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It does not do rear curtian sync. It appears that the switch problem was just with a few flashes. I've already got them back to the factory who are looking into it.
Moishe
Posted 39 months ago.
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@Carlos.benjamin - Ha! Thanks!
Posted 38 months ago.
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Sorry, one more question before I purchase. Is there a sync cable for this for using it off camera, like the coiled versions for Nikon or Canon speedlights? Is it true it works with the Canon cord, as mentioned above? Thanks!
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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nightphotog edited this topic 38 months ago.
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Shame you can't power it off of AC. That's how I power my 285HVs in studio for hair lights, etc.
Posted 38 months ago.
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@nightphotog: You can use the Canon or Nikon TTL cable if you wish. Of course you will not get TTL with either. The flash comes with a 1ft. PC to miniphone cable. For additional extension, you should look at getting a Miniphone to PC or PC Male-Male 16ft cable. You can also chain the cords for additional length.
@endoshoots: We are working on version 2 right now. I'll throw that idea into the mix.
@k.yolshin: Yes, it will fire off of your built in camera flash. You will need to set the camera flash to manual.
Moishe
Midwest Photo Exchange
Posted 38 months ago.
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OP updated:
100 GN
Short list of compatible accessories:
Quantum Battery 1+, 1+ Compact with MA2 or XA2 adapter.
Orbis Ring Flash
RayFlash: 580EX model
Sto-fen Omni-bounce =C=
All Lumiquest
All Honl
All Speedlite Pro kit accessories
Posted 38 months ago.
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Moishe
If you are going to go with a Quantum determined GN, you might ask them if they have a similar determined number for the Vivitar 285HV. If you or others are going to compare the 2 flashes, the testing should be the same, or the GN will not be worth much.
For that matter, what is the "standard" that Quantum used to determine the GN.
Posted 38 months ago.
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From "80" to "100" - nice bump. (web page still says 80 a this posting)
I'd also be interested to know how the 285 compared in this same benchmark. I "assume" since Moishe says it is as powerful as the 285 it is very close, no matter the number.
Posted 38 months ago.
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@David
Yes even if the method Moshie used was "not correct," if he applied the SAME method to the 285, the comparison will still be valid, because the basis of the comparison is the same.
Posted 38 months ago.
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I would most likely replace all of my 285HV's (I have 12) with this flash if it ran off of AC. I think a lot of the studio guys would, since we often need small kickers that can do double-duty on shoots outside.
Posted 38 months ago.
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ar_chee_v2 [deleted] says:
Iwould like to see it can use with ext batt pack.
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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ar_chee_v2 edited this topic 38 months ago.
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@ar_chee_v2: It can be used with a Quantum Battery 1+, Battery 1 Compact.
Quantum tested it with several flash meters and under a more controlled circumstance. I was obviously very happy with their results. They have a heck of a lot more experience testing flashes than I do. They also have nothing to gain by overrating our flash. If anything they would be better served by underrating it to make their own flashes look better, but they would not do that. As far as I know, they have not tested any Vivitar 285's. Ac12 is correct, that since I used the same method, it is correct that the Vivitar 285HV is the same power as the LP120.
Just ordered a bunch of Quantum batteries and I'll be running some specials shortly.
Moishe
Posted 38 months ago.
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I just received my unit in the mail today, and so far have one fairly major annoyance.
Is the flash supposed to have this constant high pitched sound when powered on? I would understand the sound as the flash is charging but even after it's readied the sound is still there.
It's a very high pitched noise, like those cell phone ringtones going around, so I don't know who has heard it, but it's fairly annoying for me.
Posted 38 months ago.
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Just received my LP120 in the mail today... I am already at work on a fast short hand review of it... keep your eye on www.studiolighting.net for a review! Right after an upcoming shoot I'll have a full review.
- The Prince of Cheap
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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(Griffin Design & Photography) edited this topic 38 months ago.
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would something like the Canon Off-Camera Shoe Cord OC-E2 be compatible with it? or maybe this www.adorama.com/FAOCCSPC.html
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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Alexis Mejias edited this topic 38 months ago.
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@raichur0xx0rz Just got mine today, and it's my first external flash. I got it as a part of the starving student kit, which seems to be great from my quick setup and session I did earlier tonight.
Unfortunately, I do have the CONSTANT high pitch sound as well. I'd like to know if this is normal. I thought that most flashes nowadays are either silent or make a noise only while charging up.
Posted 38 months ago.
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Does anyone have any issue with the flashes going off by themselves? It seems intermitant. First it was just the one flash, then i noticed the other flash.
1 flash would not fire a test whilst the head was pointing up until i moved it down a few clicks then it would fire sometimes making a nasty cracking sounds as the flash popped. Then it would go off again when i moved the head without pressing anything.
Am i going mad ? I'm already having one flash replaced but if the other one is faulty too....
Posted 38 months ago.
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I have used my LP-120 a little and have some thoughts vs my Canon 540- EZs. I shoot Olympus now, so the Canons are only useful for off camera flash. The LP-120 has about one stop less light than the 540-EZ. The 540-EZs do not reliably trigger from the optical slaves that I have, and I don't have enough Pocket Wizards for all of my flashes, so the built in optical slave of the LP-120 will get used often. I have some Pocket Wizard HS to 1/8" mini phone adapters and they are very tight fits on the 540-EZ mounts. I am more than a little concerned about breaking the foot on the 540-EZ. I use a Stroboframe HS mount on the LP-120 and it works fine. With a wrap of double sided velcro on my LP-120 as a filler, I can use my Canon Sto-Fens on the LP-120. For the money involved in buying used 540-EZs and equipping them for optical slaves or for pocket wizards, I could buy a new LP-120.
I used the LP-120 for on camera flash in a dark auditorium in manual exposure mode and it worked pretty well. I had to fiddle with the camera and the flash a little, but it worked OK. I don't have an Olympus flash, so I had to make do.
Posted 38 months ago.
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Alexis Mejias: Drom the idea of using a cord. It'll save you time and heartache later by going wireless. However too answer your question the cord'll work fine. If you go wireless with something like the low cost alienbees cybersync at $69 for a trigger that you can mound directly on your cameras hotshoe and $59 for a reciever that you can plug directly into the flash you wont be limited to the short distance that the off camera cable offers.
Jeremyross_1: Unfortunately ALL hotshoe flashes have some form or another of the "high-pitch" sound that is indicative of the capacitors charging.
Axleuk: Sounds very unfortunate... thank goodness that your flash is covered by a 2 year warranty from MPEX and you can simply return it and they'll probably just send you a brand new one no hassle. Sorry for your loss. Mine doesnt fire randomly however.
wgiles_51: Welcome to manual flash! You wont have to purchase an Olympus branded flash as long as you can get a wireless transmitter somehow onto your camera or attached to a pc sync on your camera. Yes they are 1 stop less light than the 540 (I however thought that they were two stops less light).
Posted 38 months ago.
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Unfortunately ALL hotshoe flashes have some form or another of the "high-pitch" sound that is indicative of the capacitors charging.
It depends on the way it was designed. Many do not make any sound (that we can hear). The silent flashes use a higher switching frequency above the range of human hearing.
Posted 38 months ago.
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Ok, can i add my name to the list of people hearing a very high pitched continuous tone from the capacitors. It sounds like i have tinitus.
Surely this cant be right and would a constant high pitched tone be hazardous to the hearing?
Posted 38 months ago.
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Griffin Design & Photography: thanks a lot for the answer, but right now that is way over my budget.
Posted 38 months ago.
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Too noisy??? Compared to the 285HV, the LP120 is nearly silent! The 285HV sounds like a jet engine. Sure it's not completely silent, but what do you really expect at this price range? And since the LP120 is designed to replace/compete with the 285HV and NOT the higher-end flashes which cost twice as much or more, I couldn't be happier with it.
Posted 38 months ago.
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If this had a high voltage port to use with my Turbos, I'd buy several. I've had three 285HVs feet die on me recenlty, anyone know if they can be repaired?
Posted 38 months ago.
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Yes the 285HV feet can be replaced. Go for the metal foot with shoe. Al Jacobs (guy who makes "The Black Box" repairs them)
Posted 38 months ago.
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I have a couple SB600s and a Lumopro LP120. I’m using a D200 built-in flash as a CLS commander (set to --) with Group A & B set to Manual. I want to use the optical sensor in the LP120 to fire from the SB600’s flash.
I was under the impression that when CLS groups were set to manual there wouldn’t be a pre-flash so the LP120 wouldn’t fire too early.
Unfortunately, that does not appear to be the case. I see the LP120 fire but it doesn’t contribute to the image. Am I missing something simple? Do I need to resort to a PC/PC cable to fire the LP120 in this situation?
Posted 38 months ago.
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posredstven [deleted] says:
I don't suppose there's a chance of a version of these things with an Alien Bees compatible socket for remote power control? With Cyber Syncs and Radio Poppers both promising remote control capabilities, it would be a huge incentive to get me to replace all my old Nikon SB units.
Posted 38 months ago.
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Not sure about the noise issue. Didn't really notice it except when it is charging up. I'll put it next to a Vivitar 285HV, a Nikon and Canon flash and see how it sounds.
If you've got a soldering iron, you can replace the Vivitar shoe yourself with a metal one. We sell them. Nice thing about that is it also adds a PC outlet, at least on the ones we have.
Concerning the past few comments, the following are planned for the next version, whether they happen or not, we'll see. Any future model will be at least a year down the road. In the meantime we will be making small changes to the current model. I want to change how the switches feel and operate.
New additions:
GN: 120-140
HV port
Optical Slave options include:
-On (no other sync disabled)
-Off
-Digital On (ignores pre-flash)
I'm definitely need to weigh the cost/resale. Adding these functions could drive the price up to $160-180. I think enough people would be interested at $160 to make it worth it, not sure about $180.
Moishe
Posted 38 months ago.
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Moishe, the flash would be A LOT more useful with the additional features you mentioned. Personally, I would pay the extra to have a truly useful flash. A couple other things to consider down the road:
1) Design the battery compartment so that all batteries go in the same direction or make the markings easier to see in dim light.
2) Make the wide angle diffuser easier to install and remove.
3) A STO-Fen Omni bounce is a must for me... which one fits?
Thanks
Posted 38 months ago.
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The battery installation is a problem because of the difficulty seeing the polarity markings. I used a white paint marker to highlight the location of the positive end of the battery. I can see this mark without a flashlight.
Posted 38 months ago.
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@ (Griffin Design & Photography)
I would understand the charging sound, but I didn't expect a constant sound after it has finished charging. I'm also using a Canon 580ex II which is completely silent, except when you first turn it on, but that's not a high pitched noise at all...
Posted 38 months ago.
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@D_Anthony: Sto-fen Omni-bounce =C=
I have a list of compatible accessories listed above.
Moishe
Posted 38 months ago.
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Why is the LumoPro LP120 a better idea than buying a Nikon SB-26 on eBay for less than or equal to the price of the LP120?
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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jcw122 edited this topic 38 months ago.
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I also hear a high pitch sound when it is not charging
Posted 38 months ago.
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Honestly, you can't go wrong with an SB-26.
The advantages of the LP120 are:
1.It's under 20 years old.
2.It is new with a 2 year warranty.
3.It has a miniphone outlet which provides a much more reliable means of syncing with wires.
4.It is in my opinion more simple to operate. It cuts out everything you don't need in a typical Nikon or Canon flash.
5.It has a really shiny red box.
Moishe
Posted 38 months ago.
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@Moishe: You forgot to mention the pretty silver lettering on the shiny red box.
@JCW122: The LP120's arent made to replace the older Nikon SB-26 flashes. They are made to be a strobist friendly full manual flash unit. The 4 sync methods give you a nice option of choosing your sync method, and as Moishe said the miniphone jack allows for a more reliable mean of syncing then the PC jack. I have noticed that the whole PC jack has a love hate relationship with the photographic community, some people love it, others hate it with a passion. You also have the hot shoe and a built in optical slave with this flash, something not every flash made has. Matter of fact you have a number of flash units out there on the market that dont even have a pc jack (let alone a miniphone jack) on them. If you are able to get an SB-26 that works for a decent price go for it. They have proved that while they might be a mule by todays standards can compete in the race just as good as newer thoroughbreds like the Canon 580EX II or the Nikon SB-900. The only real reason you might want to go with the LP120 is as Moishe said it will be brand new with a 2 year warranty, and it is simple to use.
Posted 38 months ago.
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I saw they just hit the Dutch store I've been keeping an eye on to see when they were in stock. Am going to order two for sure, just to start out with, maybe more later on. I am getting sooooo bored with my SB-28's erratic behaviour, one always putting himself on 1/1 for some strange reason, the other just conking out and not starting up until I open and close the batterydoor. These are going to be lifesavers!
Posted 38 months ago.
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@Moishe:
As long as we are discussing future additions, here is something for consideration... Why not add a simple RCA jack directly to the battery compartment? This would make it cheap and simple for anyone to add a homebrew low voltage external power pack (a la Kirk Tuck in "Minimalist Lighting") w/o the expense of the Quantum Battery, or the expense of the appropriate Quantum module. I mean, who wants to spend the better part of $300 for a battery pack system (new) for a $130 flash unit... when for about $30 or less, you can have a workable solution that does not involve taking your new flash apart and voiding the warranty?
Just a thought...
Posted 38 months ago.
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kyhsmith52
Damn! Thats a killer point!
Posted 38 months ago.
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@kyhsmith: noted.
Posted 38 months ago.
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Received two units some two weeks ago. Love the simplicity.
My thoughts: the build quality is nowhere near more expensive units such as the Pentax AF-500FGZ and AF-540FTZ, but it does what it is supposed to
I got one snug fitting WA panel and one too big. The one that was too big was easily fixed. However, after just a little usage one of the switches on one of the flashes started acting up. The sliding plastic attached to the pin "fell in" (is actually tilted inwards still moving with the switch) and made it hard to switch off the flash. Anyone with similar experiences?
//J-A
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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J-A edited this topic 38 months ago.
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I really like this flash.
Yes, the build quality is less than perfect, but I expected that. Certainly for $129.99, I wouldn't complain. It's clear that I'll need to be very careful with the battery door.
What I LOVE is the 4 sync option and the simplicity of the unit as a whole. The power switches "click" into place so I don't have to actually look at the unit when switching power---that may seem silly, but to me, that means alot.
I really appreciate that a decent flash has been developed at a cost that is reasonable. I'm getting sick of plunking down 4 or 5 bills everytime I need more light.
I've used my units twice so far with perfect results. I'm going to use them throughout the weekend, and if they perform as well, I'l likely order 2 more.
Posted 38 months ago.
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I have two LP120's and was shooting with them a little in the morning today but after i came back from lunch one of the LP120's stopped working. It powers up and the ready light is red. I hit the test button and the green light flashes but I get no flash. I find this very odd because only 2 hours ago It was working fine and other then turning it off then, I didnt touch it.
It is also the flash I have labeled as B, ie its my second light which does not get used as often.
Thankfully it has a 2 year warranty.
Posted 38 months ago.
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This looks to have loads of potential. But, the "made in China" deal scares me. As you know, the China made 285's were of such dodgy build quality (quality control) that Vivitar had to discontinue them again. If these units do well over s short time, I'll be ordering some.
QLP
Posted 38 months ago.
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Wondering if my LumoPro 120
which has the voltage at 7.5-8.5
will fry my Olympus E-510
which has 6 vdc?
Can I use this flash on camera? If not,
what kind of an adapter do I need to
make sure its safe for using on camera?
No troubles connecting to my camera's hot shoe.
It locks in just fine.
Thanks
Posted 38 months ago.
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if you seriously are not sure... you can always buy a wein sync safe. $49.99
Posted 38 months ago.
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The best option IMHO would be to use a wireless triggering system an call it a weekend.
Posted 38 months ago.
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Thanks Griffin. Is there a wireless triggering
system that you would recommend?
Posted 38 months ago.
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Alienbees Cybersync... all the way. I messed up and got he Elinchrom Skyport and it doesnt natively trigger the Vivitar 285hv... had to get a special cable from www.flashzebra.com. ended up making the vivitar 285hv cost the same as the LumoPro LP120. At the same price the LumoPro LP120 wins out against the Vivitar 285HV sept in one category - reputation of the old 285HV run. The second reason the Skyport sucks is that there's a proprietary battery inside the trigger that isnt replaceable. When it dies... you'd probably be no longer covered by the warranty and you'll have to buy a new one. Go with the alienbees cybersync battery operated triggers. $59 for the trigger and $69 for the receiver.
Posted 38 months ago.
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(Griffin Design & Photography) I totally agree. I have the skyports and while I like them, I'll probably get something else for the very same reason. I was impatient and couldn't wait for the Cybersyncs to come out last year.
Posted 38 months ago.
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congrats and good luck!
i will be looking at one of these for my next strobe.
one question, i may have already missed the answer.
my paramount snyc cords have a "nikon screw lock" on the PC end.
will these work?
Posted 38 months ago.
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Ok I ordered my 2 Lumopro LP120 strobist flash today to go with my now 3 Yongnuo YN460 flashes
So anybody know what flash diffuser fits the Lumopro LP120 flash head...
Sorry found in thread: Sto-fen Omni-bounce =C=
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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Kurbster_Photography edited this topic 38 months ago.
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Just received my 2 LumPro LP120 flashes today,
Ordered them Monday, Had them in 3 days
My first impression, A nice design, Good feel to them, and all functions and selector switches worked as tested
Saw that the bottom of the boxes had the red square that meant they were tested before shipping,
Over all I like them, and they should go along nicely with my 3 YN460's
Can't wait to put them to a real test this weekend...
Thanks Midwest Photo for getting them here so fast...
Posted 38 months ago.
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I might wait for the second version and get 2... a better option than getting another 430EX II imo. I plan to be in Ohio in July - any word on when a v2 would be available?
Posted 38 months ago.
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LP120 version 2 may take another year. I am not beginning work on it until we receive our next batch of flashes in 3 weeks.
Moishe
Midwest Photo Exchange
Posted 38 months ago.
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Sold out. Next batch due around May 15th.
Moishe
Posted 38 months ago.
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Ok, here's my review (after using it on one shoot). The build quality is quite flimsy compared to a Canon 580ex, which is what I had before. Specifically, I'm concerned with the battery door, which seems like it could snap off at any minute, but there's a 2 year warranty, so I'm a bit more relaxed. Flash takes noticeably longer to power up than the 580ex and seems to have less power. I was using it on full power and not getting enough coverage from 10 ft away from my subject, which never happened with the 580exII. Overall, it's good value for the money. This is a basic model that does what it's supposed to do but don't expect something close to a Canon flash. Overall, I'm happy with it and will use it as a slave on a future second strobe I buy.
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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nightphotog edited this topic 38 months ago.
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Moishe - I'll contact you in June with plans to stop into the store in July to check things out. Thanks for your responses - and the product. I'll likely buy one when I get back to the States.
Posted 38 months ago.
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what do I do if my switches point to a different place. To select 1/1 I have to set the switch between 1/2 and 1/1...
Posted 38 months ago.
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You send it back cause your under warranty and boom.
Posted 38 months ago.
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am I paying for shiping?
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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Alexis Mejias edited this topic 38 months ago.
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this part... i think ya do... Moishe, you wanna chime in on this one.
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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(Griffin Design & Photography) edited this topic 38 months ago.
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Mine is here.
So far I have only one problem with it, but I'm not shure if it's flash problem. I'm using canon450D wih cactus triggers and I cannot sync faster than 1/200. I get image with upper part exposed properly and lower part completely black, raising shutter speed leads to black part of image increasing. When I'm using it on-camera it supports 1/320 sync speed without prolems and starts going black on faster shutter speeds.
And here is my wishlist for it:
1) all batteries go in the same direction or make the markings easier to see
2) redesign wide angle adapter and make it part of the flash, like nikon sb-600
3) remove constant high pitch sound after full charge
4) make better more reliable shoe connector
5) add beep on the end of charging
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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Konstantin Yolshin edited this topic 38 months ago.
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It is not flash problem that I described above, it is my canon450D sync problem, I have tested it on nikon d80 and there were no prolems.
Does anyone knows if that problem can be solved?
Posted 38 months ago.
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Your Canon's max sync.speed is 1/200. It may work faster, as when cabled connected, but there is a delay when using radiotriggers. The only way to solve it, is getting a camera with faster sync.speed. (Canon Powershot G10, Nikon D40...)
It's not a sync. problem, it's a sync. limitation.
Posted 38 months ago.
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Generally speaking you have to pay more for being able to sync at high speeds like 8000 and so forth. The Canon speedlite series will offer this in the EX units with slaves, etc. Nikon has a similar type deal too. For most manual units though... radio.. 1/200 or 1/250 depending is usually the limit.
Posted 38 months ago.
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It is very sad cause it steals the ability to shoot in sunny day and save both background and lit the subject. 1/200 won't be enough to expose background properly :(
Originally posted 38 months ago.
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Konstantin Yolshin edited this topic 38 months ago.
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@Alexis: We will pay the shipping both ways for this first batch of flashes, even if you are overseas. Just contact us and we can make arrangements.
Moishe
Midwest Photo Exchange
Posted 38 months ago.
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Has anyone checked to see how many fps it can keep with at say 1/4 power. I shoot a Canon 20D and it runs 4-5 fps and would like to know how many flashes I can capture in a run. BTW this wll be using V2s triggers I already have.
Posted 38 months ago.
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@Moishe: Sounds good thanks. I'll get back to you when I get another strobe so I'm not left empty handed for X amount of time.
Posted 38 months ago.
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Got mine today. Haven't had a chance to play with it. Q.C. Passed sticker on it although there's also a part rattling inside. Was "rattly parts" not on the QC checklist?
Also, I ordered mine because I saw this:
"Sold out. Next batch due around May 15th.
Moishe"
and an "out of stock" notice on the website, but i mysteriously got it in the mail today. I was *hoping* to get one from the new batch, to bet on possible revision build improvements. Am i missing out on anything by having a 1st gen model?
Finally: wide-angle adapter not as a flip-down but as a separate attachment is a big bummer. Now I have to cut all my little gels down.
Posted 38 months ago.
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David Griffin A.K.A. The Prince of Cheap (Me) has just reviewed (in part) the LumoPro LP120 flash! Check the review here!
www.studiolighting.net/lumopro-lp120-flash-review/
Posted 37 months ago.
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I recently purchased this flash and I thought I'd share my experience with it so far.
I bought the flash because it is more compact than the 285HV and allows for many adapters products to fit it easily (Ring lights we're my main focus). The optical slave was also a nice bonus.
I find the two 4 stage switches to be a bit weird, I'm guessing they went with this for cost savings? I find it makes it look a bit cheap/awkward.
The battery door mechanism is also weird, I almost snapped it off at first. I'm not sure why this was designed like this, it's not straight forward and actually makes removal/insertion of batteries difficult at times. The + and - indicators are also not very clear, you really have to look close to see which way it goes.
My comparison for the LP120 are my 285HV's and I find the cycle time on the LP120 to be much slower (NIMH and non-recharables)and firing also inconsistent when compared to the 285HV. This is my main gripe and a huge let down.
The last thing is the screw lock system I hate it with a passion. I hate that Pocket wizard does it as well. It's just very cheap and doesn't hold very tight.
The build quality seems decent enough. Not as rugged as the 285HV's, but it's ok.
I'm going to keep the LP120 for now only because it is more versatile compared to the 285HV, but I don't think I'll buy another one unless there are some major improvements in the next version.
Originally posted 37 months ago.
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ian murchison edited this topic 37 months ago.
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To quote a movie, "More volts, Egor!"
I posted my review in another thread, but I'll sling it up here again just for the record ... shutter-fug.blogspot.com/2009/03/lumopro-120.html
Posted 37 months ago.
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The battery door is not that bad. I have some flashes with battery doors that slide clear off and then you have to hunt for them. I have some that I have the dickens of a time opening and feel like I'm going to snap it off every time. Maybe the complaint isn't so much about them being flimsy as it is that their different than what folks are used to.
Also, the pos and neg not being too visible is a problem I have on all my flashes. Not limited to the Lumopro 120.
Posted 37 months ago.
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trying to figure out what you mean when you say it doesn't do rear curtain synch, isn't that a camera setting? or am I confused, I shoot Nikon D3
Originally posted 37 months ago.
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GOETTE edited this topic 37 months ago.
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@carlos
The complaint about the battery door is it not being intuitive. What reason does it have to stop randomly half way? Yes obviously I will get used to it in the long run. The 285HV for example is very intuitive and works great.
Posted 37 months ago.
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trying to figure out what you mean when you say it doesn't do rear curtain synch, isn't that a camera setting? or am I confused, I shoot Nikon D3
I didn't see the comment above but Canon's will not allow rear curtain over simple radio triggers like Nikons, so that could be the confusion (as a canon shooter I am allowed to throw stones - this is yet another thing canon are behind Nikon on the flash system).
Posted 37 months ago.
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LumoPro LP 120 A User Review
I recently purchased two LumoPro LP 120 flash units and here is a users report after a month of ownership and a week with them in Big Bend.
I decided to take my light painting a new direction and ordered a LumoPro 120 flash to work with. I had read the specs and some of the early good reviews and decided to give it a go. I had purchased alot of large format gear from Jim at MPEX over the years also so I knew they would take care of me as a customer.
I started with one, a light stand, and a Cybersync remote system using the mini phone connector port.
After just two days with it, I was convinced enough that this was a good system and a good flash, I ordered a second LumoPro flash unit.
It was this two unit set up I took to Big Bend for a week. Days were spent on landscapes and nights were spent light painting.
After a week of heavy usage, setting up shots outside, in ruins, , in caves with rock art, taking the flashes on hikes, etc I think I had a pretty good user experience.
In a nutshell they work great. The flash is simple understand. The flash never failed. It worked well with the Cybersync system. It put out plenty of light -I usually ended up using it on 1/8 or less power. It was solid enough to be lugged around all day. It just worked.
Some key thoughts about it:
Build- Solid enough. Is it built like a tank? No. But it is solid enough. I would say the difference to a EX 580II is the difference between the build of a G10 and an A series compact. Would you want to drop it down a 20 ft rockface? No. But then again what do you want to drop down a 20 ft rockface?
Price- Fair price on a good flash.
Controls-Very good. All manual. The two sliders for power is a great system. At first I thought it was wierd but really quick I thought it was genius. Can work it in the dark by touch and clicks.
Connectivity- I use the Miniphone ports for the cybersyncs but also used it on a camera hotshoe and the optical slave mode. All worked great.
Light-Flash fired every time and has a decent recharge. At low power like 1/16 it is basically instant recharge. I actually used it at lower power 90% of the time.
Value- For about the price of a single 580EX II flash I was able to get two LumoPro 120 flashes, two Cybersync receivers, and a Cybersync transmitter. A much more functional setup for me with alot more capability for the Strobist style work I was doing.
The flashes worked. They survived the type of usage/experiece I need them to. They put out good light. I got my images.
I give them two big thumbs up.
Some of my images taken with these can be seen here:
www.flickr.com/photos/wildernessphotographer/sets/7215761...
Others on my website.
www.wildernessphotographer.net
Posted 37 months ago.
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Alas, a side-by-side comparison between my canon 430ex and my new LumoPro120 gives me little hope. The LumoPro takes *twice* as long to charge at full power, and is 2/3 stop *less* powerful.
Just trying to figure out now if the "no-self-off" aspect of the LumoPro warrants keeping it considering the issues.
Posted 37 months ago.
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Wilderness Photographer
Like the pics, and yes I also like my 2 Lumopro LP120's. (Main & Fill Lights)
I sold a canon 430EX II, to buy those 2 Lumopro LP120's
I also have 3 YN460's in my strobist gear bag (Back Lights & Hair Lights)
So I have a total of 5 flashes to work with now
I'm now waiting on a 57" Brolly Softbox Umbrella (Main Light) to go with my 40" (Fill Light) Brolly Softbox Umbrella
Note to self: (I Do Not Need To Buy Any More Flashes)
Ps. The next 3 items that I looking at now are maybe a 22" Speedlight Beauty Dish, Lumiquest Snoot, and Speedlight Prokit Snoot w/Small Honeycomb
Originally posted 37 months ago.
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Kurbster_Photography edited this topic 37 months ago.
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Moishe, as a potential buyer, I would personally be much more interested in more power than more features.
Posted 37 months ago.
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@bear: More power is at the top of the list.
Posted 37 months ago.
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Moishe, What is the status of inventory on these flashes. I would like to get a couple for this coming weekend senior shoot.
Posted 37 months ago.
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@forever: I am walking very carefully in this thread and all others right now to make sure that I don't violate Flickr's TOS. For stock status I prefer you check the product listing on our website, call or email.
Thanks!
Moishe
Originally posted 37 months ago.
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midwestphotoexchange edited this topic 37 months ago.
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I checked the website and have ordered myself 2 of them. Thanx.
Posted 37 months ago.
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I really must add another word about the LumoPro.
I've used mine on every shoot since I purchased them ( a little more than a month ago), and I'm sorry to say it---but I prefer them to my 430EX's.
Yes, the 430 EX has better build qulaity and it's cooler and all that, but I'm just getting better results with the LumoPros. They're easier to use, simpler to understand, and in the end, they perform better. For me, anyway.
I used a LumoPro on-board at a costume party, and got STUNNING results. My 430EX's never came close in this type of venue.
Thanks---I'm getting 2 more after the 15th.
Originally posted 37 months ago.
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Caroline Castillo edited this topic 37 months ago.
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Moishe
Are you having flash duration testing done?
Or are the previous results from a poster determined to be accurate?
Thanks
Posted 37 months ago.
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carolinedecastillo,
I sold my canon 430EX ll to buy 2 lumopro LP120's
I must say that I'm glad I did. I rarely shoot on camera flash, So that 430EX ll was just a flash I had in my camera bag.
I really like the all manual settings of the LP120's
They simple to use, What more could a strobist ask for...
Originally posted 37 months ago.
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Kurbster_Photography edited this topic 37 months ago.
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@ Moishe
"Quick note: The Rayflash 580 EX fits perfectly on the LP120. "
Does the Rayflash for the 580 EXII fit?
Posted 37 months ago.
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How is the recycle time on half power? I have older Nikon strobes that I am currently using for off camera work. I would really like to get rid of them and get 4 of these for shooting basketball and wrestling in the fall. Anyone have experience using these for HS basketball? Are they reliable enough for me to depend on them on deadline?
Posted 36 months ago.
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Not enough power. Any Light Modifier and these are weak.
Posted 36 months ago.
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Knocked over one of my lightstands (Sh*T Happens), Broke a shoe on one of my 2 Lumopro LP120's
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Emailed mpex to see about ordering one, They replied back. Just ship it back to us and we will repair/replace it for free.
Dam not that's what I call service, and support
***** for mpex...
Ps. I just might have to buy a couple more of them..., and add their store banner to my blog "I see a lot of clicks going out from the Flash Grid In Foam Housing banner... :-)"
Originally posted 36 months ago.
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Kurbster_Photography edited this topic 36 months ago.
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I just received my copy today. Here are my observations:
The flash doesn't come with a carrying case or a shoe stand like my Canon 430EX. Perhaps the ordering system could suggest an appropriately sized case?
Like gbchriste, it took me a while to figure out how to put the batteries in. After I finally figured out how to open the battery door, I couldn't figure out which way the batteries were supposed to go in. Even after reading that the orientation symbols are "indicated in the battery compartment", it took a while, and a bright light, to locate them.
The instructions say to set the switch on the front to "S" to use the built-in (O)ptical trigger, or switch it to "O" if using the (S)ynchro (S)ocket. Shouldn't it be the other way around?
Posted 35 months ago.
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@Traal42:
S = slave, O = off.
Noted your other comments. I will strongly consider these suggestions when we come out with any revisions or an upgraded model.
Thanks!
Posted 35 months ago.
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Is a revised model lurking around the corner?
Posted 35 months ago.
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@kfctombraider
Vivitar 285/283 feet available here
michaelbass.blogspot.com/2007/01/plugs-jacks-cable-hardwa...
Posted 35 months ago.
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Any new or revised model is at least a year off.
Posted 35 months ago.
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ar_chee_v2 [deleted] says:
I want to know the durability also, since I love to pop flash @ full power in the class. My Yn 462 die after 2 weeks.
Posted 35 months ago.
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Does the Flex Mount fit on this? I know its not specifically shown but sometimes the planets align.
Posted 35 months ago.
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Strobist.com /
Discuss
(Griffin Design & Photography) I totally agree. I have the skyports and while I like them, I'll probably get something else for the very same reason. I was impatient and couldn't wait for the Cybersyncs to come out last year.
trying to figure out what you mean when you say it doesn't do rear curtain synch, isn't that a camera setting? or am I confused, I shoot Nikon D3
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