PROFOTO TURBOCHARGES THE B1
PIONEER OF TTL flash control in pro-level lighting equipment, Profoto has returned to the product which started it all – the B1 batterypowered Monobloc – and extensively updated it to create the B1X.
The new version has a more powerful LED modelling lamp – now equivalent to a 130 watts halogen source – and higher capacity battery which delivers 50 percent more energy and an extended HSS flash power range. The new lithium-ion battery pack remains the same size and weight as before, but can now deliver up to 325 full-power flashes (and obviously a lot more at lower outputs).
The B1X retains a maximum flash power output of 500 joules with an adjustable range over nine stops, adjustable in 1/10-stop increments. This nine-stop range is now maintained when also shooting in the HSS (high speed sync) mode at shutter speeds of up to 1/8000 second.
The fastest flash duration is 1/19,000 second and recycling times range from 0.05 to 1.9 seconds. As before, the B1X can operate without any cables at all, with wireless TTL exposure control via the optional Air Remote controllers which are now available dedicated for Canon, Nikon, Sony and Olympus TTL flash systems. The Air Remotes have an operating range of up to 300 metres.
The B1X weighs just three kilograms, including the battery pack, and its design incorporates a built-in reflector to give more compact external dimensions. However, it can also be fitted with a wide selection of Profoto light shapers and two new hard reflectors have been added to the OCF (Off Camera Flash line). The new OCF Zoom Reflector is a compact accessory – so it will still fit into the B1X’s case while still attached to the monobloc – but it effectively doubles the effective light output at the two-metre range. The larger OCF Magnum Reflector increases the effective output further, and these new accessories can also be used on the B1, B2, D1 and D2 flashes.
Profoto lighting products are distributed in Australia by C.R. Kennedy & Company. For more information visit https://profoto.com/au