AB Giant foldable softbox

[patterfr]

I saw where other people have had problems with this particular softbox and how it attaches to the strobe. It's probably too heavy for the the spring-loaded clamps on the AB lights IMO. But I remember seeing how some attached a speedring to the light stand directly and not to the strobe itself. I tried to find it on the AB forum, but couldn't and my activation code for that forum is in cyberspace somewhere. Anyone remember seeing this topic anywhere? Thanks in advance.

[AceJCL]

Hi,

This is what you're looking for: Photoflex | Speed Ring Octo Connector for Paul Buff | SCB9005PBR along with Photoflex | Heavy Duty Swivel Mount | ACALSWMT | B&H Photo Video

I'm using those two parts with my Wescott large softbox (but they can also be used with any other sofbox/octabox).

Good luck!

[patterfr]

Thanks!!!! I'll give it a shot.

[kjf]

I found that putting the strobe on the box first before mounting on the stand works best. That way you can make sure that the strobe and box interface is secure. Less risk of having box falling off strobe.

[brian.austin]

No issues with mine at all. I just peel the fabric back a bit with the velcro, hold the wires close to the speedring, and put it on with the strobe already mounted. Then I wiggle it a bit to make the springs are as extended as they can be and it's not loose on the strobe.

Works for me and I've had the giant one since it came out.

[patterfr]

mine stays loose, your spring is probably more tightly wound than mine,
maybe like other things, it's in the "wiggle"

I'll have to try the wiggle

[JimH]

Originally Posted by brian.austin

I just peel the fabric back a bit with the velcro, hold the wires close to the speedring, and put it on with the strobe already mounted. Then I wiggle it a bit to make the springs are as extended as they can be and it's not loose on the strobe.

+1

[J T Smith]

Large or medium soft box I will always mount the ab head when the soft box is laying down and speed ring up. I confirm that all 4 pegs are in place and then mount the ab head and soft box attached. I have had no problems this way and it's a safe way to mount.

J T

[patterfr]

No problem with any of those, just the "giant" one.
You sure yours are the "giant" ones?
I got three AB800's and it's unstable on all of them.
So....
I'll triple check next time. Thanks. It's possible I'm doing something wrong.

[J T Smith]

Originally Posted by patterfr

No problem with any of those, just the "giant" one.
You sure yours are the "giant" ones?
I got three AB800's and it's unstable on all of them.
So....
I'll triple check next time. Thanks. It's possible I'm doing something wrong.

Yes, the 30x60. You should have no problems. If you are then contact AB.

JT

[RvA944]

Fran,

I just got my Giant SB from AB last week and I'm using it on a SB400 right now. (I know it's a little under gunned right now, and I will fix that later) But I have no problems with it at all. I did get the 13' heavy duty stand for that one, and I'm using the the 10' stand for my two Med SB.

Much better setup then using my speedlights and a couple of umbrella's!!

Best,

Roger

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by patterfr

No problem with any of those, just the "giant" one.
You sure yours are the "giant" ones?
I got three AB800's and it's unstable on all of them.
So....
I'll triple check next time. Thanks. It's possible I'm doing something wrong.

What light stand are you using? This beast works best with a heavier stand.

[patterfr]

AlienBees: The 13-foot Air-Cushioned Light Stand

But it's the speedring to the spring loaded fingers or whatever we're calling them on the front of the strobe. It seems to want to tilt off these things. While it hasn't really fallen off yet, it ain't on rock solid , I have to be real careful. I have no problem with the large or stripbox from AB's. I'm surprised you guys don't have any problem with it. And I ain't ruling out the possibility that I'm doing something stupid repeatedly. Thanks for the help I'm gonna look into it and contact AB if it's still a problem. From what everyone says, their customer service is top notch. I'll let you know. You guys aren't using any different speed rings, just the one that came attached to it right and is there a difference in speedrings with the foldable vs. non foldable types?

[J T Smith]

If you have made sure all 4 prongs are inside the speed ring and it's loose then either the speed ring or springs on the prongs are worn. It should fit snug. Try mounting the giant soft box on another speed ring. If the problem exists then perhaps tension on your head or heads are worn. I have never ever had a problem with this and I beat them up at all of my workshops that AB sponsors.

J T

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by patterfr

You guys aren't using any different speed rings, just the one that came attached to it right and is there a difference in speedrings with the foldable vs. non foldable types?

That's the same light stand I use. No issues there.

All I use is the foldables so I don't have any different speed rings to test.

I have noticed that it loosens over time. Are all the screws tight?

Call AB. They'll help. I just broke a mount on a AB Ringflash that a friend owns. My own stupidity for not realizing it was a cam and not a screw (overtightened and snapped it). I called asking to buy the part and get it shipped. They wouldn't let me. It's under warranty. Huh? It was a friend's and I BROKE IT. Doesn't matter. Where would you like this shipped? I got it a few days later and he's back in business.

They got me for life.

[RvA944]

Brian,

I was just going to ask Fran if he checked the screws, but ya beat me too it.

I was working with my GSB last night and I remembered when my came in the speedring screws where not snugged up so that might be something to check indeed.

Best,

Roger

[patterfr]

I'll let you know. Thanks for trying to help!

[patterfr]

Ok so I think the problem was the screws on the speedring were not real tight and once they were tightened it seems to be much better.
I hope I didn't persuade anyone from getting the softbox because of my stupidity. I have been happy with all their (Alien Bees) stuff so far. And now there is no exception.

[brian.austin]

Glad to hear it's working out for you, Fran.

[kjf]

Great post everybody.
I jumped in above because my Giant SB did fall off my WL strobe after I thought it was secure. It cost me a modeling lamp! I started mounting the strobe on the box before boosting it up to the light stand after thinking it over. Now I can make sure all four hooks are secure before hoisting the beast!

Cheers,