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Posts Tagged ‘Phottix’

Phottix launches Cerberus adapter for using hotshoe flashes in Bowens and Elinchrom studio head modifiers

19 Apr

Flash manufacturer Phottix has launched a new adapter that is designed to allow hotshoe flash units to be used with standard studio accessories, such as softboxes, umbrellas and snoots. The Cerberus consists of a universal grip that holds the flash directly in the middle of an adapter ring that can be used to attach existing studio flash accessories in the Bowens S, Elinchrom and the Phottix Transfolder softbox range. The idea is that if users already have studio light modifiers they can use them with their hotshoe guns instead of having to buy accessories dedicated to smaller units.

The clamp used is the Phottix Griffin, which has a pair of spring-loaded jaws that close around the head of the flash unit, leaving the hotshoe free for remote triggers. The clamp is attached to a mounting bracket that can be fitted with the adapter ring to suit the mount of the modifiers you want to use. The unit is called Cerberus after the three-headed hound of Hades from Greek mythology because its interchangeable mount can accept modifiers in three different fittings.

The kit comes with a Phottix Varos Pro BG jointed Umbrella Adapter that is used to mount the whole kit on to a lighting stand or tripod. The Phottix Cerberus multi-mount kit, which includes the Bowens and Elinchrom rings, costs $ 92.50. For more information visit the Phottix website.


Manufacturer’s dramatic product video:

Press release:

Meet the Phottix Cerberus Flash Mount

There’s a new mounting system in town – the Phottix Cerberus Multi Mount.

The Phottix Cerberus Multi Mount is your all-in-one mounting solution for hot shoe flashes. Use your hot shoe flashes with Bowens-compatible accessories, Elinchrom-compatible accessories, and the Phottix Transfolder Softbox range.

The Cerberus system comes with:

  • Phottix Griffin with Phottix Easy-Folder-Compatible Mount and Phottix Varos Pro BG *
  • Cerberus Elinchrom-Compatible Mount
  • Cerberus Bowens-Compatible Mount
  • Cerberus Phottix Transfolder-Compatible Mount

Like the mythical Cerberus, the Phottix Cerberus Multi Mount has three heads. The standard round mount works with the range of Phottix Transfolder Softboxes. Add the Bowen-compatible mount – and traditional S-Mount compatible accessories can be used with your hot shoe flash. Swap that out for the Elinchrom-compatible mount and use Elinchrom’s vast array of accessories with your hot shoe flash.

The durable and patented Phottix Griffin Universal Flash Mount holds many popular hot shoe flash models secure in a synthetic-lined spring-loaded clamp. The system was designed to be both durable and easy to use. A Phottix Varos Pro BG Umbrella Adapter is included to mount the Phottix Cerberus Multi Mount to a light stand or boom. The Phottiax Griffin is available on its own as well as being included with the Cerberus Multi Mount set.

Several configurations of the Phottix Cerberus are avaialble. Talk to you local Phottix dealer or buy from the Phottix Online Store.

* Note: The Phottix Griffin Mount with this set is affixed to the Phottix Cerberus Softbox Mount and cannot be removed. Varos Pro BG does not come with metal Coldshoe and male 3/8” and ¼ “ screw.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sekonic expands LiteMaster Pro meter series for wireless control of Elinchrom and Phottix flashes

10 Feb

Japanese light and color meter manufacturer Sekonic has introduced a pair of new ambient and flash light meters to the L-478 series that are dedicated to use with Elinchrom and Phottix flash units. The Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478DR-U-EL is designed to be used with Skyport-equipped Elinchrom heads, while the LiteMaster Pro L-478DR-U-PX is aimed at users of Phottix Indra studio heads, Mitros+ hotshoe flash guns, the Strato and Strato II receivers and the Atlas II transceiver.

From the new meters Elinchrom users will be able to adjust flash output in 1/10th stops across four lighting groups, and the meter is capable of triggering and measuring individual groups as well as all the flashes as a whole. Photographers using the Phottix system will be able to make adjustments in 1/3rd stop steps, and can trigger individual or collections of groups at one time. Although the meters are primarily intended for wireless radio triggering they also support standard flash cables. 

The LiteMaster Pro L-478 meters use a color touch-screen interface, and are designed to be used for still and motion picture work. These new models include an ISO 850 setting to suit users of the Canon cinema cameras, and have had their filter compensation factor increased from 5EV to 12EV for people using high-value neutral density filters. These features will be added to the current L-478D-U and L-478DR-U (PocketWizard) models via a firmware update in the near future. 

An interesting feature of the series is the ability to store the dynamic range profile of ten camera/lens combinations so that you can ensure that your lighting set-ups don’t create burnt-out highlights or blocked shadows. 

The new LiteMaster Pro L-478 meters will cost $ 400/£400. For more information visit the Sekonic website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phottix announces next generation of Odin TTL flash controllers

02 Feb

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Flash and accessory manufacturer Phottix has released details of the second generation of Odin flash controllers that will go on sale mid-February. The Odin II units, which allow wireless TTL control of hotshoe and portable studio flash units, will add two extra control groups and 28 additional channels to the radio trigger’s reach, and will make the user interface easier to handle. 

The Odin system, which is compatible with Nikon, Canon and Sony cameras can be used with the company’s battery-powered Indra 500 and 300 portable studio flash heads, as well as the company’s Mitros hotshoe flash units. The new models also add an AF assist lamp, 10 new custom functions and digital ID for channels 5 to 32 to ensure the correct units are communicating. 

The Odin system is divided into transmitters and receivers, and Phottix’s own flash units have the receivers built-in. Photographers using Canon, Nikon or Sony branded flash units can use their hotshoe flash units with an Odin receiver to take advantage of the better range and connection of radio transmission over the line-of-sight systems camera brands tend to produce. Radio also works better when shooting outside in bright conditions.

The company says that new firmware will be released for the Mitros and Indra flash units to make them compatible with the new features. 

The Canon and Nikon models will be available first, with those for Sony cameras arriving in late April. The transmitters will cost £160, while receivers will be £125.

For more information visit the Phottix website.

Press release: 

Introducing the Phottix Odin II TTL Flash Trigger

Phottix adds cutting edge functionality and features to its flagship trigger

Eagerly anticipated by thousands of Odin customers, the Odin II is the result of requests from Professional Photographers demanding more from their TTL flash systems.  Phottix is delivering on its promises to provide the very best system available today. 

Unrivalled Control and Streamlined User Interface

The Odin II allows more control than ever before.  The controls are logical, simple to use, and allow extremely fast adjustments.

With five groups, A, B, C, D and E, the dedicated quick access buttons allow changes to be made by simply turning the new thumb wheel which is perfectly placed below the improved large LCD screen to adjust the compensation.  The backlit LCD panel shows the settings at a glance.  Now you can control five channels or groups of lights at the touch of a button, in TTL Mode or in a combination of full manual mode and TTL – the choice is yours.  When switching a group off, its display line disappears from the screen, showing just the groups remaining active.

Backward Compatibility

The Odin II system is compatible with the original Odin system, Phottix Mitros+ Speedlights, the award-winning Indra360 and Indra500 TTL Studio lights, Strato and Strato II receivers, and Atlas II in receiver mode.  Using channels 1 to 4 you can work with the kit you already own with the Phottix Odin II.

More Channels and Digital ID

To take advantage of the Phottix Odin II, a total of 32 channels can be used, channels 5 to 32 use the full functionality of the Odin II receiver, including a user-set digital ID for the ultimate in secure triggering.  Users can remotely control Speedlight zoom settings, providing the perfect coverage from a wide angle to a spot light.  When shooting with the Phottix Indra360/500 series, the Odin II transmitter also offers remote modelling light control and full light ratio controls.

High Speed Sync and Overdrive Sync

High Speed Sync with TTL flashes and Overdrive Sync with manual enable flash photography at up to 1/8000 second for creative photographers.  The newly added AF assist light makes autofocus a breeze in dimly lit locations.  An additional ten custom functions allow users to customise the Odin II, including switching on/off the audible beep, screen brightness, an AF Illuminator function and the ODS system control functionality, as well as a full factory reset should you need it.

Firmware Updates

Firmware upgrades for the Phottix Mitros+ and Phottix Indra360/500 will soon be available to take advantage of the new features of the Odin II – these will be announced shortly via the Phottix Journal and on the Phottix.com website.

Major Features 

  • 5 groups A, B, C, D and E
  • 32 channels with user-set Digital ID on channels 5 to 32
  • Group buttons and thumbwheel control for fast operation
  • TTL Power Control +/- 3EV
  • Manual Power Control 1/1 to 1/128th
  • High Speed Sync – up to 1/8000s on compatible cameras
  • Second Curtain Sync (Nikon and Sony only)
  • AF Assist Light
  • Flash zoom control
  • Modelling Light Control with Indra500/360
  • 2.4 GHz, Range up to 100 metres
  • Compatible with Indra500/360 TTL, Mitros+, Odin, Strato, Strato II and Atlas II
  • Always up to date via the latest Firmware.

Odin II for Nikon and Canon will be available from all Platinum Dealers week commencing 15th of February 2016, the Sony Odin II is expected to arrive in late April.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phottix launches Laso Transmitter and Receiver for Canon flashes

25 Sep

Phottix has launched its Laso Flash Trigger System today for the Canon RT Wireless radio flash system and the camera maker’s non-radio E-TTL flashes. The Laso Transmitter can be used with up to 15 radio flashes in five groups, while the Laso receiver enables the setup to be used with non-radio E-TTL flashes. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Elinchrom, Phottix and Sekonic form wireless common standard partnership

13 Aug

Lighting manufacturers Elinchrom and Phottix are collaborating with the light meter brand Sekonic to establish a common standard for communication between wireless lighting devices. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phottix highlights compatibility issues with Nikon D750 hotshoe

08 May

Phottix, a lighting equipment maker, is reporting an issue where its Odin TTL triggers may not work properly with the Nikon D750. According to a recent blog post the company claims that the D750’s hot shoe design differs slightly from that of other Nikon DSLRs, which causes the pins of the Odin trigger to line up incorrectly. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phottix launches Indra 500 TTL mains or battery powered studio heads

31 Jan

Phottix has introduced a new studio flash head that can be powered via the mains in a studio environment or through a portable battery pack when flash is needed in the field. The Phottix Indra 500TTL offers 500 watts of output across eight settings from full power to 1/128th power and, according to Phottix, it can be synchronised with shutter durations as short as 1/8000sec. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phottix offers Mitros and Mitros+ TTL flash units for Sony multi-interface hotshoe

13 Nov

Phottix has unveiled Sony versions of its Mitros and Mitros+ TTL flash units for that manufacturer’s multi-interface hotshoe. The Mitros+ offers remote radio flash control, with built in Phottix Odin and Strato II receivers. Both flash units provide a guide number of 58, with 180° rotation and tilt by 97°. Learn more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phottix Mitros+ Review – the Best Flash System You Have Never Heard of

05 Jun
First dance

Photo taken using the Phottix Mitros+ system

As a professional wedding and portrait photographer, I would say the most important accessory in my kit bag besides my main camera and lenses would by my flashes. So when it came to making a decision on what flash system use, I did a lot of research and in the end I opted for the Phottix Mitros+/ Odin system. I don’t normally write gear reviews as I think the internet has enough top quality content. I realized however in my research that the Phottix Mitros+, although sold internationally, is comparatively less well known and not well documented on the web.

Phottix Mitros 107

Phottix Mitros+ – comes with carrying case and accessories

I am a big fan of using off-camera flash and as a Canon shooter and have previously been using Canon 580 EX II / Pocket wizard combination for the last 4 years. The Canon 580 EX IIs in all fairness have served me well. They have been dropped many times, and rained on, but never skipped a beat. The problem occurs when I take them off camera. Using the PocketWizard Mini TT1 and TT5 trigger and receiver I have experienced a whole host of reliability problems that eventually was the catalyst for me to look for alternate solution.

I started by looking at the Phottix Odin TTL triggering system, which I have used before and has had excellent reviews. That was when I realized Phottix also sells the Mitros+ flash, that includes the wireless transceiver built into the unit. The “+” denotes that it has radio transceiver built in as they also do a non “+” version with no transceiver. The Mitros+ flash is great for a number of reasons;

  • It’s one less piece of equipment to buy and worry about
  • There is so need to carry more batteries or worry about connection issues between your radio receiver and your flash
  • The Phottix Odin trigger system is also a tried, tested, reliable market leader and so I was confident it would work well

Review – Phottix Mitros+ Flash System

First impressions when you take the Mitros+ out of the box; it comes in a nice pouch and feels solidly built to take a few bumps, which is essential as I will put it though the rigours of professional use. The first thing you notice is that it makes a beep, like studio lights, to tell you the flash is recycled and ready for use. This is especially useful if you are firing at full power, and can be turned off using the custom functions if you don’t like it. I fired off a few successive frames and it seems extremely quick to recycle. This is by no means a scientific test but I set the flash in manual mode 1/2 power and fired consecutive bursts. It seems to recycle at least as fast, if not faster, than a Canon 580 EX II. In the real world, it holds up very well; I tested it all day in different lighting situations and the ETTL worked consistently. The battery consumption seems about the same as the 580 EX II, I did a full day shoot and didn’t need to change batteries, so all in all I am very happy.

The real benefit of the unit however, is taking it off camera. It’s an absolute joy to use; no having to set up the PocketWizard receivers, and no misfires. I don’t have to do my usual five minutes of troubleshooting if the flashes aren’t firing. It just works like it is supposed to. With this system you can also control everything directly from my Odin transmitter, or using another Mitros+ flash. You can alter settings remotely such as TTL exposure compensation, manual power, high-speed sync and even flash zoom level. You can configure three groups of flashes and adjust each one individually. This basically allows you to control everything you need from the camera so no need to walk up and down making adjustments.

Phottix Mitros 101

Hands on it’s a quite a large flash as you can see here next to the Canon 580EX II

Features (as listed on the Phottix website)

  • E-TTL, M, Multi (Stroboscopic) modes
  • Auto/Manual Flash Head Zoom with 180 degree rotation and 97 degree tilt
  • High Speed Sync and Rear Curtain Sync
  • Flash Exposure Compensation: Manual, Bracketed
  • Fast Flash Mode: with 0.1-2.5 sec. recharge times
  • USB port for upgrades
  • 3.5mm Sync port
  • Canon-compatible IR Wireless Triggering with Master and Slave mode
  • Optical Slave Sync Mode
  • Uses 4 AA batteries
  • Port for external battery pack
  • Compatible with Phottix Odin TTL Flash Triggers for Canon
  • Battery Compartment for 4 AA batteries (below left)
    Phottix Mitros 103 Phottix Mitros 102
  • Rubber seals around metal hot-shoe for weather sealing (above right)
  • Mine also came with a plastic diffuser and 1/2 CTO which will come in handy (below left)
    Phottix Mitros 104 Phottix Mitros 100
  • Swivel and tilt head great for bouncing in all directions (above right)
  • Connections for USB power, 3.5mm jack for sync and external power the kit also comes with an adapter to convert the head for Canon’s CP-E4
  • The display a the back is large backlit and clear
    Phottix Mitros 106 Phottix Mitros 108
  • Menu System identical to Phottix Odin when set to Trigger Mode

Phottix Mitros 109

The litmus test for me to judge how intuitive a menu system is; if I need to read the manual, it’s probably not that intuitive. I very quickly figured out how switch from ETTL to Manual, activated high-speed sync and got the radio trigger system working. I actually think the menu system is better than the Canon 580 EX II, which took me a long time to figure out. Like the Canon speedlite, you can also control flash exposure compensation from the Canon 5D Mark III’s menu, although this is not recommended by Phottix. An advantage of the Mitros is that it has an indicator to see how much battery life left, which is absent in the Canon 580 EX II.

I recently took the Mitros+ system for an intensive four day shoot on Tinian Island and I am glad to report it has been flawless. I was asked to do a beach shoot at 1 p.m. in the blazing afternoon heat and managed to overpower the sun with three of Mitros+ flashes set up in cluster.

Mitros 100

Final image

Mitros 101

Lit with three Phottix Mitros+ flashes

The determining factors for choosing the Phottix system were twofold

Firstly, it is an open system. Odin can be used to trigger not just the Mitros+ but other studio lights as well. In comparison the latest Canon 600EX–RT flash and Canon ST-E3 trigger are only compatible with each other. I have also bought Phottix Odin receivers to bolt onto my old Canon 580s, so can use them with the Mitros+/Odin system together.

Another positive for Phottix is that it’s more backwards compatible than the Canon 600 EX-RT, which is not fully compatible with pre-2012 models, such as Canon 5D Mark II, which I also own. I read reports that you lose features like HSS, (High Speed Sync) and the sync speed is lowered to 125th/sec but I haven’t tested it myself. It seemed very odd to me that a third party company can get their flash working with older Canon cameras but Canon can’t. I have tested the Mitros+ system with both the Canon 5D Mark II and 5D Mark III. It works fine and it is even compatible using infrared with the Canon 580 EX IIs, so you can use the Mitros+ to trigger the Canon flashes and vice versa. The Mitros+ also has optical slave which is something Canon never put on the 580 EX for unknown reasons.

The final factor is the Phottix retails at $ 399 USD, which offers a significant saving to the Canon equivalent. At time of print, the Mitros+ is $ 150 USD cheaper than the Canon 600EX–RT flash.

I talked about comparisons with Canon in my review as I am a Canon user, but the Mitros+ is available for Nikon now also. It should be quite attractive to Nikon shooters as I think Nikon have yet to release a flash with a built-in radio transceiver.

Conclusion

Things really have moved on for third party flash manufacturers in the last few years. When I first researched into non-proprietary flash systems, they were generally cheaper, but vastly inferior product to the brand name equivalents. The Mitros+ is a great quality product, at a great price. It’s well built, easy to use and packed with features. Phottix as a company feels like they are selling products designed by photographers, and have really listened to their customers. Looking back at reviews of the original Mitros when it came out, customers were just saying “if only it had the Odin radio system built in that would be fantastic”, not long after the Mitros+ was released.

The Phottix Odin radio trigger system fully deserves all the praise it gets. PocketWizard, which has historically commanded such a market dominance in this sector, should be well aware of the new competition – which I think is a good thing. I remember paying nearly $ 500 USD for a PocketWizard TT1 Trigger and TT5 receiver, but had to as there was just no competition at the time. I experienced range issues, reception/connection problems, broken hot-shoe and general unreliability which is unacceptable for such a premium priced product.

The Mitros+ / Odin combination so far has been solid as a rock in terms of reliability. Time will tell if the build quality is as good as it looks but at least Phottix shipped with a two year warranty peace of mind. For those of you looking to either buy your first flash, or add to existing flash system, it’s worth keeping an eye out for products from third party manufacturers such as Phottix. Light is light at the end of the day, and I don’t care what brand name it says on the side as long as it gives me consistently good results and so far my Mitros+ has done exactly that.

Here are a few more images created with the Phottix Mitros+

Buggy 100

Food

Outdoor off camera flash

The post Phottix Mitros+ Review – the Best Flash System You Have Never Heard of by Garry Chung appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Light it up: Phottix Mitros Flash for Canon review

08 Apr

Phottix-Mitros-Feature.jpg

The Phottix Mitros flash is a high-end TTL flash designed to compete with Canon’s 580EX II at well over half the price. The Mitros for Canon shares many features with the 580EX II, including high-speed sync and built-in IR triggering with Master and Slave modes. But is the Mitros mighty enough to match one of Canon’s most beloved flash models? Find out in our review

News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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