Broncolor Para FB on Elinchrom

[heinrichvoelkel]

Actually Bron is not allowed to sell their original Paras in Germany anymore, after losing against Briese in court for patent infringement, same for France (exception is the 330 Para, because Bron doesn't offer it in France officially). Bron made a Para FB, Briese did sue them again....ongoing thing.

I used both and the Briese is so much better, at least to me. And I especially like the small 1 meter Briese for the convenience of use in the field and the quality of light.

Though they are expensive and I rather rent them in the size I need.

[Shedaoshai]

And no, he won't budge even if you begged him.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=186227\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

sounds like a good market gap for a brave rogue electro-technician ;-)
i know at least 5 other photographers that would kill for those adapters

[geronimo13]

Any news about where to buy the china ripoff?


Anyone have any pics with the para?

[jsch]

Any news about where to buy the china ripoff?
Anyone have any pics with the para?
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=186310\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Hi,

here are a few shoots with different flash heads and settings (images are all without retouch and same sharpening, same lens - sorry not MF but Canon EOS 1Ds MkII, hope it is OK in this case).

1st (the girl): para 220 with dedicated bron ring flash almost fully focused, diffuser 1, Grafit A4 (lens 85/1.2@5.6)
2nd (the man): para 220 with Minicom 40 defocused (24-70/2.8@70f8)
3nd (the man): para 220 with Minicom 40 focused (24-70/2.8@70f8)
Remark: both shots of the man are in perfect focus.


Hope that helps,
Best
Johannes

[BJNY]

Johannes,
Very hard to believe those were done with a Para.
The character of light is different from what I've usually seen.
Billy

[jsch]

Johannes,
Very hard to believe those were done with a Para.
The character of light is different from what I've usually seen.
Billy
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=186347\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

How does it differ? I like the para for its light characteristics but I dislike the eye reflex, it is a bit better with the diffusor. Perhaps some additional infos about the shots:

In the male portraits the para was very close, 1-2 meters away from the model and I stood at the edge of the para.
In the girl portraits the para was much further away ,6-8 meters, and the center was 3 meters high, orientation a bit down, and I stood in the light beam.

Best,
Johannes

[canmiya]

was searching for some stuff this morning and came across this:
http://vistar.en.alibaba.com/product/20009..._Reflector.html
looks like a quasi para knock off
regards

[Snook]

Canmiya that is pretty much what mine looks like but I bought the one with silver interior..
It is really really nice.
I found out the brand of mine is called FalconEyes (chinese) knock off company. I have many softboxes from them as they are really cheap,come with grid fabrics and work great for the money.
As soon as I have a direct link I will post it and or shot's of mine in my studio.
Snook

PS>>PS>>>
Mine the tripod connects to the Back of the umbrella not in front like that one.. but it is similar

[Hans_de_Kort]

Briese Focus 180 at 7 unretouched

[perbernal]

Para 220

[canmiya]

Canmiya that is pretty much what mine looks like but I bought the one with silver interior..
It is really really nice.
I found out the brand of mine is called FalconEyes (chinese) knock off company. I have many softboxes from them as they are really cheap,come with grid fabrics and work great for the money.
As soon as I have a direct link I will post it and or shot's of mine in my studio.
Snook

PS>>PS>>>
Mine the tripod connects to the Back of the umbrella not in front like that one.. but it is similar
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

this may be the company and product:
[a href=\"http://www.falconeyes.com.hk/diyhp/12224/enus/c-59974/p-AAAV+EAAhAAAMfRAAi/URLF_Series_Umbrella_Reflector_%28Larger_Version%29.html]http://www.falconeyes.com.hk/diyhp/12224/e...Version%29.html[/url]

[Snook]

this may be the company and product:
http://www.falconeyes.com.hk/diyhp/12224/e...Version%29.html
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=186504\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Yep That is the one...:+}
Thanks for finding the link..
Again mine is the Silver version
Snook

[mmurph]

I tried to look at Briese here in the US before I bought my first Para a few years ago. It was almost impossible to find much information, pricing, etc.

I have the Para 220 and Para 170.  The 170 is a great light for location, a little easier to manage than the 220.  Never had a chance to try a 330.

I'd be interested to see comparisons with the knock-offs.  It would also be interesting to see the output from the new Profoto's, etc.  

I *love* playing with all of the unique modifiers.  Hard to do in a small town though (Ann Arbor, MI)  No rentals here, and I hate to bother the reps for test units if I know I am not going to buy.    

Best,
Michael

[Wolfman]

Yep That is the one...:+}
Thanks for finding the link..
Again mine is the Silver version
Snook
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=186510\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

Snook...... can you post any samples of images you shot with the Para knockoff?

[G_Allen]

Anyone know where to buy one of the Para knockoffs?

[Wolfman]

Anyone know where to buy one of the Para knockoffs?
[{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

[a href=\"http://www.falconeyes.com.hk/diyhp/12224/enus/c-59974/p-AAAV+EAAhAAAMfRAAi/URLF_Series_Umbrella_Reflector_%28Larger_Version%29.html]http://www.falconeyes.com.hk/diyhp/12224/e...Version%29.html[/url]

[alanshoot]

Y'all may want to check out Gary Regester of Plume fame. He's got a Jumbrella in 7, 10, and 13 foot sizes. They come with the black/silver lining and a translucent lining as well. No, there not as pretty as the Para, but they are parabolic reflectors. I just got one a couple of weeks ago and I couldn't be happier with the equipment.

http://www.plumeltd.com/jumbrella.htm

[jeremydillon]

in australia...  http://www.dragonimage.com.au/product.asp?id=639

[Snook]

I use my Para 220 fairly close to the subject within 6-10 feet (2-3 meters) from camera left or right  and with a  slight down tilt. You will actually hear a faint echo when you're facing the sweet spot or  the center of the light (not a joke). I think your catch light "problem" has to do with the position of the head inside the para. If it's to close to the inside of the umbrella you'll get a very spotted and harsh light. I like to have the head/ringflash almost as far out as possible when shooting people since this gives the nicest wrapping effect. Like using a 8x8 or 12x12 china silk on a frame and adding an open head with reflector in the center. The result is a light with both contrast, smoothness and with a nice wrap. No drastic highlights but without being boring and if you need a little bit more punch you just focus the light a few inches or centimeters.
Seems like you got a good deal on your China made para. I don't blame you for trying to save  money but usually an original is better than a copy. Unless they are using identical fabrics/materials and the same shape of the umbrella I doubt you will get the same lighting qualities as with the Bron version.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=185747\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

What I meant is that close don't the highlights in the eyes get to big or distracting?
That s what I meant. Thanks for the information.
Snook

[Snook]

Also I meant the Briese Focus deep parabolics...
The elinchrom or hensel's are nothing like those.
Does anybody know where you can buy the focus or similar umbrella/Para's?
I am talking about the ones from this thread that are all in the background..
here------>http://luminous-landscape.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=28170

Even if you look in the back there is a tiny one about 1.5 ft in diameter but like 3 feet deep.
I am sure they cost and arm and a leg but would like to find out how much and if they sell them in the US or any knock-off's?
Thanks for any information. I want the smaller ones.

Snook