burkphoto wrote:
Oh my! I remember making a series of automated filmstrips back in 1981-82 to train my employer’s customers in the setup and configuration of the exact same Photogenic gear.
Delmar was a school portrait photo finisher. Our 100 large customers ran exclusive sales territories. We were their one-stop shop for lights, Camerz long-roll film cameras, marketing materials, financing, training...
So that’s a trip down memory lane! That stuff never dies unless you drag it behind a truck.
Hey, Bill!
I certainly remember the school photography crews working in all the elementary, middle, and high schools and the mass-production labs that did all the packages. It was, and probably still is quite the industry in the United States. And, yes the Flashmasters were kinda standard issue for that work. The are tough, can handle long duty cycles and if the modeling lights blowout, you can get replacements at most gas stations.
I use the Studiomaster and the Skylighter in my main studio and used this setup for a second camera room during busy season and to take out on locations.
Lately, I moved into a smaller location which can only accommodate one studio and I use the Photogenic Power Lights (Monolights) for location work.
For commercial work I have a 2400 w.s Speedotron system and several very powerful monolights from Bowens and Vanca.
For weddigs I have a trunk load of Lumadyne stuff, so the storage area is beginning to look like the graveyard of the strobes.
The unit I am advertising can be used for it tradition kind of location shooting or can make for a great custom portraiture setup. The umbrella head is incredibly efficient.
Way back when, I operated a side business of of electronic flash repairs, modifications and custom builds. I made a 400 w.s power supply that is fully compatible with the Flashmaster heads. it has the same capacitors used by Photogenic and all mil.spec parts and connectors.
The setup can manage a main light, fill light, background light and 2 kickers. The 400 w.s. power supply can serve a ceiling bounce or umbrella fixed fill.
If it ever requires service, Holly Enterprises has all the parts, replacement flash tubes and knowhow.
I do remen the Delmar name. There was a studio operation in Queens, New York by the same name- I wonder if there was any connection.