Moderated by: chrisbet,
Bye bye Bowens  Rate Topic 
AuthorPost

Posted by jk: Wed Jul 19th, 2017 09:25 1st Post
Another old favourite bites the dust.

https://www.dpreview.com/news/4986224561/bye-bye-bowens-the-94-year-old-lighting-company-is-going-into-liquidation



____________________
Still learning after all these years!
https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none


Posted by amazing50: Wed Jul 19th, 2017 17:45 2nd Post
They should have gotten into flash systems for smartphones. :lol:



____________________
There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept ;~) Mike Grace


Posted by Eric: Sat Jul 22nd, 2017 14:15 3rd Post
Have to say I got rid of my Bowens studio lights some time ago.

The low noise high ISO capability of most modern DSLRs has meant low light flash photography is less of a challenge. Right from the days of the D3 I was using strobes and an SU command unit ...instead of lugging my lights around.

The power output of the newer SB 800/900 strobes combined with higher ISO settings and the capability of the D3 were more than enough for my interior shoots of kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and meeting rooms.

Far more mobile and flexible.

Sorry Bowens.o.O



____________________
Eric


Posted by jk: Sun Jul 23rd, 2017 09:52 4th Post
I have moved to Goddox and Neweer as they may be lower quality but very much cheaper.
My Bowens Quad 2000 units that I had are slowly dying and are not replaced as new smaller lighter strobes provide better options.
Weight and portability are key these days!



____________________
Still learning after all these years!
https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none


Posted by highlander: Mon Aug 21st, 2017 05:13 5th Post
I think a lot of Bowens problems was price. I trained using Bowen's systems both in the studio and power packs for location shoots. I remember them being big and huge and the bulbs costing a fortune so we had to be really careful with them especially on location shoots.

When I set up my own studio I went for Elinchrom because they seemed to have a very similar level of reliability and quality but were a lot cheaper, both to purchase and in consumable items. I had a couple of Bowens soft boxes for them that I acquired from kindly donations to my start up, and a made an adapter to fit them to the Elinchrom light fittings.

It wasn't pretty but it worked.

I think there has been a huge move now towards portability. I regularly see photographers using multiple speed lights rather than semi portable studio flash. And of course the every increasing usuablility of high ISO's does mean that we really now only need a little fill-in often which can be done with speed lights.



____________________
Blog https://blythestorm.com
Website http://www.blythestormphotography.com


Posted by jk: Mon Aug 21st, 2017 07:54 6th Post
I still have a pair of Bowens Quad 2000 units that work after 30-40years of use. I used to have a third unit but it died! No need to repair as the new Chinese units cost £150 and are tiny and are only about one stop less powerful.



____________________
Still learning after all these years!
https://nikondslr.uk/gallery_view.php?user=2&folderid=none


Posted by Eric: Mon Aug 21st, 2017 13:06 7th Post
jk wrote:
I still have a pair of Bowens Quad 2000 units that work after 30-40years of use. I used to have a third unit but it died! No need to repair as the new Chinese units cost £150 and are tiny and are only about one stop less powerful.
When one of my Bowens units failed, I sent it back. They replaced it free of charge.... despite it being 3years old.

No wonder they went bust. :lol:



____________________
Eric

Reply
1st new
This is topic ID = 1437  
Nikon DSLR Forums > Light, Lighting Techniques, Strobes and LEDs Forums > Lighting > Bye bye Bowens Top

Users viewing this topic

Post quick reply

Current theme is Blue



A small amount of member data is captured and held in an attempt to reduce spammers and to manage users. This site also uses cookies to ensure ease of use. In order to comply with new DPR regulations you are required to agree/disagree with this process. If you do not agree then please email the Admins using info@nikondsl.uk Thank you.


Hosted by Octarine Services

UltraBB 1.173 Copyright © 2008-2024 Data 1 Systems
Page processed in 0.0315 seconds (63% database + 37% PHP). 67 queries executed.