Touchscreens have already made it on to mobile phones, compact cameras and DSLRs so it was only a matter of time before they started encroaching on studio lighting territory too. At Photokina, Metz unveiled their Mecastudio line — including touch-controlled flash heads — while Sekonic showed off a light meter with a capacitative screen.
Now Quantuum, a Polish photographic lighting company (not to be confused with the U.S. firm Quantum) have updated their T-series of monolights. The original range came out a couple of years ago, offering large display screens with touch-sensitive controls. The two most powerful models, the T 800 and T 1200, have been upgraded to Mark II versions, which add wireless control.
Unlike the control panel on the monolight itself, the handheld remote has real buttons, so Quantuum might be missing a trick there. The interface looks fairly intuitive though, giving you control over flash power and modelling light intensity with a small LCD that synchronises with the settings of the flash.
| Model | T 300 | T 500 | T 800 Mk2 | T 1200 Mk 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 300J | 500J | 800J | 1200J |
| Guide number | 56 | 80 | 88 | 108 |
| Recycle time | 0.1 – 2.0 sec | 0.1 – 2.0 sec | 0.1 – 2.0 sec | 0.1 – 3.0 sec |
| Power adjustment | From full power to 1/32 power in 1/10-stop increments | |||
| Modelling lamp | 150 W | 150 W | 150 W | 150 W |
| Remote control | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Flash duration (t.5) | 1/850 – 1/2300 sec | |||
| Mains supply | 180 – 250 VAC, 50 Hz | |||
The Quantuum T 800 Mk2 costs about €405 (£330) and the powerful T 1200 Mk 2 will dent your wallet to the tune of €520 (£420). Quantuum products are distributed in Europe by Foto-Tip.pl. In China, where the lights are made, they may also be known as the Menik CM series.
Are you interested in touch-screen technology in the studio? Share your thoughts in the comments below.