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At the forefront of the recent flash revolution, Profoto has produced the genuinely innovative, B1 and B2 Profoto on themove PROFOTOOFF-CAMERA FLASH
a housing complete with the flash tube/LED modelling lamp that accepts Profoto modifiers with a hard-wired connection to the power pack. This pack also offers control functions. One or two B2 flash heads can be attached to the control unit and power is provided by a rechargeable li-ion battery with a capacity of up to 215 full power flash bursts. The control unit has a comprehensive set of functions and a large LCD panel keeps you fully informed with the lighting set-up. Thanks to Profoto’s Off-Camera Flash system, portable flash photography will never be the same again. The B1 and B2 systems offer photographers control, power and convenience backed up by every conceivable modifier – the most difficult decision is deciding which one to go for. There is no right or wrong answer and it just depends on how you prefer to work. Either way, you’re onto a winner.
You might have noticed that there has been a revolution in flash photography recently, especially portable flash. Profoto has been at the vanguard of developments with its genuinely innovative Off-Camera Flash system. Not so long ago if you wanted power and access to a huge range of light modifiers, you had to buy studio mains flash. If you wanted the point-and-shoot simplicity of TTL functionality, on-camera speedlight flash was the way to go but it had creative and technical limitations. Profoto’s Off-Camera Flash system has changed all that and now you can enjoy the best of both worlds. With its two systems, the B1 and the B2, you have powerful flash units – they are between five and ten timesmore powerful than the typical speedlight – supported by a comprehensive system of light shapers for all occasions and subject types. More than 120 light shaping tools including beauty dishes, grids and softboxes are available in the Profoto collection. What is truly revolutionary, though, is that Canon and Nikon users now have the option of using TTL technology to wirelessly control lighting units. Both the B1 and B2 systems can be used in TTL mode with the Air Remote TTL unit. This accessory sits on the camera hotshoe and, with a maximum working range of 300m, it integrates with the camera to give
full wireless TTL flash metering control. Its clear design means adjusting settings is an intuitive, fuss-free operation with no need to scroll through a menu system. Users of other brand cameras can also enjoy the freedom of wireless flash photography with B1 and B2 Off-Camera systems. All you need is the Air Remote and while you don’t get TTL flash features, there is still access to wireless flash sync and light adjustment. If you prefer to use the flash systems manually that’s also straightforward and, of course, that means any camera brand is compatible. The two systems offer identical core benefits with the convenience of off-camera TTL functionality, excellent build quality and access to the Profoto modifier system. The key difference is the B2 is much more portable. The B1 is a stand-alone head with on-board controls such as output adjustment and test fire button, plus there is a large LCD information panel. Each head also has an on- board rechargeable li-ion battery with a capacity of up to 220 flashes at full power. As it is a totally wire-free unit, the B1 gives total freedom (so long as it is within working range of the Air Remote TTL trigger) in terms of placement. By comparison the compact and light B2 can be fixed just about anywhere, even on a spring-loaded clamp. Basically, it’s
π To find out more, go to www.profoto.com/offcameraflash
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Issue 19 | Photography News
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