Customer Reviews

PRESSlite Vertex Light Modifier, for any Portable Shoe Mount Electronic Flash

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I just received mine from Amazon at 30% off because of I was able to take advantage of the specials I found on [...]. I find it to be very well made in every aspect. Came in a small box and assembly is required. The assembly instruction sheet is very clear with illustrations. No user instruction/manual came with it but their website provides more then enough information to get you started.

I was able to install it on my Sony 58 flash by stretching the band as instructed but now the flash doesn't fit into its very nice case as easily. Had to remove the arms so the head will slide into the case, leaving the band on the head. Now the arms are still attached to the panel assembly. Wish I have a slip case to protect the reflective panels while stored in my camera case. I wrap a micro fiber eyeglass cleaning cloth around the panel assembly and into a small plastic bag to store in my camera case. The shining reflective surfaces does show fingerprints very easily.

Everything works as shown on their website. Haven't had a chance to test this yet since my primary use would be at parties in a large hall with high ceilings and walls in medium colors.

My concern is how much extra work and time to setup each shot as I move around the hall taking group portraits. I suppose I could just use both white reflective panels for bounced diffused light for general shooting and use the shining panel(s) for directing bounced lighting to some wall or ceiling.

[...]

and

I got a response from Presslite: "Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer new incentive discounts".

Tried it with my Sony 58 last night in a large banquet hall with high ceilings and medium colored walls and ceiling. I ended up using the white reflectors as diffusers with the flash head straight up, as the silver mirrors were not effective in such a large area. For a party environment where you have to walk around and catch spontaneous shots, I found that I didn't have time to adjust the reflectors so I just use the white panels to bounce the light.

Also in such a large room, you have to be pretty precise at the angles you set up the silver panels...much like playing pool except this is three dimensional but the light does spread out like a shotgun. When using the silver panel(s) to bounce the flash directly to the subject, I can see in my view screen when I have light cut off when I missed my panel setting!

If the task is to take portraits, such as bridals in the dressing room, or on a portrait shoot, then you can take time to study the room for effective bounce surfaces to make use the silver mirror panel(s).

At first the arms became loose from the band after a few adjustments... discovered that the arms were too close together at the panel attachment bar. By sliding the arms out so it was more parallel to each other and perpendicular to the band, it held up well.

Didn't like the fact when I wanted to set the panel and arms to the side and just use the flash in its native form, one of the panels sticks out distractively at right angles to the flash...had to detach it from the panel bar (attaches with rare earth magnets) and place into my pocket, thus a micro fiber slip case to protect the panels would be handy.

In the short time I used it last night, about 1/2 hour, I discovered that both white panels had dark scuff marks and didn't come off with a casual wipe from a cloth. Will try some isopropyl alcohol and mild detergent later.

On studying the scuff marks on one of the white panels I see there are two parallel marks in a arc fashion, so I am thinking it is rubbing against either the flash or the band. I just tried to replicate it and succeeded with the band, but only with a lot of pressure. Will learn to detach the panels when not in use. Again, have to keep the panels separate and in a slip case. I fashioned one out a spare micro fiber eye glass cleaning cloth. Will have to sew it into a fitted slip case.

This product is very well made but takes some time (for me at least) to study and learn its full capabilities. Will be playing with it as time and opportunities permit.

I wrote twice to Presslite and the Vertex Team and they were very responsive and friendly. Highly recommended company and product!

I waited with some anticipation for this little gizmo. I was intrigued by the concept and potential for adapting to multiple lighting needs.

At first I was a little put off that it did not come preassembled. Assembly is not difficult and the directions are optional if you are the least bit mechanically inclined. You don't need tools. The elastomer band that grips your strobe works well. You give it an initial stretch to fit the strobe and slip it on. I do not anticipate it coming off by accident and it is easy to remove after use. Time will tell if the rotating, pivoting reflectors will be an issue, but right now everything stays where it's positioned. I'm using it with a Canon 580EX II. In my test shots, I was able to virtually eliminate all shadows and provide even lighting using the white reflectors. It gives the phrase "bounce lighting" a whole new meaning. Bounce off of two walls, not a problem. So far, I really like it, it beats the slip on diffusers hands down. The price is not bad considering what you would have to carry as an alternative to this little gem. Thumbs up on this.

-Cuy

I've been on PRESSlite's mailing list since they started their teaser about this product earlier this year. It looked like a great concept and was unlike any of the other flash diffusers out there. I had used the standard pop-on plastic dome (fair results), a Gary Fong lightsphere-like product (too big and heavy), a mini-softbox for speedlights (too flimsy and bulky). When the VerteX finally became available, I ordered mine right away to give it a try.

The VerteX was something new. I immediately used it for an event I was shooting to give it a try. At first it was a little tricky figuring out how to aim the reflectors and which side work best for which shots. I got the hang of it after awhile and liked the results. The trick is know that very minute adjustments in the angle of the reflectors can make major differences in the photos. The mirror side is best for distant shots or for bouncing the light, and the white reflector side is better for closer shots where you're putting light directly on the subject.

The VerteX at first seems fragile, but the parts are flexible and durable. They can take a hit and survive. The whole device weighs only ounces, too, and fits in a pocket. The GF lightsphere is a monster in comparison, and puts a lot of stress on the flash's hotshoe. One good hit and there goes your flash.

The VerteX gives you a great degree of flash control - much better than simply tilting the head or using a plain diffuser. By the same token, it takes practice to use the device correctly, so don't blame the product if you think you're going to take great shots as soon as you start using it.

I'm a pro and have used this for shooting several events so far. I'm very happy with it now that I've learned to use it correctly, plus my clients like the way their photos have turned out as well.

I received my Presslite system jest a few days ago. This system is fantastic! After a quick installation, operational review and several test shots, I was confident to take on my next assignment. The Presslite system is now the only flash accessory I carry into the field! I have used your system for real estate photography assignments and it gives my practically unlimited light control. I can't wait to use it for my next wedding, event portrait or product photography assignment. I've recommended it to my associates and would not hesitate to use it against any other flash accessory system on the market today.

Great work! Please keep me on your email list for new product developments!

I really like this handy little gadget, it allows you to throw light in two directions at once, tones down shadows quite a bit. $50 may be a bit steep and you do have to keep an eye on it as the panels move around if bumped, but overall a good product.

This is the most ingenious flash modifier I have come across. Most waste a lot of light by diffusing the bounce portion of the light. This unit, which uses mirror surfaces as well as white diffusion cards, makes a lot more sense. It is very well made.

I admit I used to carry around the Gary Fong Lightsphere, but that was before I knew how bounce lighting works. Once you know this secret, you won't be using anything that covers the flash, which actually wastes energy and drains the batteries faster.

That's not the only reason why I don't use the Lightsphere anymore but also because it's bulky heavy and puts a lot of stress on the flash and hot shoe. This is true for the Classic, the PJ and the Collapsible models. The Collapsible is the bulkiest and hardest to install and remove. They all require you to put the camera down and "hold" the flash to install the darn thing. If you don't, you can easily apply too much downward pressure and damage the flash head or hot shoe.

You need to own a PRESSlite VerteX to really appreciate it, no doubt the smartest flash accessory every made. It weighs about an ounce and tiny in size but produces BIG results. It's a diffuser and a bouncer or both at the same time! Sometime you need it to be a diffuser or a reflector or both or neither. The "neither" is a big one for me. You don't know how many times I raced through wedding venues switching between diffuser and bare flash. With the PRESSlite, it like shifting gears in my car. I don't think about it, I just do it and get moving.

Many diffusers I've used in the past have been shelved away because none them comes close to the versatility of the PRESSlite. Just the fact that you can switch on the diffuser or the mirrored reflector or switch off the whole thing with one hand is reason enough for me. Believe me one hand is about all that's available most of the time. The other important factor is that when you move it around with one hand, you don't need to keep an eye on what you just did, thanks to the notches that clicks in at the preset 45-degrees positions. You can feel it locking in place, which is why you don't have to look.

I will try to post the video link from the manufacturer that demos this, but if it gets deleted, just go to Youtube and search for presslite and look for the OCF (off camera flash) demo. [...] It shows how to operate the device with one hand.

Very happy with the product!

I received this as a birthday gift and it was not immediately obvious what it is, or how it works.

The first thing I saw in looking at the documentation is warranty info. I immediately turned over the sheet and saw a series of photos attempting to illustrate how to assemble the device, but nothing on how to use it.

You would think that a device to be used for photographic lighting would have well-lit photos on the instruction sheet. But they are so dark that critical details are inscrutable.

As a result I thought certain parts were rotatable when they weren't. I twisted some plastic rods and damaged the product before I ever started to use it.

The kit comes with spare parts, but not the part I damaged.

Later, I turned over the sheet and saw that opposite the warranty information were some paragraphs that describe how to use the item and point toward a website that has more information. Because the instruction sheet was improperly folded, this important information is the last thing that a naive user will see. It should be folded with the front page on the front, with a larger headline to show the start of the document.

I was able to use the inelegantly named "Vertex Light Modifier" on one of my strobes. I wanted to produce a spotlight effect, with my other strobes (one with an umbrella, one with a light box) as fillers, as the Vertex product produced harsh shadows when the reflectors are aimed at the subject.

I have a lot of lighting equipment. I am a professional photographer of some years' experience. I will try more to engage with this little device, but so far I am not enamored. I hope the weakened rods don't break. Nothing in the instructions would have prevented me from inflicting the unintentional damage.

I would to write you on behalf of purchasing the VerteX and how great of a
product it is. I do photography for many different indoor and outdoor events
and no use your products which works wonders with lighting. In the past I would
have to touch up photographs on the computer after taking them but now they turn
out perfectly when using your product. Also I used to have difficulty with
lighting on vertical photographs but the Vertex was also able to solve this
issue for me. The only issue I encountered was the mirrored side provided a bit
of uneven lighting on the photographs while the while side provided more
consistent lighting for close and distant shots. Overall thank you for a great
product that I will continue using and recommend to others.

I think this clever gadget is a remarkable invention which will invigorate the use of on-camera flash by enabling high quality bounced light onto the subject rather than the harsh light of direct on-camera flash. I bought one, but it won't fit onto my Vivitar 285HV, perhaps the Presslite's only flaw. A more adjustable, universal adapter would be a terrific improvement.