DSLRUsers.com

Hi,

Two questions for the group, regarding radio frequencies, and compatibility of Bowens Radio Triggers with a Sekonic Meter (with built in radio trigger).

1. Can I fire the Bowens Radio trigger (say http://www.bowens.co.uk/pulsar.php), from a Sekonic Meter (say a http://www.sekonic.com/products/products_spec.asp?ID=1)?

2. Frequencies, in EU, indicate 433Mhz, for both products, so I assume that if I get a 433Mhz bowens, and a 433Mhz sekonic, they will work... what frequency range is sold in Australia, or Hong Kong for that matter? (I assume rest of world outside USA/CA use the EU range)...

This is something I need to get right, as I would like to purchase from overseas, being half the price... and AUD strong.

I have considered Pocket Wizard, but at this point, have a preference for the Bowens radio triggers.

Can anyone share, from experience, or in theory?

thanks in advance.

Don't assume that just because the frequency is the same, it will work - there's a lot more to it than that. The transmissions are encoded (to allow for multiple channels, and other reasons) so the receivers need to be compatible with the protocols used by the transmitter.

Best to check carefully before taking the plunge!

Cheers

thanks, yes, I understand the possibilities of different signals, hoping someone can say, "yes, mine works a treat"...

many comments in the bowens user forum suggest no,
http://www.bowens.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=generaldisc;action=display;num=1136143588

might have to use the PW even though they get in the way being a lot taller...

*&^%n synch lead!!!!

Misfired flash about 10% of shots today, embarrassing, frustrating, and lost good shots.

First thing monday, ordering radio trigger!!!

Oh well, it was on the xmas list anyway...

is calumet, bowens?

eg. http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CE1560/8.html

No - Bowens is a British company

the products are too similar.

perhaps Bowens by reflector/softboxes/stands from Calumet?

Compare these...
http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/CE1866.html

http://www.bowens.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=24_32&products_id=50

Calumet appear to be about half price...

Dozens of similar examples...

spoke to a senior guy in a shop today, and he said Calumet, have very large buying power, and buy from the OEM suppliers, and rebadge.

Making perfect sense why I can see Bowens and Manfrotto products rebadged as Calumet.

This is great news, as they are MUCH cheaperthan local Bowens/Manfrotto etc, particularly with the AUD currently just under 80c.