I saved the image locally and then played with it in photoshop. By varying the levels, I could reduce the image to where only the center hot spot remained. I didn't see any reduction of light in the center. If anything, the saturation is so great in the center that viewing it on the computer may cause the eyes to to receive too much light, relative to the surrounds, and then see a dark spot??
Longbow owners............
- Thread starter coachbigdog
- Start date
Aten_Imago
Banned
Weird. Maybe its just my $4,000 Barco monitor playing tricks on me again ?!
Aten_Imago
Banned
KJ and others...
I can see it plainly on my screen and a sampling using the eye-dropper tool in PS reveals greater density in the center of the beamshots - but as I said. It's probably reverse reciprocity at play. Here's what I did to process the image :
RE: CPF Member Sidespill Post # 541808
Beamshot Analysis
Beamshot processed in Photoshop:
1) Filter> High Pass
2) Image Adjust > Levels (Increased Contrast)
3) Switch Color Space | Mode > Grayscale
===
Addendum - It turns out the problem has to do with the limits of the CMOS sensors that the digital cameras use. In fact, My Nikon CP5K 'clips' these highlights. The better ($1,000+) cameras out there seem not to have this problem as much - ditto for 6MP + Digicams. Now we know. Solution is to select the brightest pixel on the beamshot and fill that dark patch with it- Oh well!
I can see it plainly on my screen and a sampling using the eye-dropper tool in PS reveals greater density in the center of the beamshots - but as I said. It's probably reverse reciprocity at play. Here's what I did to process the image :
RE: CPF Member Sidespill Post # 541808
Beamshot Analysis
Beamshot processed in Photoshop:
1) Filter> High Pass
2) Image Adjust > Levels (Increased Contrast)
3) Switch Color Space | Mode > Grayscale
===
Addendum - It turns out the problem has to do with the limits of the CMOS sensors that the digital cameras use. In fact, My Nikon CP5K 'clips' these highlights. The better ($1,000+) cameras out there seem not to have this problem as much - ditto for 6MP + Digicams. Now we know. Solution is to select the brightest pixel on the beamshot and fill that dark patch with it- Oh well!
kj
Enlightened
I saw your steps but I could not reproduce your picture. I could make the similar picture to yours by applying the High Pass filter, but I think the high pass filter is not an appropriate filter here. In the original picture, the center of the beam is saturated and flat at RGB(252, 252, 252) and the high pass filter removes the flat areas.
What is the purpose of the filter in your step? Sorry I know it's a bit off topic, but I just want to make this clear.
BTW, tomorrow I'll post the runtime chart using the rechargeable 123A, which is charged at 4.2V.
What is the purpose of the filter in your step? Sorry I know it's a bit off topic, but I just want to make this clear.
BTW, tomorrow I'll post the runtime chart using the rechargeable 123A, which is charged at 4.2V.
flashlightDR
Newly Enlightened
Does anyone have any background information on Longbow. They seemed to have come out of nowhere. Where are they made; who's behind it...etc....?
alberto
Enlightened
Just got my Longbow Micra 2210 today (thanks Bulldog). I'm blown away by the quality, in all respects -- fit, finish, design, and performance. Even the box is beautiful. A quick daylight wall test comparison between my E1e/KL4 and Micra (both new batteries) seems to show the Micra has a brighter, tighter, and whiter light. Anyone have a more quantitative comparison between these two lights?
Skyline
Enlightened
I just got my Micra 2210 half an hour ago (no thanks to FedEx who delivered it to my neighbor!).
I am totally blown away by the sheer quality of this light. The build quality, tooling, finish, and packaging are nothing short of spectacular. Now I know why people have mentioned Surefire with respect to the quality feel.
I have not taken mine apart yet, but I do notice that either the lens or the optic have fine scratches or dust. I'll have to find a substitute lens ASAP. The beam seems to be unaffected though.
So far, initial impressions are excellent! I think this may replace my LSL-S as my EDC... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif The price is right too.
Oh yeah, the two camera mount points on the tailcap are sweet!! Works great with my mini tripod.
Thanks Bulldog! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I am totally blown away by the sheer quality of this light. The build quality, tooling, finish, and packaging are nothing short of spectacular. Now I know why people have mentioned Surefire with respect to the quality feel.
I have not taken mine apart yet, but I do notice that either the lens or the optic have fine scratches or dust. I'll have to find a substitute lens ASAP. The beam seems to be unaffected though.
So far, initial impressions are excellent! I think this may replace my LSL-S as my EDC... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif The price is right too.
Oh yeah, the two camera mount points on the tailcap are sweet!! Works great with my mini tripod.
Thanks Bulldog! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
flashlightDR
Newly Enlightened
Aten_Imago
Banned
KJ- I sent you a PS action to run so you can see what I mean. High Pass boosts gamma, then levels increase contrast and converting from color(RGB) to Grayscale eliminates color distraction so you can see the "eclipse" effect. The more I keep shining my lights down on paper the more I'm convinced we're creating a True Solarization with this beamshot hotspots. You see the effect is absolutely not there in pictures of weaker beams. Once the hotspot exposure reaches beyond 3 f stops over zone 10, the reversal kicks in. This is a problem!
[ QUOTE ]
Skyline said:
I have not taken mine apart yet, but I do notice that either the lens or the optic have fine scratches or dust. I'll have to find a substitute lens ASAP. The beam seems to be unaffected though.
So far, initial impressions are excellent! I think this may replace my LSL-S as my EDC... :O
[/ QUOTE ]
Yup, the lens is the only thing I disliked about it. When I first got my Micra I tapped the lens against my tooth (yes my tooth. I use it to tell when I don't have something metal on me) and it left a mark/indent. I thought is was dirt but when I went to wipe the lens with my shirt (and gently), scratches all over. When I got home, swapped in a 22.5mm mineral glass from the Shoppe, now the light is perfect.
The Micra replaced my Arc LS as my EDC as well. Sorry to say but I barely even use my LSs anymore.
Skyline said:
I have not taken mine apart yet, but I do notice that either the lens or the optic have fine scratches or dust. I'll have to find a substitute lens ASAP. The beam seems to be unaffected though.
So far, initial impressions are excellent! I think this may replace my LSL-S as my EDC... :O
[/ QUOTE ]
Yup, the lens is the only thing I disliked about it. When I first got my Micra I tapped the lens against my tooth (yes my tooth. I use it to tell when I don't have something metal on me) and it left a mark/indent. I thought is was dirt but when I went to wipe the lens with my shirt (and gently), scratches all over. When I got home, swapped in a 22.5mm mineral glass from the Shoppe, now the light is perfect.
The Micra replaced my Arc LS as my EDC as well. Sorry to say but I barely even use my LSs anymore.
[ QUOTE ]
darkzero said:
......The S017XA reflector looks like it will work with just a tiny bit of modifying to the reflector. I will try it tonight and post pics.
[/ QUOTE ]
Better late than never, actually it slipped my mind.
Lately I've been staying away from optics. I dislike beams that have funny shapes in them like the square you get with the stock Micra's optic/Carclo 6deg(?). I like reflectors better but not always.
A S017XA fits perfect with slight modifications to it. Even the stock o-ring in the Micra's head works with it. I think a MagAA still focuses better but it's personal preference. The MagAA focuses tighter than the S017XA but it also has less side spill. I like the sidespill of the the S017XA. It's very useful. The S017XA has not found a new home in my Micra. An optic will go back in but I haven't decided on which yet.
Left: Micra w/S017XA, Right: Q3J BB500 MagAA reflector @ 7ft.
darkzero said:
......The S017XA reflector looks like it will work with just a tiny bit of modifying to the reflector. I will try it tonight and post pics.
[/ QUOTE ]
Better late than never, actually it slipped my mind.
Lately I've been staying away from optics. I dislike beams that have funny shapes in them like the square you get with the stock Micra's optic/Carclo 6deg(?). I like reflectors better but not always.
A S017XA fits perfect with slight modifications to it. Even the stock o-ring in the Micra's head works with it. I think a MagAA still focuses better but it's personal preference. The MagAA focuses tighter than the S017XA but it also has less side spill. I like the sidespill of the the S017XA. It's very useful. The S017XA has not found a new home in my Micra. An optic will go back in but I haven't decided on which yet.
Left: Micra w/S017XA, Right: Q3J BB500 MagAA reflector @ 7ft.
alberto
Enlightened
darkzero:
Thanks for the tip on the lens. I swapped my lens out too with the mineral glass. Now there's at least two perfect lights. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Thanks for the tip on the lens. I swapped my lens out too with the mineral glass. Now there's at least two perfect lights. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Deleted member 737
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2002
- Messages
- 1,334
So:
Coming into this completely new: I just saw this thread, I'm getting the sense that Longbow is very much worth looking at? And could be a very attractive alternative to Arc / Surefire? Has anyone put out a comprehensive review with high res pics?
How does any of these lights compare with the Arc 4?
Brian
Coming into this completely new: I just saw this thread, I'm getting the sense that Longbow is very much worth looking at? And could be a very attractive alternative to Arc / Surefire? Has anyone put out a comprehensive review with high res pics?
How does any of these lights compare with the Arc 4?
Brian
Brian, yes IMO and many others, LongBow are very high quality and well designed. Again, IMO, blows Arc out of the sky. Well I shouldn't really say that as I've never owned an Arc4 yet or have had on in my hands. The Arc5 is something I'm also looking forward to. Nope, not worth looking at, something I highly recommend owning one, or if your someone like me a few. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
There's a short review here but no pics. There's some more good info "exploded view" pics here. And I believe Aten Imago is going to do a full on review of the Micra and Mini when he receives them from the "passaround".
There's a short review here but no pics. There's some more good info "exploded view" pics here. And I believe Aten Imago is going to do a full on review of the Micra and Mini when he receives them from the "passaround".
I'll have to try one of those reflectors, and am kicking myself for not ordering a couple before. What's your opinion of it compared to something with an NX05?
btw, for the people asking about it being better than Arcs, I agree that the LongBow is much nicer than my Arcs, but an Arc LSH w/twistie is a lot smaller, and has a more useful beam for me, so that's what stays in my pocket.
Not sure if even a replacement glass lens, and an optic or reflector that suits me better is going to change that, though the pocket clip might. I can't wait for the pocket clip to become available /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
btw, for the people asking about it being better than Arcs, I agree that the LongBow is much nicer than my Arcs, but an Arc LSH w/twistie is a lot smaller, and has a more useful beam for me, so that's what stays in my pocket.
Not sure if even a replacement glass lens, and an optic or reflector that suits me better is going to change that, though the pocket clip might. I can't wait for the pocket clip to become available /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I of course would say I'd prefer the S017XA with one of the major factors being, as I mentioned before, the beam is uniform and looks "pretty". The NX-05 with a HD gives the hotspot surrounded by a square beam. But this doesn't mean jack sqiggly in terms of performance.
Ok if I were to factor out the "uniform" beam issue thing I have, I would still say the S017XA would be my preferred. Many still like the NX-05 cause it gives nice useable sidespill. The stock LongBow optics looks similar to a NX-05 just with a brighter hotspot and pretty much no sidespill like the Fraen LP and a NX-01 on a HD. The S017XA when compared to a NX-05 has a brighter, bigger hotspot, throws way farther and still has a very good amount of useable sidespill. Some may argue that with a NX-05 a lot of light is lost bouncing out the back of the optic. With a reflector the light is "pretty much" all caught and reflected.
I like MagAA reflectors better than the SX017A since they focus tighter but they don't have as much useable sidespill. At first I disliked these S017XA reflectors and regretted buying eight of them. But the MagAA reflectors don't fit most of my lights without some major modifications not to mention having to mod them to work with a HD in the first place. The S017XA reflectors fit almost every light I have that uses a small collimator and with very little or no modifications to them. I have grown to like them and still prefer reflectors over optics.
You can see how the S017XA does against others in my optics review but sidespill isn't captured for the comparisons.
Ok if I were to factor out the "uniform" beam issue thing I have, I would still say the S017XA would be my preferred. Many still like the NX-05 cause it gives nice useable sidespill. The stock LongBow optics looks similar to a NX-05 just with a brighter hotspot and pretty much no sidespill like the Fraen LP and a NX-01 on a HD. The S017XA when compared to a NX-05 has a brighter, bigger hotspot, throws way farther and still has a very good amount of useable sidespill. Some may argue that with a NX-05 a lot of light is lost bouncing out the back of the optic. With a reflector the light is "pretty much" all caught and reflected.
I like MagAA reflectors better than the SX017A since they focus tighter but they don't have as much useable sidespill. At first I disliked these S017XA reflectors and regretted buying eight of them. But the MagAA reflectors don't fit most of my lights without some major modifications not to mention having to mod them to work with a HD in the first place. The S017XA reflectors fit almost every light I have that uses a small collimator and with very little or no modifications to them. I have grown to like them and still prefer reflectors over optics.
You can see how the S017XA does against others in my optics review but sidespill isn't captured for the comparisons.
