Custom Conversions Photogenic Flashmaster

Power Pack Conversions. We can customize some older power packs to fit the modern needs of newer digital cameras.  We have, for the use of LiteLight customers, converted the Photogenic Flashmaster AA01 from a 400 watt/second unit to a powerful 800 watt/second power pack with a 110 volt, 250 watt modeling light when used with the LiteLight heads.

During the 1960’s, 70’s & 80’s the most popular strobe power pack for portraiture photography was the Photogenic Flashmaster AA01. It had asymmetrical qualities that would allow the photographer to have four light heads with varying amounts of light output be merely changing the “program plug”. There were 41 different program plugs that could give the photographer 41 different combinations of light output. There were even program plugs that would make the unit completely symmetrical - the same power to all light heads - and these units had voltage regulation - consistent output. While 400 watt/seconds was adequate for “head & shoulders” photographers, school photographers found that prom pictures and school group shots required more light than 400 watt/seconds.

School photographers used these units by the thousands and it was the favorite of many studio portrait photographers. Although this model is no longer manufactured, it still is the only entry level power pack ever made that could be completely asymmetrical or completely symmetrical, or a combination of the two by merely changing the program plugs.

During the 1990’s the popularity of this unit waned mainly because of two things:

1. A lack of power - only 400 watt/seconds. (Some models had only 200 watt/seconds)

2. A lack of an adequate modeling light system. The original model had a 12-volt system and used 12-volt automobile head light bulbs for modeling lights.

Subsequent models had one light head with 110 volt modeling lamps to use with an umbrella head, while the remaining light head outlets retained the 12 volt system.

Compared to later brands on the market with better modeling light systems and more power, the Flashmaster fell into disfavor; however, most of these later brands were mostly symmetrical units that supplied the same power to each light head - which is not an advantage to a creative portrait photographer. Additionally, very few of these packs have voltage regulation - consistent output. In an effort to satisfy the many requests of customers, we looked the market over for an entry-level asymmetrical unit - none were to be found.

In desperation, we took a Flashmaster and did a major overhaul. We found that some models required more overhauling than others:

1. More Power. We increased the watt/second power to 800 watt/seconds, which is adequate for proms and groups while preserving the lower power for head and shoulders photographers

2. We updated the trigger circuitry (where needed) to solid state. This means no more warm-ups before shooting.

3. Installing a test-fire button where needed.

4. Installing one or more light head sockets so that heads could have 110 volt modeling lamps.

5. With improvements, the Flashmaster becomes one of the most versatile power packs available. We designed special program plugs to give all the old light output combinations for the 800 watt/second pack and many more (see list) For instance, it is now possible to have two 400 watt/second umbrella lights for taking special photographs.

For maximum versatility we recommend the use of LiteLight heads with the updated Flashmaster. If the photographer wanted to shoot with a single umbrella at 800 watt/seconds, this power would exceed the rating of the old Photogenic umbrella head. The LiteLight heads are rated up to 1600 watt/seconds. (See Illustration)

The combinations of Light heads with the updated Flashmaster are endless. Using the LiteLight umbrella head with a 250 watt/second quartz modeling lamp as the main light, the fill, background and hair lights can be LiteLight heads, or existing Photogenic heads (i.e. the LF or A11 series). LiteLights are even available with 12 volt modeling lights (maximum 100 watts quartz) for use in Flashmaster existing light head outlets.

One of the many advantages of the LiteLight system, is that the modeling lights can be calibrated to the same ratio as the strobe light output, regardless of the program plug being used. That way, “what you see is what you get.”

If you have an existing Photogenic Flashmaster AA01 power pack, the upgrade options are:

1. Upgrade to 800 Watt/Seconds of the Flashmaster that already has an umbrella socket.......$275.00

2. Upgrade of Flashmaster with the installation of one umbrella socket.

Add : Socket..................................................................................................$15.00

New Switch...................................................................................................$22.00

Solid State Trigger Module..................................................................................$34.00

Test Fire Button................................................................................................$2.50

New Handle (optional).......................................................................................$14.00

Labor Charges.................................................................................................$88.00 

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                                                                         (Add to the Basic Upgrading Cost)              $161.00

3. Program Plug for the Flashmaster (special LiteLight) each. (See selection next page)..........$25.00

4. Extra umbrella (LiteLight 110 volt) socket if needed, each.........................................$15.00

Labor for 1 to 3 sockets if installed at the time of upgrading..........................................$44.00

                                                                                                                                      ________

                                                                                                                                        $59.00

5. LiteLight Head............................................................................................$150.00

LiteLight 1600 Watt/Second Flashtube...................................................................$126.00

LiteLight Stand Bracket......................................................................................$34.00

LiteLight Umbrella Reflector Assembly.....................................................................$72.00

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                                                                                                                                        $382.00

If Needed: Umbrella - 45 inch White Novatron...........................................................$41.00

Norman Light Stand...........................................................................................$73.00

*(Optional) Some models already have solid state Trigger Modules, 110 volt modeling light switch & a test fire button.

LiteLight Program Plugs ($25.00) available for the upgraded 800 W/S Photogenic Flashmaster AA01:

LiteLight #1 program plug features a power distribution of 200-100-50-50

LiteLight #2 program plug features a power distribution of 400-50-50-50

LiteLight #3 program plug features a power distribution of 800 Watt/Seconds, all plugs in common

LiteLight #4 program plug features a power distribution of 400-200-50-50

LiteLight #5 program plug features a power distribution of 400-400 (sockets 2,3 &4 in common)

LiteLight #6 program plug features a power distribution of 200-200-50-50

LiteLight #7 program plug features a power distribution of 350-350-50-50

LiteLight #8 program plug features a power distribution of 200-100-100-50

LiteLight #9 program plug features a power distribution of 250-50-50-50

LiteLight #10 program plug features a power distribution of 200-100 (125-125) Split 250 High Key

LiteLight #11 program plug features a power distribution of 400-100 (125-125) Split 250 High Key

LiteLight #12 program plug features a power distribution of 400-150 (125-125) Split 250 High Key

LiteLight #13 program plug features a power distribution of 400-50 (125-125) Split 250 High Key

LiteLight #14 program plug features a power distribution of 400-200-50-50

LiteLight #15 program plug features a power distribution of 400-50 (175-175) Split 350

LiteLight #16 program plug features a power distribution of 400-100 (150-150) Split 300

LiteLight #17 program plug features a power distribution of 250-50 (150-150) Split 300 High Key

LiteLight #18 program plug features a power distribution of 250-50 (75-75) Split 150 High Key

LiteLight #19 program plug features a power distribution of 250-50 (100-100) Split 200 High Key

LiteLight #20 program plug features a power distribution of 300-50-50-50

LiteLight #21 program plug features a power distribution of 350-50-50-50

LiteLight #22 program plug features a power distribution of 350-100-50-50

LiteLight #23 program plug features a power distribution of 450-50-50-50

LiteLight #24 program plug features a power distribution of 400-200-100-50

LiteLight #25 program plug features a power distribution of 400-200-50-50

LiteLight #26 program plug features a power distribution of 550-100-50-50

LiteLight #27 program plug features a power distribution of 600-100-50-50

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