Photo Gear
Covering The Photo Beat
Softboxes, Shoulder Straps, Self-Regulating Tripods, And More Page 2
New Generation
OctoDome Softbox
Photoflex has introduced the OctoDome nxt, said to be the next generation evolution
of their popular OctoDome softbox, suitable for both conventional film and digital
photographers and videographers who want a continuous light source with soft,
wraparound light. It combines the best features of the Photoflex OctoDome3 and
their SilverDome nxt softboxes. Offered as a stand-alone softbox and a kit,
it measures 3 ft in diameter and has an eight-paneled silver interior, plus
a low profile to produce a wide range of lighting effects. Used with the Photoflex
Starlite 3200 it produces 3200Þ K of even, brilliant, and continuous tungsten
lighting. It also has a cooling design for use with heat-sensitive subjects.
The rear-mounted light produces more light output than a standard reflective
umbrella. When used with OctoConnectors, even HMI lights for constant lighting
at daylight-balanced temperatures can be used. A removable, recessed front diffusion
panel permits using grids for easy changeover from high- to low-contrast lighting.
All-steel suspension rods have aluminum bullet tips and a Brimstone black exterior
has thick, light-tight fabric that's both durable and heat-resistant.
The MSRP is $275. Contact: Photoflex Products Inc., 97 Hangar Way, Watsonville,
CA 95076; (800) 486-2674; fax: (831) 786-1371; www.photoflex.com.
Automatic And
"Self-Regulating" Tripod
Brand-new from Bogen Imaging Inc. is the Manfrotto NeoTec tripod, said to be
the world's first fully automatic, self-regulating tripod. A mechanism
inside the leg permits the user to quickly and easily extend each leg to the
desired height by simply pulling downward. There are no knobs, locks, or levers
to adjust. Once extended, a patented internal mechanism locks it there, exerting
additional locking power and stabilization as weight is added. Closing the legs
is also simplified--just push a single release button to disengage the
internal locking mechanism thereby allowing the leg to collapse. Other new features
include a split column with a built-in, low-angle adapter that permits using
a camera a mere 4" off the ground. When the center column height impedes
setting up, the adapter allows switching from normal to low-angle situations
without having to remove the camera and head. In addition, the center column
can be used for horizontal applications and unusual angles often required for
macro work. Made of aircraft-grade aluminum, it can support cameras weighing
up to 17.6 lbs at a maximum height of over 61". The upside-down leg construction
makes them waterproof for use in wet areas up to 18" deep. The NeoTech
658B tripod has a MSRP of $300. A monopod model is also offered. Contact: Bogen
Imaging Inc., 565 E. Crescent Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446; (201) 818-9500; fax: (201)
818-9177; www.bogenimaging.us.
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