Tiffen Lowel SoftCore User Manual
Warnings Supplied Components
he Lowel SoftCore™ is a professional lighting
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system. Read these instructions and lamp
anufacturers warnings before operating.
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Not for household use. Use only for photo-
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graphic lighting (video & film imaging) purposes.
Do not leave SoftCore unattended.
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Do not exceed maximum rated wattage for unit,
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or lampheads.
Use maximum 100 Watt lamps.
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n Consult chart for proper stand choice when
hanging lampheads, lamps, & softboxes.
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n Always unplug unit and allow to cool before
elamping, changing lampheads, or storing.
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Tighten lamps securely in lamp socket by
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holding lamp at plastic base.
Make certain that lamp voltage matches power
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source voltage. The units use lamps of different volt
ges (example: never connect a 120 volt lamp to
a
a 230 volt source).
n Do not use near standing water or in damp
ocations.
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n Never bypass plug’s ground pin.
Do not interfere with unit’s ventilation.
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n Make sure proper power cable is attached,
for voltage being used.
Always use Safety Cables, when mounting
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SoftCore overhead.
n Always use a stand with sufficient support
hen using larger lampheads & softboxes.
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n Do not attempt to open unit, no user serviceable
arts inside.
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n Unplug before cleaning. Do not operate while
fixture is damp.
n Always operate Softcore with softbox attached.
Do not use a softbox too small for the lamps installed
(example: do not use a softbox where the lamp is in
contact with the softbox or where the softbox applies
any pressure to the lamp).
Fluorescent Warnings
n Avoid looking directly at the tubes for extended
periods of time.
n Fluorescent tubes contain highly poisonous
mercury.
n In the event of lamp breakage, avoid contact
with broken pieces, and dispose of properly.
n Read lamp manufacturers information fully.
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SoftCore™ has 4 rotating fold-out arms
to hold conventional softbox attachments
(video or strobe). The 4 Hook Arm
Connectors are specially designed to
make softbox attachment quick & convenient. Familiarize yourself with the
above details before setting up.
The setup process is slightly different,
depending on whether your softbox
has a front diffuser that is removable,
or permanently attached. We will first
show installation with a removable
diffuser softbox.
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The Lowel SoftCore™
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(code SX-10) has several quick
exchange accessory lamphead
options.
SoftCore™ has an IEC connector
at the end of its integral power
cable to attach to its supplied
switched AC cable.
As shown above, attach SoftCore™
to 5/8” stand stud and tighten stand locking
knob. Important: the Tilt-lock Lever should
be on the right side if viewed from the front.
Point the Softcore downward slightly and
tighten Tilt-lock Lever. Fold out the 4 Hook
Arm Connectors, and rotate them so they
are oriented in an “X” position. Your softbox
should have its 4 flexible rods installed
in its 4 corner guides before attaching
to the SoftCore.
SoftCore should be unplugged for setup.
Rotation
Lock Lever
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Tilt-lock
Lever
Setting Up SoftCore™
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Hold Firmly Hold FirmlyHold Firmly
Rod into Arm Receptacle
Having rotated the arms to an “X” orientation, begin by attaching the stud end of one of the
softbox rods using the technique shown above (A & B). Holding the Arm firmly, place the
stud end of a rod into the ‘cup’ of the Hook Arm receptacle from the front, and then flex the
rod around the hook from behind so that it rests inside the hook.
Rotate the arms slightly for convenience as you attach the remaining 3 rods to arms in the
same manner. If needed during attachment, you can loosen or tighten the rotation of arms
with the Rotation Lock lever, behind the arms. (Note: tightness of the Rotation Lock can
be adjusted with the screw-threaded nut on its underside).
With a little practice, installation becomes easy.
Completed Rod installation should look as shown from
the front of the softbox (bottom Right). Release the
Rotation Lock lever to rotate the softbox, if needed.
Flex Around to Hook
Rotate to Attach Next Arm
BA
Hold FirmlyRotation Lock & Adjustment Hold FirmlySoftbox Attached
Using SoftCore™with eXchange™Lampheads
FLO-X3 Lamphead
Switch
From the front of SoftCore/softbox, with the diffuser removed, install the unlamped FLO-X3 lamphead by lining up the
hook-shaped cutouts on its sides with the pins on the sides of the center base of the SoftCore. Hold light / stand for stability,
as you push in & twist lamphead in a clockwise direction to lock it in place. Note: the pins and cutouts are 2 different sizes,
and will only fit one way.
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Install the 3 lamps carefully, holding each by its large plastic
base as they are tightened. Each lamp socket is individually
switched on the lamphead.
SoftCore with
FLO-X3 & Softbox
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When complete, install front diffuser
on Softbox, using its velcro edges.
Attach power cord to SoftCore, plug in,
and turn on the cable switch. Control
individual lamps with their switches.
FLO-X1 Lamphead
The FLO-X1 lamphead has a single Edison
socket and is switchless. Used with the
SoftCore, it holds a single screw-threaded
fluorescent lamp, for use with smaller softboxes where a lower output from a closer
range is needed.
1 2 3 4
For Softboxes With Permanent Front Diffusers
To set up SoftCore™ using a softbox with a permanently mounted front diffuser, install lamphead and
lamps before attaching the softbox. Carefully place softbox, with rods installed, over lamphead & lamps
from the front of the SoftCore. Install rods in same order as described previously. Make sure that stand
fittings & Tilt-lock Lever are tightly secured. Also use extra caution when placing the softbox over the
lamphead and lamps. Center the lamphead & lamps over a stand leg for added stability and balance.
Installing FLO-X1
Use the same basic steps as if installing the FLO-X3. Make sure unit is unplugged. (If your softbox has a removable
front diffuser, attach the softbox first.)
Push & twist the FLO-X1 head to install on the SoftCore. Carefully install fluorescent lamp by holding it at its base. Softboxes with attached front
diffusers can be installed now.
Attach power cord to
SoftCore, plug in, and turn on
the cable switch.
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