my ab800 cant hold up my GIANT SOFTBOX!!

Quantaray AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 High-Speed for Nikon

04/02/2008 12:32:21 AM · #1

I put my Giant Foldable softbox up and put the ab800 light on.. I lifted it up and put it on the heavy duty stand. I tried to lift the softbox straight but it kept falling downwards...

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/02/2008 02:33:34 AM · #2

The softbox fell off the light, or you just can't get it to stay where you want it?

Is it all AlienBee equipment?

roba

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

04/02/2008 03:49:53 AM · #3

Not sure why you're having a problem... mine's always worked like a charm.

Maybe it's the sequence (judging by your description):

1. I put my Giant Foldable softbox up
2. and put the ab800 light on..
3. I lifted it up and put it on the heavy duty stand.
4. I tried to lift the softbox straight but it kept falling downwards...

Try this:
1. Secure your AB800 to the heavy duty stand by tightening the thumb screw
2. Tighten the pull-lever to ensure the vertical movement (head tilt) is non-existent
3. Attach softbox to AB800 (you can then spin it in any direction, or loosen the lever to tilt).

The only other thing I can think of is that your speedring is not secured properly.

Quantaray AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 High-Speed for Nikon

04/02/2008 12:47:47 PM · #4

the light will not stay where I wanted to go!!!

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/02/2008 12:58:41 PM · #5

Originally posted by Dlove:

the light will not stay where I wanted to go!!!

Is the pivot not holding?

Or is the stand tipping?

Louis

Nikon D800

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

04/02/2008 01:01:29 PM · #6

If the stand is tipping, try extending the legs as far as they'll go, push the centre post down until it touches the floor, and position the softbox directly over one of the legs.

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/02/2008 01:04:08 PM · #7

Sounds like your locking lever might require tightening. The AB800 ships with an allen wrench in the box for that purpose.

notesinstones

Nikon D200

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/02/2008 01:31:43 PM · #8

Originally posted by scalvert:

Sounds like your locking lever might require tightening. The AB800 ships with an allen wrench in the box for that purpose.

I Second that. I have the huge non-folding version and this happens occasionally to me also.

The whole darned thing has the tendency to tip over because of the weight. Double check that your extending the legs out right too, when I first got mine I had a huge DOH!(head smack) moment when I realized I wasn't pushing them out correctly.

edit because im a photographer Jim, not an english major.

Message edited by author 2008-04-02 13:37:55.

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

04/02/2008 01:51:52 PM · #9

Originally posted by notesinstones:

The whole darned thing has the tendency to tip over because of the weight. Double check that your extending the legs out right too, when I first got mine I had a huge DOH!(head smack) moment when I realized I wasn't pushing them out correctly.

sandbags.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

04/02/2008 02:42:15 PM · #10

Originally posted by Gordon:

Originally posted by notesinstones:
The whole darned thing has the tendency to tip over because of the weight. Double check that your extending the legs out right too, when I first got mine I had a huge DOH!(head smack) moment when I realized I wasn't pushing them out correctly.

sandbags.

even better are bags filled with shot. (Just don't use lead shot, it's toxic)

Quantaray AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 High-Speed for Nikon

04/02/2008 04:02:35 PM · #11

the softbox came with two wrenches. What r they used for? The softbox is not tipping because of the legs!! The tightner on the ab800 seems like it cant hold it!!

scalvert

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

04/02/2008 04:31:33 PM · #12

There's a hexagonal hole in the side of the locking arm under your AB800. The allen wrench fits that hole. Tighten it.

PS- I was amused by the last 3 threads you posted to, essentially: "Should I buy it," "I bought it," and "It doesn't work." :-)

Message edited by author 2008-04-02 19:42:50.

notesinstones

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

04/02/2008 07:07:39 PM · #13

Originally posted by Gordon:

:) I use milk jugs filled with sand and small bungees. So, Yes - good idea. :)

Louis

Nikon D800

04/02/2008 08:10:49 PM · #14

Originally posted by Gordon:

I'm TELLING you!! (For those who miss Benny Hill.)

Quantaray AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 High-Speed for Nikon

04/03/2008 06:12:46 PM · #15

I dont remember an alien wrench. Any other tool that will tighten my ab800!! Someone send me a pic of the wrench or any other alternative!! Please!!! I need to set the box up for Saturday!!

raish

Olympus C-2500L

04/03/2008 06:40:44 PM · #16

Allen wrenches.

torx wrenches will fit the hexagonal socket, too.

You probably have some as those little bits that you put in battery drills etc.

If you don't have any of these things then there's a little hardware store/ironmonger within reach of most more or less civilised habitations and you could sort of wake up and smell the coffee on your way :)

Message edited by author 2008-04-03 18:42:25.

_eug

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

04/03/2008 06:40:45 PM · #17

Breathe! Inhale. Exhale. Count to ten.

Does AB have an 800 line you can call?

Quantaray AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 High-Speed for Nikon

04/03/2008 06:43:10 PM · #18

thanks what size torx?

raish

Olympus C-2500L

04/03/2008 06:46:09 PM · #19

Originally posted by Dlove:

thanks what size torx?

I don't know as I don't know the size of the screw or allen wrench, but if you get or have a set you'll crack it.