Re: 3D Caves

[P3D Gregory J. Wageman <gjw@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Bob Wier suggests:

>This might be an interesting topic of conversation. In the past a few
>people have mentioned particular strobe units (Reel 3D promotes a particular
>one as well, although I forget what it is). Any suggestions? (Sun Pak
>Model #?, etc).

And Grant Campos asked, "What's a 'potato masher'?"

A 'potato masher' is a one of those strobe units with a long vertical
handle (which often contains the battery pack) beneath a tilt/swivel
head, that mounts to the camera with a bracket.  The name comes from
its resemblance to a now-antiquated piece of kitchen equipment once
used to mash potatoes.  (Does anyone NOT use a mixer to do this, these
days?)

I've had excellent results using a Metz CL45-1 with the Revere 33
in "auto" mode.  In "auto", the dial on the strobe head sets the maximum
working distance (power), and indicates the aperture to use for proper
exposure, once you've dialed in the ASA of the film.  The shutter speed
is set to the X sync speed (or below, if you want the ambient light to
have more effect on the result).

The CL45 has a guide number of 45 meters (148 feet).  It uses a AA
5-cell battery pack which fits into the bottom of the handle.  It can
be gotten with or without a NiCad version of the battery pack and a
small plug-in charger.

They also make a CL60, which has a guide number of 60 meters (197 feet).
The CL60 requires an external battery pack, however.

These units are NOT cheap, but they are way more powerful than your
typical camera-mounted strobe, which may have a guide number of 20-30
feet or less.

        -Greg W.


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