Black Diamond Productions

I am a fan of big light modifiers because of the soft light they can produce… I guess in a few days I will know how this monster works when and if mine arrives – They have been on backorder for months do to issues. Will report back when I know more…

The PLM™ System is a modular light modifier system that can quickly be configured as a large, high-output parabolic reflector, as a wide-beam or narrow-beam softbox, or as a bounce or shoot-through umbrella.

The PLM™ System is available in 51-inch, 64-inch and 86-inch sizes, measured tip to tip across the top arc of the open umbrella.

The updated PLM™v.2 models offer both traditional umbrella-style mountingand faceplate speedring mounting for Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ and Elinchrom units. Opening like a traditional umbrella, the PLM™v.2 has a 7mm umbrella pole that allows it to be used with all Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ flash units and a wide range of flash units by other manufacturers (any models accepting umbrella poles up to 7mm in diameter). New in the version 2 model, we additionally offer faceplate mounting with the provided speedring cage assembly (available for Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ or Elinchrom users). This unique design allows exact centering of the umbrella for accurate aiming and optimal lighting quality. Both configurations – speedring and 7mm shaft – mount with zero protrusion from the back of the light.

Einstein™ E640 flash with 51" White PLM™ using Buff Speedring Assembly

Einstein™ E640 flash with 51" White PLM™ using Umbrella Rod

Note: ALL models of the PLM™ arrive with the umbrella pole for attachment. They additionally arrive with either a Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ speedring assembly or an Elinchrom speedring assembly. To use the PLM™ system with flash units by manufacturers other than Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ or Elinchrom (using the umbrella-style attachment), either the standard Paul C. Buff™ model or Elinchrom model may be purchased.

Silver PLM™

• silver 16-rib parabolic bounce umbrella
• silver inside / black outside
• projects a soft but narrow beam of light
• produces the light pattern and high output similar to a 40° reflector
• two to three f-stops more output than a typical softbox

This will be a great solution for many of us none full time “professional” photographers. Matching this with the Cyber Commander Light control system will more than likely be my perfect lighting setup for single and dual light work in the very near future. These are available for pre-order now with about a 3000 light waiting period as of this month.

Click for a larger Image

Link to their website: http://www.paulcbuff.com/pcb2009/einstein.html

THE NEW PAUL C. BUFF EINSTEIN

EINSTEIN 640 – PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Read more

PLM SYSTEM™ PRINCIPLES

Parabolic reflectors are often misunderstood by photographers. A common response to the PLM™ system is: "That looks like an umbrella – it can’t possibly perform the function of those gigantic deep parabolic reflectors offered by other manufacturers." In a conventional deep parabolic reflector (see fig. 1) only a portion of the available light is directed to the parabola and is directed as a focused beam toward the subject. The remainder (shown in red) escapes as unfocused spill light. In the PLM™ system (see fig. 2) the special 7" reflector directs all of the light onto the 16 segment parabolic surface in an exact 180° field. 100% of the light is focused by the parabola and none escapes as direct spill light. The result is higher output than a deep parabolic system, virtually no spill light, extremely even coverage and a lightweight, portable system that can be mounted on standard light stands and easily transported and set up.

By positioning the light unit at the exact focal point, the silver PLM™ light modifiers produce an extremely high-output narrow shaft of light with smooth coverage and feathered edges. This results in very large, virtually round light sources that produce intense yet soft lighting due to the vast f-stop increase in subject illumination over softboxes or conventional umbrellas. Moving the light unit into the parabola slightly defocuses the beam to produce a wider pattern at slightly lower output. The optional front diffuser converts the Silver PLM™ into an exceedingly efficient softbox with exceptional evenness across the face and moderately wide illumination patterns. PLM™ umbrellas with white satin fabric form virtually round bounce or shoot-through light sources with extremely even surface brightness and wide smooth lighting patterns. Optional black covers and front diffuser panels offer a wide array of lighting styles.

The PLM Umbrella Reflector should be used in all configurations with Paul C. Buff, Inc.™ lights for optimal performance

• Silver 16 Rib Parabolic Umbrella: Silver inside, black outside. Projects a soft but narrow beam of light with a pattern and high output similar to a 40° reflector. Two to three f-stops more output than a typical softbox. Available in 86”, 64” and 42” sizes.
• White 16 Rib Parabolic Umbrella: White satin diffusion/bounce fabric. Projects a wide, soft beam for soft studio lighting with uncontrolled spill. Available in 86”, 64” and 42” sizes.

Optional:

Black Outer Cover Fabric: Eliminates unwanted back spill-light when used with the white umbrella, further maximizing the output in bounce mode.  Also ideal for use with White Front Diffusion Fabric.  (note: this cover is not needed with the silver umbrella).

Link for more information: http://www.alienbees.com/plm.html

The best part of this release is the pricing – most large umbrellas are much more expensive – I will probably have to give one of these a try in the white with black outer cover setup.