Profoto B1X ISSUES | I need some help here..(UPDATE SEE BELOW)
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
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Want to learn more about photography and business? Head over to my Patreon page to see all the different things I offer! / travisharris
PLEASE READ THE FULL STORY BELOW...
* UPDATE **
So, I wanted to test to see if it was the flash tube, or the actual unit. I switched the flash tubes, and found that the issue followed the tube! So, it looks like they either are defective, or can't handle the HSS etc. I have no idea.. but, I am returning the kit and going to try the B10's next..
So, after 7 years with Elinchrom.. it was time to retire my old Quadra packs and get something else. I always have been attracted to Profoto, and LOVE the modifiers they have, and how they all work. It is an eco system that I really want to be apart of. So.. I sold everything that I had and made a BIG investment in new heads, and all new modifiers.
Let me be clear.. I AM happy about the move, and the product (short of this issue your about to see). They truly are amazing lights, and the system is exactly what I had hoped for.. except for one thing…
My first order of the new B1X Location kit came from B&H on Sept. 5th of 2018. Took it out, and was instantly in love. Then, after my first wedding.. I noticed that many (all) of the formal shots were all over the place in terms of exposure. I had to do a TON of correcting +/- in post processing to make them all the same. This is something that I have never had to do before, in 8 years of shooting weddings. I thought this was strange, and knew I was not shooting in TTL. I was in manual mode, as I always am.
So, I took a look at the lights and did a little test in my living room. Here is a private unlisted video which shows what I found when scrubbing through the results. • Profoto B1X at low power.
Not one, but BOTH lights were doing it! They both were inconsistent with exposure output in manual mode at the lower power levels. Level 2.0 was horrible.
I thought this was weird, and called Profoto service. Very nice guys! We setup an appointment with a local rental / retailer for me to go and visit the next day (1hr drive each way) but, it was worth it. This way we could test another kit, and see if it did the same thing. So, off I went and sure enough.. I walked in with my kit, and we tested with another new one, and the new one did NOT do this at all!
This proved that MY lights were somehow defective. Got home, called back Profoto and we did firmware updates, and even used an older one to see if it would make a difference. No! So, because they were within B&H’s return policy off they went back to be exchanged.
Except.. I could not wait for a week.. I needed a new kit RIGHT NOW for work! So, I actually BOUGHT THEM AGAIN! (my poor bank account!) Another kit, overnighted to me… this kit came to my house, and was delivered WITH NO BOX! W.T.F!!!! Shame on B&H! They shipped it with no box, and it was all damaged. OMG! I was in rage, and called them to complain. They then sent me a return label that day, and overnighted a new one. BTW, these lights seemed okay in a quick test… but, as you will see in a second.. this might mean nothing..
(roll eyes now)
So.. the new one comes.. (box this time), I take it out.. it looks perfect. I test them just like in the video.. perfect! No issues, they both looked good to go!
Well..
Now, 2 weeks later.. I happen to notice.. and yup.. as you see in the video, I am back to square one all over again.
Called service again.. spoke with A GREAT DUDE Chris! Love this guy. HE tested on his end a B1, with his Fuji camera.. and ALSO saw the issue! WOW! (thank god!). So, now he is going to contact HQ in Sweden and get back to me next week. He thinks it could be a Firmware thing.. BUT.. that would not explain why only one head is now doing it, and not both?
SO.. I need your help! This is why I am making this video. IF you have a B1X can you PLEASE do this same test and let me know! POWER LEVEL 2.0! 10 - 15 shots and then note any difference in the frames. This will help me, and it will help Profoto come to a conclusion on what is going on!
I really did not want to get the new B10’s.. because I am a big power user, but I may have no choice. I can’t keep dealing with this.. and worrying if my new lights are suddenly not putting out consistent exposures, only to find out in a middle of a wedding formal set 3 months from now. Ya know?! On top of this, I am sitting on over $1700 worth of Profoto mods.. so, jumping ship is not really an option either, and I am not fond of Godox. LOL, I just want what I bought to work damn it! But, I may have to try the B10’s…
Thanks so much, I will update when this is all settled!
I have the same problem with my B1, location kit. Both of them, one is very fluctuate and the other is just little. I noticed when i use them for a stopmotion shot. I didn't have ant issues before with any profoto B1 s or D2s from rental, however it is only suffering on mine.
Wow. This is making me sad. I don't think it's a case of me getting defective units, I think it's a problem much bigger. I just don't think most people even notice. As you say it depends on what your shooting. I was in fact able to switch the flash tubes between my lights and see the issue follows the tube. So, I wonder if hss is somehow wearing out the tube in some kind of accelerated way.
Would you be willing to just shoot a simple cell phone as I did to show this issue. This way I can also send to profoto to show that it's not just me, and we can get this all taken care of.
@@travisharrisphotography Hey Travis, check this one, I made a video for this:vimeo.com/297674423/fc21e1fa6d
Even with manual trigger: vimeo.com/297689311/d5edaa3ac7
These videos below was shot frame by frame as still photos on either Nikon D810, D750 or D4, all on manual mode (shutter, aperture, iso and white balance), they were lit with Profoto lights on manual mode as well, in controlled environments (studios). Then combined as a stop-motion videos, so if there’s any inconsistent exposure, it would be appear as flicker in the video.
This was used my Profoto B1, clearly it has issues with consistency power output:
vimeo.com/297641810/08ede05adf
While these videos was shot with rented 2 B1 500, have no issues with consistency output:
vimeo.com/297209746/24ce2808b5
vimeo.com/297209883/9590db8edf
These are shot with either D1 1000ws or D2 100ws with no issues with consistency output:
vimeo.com/297015817/c68ab2ed28
vimeo.com/297015766/860fcc520c
vimeo.com/232636661/1c37530808
vimeo.com/232633189/1fdd18c8f7
vimeo.com/227403381/a7ab1f0ce6
I’ve shot a lot these type of stopmotions with Profoto lights, they have consistent output except my B1, I ve no idea why is that. Looks like we have the same issues….
@@andreaspratikto Yes, this is the exactly the issue! WOW!. I will forward this to my contact at Profoto as well.. thank you so much for making this video! This is really helpful, and this is also very helpful for others too. Going to also pin this comment.
I found your video because I am having the exact same problems! Especially with one and not only is it the inconsistency, but this certain one doesn’t fire every single time too! It is driving me crazy and it is making my work hard. Was hoping to come on here and find a solution.
I have the same problem on 6 our of 6 heads I've tested. It seems to be unique to b1x (maybe b1 too but I haven't tested). What you see is the +/- 0.2 stop variation which is what Profoto will tell you is normal but if you look at the specs they write +/- 1/20th of a stop which is +/-0.05. This is a big problem and I don't think Profoto are addressing it. What was the resolution?
PROBLEM SOLVED!!!!!! I finally figured out that the fault lies with the flash tube. Once i changed the bulb the problem disappeared. I am now recording the number of shots and at what power outage they were fired at and if it happens again i will be taking it up with Profoto.
Yeah, I ended up selling off all my profoto gear during the pandemic and went godox. I see now that profoto is more about marketing than anything else. Lol. My b10s also had this issue. So glad to be rid of it all. Zero issues now 3 years later with godox. Very happy.
@@travisharrisphotography gotox gave me the same issue
Im having same problem, Im a rodeo photographer and set my d3's to full power and after about 40 frames they will all drop down to 2.0. # brand new lights, latest firmware, shot on different cameras, tried with 2 different air remotes, very frustrating after spending 10, 000. any help?
I went with Profoto because I have shot with 4 acute b's for 10 years, no prob rock solid, The most frustrating thing is trying to get tech support, I feel like they blew me off with our lights do not have issues!
After spending nearly 2-years testing both the Profoto D1/B1 system and the Broncolor Siros/SirosL, I chose to go with Broncolor. Part of the reason was either misfires or the colour shift from the Profoto monolights - something that didn't happen with the Bron. I pushed both systems to their max and again, Bron came out on top esp in terms of consistency.
Haha nice! I'm sure they are great! I choose profoto for the total system, and ocf mods. For me, this is a great setup. I just got the new b10s the other day and I am over the moon happy again. Going to make a new video soon!
@@travisharrisphotography ya it's a good system overall. I checked out the B10s recently at the launch in Toronto and think they're pretty neat and super compact. Haven't played with it yet, but hopefully I can soon enough. Looking forward to your new vid!
@@pawelecphoto The B10's arrived.. and they are STUNNING. More to come.. shooting a video this weekend... stay tuned..
@@nonofurbuzness in the end it comes down to what works best for one's workflow. However if we are gonna talk on technical terms, then yes Broncolor > Profoto every day... for colour consistency, build quality, innovation, and price point. Let's not get into the t-value of flash durations between the two systems, because Broncolor is a clear winner as well. To each their own, but I'm #TeamBroncolor for a reason!
i had the same problem with inconsistent power. with the remote (connect) that couldn't HSS I now have the Air Remote TTL-C with HSS mode, the power no longer jumps in this Mode (use mechanic shutter)
I know this video was posted awhile ago, but wondering if you every got this resolved? I've been dealing with this from both my B1's and B10 units for a long time now. I've replaced flash tubes, sent them all to be evaluated by Profoto, nothing has fixed it.
Hey! Yes, I fixed it.. I sold them all and washed my hands of "Profoto", LOL. But, in all seriousness I had the same problem as well with the B10's and just said "this is enough". Why, or why can I not get a consistent low power result. It was impossible. It's then I tried a Godox AD300, and it was a thing of simple beauty. Another plastic can that produces a flash that did not cost a fortune and does the same job. Never looked back. I would recommend the same. :-)
@@travisharrisphotography I hear ya, I'm very close to doing the same. I've dealt with it for years, always adjusting things in post, but it's finally starting to break me, lol. Your video here is just about the only thing I've been able to find of anyone dealing with this, so I've always thought it's just something on my end that I can't figure out.
@@kentmeister3931 Hey Kent! Yeah, I know the feeling. I felt the same way as well, feeling like I was the only one with issues with Profoto. EVERY time I spoke up about it, other Profoto users made me feel like its the greatest thing in the world, lol. Its then when I realized the "cult" (Apple like) silly following. Or maybe it was when the $400 air remote started to come apart after the second week of use. Either way, I sold everything and am SO much better off. I think too many of us got sucked into the "gear" vs. understanding its a plastic can that makes a flash. Ironically its now proven the cheaper options work better and more consistently.
I am having a similar problem with two Profoto B1X. One is almost two years old, the other is brand new. On a recent job we noticed fluctuation in exposure randomly from both heads. I was shooting manually, not TTL. We tried switching Profoto Air Remotes, then tried different pocket wizards. We tried switching batteries. We tried switching camera bodies and lenses. The problem did not go away. I noticed it mostly when shooting rapidly, though was never shooting that quickly maybe five quick frames. I tried updating the firmware but it was all current.
I have been using Profoto strobes for many years and prefer them over anything else I've used (which is just about everything.) I have contacted Profoto and they are looking into it but I would like to know if anyone has had this problem and solved it.
Thanks
Hi Adam.. Yeah, I bought and tested 8 EIGHT different b1x lights.. and I found differences at lower power values on all of them. ALL of them. Sometimes it was 1/3 of a stop, sometimes even more. It was annoying and really got me to realize that Profoto does a great job with their marketing. Embarrassingly, my assistants Godox lights, show no such issue, at a fraction of the cost too. If I am being honest.. I truly, no longer think Profoto is the "best" out there. I think they are great tools, and work well (except when they dont) and they have a wonderful service team that I now know on a first name basis.. which, by itself is kinda wrong. Anyway.. I have found the same issue (but much less) on the B10's (which I currently own and use).. but the next move from this in the future, will likely not include anything from Profoto, only because my own, personal real world experience shows me I can get the same results for much less money.. and now that I am getting "older" and wiser, I think that is a smarter move for me.
Wow I'm glad I just bought 2 xplorer 600 pro ttls for 1800.00 and and 2 controllers for 69 bucks each
Weird, I’ve had mine for well over a year and they are rock solid.
Hey Daniel! I know this is so so strange! This is now the second kit in a month that is doing this nonsense. To be honest, you might not even notice unless your using the lower power setting of 2.0. This is where it's clear and not working at all. I actually switched the flash tubes with one another yesterday and see the issue follows the tube. So this is interesting. Either the tubes are fading fast with modest hss, and or it's a bad batch of tubes? Or.. One of the flash heads is putting out more stress to the tube than normal.
Travis Harris Photography hmm. That makes sense (that it’s the tube) but still very strange
@@DanielNortonPhotographer I know 😔. Chris from profoto service also said at first his are fine. Then, lol he tried on the phone with me and saw the issue. Lol. Somethings going on
Daniel.. can you tell me.. is the flashtube user replaceable on the B10 like it is on the B1X? Looking at the pics, it's not clear if the front glass can be removed or not?
Travis Harris Photography I believe it is
Swap the batteries and see if the problem follows; at least that would rule out the battery.
For sure.. this was one of the first things I also thought of. Made no difference. :-(
Mine just started doing this Tuesday! What is the Answer??? How do I fix this? The light is 2 years old.
Yeah, this turned out to be a defect in design. After many calls with Profoto I ended up switching to the new B10's and have not had the same issue. The problem is the flash tube on the B1's. For whatever reason it struggles to provide a consistent output at the low power settings.
@@travisharrisphotography That is NOT good news! Wouldn't you know it, Flash Tubes are not covered by warranty! Sheesh!
@@adriandavidpayne Yeah, even if they were covered.. it will happen again with a new tube.. I went through 8 lights in my testing.. and I was able to replicate the issues on all of them. So, its something that either they need to issue a re-call or.. just phase the light out with the new one..
@@travisharrisphotography That is both Unbelievable & Unacceptable! I can't wait to call them tomorrow to see what they won't do.
@@adriandavidpayne I know. They may deny the issue altogether, they will likely have you send in your heads and make a repair to a new flash tube.. send it back, it will work fine for a period of time.. and then one day your back here again. I think I myself maybe one of the only people to have actually documented this issue LOL. But, I was able to get Profoto to replicate it on their end.. so, they should be aware of it.
Thanks a lot for these great videos. I just noticed a significant inconsistency problem with my (a few yrs old) 3 B1s at low power setting (at new studio/use-case for less light). Then found this video, and I seem to have the same root cause as you (played with HSS with all of the heads in the past). I will see if a replacement of the flash-tubes + not using HSS on the B1s from now on fixes the inconsistencies.
I can save you the time and money. It wont fix it. In fact, even my new B10's struggle with this. It appears to be an issue on how Profoto design the capacitors in their battery units. You either need to "live with it" or, go with another system. It really "woke me up" to all of Profoto's marketing vs. the reality of them offering the "best" gear. This is just not the case. I also have some Godox lights, and guess what? They perform better in everyway. It's just as simple as that. My Profoto Air remote also just cracked in half, only 6months old. $400 for another one. Are you kidding me? LOL. Yeah, it's time to move on to tools that are cheaper and do the same job. No one cares what is printed on the side of a plastic can anyway, lol. :-)
I had the same problem last year with my B1X and I was going nuts trying to figure out what was wrong. Then 5 minutes into a shoot it just stopped working. I replaced the bulb and it has worked brilliantly since then with no fluctuation. Until this week - a new issue - in TTL the output is often about 2 stops over. Manual is working fine.
@@thelensloungephoto Yeah, back when I made this video I tested 8 different units from profoto. All of them had the same issue. A new bulb is a temp fix, once it gets some use it will come back in time. HSS will also make this happen faster. Its become a "known" issue now I think for them, and even the B10's that I got to replace them do it. So, its no better there. Honestly this make me realize that Profoto is not the "best", except at marketing. lol. I also have some Godox AD400's here and they *actually* work perfect. So.... I think I am done with paying $$$$$ for a name, and from now on just using simple tools that work and are more affordable, less stressful to deal with. :-)
Good luck with this. Wonder if its a component, like a batch of capacitors built on a monday
Lol maybe. No idea
Is it me or does the video look foggy or hazy? Like if the lens is dirty
LOL, You mean like it was shot with a cell phone, and my thumb print was prob. over the lens? :-) Yup. Your right!
That is so odd that the B1x would do that, especially since you're shooting on manual. Definitely and issue Profoto should sort out for you.
Thanks . Yeah, this is now the third head to do this. Something is very wrong here.
I've had my B1's for a few years now and they just started doing this. QUESTION for you... Did you test the lights using a sync cord instead of the Profoto remote? I'm wondering if it's actually the remote that's causing the issue?
Hey, so that maybe a good idea. I did not. But, my new b10s also had this issue and we used 3 different remotes and no luck. Last year I sold everything profoto and went godox. Perfect so far.
Hey Travis. I have the same issue with my B1X's for a while now. The authorised Profoto seller here is Sydney tells me that it's an acceptable variation and a 0.2 deference in exposure is norman but in 20 years of shooting i have not had to deal with this issue. It's doing my head in. Did you even get to the bottom of the issue ?
Yeah, it's a problem for sure (for some). Wedding formal shots, as an example. When I edit a large batch of photos, having to tick the exposure +/- every other shot is annoying and slows down the post workflow. Ironic, for such a costly unit. My b10's did the same thing too. I sold ALL my profoto gear about a year ago and went Godox. So far, no issues, very consistent and very happy. I also took my family on a cruise with the left over money :-)
This isn't acceptable by the way. Their specs say +/- 1/20th (0.05) of a stop not .2 which is 1/5th of a stop. It seems that Profoto is ignoring the problem.
@@CharlieMacGuffin PROBLEM SOLVED!!!!!! I finally figured out that the fault lies with the flash tube. Once i changed the bulb the problem disappeared. I am now recording the number of shots and at what power outage they were fired at and if it happens again i will be taking it up with Profoto.
@@yianniphotography7083 yeah interesting. I wonder if the problem will happen again after some use.
@@CharlieMacGuffin Update!! I have recorder 45K shots, usually between power 4 and 8 mainly and now the problem is back. Having to change flash tubes every year is unacceptable. Speaking with the Australian Profoto representative now and will be sending them in to be checked. So in short, changing the flash tube wil only keep the problem at bay for so long
Happening to me too :( I feel really worried about all upcoming shoots, it effected my commission work so much recently.
Yeah, I definitely can see this fault on all of Profotos lights.
Any update on the issue? Are you giving up on the B1X's? Thanks.
Yes I gave up and bought the b10s. Full review on my CZcams channel!
i`m afraid this ist profotos poor quality. i was comparing my hensel expert d with my colleagues d1 or d2 heads regarding color and output accuracy, just a few months ago. same issues as you described. they may have the same components in their battery units?
Is this on manual mode only or TTL too? I just got two lights also and now I want to do this text, since if had them for only a week. 😳😰
Manual mode. TTL will always change. Try this test, and see. It took about 2 weeks of use, and HSS use for this issue to appear. So, even if yours are good now.. re-check in a few weeks and see. Let me know! You need to test at power level 2.0 as I did in the video.
Will do. I will test them out tonight and let you know!! Hope profoto will have a solution. We didn’t pay over 4K to have these issues. 😕
@@HernandezEv Exactly! Something is happening to the flash tube.. either the tube itself is defective, or the light is causing wear to the tube that is not normal. Either way, I just got my RMA to return from B&H, and they are going back. I will get the new B10's and test them out to see if I like them, and to see if they are better in this regard. More to come for sure!
Oh man. Anyone else having this same issue? Also did you have the same issue with the other flash or just that head? I didn’t get the location kit since I had credit at Sammy’s so I got one from them and the other from B&H this is after me going thru 3 flash head units of the godox 600pro with issues and these were from B&H. So I switched over to profoto. I’ve been loving it! and well worth the money but, I also would hate to have these issues. I do maternity on site so I mostly shoot TTL but, I will check this out tonight.
@@HernandezEv Yes, there is a comment below that reports the same issue. Also, if you look at the reviews on B&H's website for the location kit, you will see some recent reports of the same thing. This is just not me. So far, I have had two different kits (4 lights in total) and 3 of them have devolved this issue within weeks. Admittedly, most users wont even notice UNLESS your shooting in min power, and shooting for a consistent set of images. (see my video to replicate). So, even people who say "I have never seen this" could be surprised if they actually test as I did.
This is really weird and interesting my old compact 300 and profoto 600 have the exact problem at lowest power so I had to keep them past the quarter mark I retired this strobe from my studio I use them for outdoor use especially at full power. Silvino profoto flash repair told me with my compact that was an issue with capacitor common issue with older flash strobe. On this one I’m wandering what profoto is telling you?
I don’t have this issue with my PRIOLITE MBX 500 Ultra for my outdoor. For my studio I’m using buff strobe and not a single issue.
Event stuff reception corporate stuff
I’m with Godox 860 and 360.
My PRIOLITE are for my pose stuff and groups outdoor and many time for headshots their modeling is bright enough to use indoor inside business offices. I do understand this is an older post did they fix this issue?
yeah it was a really weird issue indeed! I end up actually sending both of the flash units back to the company. And now I use the new profoto b10 flash heads. My suspicion is that the issue is prevalent on the b1, and the b1x flash units because of flashtube was developed with the original be one in mind and that initially did not support high speed sync. the issue that I was experiencing only surfaces after I use the flash heads for about 3 weeks. this makes me think that after extended use of high speed sync it's accelerating the where on the flash tube and then we're seeing the inconsistencies. this is what I think is the real problem and until profoto develops a flashtube that specific for high speed sync I think we'll continue to see a similar issue. The good news is that so far the new profoto b10 does not have this problem. You can see my latest video review of that system and it's absolutely wonderful.
Great to know the B10 look like a real winner out the bat the small compact unit right know is really unbeatable ( but the price is real high :). Again good stuff always costly. If you come to Vegas let’s test the PRIOLITE against the B10
I have profoto boxes etc I will provide the model but you have to do a video that all.
Hs vs HSS
@@cesarebonazza Nice! Yeah, the B10 is very nice and seems to work for everything we want to do. We did a nice test of this last week (video on my channel). I used the Elinchrom Quadra's for a long time (8 years) with the HS heads, and they were much more efficient than anything in the Profoto line up, including the B10. However, I got so sick fo the cord, I had to move on from that. I am really happy now! Yeah, I am teaching a workshop in Vegas next week LOL. I have 5 models, and some students. Its a pretty packed schedule tho.. but, next time for sure!!
Did you solve the issue yet? is it tube issue or actuator issue?
This is actually still an issue, even in 2020. Even with the new B10's its an issue, just much less noticeable. I think I am going to go with Godox moving forward. New video coming soon on this..
You should have gotten the B10!!
Yeah I made a video about the b1x VS b10. The power difference is a concern of mine, and also I needed a system now VS having to wait. Also, the b1 has been out for many years so this should have been a proven design lol. But.. Yeah, I may need to try a b10 and see if I can deal with it. But.. I really do prefer the b1x.
RawGreySun I’m in Orlando. I only have 1 b1x so I never came across this issue but the Florida sun is no joke so I didn’t wait for the b10s but I plan on getting them and using my b1x when needed and I also use it for video. If you don’t get this figured out that may get you the power you need for the Miami sun but without the headache
@@chazdillon2909 yeah I may need to try the smaller b10s and just see for myself what they can do in the sun with my style of work. They could surprise me. I don't know. I'm just not very happy with any of the quality from profoto at the moment.
Wish you'd bought Godox?
Lol, I don't know. I am scratching my head tho...
@@travisharrisphotography faulty trigger?
@@jennygw1883 Nah, this would effect both lights :-) I have narrowed it down to the flash tube, as I switched them around.. so, it's either a defective tube.. or, the lighting is doing something to the tube premature. Either way, they are going back, and I am going to get the new B10's to try.... more to come!
@@travisharrisphotography at that value I'm a bit surprised the lights weren't tested before they were sent to you.
Best of luck getting it sorted out. Can imagine the pain they are causing you.
Funny thing is, I use Elinchrom lights in the studio and they give me more problems than my Yongnuo speedlights. Colour temperatures across the lights varies considerably, especially across the power range.
@@travisharrisphotography I'd be interested to know how you get on with the B10s, especially if you find time to do a colour test across the power range.
These Flashes Simply Don't Like You They've Been telling their Counterparts about You . Go Back to Manual Flash Problem Solved ,Basics are Better!!!!