Reliable, Compact Studio Lights
Review by Gilmar Smith
Elinchrom, which has been delivering lighting solutions to visual creators for 55 years, recently launched a new line of midrange flash systems designed for studio photographers: the ELC 125 and ELC 500. Elinchrom has also developed a new, secure reflector bayonet system that’s compatible with all Elinchrom modifiers.
The Elinchrom ELC 125 goes from 7–125 Ws, and the ELC 500 goes from 7–500 Ws. Both units possess high-quality, long-life, daylight LED modeling lamps that can be used for video, and they’re perfectly balanced with flash and precise color science and accuracy over the whole power range.
Weighing in at 1.9 kg/418 lbs and 2.6 kg/5.73 lbs, respectively, the ELC 125 and 500 have screwed-in frosted glass that protects the flashtubes and LED. They also have an upgraded low-noise, speed-controlled fan for maximum cooling. Another significant improvement is their optimized recycling time: The ELC 125 will recycle to full power in 0.7 seconds; the ELC 500 in 1.6 seconds.
The units have a two-way, metal tilt head that allows you to adjust them swiftly and precisely to any position. Since the units go down to 7 Ws, you have complete control in reaching your desired depth of field and flash durations up to 1/40,000 sec for the ELC 125, and 1/20,000 sec for the ELC 500.
In addition, TTL and HSS functionalities are available using the Elinchrom Transmitter Pro. When you create different groups to control light, the logo of each unit will change according to the group assigned, for better identification.
Both the Elinchrom ELC 125 and ELC 500 have a micro USB connection that can be used to easily update the unit’s firmware and functionalities. ■
