and if you cherish the cheap craftsmanship.
> I want to use it mainly for locations photography of industrial,
> architecture, people and schools - kindergarten. Lamps will be
> mounted and unmounted very often and transported in a car.
Monolights in flightcases, then. Their bigger diameter
for light formers reduces the risk to damage the flash tube,
the overall mechanical stability is better, the line goes up
to higher max power. Depending on your needs start with
one 1500 or 3000 Ws unit and one 250/500 Ws unit each, fill
up with 500/750 Ws units until you have enough.
If you intend to use ringlights, longlights or similar,
you might also have good use for a separate powerpack
and lamp heads. Also, the lamp heads for separate powerpacks
can go on more lightweight lamp stands.
> I will probably buy Multiblitz Profilux 600 or Varilux 500 or
> 1500 Ws but I don't know much about Hensel. What is difference
> between this two brands?
There is a lot. Hensel is much more rugged, the build is
much stronger and more durable, the components have more
headroom in their specs, all light formers can be freely
rotated, while most Multiblitz light formers are bayonet
mount with just three different orientations.
Hensel uses their unique quick release mount which accomodates
all Mono compatible accessories for both Hensel and Bowens
Mono that have been produced over the last 30 years.
Hensel started importing Bowens, then servicing Bowens,
finally running license production and ended up in producing
their own line of flash equipment. They do this in a way
that made them the biggest European manufacturer in studio
flash equipment.
> Which is more durable, reliable?
Without the shadow of a doubt Hensel.
> Hensel looks more durable with aluminium mounting plate but
> Multiblitz have very good opinion among photographers here
> in Poland. Which should I buy to have 10-15 years of intensive
> use?
My oldest Hensel/Bowens unit is a Monolite 400 from 1972 and
has eaten 65 Deutschmarks in service since then.
Others from 1983/1984 have had a flash tube replaced each for
around 125 Deutschmark, but they have been in almost daily use.
> Where I can find german prices?
Since I don't know if Hensel has a Polish subsidy or
representative, I suggest you mail Sven Seifert at
<Hense...@debitel.net> Sven speaks English, and he is
certainly able to help you out with all relevant
information in English.
If you mention that you collected the info from
this group he might be able to give you a small rebate
or Photokina exhibition prices.
--
Michael Quack <mic...@photoquack.de>
Fast, reliable, cheap. Pick any two of the three.
Jan Werbiński
> Mono-E 250: 534 Euro.
> Mono-E 500: 611 Euro.
> Mono-Max 750: 1047 Euro.
> Mono-Max 1500: 1232 Euro.
> Mono Max 3000: 1879 Euro.
>
> The prices are without sales tax, you find the technical details at
> the Hensel-website.
Thank you for the prices. Can I see and/or buy Hensel lamps in Berlin,
Cottbuss, Leipzig or Dresden? I send inquiry to hensel.de but they always
resend it to hensel.pl so it's difficult to know prices in Germany.
Personally I prefer to buy in Germany - same distance for me and less taxes.
:-)
Jan Werbiński
news:MPG.180e4c389...@news.cis.dfn.de...
> In article <anusco$ia3$1...@news.tpi.pl>, Jan Werbiński says...
>
> > I'm planning to buy one studio lighting from Hensel or Multiblitz.
>
> Multiblitz only if you like the units to explode on you....
> ... and if you cherish the cheap craftsmanship.
Yes, now I already searched list with keywords: explosion, Multiblitz etc.
:-)
> > I want to use it mainly for locations photography of industrial,
> > architecture, people and schools - kindergarten. Lamps will be
> > mounted and unmounted very often and transported in a car.
>
> Monolights in flightcases, then. Their bigger diameter
> for light formers reduces the risk to damage the flash tube,
> the overall mechanical stability is better, the line goes up
> to higher max power. Depending on your needs start with
> one 1500 or 3000 Ws unit and one 250/500 Ws unit each, fill
> up with 500/750 Ws units until you have enough.
OK, if I decide to buy Hensel what system should I enter?
Let's say I want to schot everyday in different location (transporting,
setting and packing everyday) about 400 shots. All shots in one day will be
done usually with one setting of the lamps, not much changing softboxes,
reflectors etc just set it right in the morning and pack it in the evening.
Some of other works will involve moving lamps often, sometimes in dirty
building site etc but that's a minority, some other will be done just in
studio (weddings, glamour etc).
Some advice I should go for EHT for its compactness and plenty of accesories
and cheaper price. Some other say MH for its durability especially when
studio has to be mounted and unmounted every day. Honestly I have no idea
what to choose.
It could be nice to have generator instead of monos but my work usually is
done with standard settings and I don't change it often. Which configuration
is better for location studio in terms of durability, time to set/mount,
economic cost, ease of transport? I don't want to buy cheapest. I prefer to
have more expensive but more reliable, easy and fast to set and move - that
will give me more efficiency.
1. 2x1000 Ws Contra E with umbrellas as a main light for school photos of a
group of 30-40 people + some background (I will use my old lamp) and some
effects on hair etc (also old lamps). + set of 3 Contra E 500 Ws with
softbox/softstar, umbrella for separate portrait location at the same time.
2. The same as 1 but two Mono Max 1500 Ws for main group with umbrellas and
three Mono 750 for portraits.
3. Generator like Porty with two heads 1200Ws for main group and rest as in
1
4. Two big monoblocks for a group and asymetric generator like 3000AS (isn't
it too expensive :-) with three or four heads for portrait. In this case
generator will bee also very good for some other industrial, studio or other
work.
If I choose generator then go for EHT or MH heads?
Where I can see example studio with in Berlin, Cottbus or Dresden?
What are using location photographers in Germany who make furniture,
interiors, schools and portraits?
I hope it's not too many question at once... :-)
Michael Quack
Jan Werbiński says...
> In fact I was thinking about generator with flash heads
> but most people advise its not good for transporting
> in a car.
Hmm, depends on your application. There is no replacement
for a separate generator if you need U-lights, ringlights,
fresnel spots or similar lamp heads. Also, the reduced
weight of the lamp heads in comparison to Monos helps
because you can use flimsier lamp stands or have more
reach for boom arms. The cables are under constant stress,
though, and you certainly have more wear than you would
in Monos. Monos are simply the way to go for highly mobile
work if you don't need special lamp heads as described above.
> Well Multiblitz generator 2400 + 2 heads is about the
> same total weight like 2 1500Ws and just a little more
> cost.
And half the power. Any Mono of a given power rating
will render about one full f-stop more on your subject
than any lamp head with separate powerpack and the same
nominal rating. There is a lot of loss caused by cabling.
If you are after regular lamp heads, I'd suggest to stay
with Monos.
> Is it really good idea generator with heads for pictures
> in school and kindergarten?
Nope.
Michael Quack
Jan Werbiński says...
> Can I see and/or buy Hensel lamps in Berlin,
> Cottbuss, Leipzig or Dresden?
Berlin.
Studio-Labor-Technik GmbH
SLT - Dieter Bartels
Mommsenstrasse 63
10629 Berlin
phone 030-88683830
fax 030-88683833
cell 0172-4077635
They don't have the full range in stock, but if you
call in advance and make an appointment, he is able
to order everything from Würzburg for you to look at.
> Personally I prefer to buy in Germany - same
> distance for me and less taxes.
Interesting. I was under the impression that it would
be cheaper in Poland.
Michael Quack
Jan Werbiński says...
> OK, if I decide to buy Hensel what system should I enter?
> Let's say I want to schot everyday in different location (transporting,
> setting and packing everyday) about 400 shots. All shots in one day will be
> done usually with one setting of the lamps, not much changing softboxes,
> reflectors etc just set it right in the morning and pack it in the evening.
> Some of other works will involve moving lamps often, sometimes in dirty
> building site etc but that's a minority, some other will be done just in
> studio (weddings, glamour etc).
Monos, and proper flight cases for the transport are key
to durability. Ball edges, butterfly locks and so on.
Put the lamp stands in flight cases as well if possible.
> Some advice I should go for EHT for its compactness
> and plenty of accesories and cheaper price.
You get all accessories in both EH and MH, there is no
difference except for projection heads which are exclusive
to the EH spot units.
> Some other say MH for its durability especially when
> studio has to be mounted and unmounted every day.
That would also be my suggestion, these units simply
last much longer and can take more beatings.
> It could be nice to have generator instead of monos but
> my work usually is done with standard settings and I
> don't change it often.
Generators are neccessary only for few reasons:
- Specialised lamp heads.
- Higher max power.
- Remote control in *very* large studios.
- Reduced weight of lamp heads on booms or very high lamp stands
> Which configuration is better for location studio in
> terms of durability, time to set/mount, economic cost,
> ease of transport? I don't want to buy cheapest. I prefer to
> have more expensive but more reliable, easy and fast to
> set and move - that will give me more efficiency.
Mono, Mono and Mono, then.
> 1. 2x1000 Ws Contra E with umbrellas as a main light for
> school photos of a group of 30-40 people + some background
> (I will use my old lamp) and some effects on hair etc
> (also old lamps). + set of 3 Contra E 500 Ws with
> softbox/softstar, umbrella for separate portrait location
> at the same time.
For groups that large, this is not very much power.
> 2. The same as 1 but two Mono Max 1500 Ws for main group
> with umbrellas and three Mono 750 for portraits.
Better, but maybe three 750 are too much for portraits.
You need big umbrellas for large groups, or better softboxes,
as umbrellas might mean a problem with stray light blinding
your camera and giving unwanted reflections.
> 3. Generator like Porty with two heads 1200Ws for
> main group and rest as in 1
That would be okay if you have no mains power.
But then you need one porty generator for one lamp
head, as 1200 is not that much of power, and
keep in mind that Porty heads have a much smaller
pilot lamp, which is a pain in the ass for regular
work. It is a good compromise for location work
without electric power, but not good as only tool.
> 4. Two big monoblocks for a group and asymetric generator
> like 3000AS (isn't it too expensive :-) with three or
> four heads for portrait. In this case generator will bee
> also very good for some other industrial, studio or other
> work.
Yes, but see above, only if you need the higher power
or special lamp heads. Else the Monos have a much better
mobility and flexibility. Fixing a Mono unit to a ceiling
rigg means one super clamp plus safety.
Doing the same with powerpack means much more grip
equipment to be clung to the ceiling. And then 5 meters
cable length limits your possibilities in setting
lamps apart from each other.
> If I choose generator then go for EHT or MH heads?
MH. Less heat problems, less risk of damaging flash tubes
when changing light formers.
> Where I can see example studio with in Berlin,
See the address of SLT in my other post.
> What are using location photographers in Germany who make
> furniture, interiors, schools and portraits?
I have two Mono 1200, one of them a "quick" version,
one Mono 400, one Mini 500, two Mini 250, one Minispot
250, two 500 Ws Mini/Expert Generators with spot heads,
one powerpack 3200 Ws with 140 cm longlight tubes,
which are built into long banks of 2 meters x 15 cm
each.
My light formers are one softbox 75x135 for the main
light most of the time, one softbox 17x75 cm, one round
80 cm GFK light (beautiful light, but discontinued, does
not fold at all.....), one ACB soft reflector, loads of
standard reflectors with honeycomb grids and filter
carriers, the two long banks, a smaller long bank 15x140 cm
and a projection set for the spot heads. Not much that
I can't do with this setup.
Check http://www.photoquack.de to see what I did with it.
Jan Werbiński
> In article <ao33uo$87u$1...@news2.tpi.pl>,
> My light formers are one softbox 75x135 for the main
> light most of the time, one softbox 17x75 cm, one round
> 80 cm GFK light (beautiful light, but discontinued, does
>
Probably I'll choose 2xMono as a main light. And then some Mono E 500 Ws for
a portrait.
I have opportunity to buy two second hand, 8 months old Contra E 500 Ws for
a good price (1150 euro with 1 softstar, 1umbrella, tripods and softbag) but
I'm affraid it will be uncomfortable having lamps for EHT and MH accesories.
So probably I will not buy that and stick with MH.
Thank you for a plenty of information.
Patrick Rudin
> I send inquiry to hensel.de but they always resend it to
> hensel.pl so it's difficult to know prices in Germany.
> Personally I prefer to buy in Germany - same distance
> for me and less taxes. :-)
How much VAT ist there on consumer products now in Poland? Or ist it
just the usual supplement (as it is in Switzerland) of the import
company?
Michael Quack
Jan Werbiński says...
> Probably I'll choose 2xMono as a main light. And then
> some Mono E 500 Ws for a portrait.
Should be okay.
> I have opportunity to buy two second hand, 8 months
> old Contra E 500 Ws for a good price (1150 euro with
> 1 softstar, 1umbrella, tripods and softbag) but
> I'm affraid it will be uncomfortable having lamps for
> EHT and MH accesories.
You will find that you don't switch light formers that
often, and I have no problems in handling both Mini and
MH light formers.
> So probably I will not buy that and stick with MH.
The price is okay for the second hand Contras.
If you can live with the mentioned drawbacks, I'd
recommend buying them. They will serve you well
for the portraits. However, an ideal setup would
be constituted from Monos for your application.
It all depends on how tight your budget is, and
how long/how intensive the use will be.
--
Michael Quack <mic...@photoquack.de>
Jan Werbiński
> Jan Werbiński schrieb:
>
> > I send inquiry to hensel.de but they always resend it to
> > hensel.pl so it's difficult to know prices in Germany.
> > Personally I prefer to buy in Germany - same distance
> > for me and less taxes. :-)
>
> How much VAT ist there on consumer products now in Poland? Or ist it
> just the usual supplement (as it is in Switzerland) of the import
> company?
22% on goods like photo equipment. But some cameras cost about 50% more than
in Germany. Nobody knows why.
It looks like Hensel and Multiblitz have special offer for Poland and prices
are about the same or less here.