How much do you think these are worth?

[sunburst10]

My third cousin is selling these old studio lights. My studio is 10 x 15 and I was going to buy a strobe or two, but thought maybe these would work. I m going to look at them tomorrow. He said they work and have extra blubs. Can anybody tell me if I should get them to play with in the studio or just save my money and buy something new. I do mostly outdoor shoots and just use the studio for newborn and a few others. He said he was asking 100.00 but really needs the money and wants them out of the house. I was thinking maybe 40-45.00? Thanks

 

[Derrel]

I would worry about the capacitors blowing up when you switch the power pack to ON. Seriously. Not kidding you. Unless he has been using these, as in recently, I would first "condition" the capacitors by plugging the unit into wall outlet with it ON, and then un-plug it after 2 seconds, then wait about 30 seconds, then plug it back in for 4 seconds, then un-plugg it, wait a minute or two, then plug it back in, still set to ON, for about 5 seconds, then wait a couple minutes, then after 6 seconds, MAYBE the ready-light will come on...let it come on, then UN-plug it and wait 5 minutes.

I am NOT kidding you...unless the capacitors have been "formed", in a pack of that vintage, you truly risk having one blow up after 30 seconds. IF however,m you "form" the capacitors as suggested, then fire a frame with the flash heads connected, let it fill back up, and wait a few minutes, then fire another frame. Start this old warhorse off very,very gingerly, and it might give years more service.

Or, it might not.

 

[ShooterJ]

Have another camera set up to roll video ... if it explodes you've gotta share.

 

[Derrel]

Rap on Replacing Electrolytic Capacitors

 

[tirediron]

As Derrel mentioned, be wary of the capacitors. Not only could they 'go off', if they do, they're likely full of not very nice electrolytic in a unit of that age. $100 would be a top figure in my book, and $50 much more reasonable, IF they worked. This set, somewhat newer is going for $100, and I thought it was a bit over-priced. I recently picked up a Brownline 3 light kit, 800 w/s supply, umbrellas, stands, etc, all in excellent condition for $500... It might work for a long time, but... you might also be out $100!

 

[sunburst10]

thank you very much. I will be very careful and check them out good before I spend any money. Thanks again.

 

[Gavjenks]

Well capacitors or not, the stands certainly aren't going to blow up, and they might be worth $20