The Einstein E640 strobe from Paul C. Buff is compact, light weight unit capable of shouldering studio work yet portable enough to take on location. The unit weighs in at four pounds and because it is self contained, it does not require a battery pack which cuts down on gear bulk.
I shot around with the Einstein 640 and the 86 inch PLM (parabolic light) umbrella in studio to test the products and see how they stacked up in my work flow.
The self contained strobe unit held up great during the test, it responding well to my style of shooting and did what I needed it to with the three different lighting setups used in studio.
Some of the functions that stood out from the get-go were the condensed size, the LCD display and the simple controls on the back of the unit. After firing it up and messing around with the controls for a bit I found it easy to pick up and learn how to operate the unit and make it do what I needed it to. The unit is easy to manage, fits in the palm of your hand and has minimal set up right out of the box.
The LCD is a great feature to see all of the settings and understand where the levels are set. Adjustments are made with the function and adjust buttons on the back control panel, with all parameters displayed on the back-lit, LCD screen (320 x 240 pixels). The screen shows the output level of the flash, the color temperature, the output level of the modeling lamp (the f-stop and watts), the modeling lamp setting, the recycle ready status and setting, the slave eye status, the action or color mode selection and the CyberSync channel and frequency selection (I was not using the CyberSync system for this review).
The Einstein unit recycles to full power in 1.7 seconds. Once the recycle is complete, the ready state is indicated by both a auditory and visually que. Both settings are adjustable through the unit to customize your shooing style. The Einstein includes a flash sensitive built-in slave sync for wireless firing and arrives with a standard 1/8" to PC sync cord for direct camera connection. The unit can also be fired with 3rd party triggers.
Einstein spec highlights:
- 9 f-stop power variability (2.5 Ws to 640 Ws)
- LCD digital controls
- Adjustable in 1/10 f-stops
- Action-stopping up to 1/13,000 second
- Bright, voltage-controlled 250 Watt modeling lamp
- Frosted dome cover reduces UV emission
- UV Coated 12mm single-ring flashtube
- Audible and visual recycle indicator alert options
- "Easy Set" button for quick return to default settings
- Complete remote control capability with CyberSync
- 4 pounds, 5 ounces (without the power cord)
- 7" height x 5.4" width x 7.8" length (with lamp, tube, dome and shipping cover attached)
PLM System
To be blunt, I loved shooting with this massive umbrella. I use a lot of beauty dish light in my workflow so I have a solid understanding of the type of parabolic light beauty dishes produce. The PLM umbrella created a wider spread of light that I enjoyed working with and could control with ease. The PLM measures out at 86 inches across the arch from tip to tip, 72 inches across the open face great for producing a large amount of light from a single source. The specific model I tested with was the Soft Silver lining. The unit is produced in three variations, White PLM, Soft Silver PLM and Extreme Silver PLM. The parabolic light creates directional lighting that easily can add shape to the subject or can be used as a large soft light source when positioned closer to the subject. During most of the test shooting in studio I used the open faced soft silver side and later on added the difusion panel that wraps around the unit. Even with the large diameter of the umbrella, installing the diffuser is easy to accomplish without an extra set of hands on set. Because of the soft silver lining, the back of the umbrella eliminates spill from the back, reflecting all of the light through the panel onto the subject.
I decided to set up and light three different scenarios to get a better idea and understand of what the Einstein 640 and PLM could do. I wanted to look at the different ways the light and umbreala could be used as a one light set up to create three different looks.
- The first look was with the Einstein and Soft Silver PLM umbrella without the diffusion. The light was placed camera right (about eight feet from subject) and used as a main light. This produced a high contrast light that gave shape to the subject. This set up would help create more of a directional/dramatic light to your subject.
- The second lighting set up was with the same as the first in terms of gear, the Einstein was set up with no diffusion but the light was closer (3-4 feet from subject.) The light was placed behind camera which allowed me to stand in front of the umbrella without cutting down the amount of light, giving a super soft, clean and airy look. With the size of the umbreala I was able to photograph the talent from head to toe giving a nice even light top to bottom.
- Third set up I added the diffusion panel to the Einstein and used it as a fill light, mixing with the natural light from the studio. This gave me a wide light source that allowed the talent to rotate and move around without a lot of repositioning the light.
Below are the three different approaches to the light, main to the side, main over camera and as a fill light.
Overall, this is a great unit in a compact design that can work in studio or on-location depending on your needs. The Einstein E640 retails for $499.95 and the PLM Umbrella used in this test retails for $79.95 through Paul C. Buff. When compared to other strobes sets that can easily cost over $2,500 for two lights, the Einstein might be a great pick for the photographer getting into studio lights or on-location lighting without the big budgets. For the on-location photographer who is looking to get away from AA battery powered flashes, the Einstein paired with the The Vagabond Mini might be a big step up in both amount of light and power consistency along with the rechargeable pack.
There are a slough of light modifiers available that work with the Alien Bee's, White Lightnings and the Einstein units. You can read up on all of the options at paulcbuff.com.
As owner of ProFoto 8a airs here, I can tell you that the E640s get more load placed on them than the 8a system any day of the week. The 8a is great when I need to light football field, but then again, I've not tried the Buff's on huge areas....yet.
Some of the major factors not mentioned here: ANY repair out of Buff's place is like $60.00 or less. That's if you need a repair. The CyberSync System albeit a bit of a learning curve, is HUGE. Great wireless range and adjustable settings from like 300 Ft. The t.1 times for incredible freezing action like a shoe mounted light. The added feature of having the mini-vagabond power pack (that can be used for just about anything around the house for a power supply in a power failure) is a small cost of like $250.00.. This unit allows for complete portability of ** TWO ** of these lights with almost instantaneous recycle times when used at half power, about 4 sends on a full pop... I can't say enough good about these lights. Buff gets a bad rap because he's a bit of an outspoken git.. I get that. But these units, for the cost involved.... You can't beat this any day of the month.
I say this after doing this bit for over 30 years and owning every type of light made. Those lights marketed as higher end have ZERO over these almost at any price point.
I´m working for years now with paulcbuff and from the beginning with einstein. I totally love them and love the cybercommander. I´ve worked with hensel: great quality but I still prefer einstein.
www.gabrielbosch.de
I built my studio on this system. I currently have 5 of these and various modifiers, vagabond mini-lithium ... I cannot ask for more. These lights have never presented a limitation to me (either in the studio or on location) and I have got several other people to buy into the system as well. Highly recommended!
I wish Paul would make these in a pack and head kit. It would be even more awesome if he'd make them Profoto and Paul C Buff modifier compatible. He'd be going right after everyone that pays $5k for similar performance from Profoto.
They do make a pack and head kit:
http://www.paulcbuff.com/zeus.php
If it had the Einstein features (PocketWizard PowerMC2 compatibility, and high speed sync), I would definitely get that system instead.
I'd rather buy one of these babies and have cash to spare, instead of paying for one Westcott Icelight, retailed at $500.
Off to do a commercial shoot in Chicago (from London) and going to be ordering 3 Einstiens to take home with me. Can't wait.
did you get them?.. :)
I have two einsteins and i love the light and the features, but i really can hate the balcar mount -w-.
All you folks complaining about buying them over seas, find a friend in the USA to buy them and ship them over and lie on the tax forms. Or bring them over if they come visit. Or make friends on who do a lot of traveling to the USA.
Or vote for politicians who would change your tax law.
Its not all to do with Taxes, Buff uses a completely different distribution system here. The lights are double the price! I might fly over there just to buy, at least I'll get a free holiday out of it!
Paul C Buff's ring flash broke down on me after 5 photo sessions new- Charged over a $100 dollars to have it shipped back for job.
I highly recommend against this product and its lousy customer service. I own the ring flash for a little over a year. It broke down on me on a job. Specifically, the capacitor blew up. I had to pay $21 to have it shipped back for repair out of state.
I need a ring flash the end of this week. I called them and told them my situation and the best, Lori the VP of customer service, did was offer to air ship for $89.
I have now paid over $100 one quarter of the original sales cost to have them ship it for a faulty piece of equipment.
I suggest if you are looking for a ring flash to pay more and not have it blow up on a job.
have it shipped back for repair out of state.
I need a ring flash the end of this week. I called them and told them my situation and the best, Lori the VP of customer service did was offer to air ship for $89.
I have now paid over $100 one quarter of the original sales cost to have them ship it for a faulty piece of equipment.
I suggest if you are looking for a ring flash to pay more and not have it blow up on a job.
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What is a good alternative to Einstein to buy in Australia? Have been looking at Elinchrom Dlites and BRX250s...to use with product photography. I am thinking ProFoto and Broncolor are too expensive here
I have used Paul's Einsteins since he released them. Combined with his CyberCommander and CSXCV plug in receivers my ability to control all functions from my camera ia incredible. I am a full time publicity and performance photographer and laugh when I hear others comment about the lack of build quality. I've had my gear take normal tumbles while working and the only items that have ever broken was one glass dome. The only time I've had a unit break completely was when a TSA inspector removed one of my units from my Pelican case and dropped the unit. Of course that inspector 'conveniently' neglected to leave his/her inspection certificate in the case. How do I know someone inspected the unit? I use zip ties on my cases to know if someone has been in the case. I contacted Lori at PCB and they immediately had my unit repaired.
The action stopping power of these units is incredible. I often photograph dance and the t:1 performance is stellar even in color mode. His PLM line of modifiers is also great. I use a wide variety of modifiers and the more I use the more I have come to appreciate his PLM design and value. Elinchrom Deep Octas are great, so are Westcott's 47 and 59" Zeppelin line, but for value and performance, nothing beats his PLMs. I was deeply saddened at Paul's passing. He was an innovator like no other in the photo lighting world. The shots I have included were all shot on location using a various number of his Einsteins and PCB modifiers including his Retro Laser which was used for the jumping martial artist with a katana in hand.
Whenever I evaluate someone's opinion of gear I always look at their body of work before giving weight to their 'opinion' no matter what the brand. "Test shots" of lights are fine, but how one uses their gear in the real world speaks volumes to me. Do I use other strobes? Yes I own Priolite 1000ws Hotsync, but only because they are the only maker who allows HSS with a Pentax 645Z. I used and returned Adorama's Rovelights because the transmitters were abysmal. The lights allow HSS and are solid, but the transmitters fired the units inconsistently on location. I also use AD360 bare bulb strobes for small work. Einsteins are still my favorite strobes for the work I do for my clients.
Is the modeling light bright enough where if using it on location at night you could use a ND filter for dof but still see the light?
BUY GODOX INSTEAD.
Have you ever felt betrayed by a brand that you have been an evangelist for? Paul Buff, Inc. is a ghost of who they were when Paul lived. I now understand why everyone is purchasing GoDoxs instead.
They have been known for their innovation. That has been gone for years. I'm been loyal because of their customer service. That has been slipping over the years as well. After the recent conversation on the phone with them, I will never cross their threshold again.
I have purchased five of their high-end Einstein lights. A part of it broke. The last time I had this exact same issue about a year ago, they charged me $100 to swap out the light for a brand new one. Happened again to another light--quality problem??? This time they tell me they won't repair it at all that I would have to purchase a brand new light. NO REPAIRS AT ALL???? Oh, they were kind enough that they would give me 25% off if I gave them the damaged light. Checked eBay, I could sell it on the market WITH THE PROBLEM for four times what they were going to gift me.