Hensel monolight flash units

[FrankS]

I've got a line on 3 Hensel mid size units (maybe 1000 w/sec, I didn't look closely) asking price is $400 at a pawn shop. Current Hensel units have round bodies, these were squarish and probably older. Any thoughts? I've got a single Prolinca 400 w/sec unit that I used when doing portraits. With retirement looming, I may get back into that, and these flash units would give me more lighting options. (background, hair light, etc)

 

[gyuribacsi]

Hello FrankS,
I use four older Bowens Monolite s with 500 W/sec. They are really reliable flash units out of the 70-ties still working flawlessly.

George

 

[sevo]

Older Hensels (in particular from the pre CPU controlled age) are extremely solid, no-frills flashes. All old knob operated studio flashes are essentially eternally repairable - the little electronics they have are discrete, and replacements are still being made.

Beware: The trigger on old ones can run up to grid voltage and will toast electronic cameras - you may have to use a IR or wireless release, or a flash trigger safety relay.

And like any old flash they may need a new tube and caps - if their output is considerably below the specified output power or the colour temperature has drifted visibly, they are near their end of life, and you'll face some $100-500 per head/generator for refurbishment rather sooner than later (even more so if you shoot film, where there is no white balancing to compensate a irregular flash).

 

[FrankS]

I can get these lights for $300. Check the classifieds for a great Mamiya super and Elmar 50 lens for sale, so I can pay for them. 🙂

 

[FrankS]

And here they are: a 1000, and two 500's. I'd say I did good.