IN the Box
the 1060836 frosted pyrex dome
the 1060203 Einstein™ shipping cover
the JD250W user-replaceable 250 Watt modeling lamp
the MAXFT12MMUV user-replaceable flashtube
the ABSC standard 15-foot sync cord (1/8" to PC)
the UPC15 standard 15-foot grounded power cord**
a back-up SR5-F type 8A fuse
(additional replacements are available from Digi-Key)
your Einstein™ owner's manual
**The Einstein™ arrives with a standard US power cord (IEC connector to 3-prong North American plug). To use the Einstein™ in other countries with different outlet configurations, you can purchase a standard power cord with an IEC connector on one end and the suitable plug for your location on the other.
Note: The Einstein™ DOES NOT arrive with a reflector or the CSXCV transceiver. The unit is compatible with our full line of reflectors and for general use, we recommend the 8.5HOR reflector. Additionally, the Einstein™ is designed for use with our CyberSync™ system and includes a slot for the CSXCV transceiver, but this item is NOT included.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
We are pleased to present the most advanced integrated studio flash system ever conceived - Einstein™.
Paul C Buff Einstein E640 Introduction (Highlights on Key Features)
Paul C Buff Einstein E640 Introduction (Cyber Commander)
Paul C Buff Einstein E640 Introduction (Battery Recharging Time)
Paul C Buff Einstein E640 Introduction (Multi Burst)
Paul C buff Einstein E640 Introduction (Power Test)
Paul C buff Einstein E640 Introduction (Mounting)
Einstein™ is a powerful, all-digital, self-contained flash unit using multiple IGBT devices to allow a 9 f-stop power variability range from full (640 Ws) to 1/256 power (2.5 Ws), adjustable in precise 1/10 f-stops with voltage regulation consistency over the entire operating range.
Einstein™ offers global plug-and-play with automatic power switching that allows the unit to operate on power lines from 95VAC to 265VAC, 50 or 60Hz, automatically sensing the voltage / frequency and adjusting accordingly with no user attention required.
Einstein™ recycles to full power (at 120VAC or at 240VAC, 50Hz) in just 1.7 seconds, with the recycle time proportionally decreasing as the power setting is reduced. When recycle is complete, the READY state can be indicated both audibly and visually, selectable from the rear panel. An advantage of the IGBT flash control is that, at reduced power settings, the flash capacitors are not completely drained when the unit is fired making it possible to perform a rapid sequence of shots as the unit can be fired before the READY state is reached. Depending on the power setting and number of frames per second being shot, this can produce successive reductions of exposure value and color temperature in a rapid series of shots at relatively high power. In typical fast action sports shooting, setting the power to around 1/10 power (64 Ws) will allow frame rates or bursts on the order of five to ten frames per second with excellent frame to frame consistency and extremely sharp action freezing.
Two distinct operation modes are available from the rear panel: the Constant Color mode and the Action mode. In Constant Color mode, the emitted color temperature is held constant at 5600ºK (+/- 50ºK at any power setting or input voltage). The flash duration ranges from 1/540 second (t.1) at full power to 1/1700 second (t.1) at half power to 1/9,000 second (t.1) at the lowest power setting. In Action mode, the flash duration is minimized for maximum action stopping capability where absolute color consistency is secondary to motion freezing. At half power in Action mode, the flash duration is approximately 1/2000 second (t.1) and the color temperature is approximately 5750º K. In this mode, the color temperature rises as power is reduced.
Einstein™ includes a flash sensitive built-in slave tripper for wireless firing and arrives with a standard 1/8" to PC sync cord for direct camera connection. The unit may also be fired from the optional CyberSync™ CSXCV Transceiver / Cyber Commander™ or third party radio triggers. See the Compatibility tab for more info.
Adjustments are made with the function and adjust buttons on the back control panel, with all parameters displayed on the back-lit, high resolution color LCD screen (320 x 240 pixels, 2.4"). At all times, the screen indicates the output level of the flash (the f-stop, wattseconds, and EU number), the color temperature, the t.1 flash duration, the output level of the modeling lamp (the f-stop and watts), the modeling lamp setting (on, off, track or independently adjustable), the recycle READY status and setting, the slave eye status, the action or color mode selection, and the CyberSync™ channel and frequency selection.
Einstein™ additionally features an "Easy Set" button used for instant setup to the most commonly used function parameters. When pushed, Einstein™ is ready to use in plug-and-play fashion for most users, with both visible and audible READY indicators, the slave sensor on, Constant Color mode selected and CyberSync™ channel/frequency both set to '1'. After pushing the "Easy Set" button, the user can then use the function button to change any of the settings mentioned.
Each unit arrives with a UV-coated, single-ring flashtube and a standard 250 Watt (120V) bayonet-style quartz modeling lamp that is precisely voltage-controlled to maintain consistent luminosity and to track flash power within +/- 1/10 f-stop at any AC input voltage and any power setting within its specification. The design of the modeling lamp regulator is proprietary to Paul C. Buff™ and yields dramatically less interference transmitted back to the power line in comparison to the unregulated and inaccurate household-style "phase control" dimmers used in most flash units. A frosted pyrex dome protects the lamp and tube from damage and serves to reduce UV emission from the flashtube. It equalizes the effective size and shape of the modeling lamp and flashtube as the modeling lamp filament is in exactly the same focal point as the UV-coated flashtube, resulting in an extremely close relationship between the flash and modeling light. The dome lowers the color temperature by approx. 300K. An optional UV-coated dome (sold separately) further lowers the color temperature by approximately 600K.
A high velocity fan and improved airflow coupled with multiple internal heat sensors and circuit fault detection assure reliable performance under the most demanding commercial shooting.
Einstein™ also includes a Micro SD card slot for a standard 2GB card (not supplied), used to upgrade the firmware via download or email should features be added in the future.