Here, we would like to answer some of the questions which our team is asked about more frequently or which keep coming up.
Is it really true that Hensel equipment is made in Germany?
Yes! We are proud to say this. The development and manufacturing of our equipment is done in Germany! If you would like, you can even “take a peek across our shoulder” here. There, you will find a short video and excerpts of our philosophy.
How come that I can connect, and simultaneously use, flash units with 12 V and 230 V modeling light to the Porty Lithium when using a power pack insert? Doesn’t this damage anything?
You can do so without any problems and the reason is very simple: The Hensel flash units operate with specially encoded plugs. Simply put, the generator recognizes the maximum output of the flash tube and the modeling light’s voltage via the plug ports. The respective output is tied to the corresponding pins of the unit’s socket or connecting cables. This way, you can be sure at all times!
Is there really a compact flash that can manage 31 flashes per second?
Of course! And if needed, flash duration times as short as 1/66.660 s. The completely new mains adapter technology and sophisticated circuit-technology make this possible by combining capacity circuit and electronic flash turn-off. Additionally, there are many setting options, freemask is included, and the unit is fit for 24 hour, non-stop use.
What exactly is freemask? I have heard of it before but can’t quite figure out what is meant by it.
The easiest way to find out about freemask: Our freemask brochure, it will answer any questions you may have regarding freemask: Download (PDF, 2,7 MB)
I use a Profoto Air radio trigger.
Does it really work with Hensel units?
Yes! We have to admit, it is unusual for competitors to join forces but here it is the case. The third one in our union is Phase One. The units respond to Profoto radio transmitters Air Remote and Air Sync. The latest Hensel units with integrated Profoto radio receiver are: Expert D, Porty L and Nova D. Additionally, all three series can be used with Hensel Strobe Wizard Plus transmitter and freemask transmitter.
I heard that I may need to show a certificate of non-objection for my rechargeable generators when checking in at the airport.
Checks are becoming increasingly thorough and air transport safety has highest priority. Naturally, our lithium rechargeable batteries meet all current requirements.
Certificate for Porty with lithium battery: Download (PDF, 280 KB)
Certificate for Porty with lead gel battery: Download (PDF, 46 KB)
Can there really still be electricity inside the unit even after the mains plug has been disconnected?
Yes! Flash units use capacitors to collect power, store it, and release it “in a flash” as a light pulse via the flash tube! So, if just the mains plug is disconnected or the unit is switched off, there may still be a charge in the capacitors. Depending on the type of unit, the charge is either automatically released via flash when turning off the unit, discharged via resistors, or depletes with time on its own. But even after manual flash release, the condensers still store some remaining charge. So, please make sure that the capacitor charge has been completely discharged before doing repairs.
When is the lowest flash duration time of a flash unit available?
The answer to this is more of a general nature, because there are different technical types of controlling and regulating. In principle, when talking about studio flash, the lowest output does not guarantee the lowest flash duration time. Normally, this only applies to shoe mount flashes.
Example: the new Expert D or also the Porty L units by Hensel. Both series offer the lowest flash duration times even at a medium output level.
The Expert D units, for example, have a flash duration time of ca. 1/5.600 s (t 0.5) at an output setting of 8.4. In practice, this can often be the deciding factor for achieving a well-done exposure. Units which only have low flash duration times when set to a low output setting are usually insufficient for many applications! However, this information is seldom listed in catalogues and can usually only be found in user manuals or on data sheets. Generally, this also applies to generators, but here other factors play an important role, especially the number of flash units attached.
My old flash units do not have ventilators and are, of course, much quieter than current units. Why can't we do without ventilators today?
Generally, the airflow has to be matched to the output performance of the unit. Expert D units, for example, do not just have a 300 W Halogen modeling light but also a very high charge capacity and can manage up to 9 flashes per second! Units offering such performance also have to have proper cooling to match it. When necessary, the ventilator dependably blows all warm air out of the unit. In this case (at high performance levels) it may become a little louder.
The ventilator is temperature controlled which means you will hardly hear it at normal level of operation. However, when 'push comes to shove' one can absolutely rely on the equipmen's durability and the ventilator increases the airflow inside the unit.
Integra Plus units stem from a series which has been well-proven for years, the newest generation of Expert D units. Here is the comparison:
Integra Plus 500, 100% power, a flash every 1.9 s (at 100%) and ca. 1/1,390 s as the shortest possible flash duration time.
Expert D 500, 100% power, a flash every 0.5 s (at 100%) and ca. 1/5,600 s as the shortest possible flash duration time. The fastest flash sequence time is a maximum of 9 flashes. If you relate this to cars, it is like comparing a 90 hp Golf with a Porsche.
Which light output can be expected at even longer distances ?
An overview of possible f-stops at a distance of 15 meters
Measured distance 15 m - outdoor (no room reflection etc.)
ISO 100, 1/250 s (no measurable interference caused by ambient light)
Porty L 1200, EH Pro Mini 1200 Head, full power
Click here to see the table of light formers (PDF, 41 KB)
We just measured some common reflectors to give you a rough guideline. The values approximately relate to other construction forms. Data of all reflectors and a nice table comparing the different lighting characteristics can be found at our light former comparison.
Why do most modeling light defects occur when switching the lamp on?
This can be explained by the significant power increase that briefly occurs when switching the unit on. The resistance of the halogen lamp is lower at initial operation than after warm-up. The lowered resistance leads to a brief power surge when turning-on which, in turn, may cause older lamps to burn out.
How can I extend the life of my modeling light?
By working with Hensel equipment, for example!
During maximum performance, most compact flash unit’s modeling lamps are not supplied with full mains voltage. Depending on the type of lamp, 10-20 V less extend the life of the lamp ten to twentyfold. Another option is the modeling light’s automatic stand-by function.
This function automatically dims the halogen light when not in use (pre-select the time). This substantially increases the life of the lamp and saves energy. Of course, gentle handling is also important! Lamps which are turned on are much more sensitive to shock and vibration. A hot glow filament breaks much easier than a cold one. If you keep this in mind, you will have less trouble and save money!
