Tim Stapp Loc: Mid Mitten

a local to me source has a couple of older Paul C Buff monolights available at a reasonable cost. Specifically two White lighting Ultra Zap 800
1 White lighting X 800.

Too old or a good product. I've heard nothing but good things about their equipment, but I've also heard about those that are just too old to repair.

Before I ask my wife (accountant) if I can drop the cash, I thought that I would ask here first.

I'd love to get the Einsteins, but this is just a hobby/part time thing for me and I'm not sure that I can justify the outlay. Then, I have to ask myself if I would be better off spending the same amount on Yongnuo YN685s. I absolutely love these flash units.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

You will get better quality of light from the Buff strobes. I gave up my speed lights for a used Alien Bee and a new Einstein. The improvement is incredible. Worth every penny. I couldn't justify spending big bucks for ProPhoto, because I do this for fun, not money. I save the kids and grandkids a ton of money and the results look professional! Plus, I have fun doing it. I also opted for the Cyber Commander that has a built-in flash meter. I will be selling equipment I no longer use. I'm keeping my Yongnuo flash, though!

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Generally speaking, The Buff line is decent enough. They will stand up well even in professional use. Some of the early models- the Alien Bees are kinda unsophisticated but they work well. As far as I know parts and service are available for their older models.

Purchasing older units can be problematic if the equipmet was abused or used to the point where major repairs or parts replacement are required to bring them up to par. Check the units out for obvious signs of hard use such as dents or badly forced mounting hardware. If the flash tubes are carbonized, that is, showing blackened or grayish bubbly kind of deposits where the electrodes enter the glass envelopes- they will need replacement. Modeling lamps are easily replaceable but make sure the sockets are in good conditions and show no signs of overheating or burning. Make certin that the synch outlets, control knobs and sliders are in reasonable shape. And of course, if the price is right.

The units you specify are more advanced than the Alien Bees and more powerful. The trigger voltages are listed between 9 and 13.5 volts- not too high for some cameras. It is best to test to verify and use a Safe Synch device for units wired directly to the camera if the actual voltage exceeds the cameras specified limit. Units triggered by radio or built in photoelectric cells will not affect the camera.

I would you suggest that you call the Paul C. Buff customer service department and inquire as to more specifics and specifications pertaining to the units you intend to purchase and the availability of service and parts for the units in question. Their customer service is excellent. 1-800- 443-5524

Haydon

I would check with CS at Buff and see if they have an availability of parts for them first. Other than customer service, their dedication to repairs virtually at cost is another one of their assets. I've read countless stories where a monolight has been virtually destroyed and sent back coming back looking new at a flat rate of $50.00. Many of them are not the original owners.

One of my Einsteins went south within the first 60 days. They sent me out a new one and asked for the old one be sent back in the same box. That also came with prepaid shipping label. After one call, I had a new light in 4 days delivered.