Shorty 2.0: LP632 Swivels Get Updated
UPDATE -- 3/27/08 -- These things are proving very popular, and are now on backorder. They are subbing out a different swivel, which also has the set screw. See here for more info and a pic.___________
The $16.99 LumoPro LP632 "shorty" umbrella swivel mounts have been updated. They are now sporting better build quality (bolts for the head instead of rivets) and a "set screw" for the newer, metal-shoed flashes. Which means no more wobbly $300.00 strobes.
This pretty much takes care of my quibbles with the first version, leaving a very compact model that gets the job done. If space is at a premium in your lighting bag, these could very well get the nod over the larger standard swivels. Although some will still prefer the bigger ones for ease of adjustment with the big friction lever.
:: LumoPro LP632 -- Original Report ::
:: LP632 Product Page :: (Still shows old photo.)
:: Standard Umbrella Swivel (L101 Entry) ::
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by David, at 1:37 PM.
27 Comments:
Can anyone tell me where I can buy the little thumb screws that keep the flash in place on the shoe?
Interesting. I bought a couple of umbrella hot shoe adaptors from calumet over christmas and they were a big surprise. The link is here http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/MF6829/
But, the adaptor pictured isn't the one they ship!! The ones I recieved are all metal with a arca swiss style quick release for the hotshoe. The area under the shoe is recessed so the contacts don't short out. The tilt adjustment is toothed so it won't slip. And it's compact! Did I mention the price?
I'm really pleased with them, just surprised no one else seems to know about them. Probably because the picture on the website isn't the product they ship.
Wow... I just today received my order from mpex including this umbrella adapter... when I opened the box, I was surprised at the improved quality of the adapter. So I can confirm the post, and from what I can tell, it fits the description of the Calumet product given by dynamicmoment above.
I use a Stroboframe Shoe for the Manfrotto 2905 Umbrella Adapter.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/50546-REG/Stroboframe_300_405_Shoe_General_Purpose.html
You can probably switch out the shoe off the LumoPro.
Do these have the channel notch/dimple, that allow the SB to lock into when you rotate the lock switch? Or only the little side set screw? I bought a couple on ebay that do have the dimple and they work (lock in) great.. however, the base is plastic and I am thinking ahead for when it breaks. I have used both and have had less failures with the channel dimple (not sure how you guys refer to this) than the set screw method.
Dok
For the European customers, be aware that the "Lumopro" swivels are also available from Fotoshopaalten in the NL for 20€ inc. European delivery. I just received my second and can merrily report that the design has definitely improved. The new one has a complete cut out for the hot shoe pins with a plastic insert so as to prevent shorting.
For those of you that have the NEW version of these, would you mind posting a couple CLOSE UP photos?
thx
I can also confirm that the LP632's now have a way better design than shown on the MPEX website. They feel very solid to me and I haven't had a flash fall out or slip in the 3 weeks that I have had them.
In fact, I liked them so much that I ordered 1 more and another 5 sect. light stand from them yesterday. I really love the guys at MPEX, they are very polite and helpful! I'm glad Strobist has teamed up with them, good choice David!!
@David Sr.
I will try to get a pic or 2 of the LP632 up in a little while for you. I will post here with the link.
Here ya go, I received mine from MPEX a little over a week ago.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2047/2216168964_9ea254144f_o.jpg
Hi Everyone.
Just want to show you some pics of the new LP632 swivel. I need to make the cheap light box thing. But for now, here are some pics of it. They work really good for me.
http://flickr.com/photos/22755370@N06/sets/72157603787326101/
Sorry, wrong link earlier.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shantiamagasu/2216168964/
Thanks David.
cool stuff. i reduced the size of my manfrotto gear by giving them a call and ordering a different set of screws. see here: MA026 modified
now it fits even the smallest bag.
I second Jon Senior here! Just received the same swivels from the same shop. I was gladly surprised by the plastic cutout in the shoe-mount.
The whole thing looks sturdy, though not too big nor heavy.
David Hobby:
You're welcome.
Jim :-)
@photo providers..
Thanks for the photos Guys ... My question still stands... do the SB800's lock into these without using the tumbscrew on the side? I assume not. I have used both types and I really prefer the ones I have with the dimple in the channel that allow the SB800's to lock in with the toggle on back of the flash.
This is all that is keeping me from ordering these... I am waiting to replace what I have now with ALL THE SAME product. I have a hodgepodge of mounts and my goal is to find a product that I can replace ALL the hodgepodge with one type of strobe mount.
@Jon Senior: Do you have a link for the Fotoshopaalten €20 lumopro swivel? I can't seem to find it.
Anyone else with any other European links for the LP632?
Well I have to give some props to Moshe at MidWest Photo. I was at Imaging USA in Tampa a few weeks ago and picked up these very adaptors for $5 bucks each! It was great! I even mentioned that I was glad that they supported the Strobist website and then got a free Strobist gel pack. Sweet! Yep, those guys rock!
-RK
Sorry if this is a newb question.. But, why do all of these adaptors have metal contacts? In order to use these wouldn't you need to tape over the metal so that the flash doesn't get set off accidentally? So why do they ship metal?? They should have a coating on them at least.
d.
One comment about the full-size metal Bogen/Manfrotto clamps with the big levers - I've actually found that they don't adjust as nicely as they thought, as it's a fair amount of metal to deform to get them to clamp correctly. I actually prefer the plastic clamps, as I feel I can adjust them better and then hold more securely. Just my .02
I found from ebay these swivels, 2pcs cost me $26.96 USD including S&H to Finland. They are some light weight metal, maybe aluminum.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/terytky/2217210712/
Correction: Mpex Does ship international... THey are just really busy via email. Best is to get on the phone with them. Nice people.
@DanB : the swivel is found here.
@Oliver H: Thanks for the link. Unfortunately looks like they've sold out already (I wasn't quick enough!)
I might try a US source instead ;)
Just got mine. Seems really sturdy.
What a crappy photo they made of this ;-)
Its really bad. (the photo)
Does the screw on the side just "screw in" to the side of the flash? That seems dangerous to (the flash) to me.
I saw some today at my local dealer, which albeit were $18 each had a side screw that controlled a small "clamp" that tightened around the flash shoe, therefore "snugging it" nice and safely.
FWIW, in my case (with SB-800's) I'm just using the flat "foot" that comes with the flash!! Works like a charm.
If I decide go get the "side-screw" types though, I would rather spend the extra few $$ for a "clamp version" than one that simply has a screw-into the flash.
Am I the only one that would be concerned with these? Do you guys use these all the time without incident?
Thanks!
SAS
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