Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I just received mine from Amazon at 30% off because of I was able to take advantage of the specials I found on [...]. I find it to be very well made in every aspect. Came in a small box and assembly is required. The assembly instruction sheet is very clear with illustrations. No user instruction/manual came with it but their website provides more then enough information to get you started.
I was able to install it on my Sony 58 flash by stretching the band as instructed but now the flash doesn't fit into its very nice case as easily. Had to remove the arms so the head will slide into the case, leaving the band on the head. Now the arms are still attached to the panel assembly. Wish I have a slip case to protect the reflective panels while stored in my camera case. I wrap a micro fiber eyeglass cleaning cloth around the panel assembly and into a small plastic bag to store in my camera case. The shining reflective surfaces does show fingerprints very easily.
Everything works as shown on their website. Haven't had a chance to test this yet since my primary use would be at parties in a large hall with high ceilings and walls in medium colors.
My concern is how much extra work and time to setup each shot as I move around the hall taking group portraits. I suppose I could just use both white reflective panels for bounced diffused light for general shooting and use the shining panel(s) for directing bounced lighting to some wall or ceiling.
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I got a response from Presslite: "Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer new incentive discounts".
Tried it with my Sony 58 last night in a large banquet hall with high ceilings and medium colored walls and ceiling. I ended up using the white reflectors as diffusers with the flash head straight up, as the silver mirrors were not effective in such a large area. For a party environment where you have to walk around and catch spontaneous shots, I found that I didn't have time to adjust the reflectors so I just use the white panels to bounce the light.
Also in such a large room, you have to be pretty precise at the angles you set up the silver panels...much like playing pool except this is three dimensional but the light does spread out like a shotgun. When using the silver panel(s) to bounce the flash directly to the subject, I can see in my view screen when I have light cut off when I missed my panel setting!
If the task is to take portraits, such as bridals in the dressing room, or on a portrait shoot, then you can take time to study the room for effective bounce surfaces to make use the silver mirror panel(s).
At first the arms became loose from the band after a few adjustments... discovered that the arms were too close together at the panel attachment bar. By sliding the arms out so it was more parallel to each other and perpendicular to the band, it held up well.
Didn't like the fact when I wanted to set the panel and arms to the side and just use the flash in its native form, one of the panels sticks out distractively at right angles to the flash...had to detach it from the panel bar (attaches with rare earth magnets) and place into my pocket, thus a micro fiber slip case to protect the panels would be handy.
In the short time I used it last night, about 1/2 hour, I discovered that both white panels had dark scuff marks and didn't come off with a casual wipe from a cloth. Will try some isopropyl alcohol and mild detergent later.
On studying the scuff marks on one of the white panels I see there are two parallel marks in a arc fashion, so I am thinking it is rubbing against either the flash or the band. I just tried to replicate it and succeeded with the band, but only with a lot of pressure. Will learn to detach the panels when not in use. Again, have to keep the panels separate and in a slip case. I fashioned one out a spare micro fiber eye glass cleaning cloth. Will have to sew it into a fitted slip case.
This product is very well made but takes some time (for me at least) to study and learn its full capabilities. Will be playing with it as time and opportunities permit.
I wrote twice to Presslite and the Vertex Team and they were very responsive and friendly. Highly recommended company and product!
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PRESSlite Vertex Light Modifier, for any Portable Shoe Mount Electronic FlashThe PRESSlite VerteX is an innovative new light modifier that gives you an unprecedented level of control over the light flow from your swivel-head flash.Engineered in Silicon Valley, this device's unique tilt, twist and pivot actions enable the user to reflect and redirect light in multiple directions simultaneously from a single flash unit! In combination with the available motion of your swivel-head flash, you have virtually unlimited available angles from which light can be projected.Unlike any other light modifier currently on the market, this breakthrough device has been designed for exceptional durability from the highest quality of hybrid plastic, elastomer and magnetic materials, delivering fluid movement, superior mechanical functionality and lasting reliability. Sleek professional styling enhances your image, as you respond to the demands of Move & Modify photojournalism.
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