brightnorm
Flashaholic
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2001
- Messages
- 7,160
In this past thread I described the excellent performance of the SF 2.5" SRTH turbohead as presented by LPS
NEW TURBO: A MAJOR STEP FORWARD
I obtained three of them to add to my two existing 3" T1/2's (The 1 and 2 are identical, but differently designated according to the installed lamp, a confusing practice IMO, so I just call them T1/2, or perhaps T1-2 might be clearer).
I found that a D3 with N2 lamp in the T1/2 gave performance equal to the UltraStinger, while the SRTH came very close to the same standard. This was remarkable considering the small size and light weight of the combined unit.
Today, with this in mind I added an A19 extender to my D3, loaded one of the T1/2's with an MN60 and prepared for spectacular results, but was disappointed with the oblong, somewhat sloppy, subtly shadowed beam. I could live with the shape but not with the shadowing. I tried repositioning the lamp with a washer which just made it worse. I also tried a MN61 and was not impressed. That is one heck of a load for only 4 123's and the beam was actually slightly dimmer than my MN60 in addition to retaining the oblong shape and shadows. I went back to the MN60 and tried my second T1/2: similar result. I went through all my SRTH's: slightly better but still subpar and not nearly as round and perfectly focused as the D3 + N2.
I know that any Flashaholic can understand my surprise and frustration; I have a vague memory of someone posting something similar, but I don't remember the particulars.
Perhaps it is my particular MN60. It's my only one and I am not enthusiastic about ordering another one for the sake of comparison.
I have a few questions:
Is the M4's turbohead identical to either the SRTH or T1/2? If it is then I'll assume that the oblong imperfect beam is intrinsic to the M4 and must be accepted.
If it's different and creates a superior beam is there any way to buy it as an add-on to my present set up, or are the tube diameters different? (I seem to recall that they are). I think one of our LEO's got an M4 some time ago and was very pleased with it. If it's different but excellent then I'll just bite the bullet and get an M4, though I would prefer saving that money toward the A2.
Any input and suggestions will be much appreciated.
Brightnorm
NEW TURBO: A MAJOR STEP FORWARD
I obtained three of them to add to my two existing 3" T1/2's (The 1 and 2 are identical, but differently designated according to the installed lamp, a confusing practice IMO, so I just call them T1/2, or perhaps T1-2 might be clearer).
I found that a D3 with N2 lamp in the T1/2 gave performance equal to the UltraStinger, while the SRTH came very close to the same standard. This was remarkable considering the small size and light weight of the combined unit.
Today, with this in mind I added an A19 extender to my D3, loaded one of the T1/2's with an MN60 and prepared for spectacular results, but was disappointed with the oblong, somewhat sloppy, subtly shadowed beam. I could live with the shape but not with the shadowing. I tried repositioning the lamp with a washer which just made it worse. I also tried a MN61 and was not impressed. That is one heck of a load for only 4 123's and the beam was actually slightly dimmer than my MN60 in addition to retaining the oblong shape and shadows. I went back to the MN60 and tried my second T1/2: similar result. I went through all my SRTH's: slightly better but still subpar and not nearly as round and perfectly focused as the D3 + N2.
I know that any Flashaholic can understand my surprise and frustration; I have a vague memory of someone posting something similar, but I don't remember the particulars.
Perhaps it is my particular MN60. It's my only one and I am not enthusiastic about ordering another one for the sake of comparison.
I have a few questions:
Is the M4's turbohead identical to either the SRTH or T1/2? If it is then I'll assume that the oblong imperfect beam is intrinsic to the M4 and must be accepted.
If it's different and creates a superior beam is there any way to buy it as an add-on to my present set up, or are the tube diameters different? (I seem to recall that they are). I think one of our LEO's got an M4 some time ago and was very pleased with it. If it's different but excellent then I'll just bite the bullet and get an M4, though I would prefer saving that money toward the A2.
Any input and suggestions will be much appreciated.
Brightnorm