PLM from Paul Bluff (Alien Bees)
Apr 11, 2012 08:31:21 #
JBTaylor
Loc: In hiding again
Is anyone using a PLM (Parabolic Light Modifier (Umbrella)) from Paul Bluff? How do you like them? I saw 3 of them used to light a football team. Seems like they would have to have been de-focused to get the spread.
http://www.paulcbuff.com/plm.php
They have a soft silver one that if not as focused and efficient as the extreme silver but seems more practical for general purpose. Adding the diffusion cover turns it into a large softbox.
The "Tim, the Tool Man" in me would like to get the 86" size but I'll probably go for the 64". I was thinking to get the speedring mount version for on-axis alignment.
http://www.paulcbuff.com/plm.php
They have a soft silver one that if not as focused and efficient as the extreme silver but seems more practical for general purpose. Adding the diffusion cover turns it into a large softbox.
The "Tim, the Tool Man" in me would like to get the 86" size but I'll probably go for the 64". I was thinking to get the speedring mount version for on-axis alignment.
Apr 11, 2012 11:38:22 #
Have used Paul Buff flashes for 20 years and have no trouble what so ever with them. Use "Alien Bees" in my travel kit and have 5 Buffs in the studio. Use umbrellas at times but don;t have room for the big umbrellas in the camera room, but would like to try one some day.
Apr 11, 2012 11:56:29 #
I don't have any experience with those but back in the day I was very happy with the performance of my White Lightnings. PCB makes quality stuff.
Apr 12, 2012 22:20:05 #
digicamking
Loc: Raleigh, NC
I have two White PLM 51" White umbrellas with the black outside covers for them as well as the rings for attaching them to White lightning units. They are brand new and have never been used. The cost total $96.00. I have found that they do not fill my needs and I have replaced them with other modifiers. If you are interested I would sell the 2 of them for $50.00 + shipping. If you are interested you can contact me at malcomfan@att.net or call 317-431-9478. Malcom Fancher, Indianapolis, IN.
Apr 12, 2012 23:51:14 #
I just bought one. Seems to cast a rather harsh light even with the diffuser attached. Admittedly, this is my first experience with the PLM. I still need to learn and gain experience.
Apr 13, 2012 08:23:14 #
JBTaylor
Loc: In hiding again
msutergib wrote:
I just bought one. Seems to cast a rather harsh light even with the diffuser attached. Admittedly, this is my first experience with the PLM. I still need to learn and gain experience.
Did you get the extreme silver or soft silver? I just ordered the soft silver. So I guess I'll see what I think.
I bought a cheap umbrella with a permanently attached diffusor a few months ago. It is surprisingly efficient and seems to light evenly if focused well.
I wanted something larger and more flexible and read good things about the PLM but I guess you don't know for sure until you try it.
Apr 13, 2012 15:26:46 #
I got the Soft Silver but I see that they also make a white one that may soften things more. I'm still within the satisfaction guarantee period and I may just trade for the white. I also got their 47" octo umbrella which I haven't tried yet. Lots of experimenting to do. Lots of learning to do.
Apr 19, 2012 07:22:24 #
JBTaylor
Loc: In hiding again
Well I got my soft silver 64" PLM. It is both brighter and softer than the standard 7" reflector. I think the reflector has a 50 degree spread and the PLM has a 30 degree spread. Assembly wasn't as fast as a regular umbrella but not hard either.
The cover was easier to install than I expected. Maybe because this wasn't the largest size. With the cover on, it seemed to be very evenly lit but I haven't had time to evaluate that with some shots. At 10 feet, it was about 1/3 stop less bright than my very inexpensive Fancier 43" umbrella with sewn on diffuser. When focused optimally, the Fancier is evenly lit across the face. The Fancier is much faster to set up.
I'll be testing more comprehensively in the next week or two.
The cover was easier to install than I expected. Maybe because this wasn't the largest size. With the cover on, it seemed to be very evenly lit but I haven't had time to evaluate that with some shots. At 10 feet, it was about 1/3 stop less bright than my very inexpensive Fancier 43" umbrella with sewn on diffuser. When focused optimally, the Fancier is evenly lit across the face. The Fancier is much faster to set up.
I'll be testing more comprehensively in the next week or two.
Apr 20, 2012 00:01:02 #
Well, I spoke too soon. I examined the shots more closely and they are very well lighted. My soft silver PLM puts out a very soft light. I still need a lot of practice to learn what I'm doing but the PLM is not the problem.
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