Film cameras
Bowens Monolite User manual
User manual for Bowens Monolite. 13 pages in English. Read the original PDF, download or print a copy without registration.
13 pagesEnglish4.5 MB PDF
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Document details
- Brand
- Bowens
- Model / document
- Bowens Monolite
- Document type
- User manual
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 13
- File size
- 4.5 MB
- Category
- Film cameras
- Document date
- Not specified in catalog
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Page 3 · Read text
-2-
GENERAL INFORI,IATION :
The Bowens Monolite systen represents a new departure in studio electronic
flash design in that it is cornpletely self-contained and its solid state
electronic controls system is nodular, allowing for relatively rapid
servicing if this becones necessary.
We suggest you retain the packing material in which the unit is delivered
to you so that it' service is ever required it can be utilized to protect
against danage in transit. Also retain the netal transit cap and be sure
to put it on the unit whenever either shipping or transporting rmits.
THIS IS FLEXIBLE, FORGIVING EQUIPMENT WHICH CAN DO A VERY GOOD JOB FOR
YOU. PLEASE GIVE IT A CHANCE BY READING THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
BEFORE YOU PUT IT INTO SERVICE.
NOTE: This equipxnent is designed specificaTTg for use on U.S. power.
777 Volts, 60 Hz. (cAcTes) alternating current. Do not attempt to use
it either on a ditect current (DC) powet suppTg or with Tine pauter
voTtages or frequencies other than standard., Ang such use wiLT do
sevete damage to the equipment and void Vout guarantee.
Digitally signed by mike butkus
DN: cn=mike butkus, mike o=orphancameras, ou=29,
email=mike@butkus.org, c=US
Date: 2020.03.14 19:53:20 butkus -04'00'
www.butkus.us
`View original page 3Page 4 · Read text
www.butkus.us
-3-
OPEMTING^CONTROLS: (See photographs on facing Page)
POWER CORD SOCKETA. ON/OFF SWITCH F.
FUSE HOLDERB. READY LAMP G.
SYNCHRONIZATI0N SOCKETC. MODELLING LAMP CONTROL: 3 POSITION H.
when (a) Left: Modelling lamp dims
unit is fired I. REFLECTOR HOLDING TABS
(b) Center: Modelling lanP off
KNOB (c) Right: Modelling lamp on J. REFLECTOR LOCKING
LOCKING IO.IOBD. OPEN FLASH BUTTON K. TILT
I.JMBRELLA MOUNTING BRACKETE. HALF/FULL POWER CONTROL L.
ASSEMBLING AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS :
The following are supplied with the basic Monolite 2008:
Monolite 2008 with transit cap & renovable power line cord.
Sync. Cord, 14 ft. with PC tip and phone jack type connector
The mounting U-bracket is nounted by removing the locking nut and locking
knob from the bracket, removing the spacer on the locking nut end, then fasten-
ing to the tapped nounting studs on the casing, as shown in the photo on the
right opposite.
The transit cap is removed by first loosening the Reflector Locking Knobs(J) on both sides of the unit so that the tabs (I) retract sufficiently to Per-
nit renoval of the cap.
The reconmended nodelling lanp (not supplied with the unit) is a No. 2t2
enlarging lamp (150 watts). The light of the nodelling lanp is roughly ProPor-
tional to flash power output if this specified lanp tfpe is uscd. However, any
standard mediun screw base tungsten lanp may be used, up to 150 watt consumption.
It is reconmended that a modelling lanp always be installed, even when its use
lampis not contenplated, since the lamp socket is r'livetr whenever the modelling
control switch (C) is not in its center position and power is supplied to the
Monolite 2008.
Mounting Reflectors:
It is suggested that the unit itself be nounted on a stand (5/8 in. dia.
mounting stud) before nounting reflectors or unbrellas. Loosen the Reflector
Holding Tabs (I) by turning the Reflector Locking Knobs (J) until the tabs are
well away from their outernost position. Carefully fit the reflector over the
knobstabs and seat it carefully. Then lock it in place by rotating the locking
on each until the tabs cone up in contact with both inner surfaces of the re-
fl ector.View original page 4Page 5 · Read text
-4-
\ (Note: The Monosoft reflector is suppJ.ied with a diffuser cap which is intended
to be fitted on the stand-offs supplied with the diffuser into the two sockets
on the f'lashtube assenbly reflector which are at right angles to the flashtube
nounting screws. The diffuser cap can be onitted, with a consequent increase in
light output and contrast.)
UMBRELLA MOT.JNTING
The Bowens unbrellas are
designed especially for use
with the Monol.ite 2008. Note
the manner of mounting on
the nounting bracket (t).
For optimun coupling of the
flash to the umbrella, note
that no reflector is used,
and the umbrella is nounted
so that the outside edge of
the unbrella is about 4
inches ahead of the flashtube.
FLASHMETERS: We suggest that any professional photographer should dete:mine his owncalTffiion for each reflector he uses with the tlonoiitl 2008 and detemine exposure
for each shooting session, with a good quaLity flash. rneter. We believe the Bowens
Flashneter is ideal for this purpose, however, any good quality meter may be used so
long as it is designed on the principle of integrating duration and intensity.
Please note that sone flash neters tneasure only peak light intensity of the flash.Readings of exposure from this type of meter can be nisleading because most higher
power studio lighting systens are designed to vary light output by both increasing
peak lntensity and lengthening flash duration. If in doubt as to whether your
flash meter does in fact neasure both of these paraneters, we suggest you contact
its nanufacturer or check the literature.View original page 5Page 6 · Read text
www.butkus.us
-5-
READY REFERENCE REFLECTOR CHART
NOTE: Tho .bov. ratln3! .r. oft r.d r. . drrtlnt polni tor tfour orn t.ata a! yarlrtlonr ln proc.[lnl .nd Indlyldurl prrfurrnco wlll dlctrtr trou, oln r.tlntt. Guldr numbril 3iy.n rra tor Xodrl Ektrcolor llon.l Fllm. (C.P.S.) AgA lm rt full powrr !.ttlnt of tho lonothe'ro'.t.Xl@. For Hrlf porrr rrducr tuld. numb.r by l/3.
tFor oth.r fllmr ur thr ICPS rrtlnt to dotrnnlnr tuldo numbar In rc. cordrnco wlth thr fllm mtnuhctur.r't In.tructlonr.
DUTY CYCLES: The Monolite 2008 can be operated continuously at a recycling rate of
7-6c6t-asfor at least t hours at a time with no need for cooling off peri;ds so long
as the roon ambient temperature remains less than 80oF. It can also be fired continu-
ously at its maximum recycling rate of 2 seconds, but only for a naximun of 200
flashes in one period. It is then reconmended that it be turned off and allowed to
f tol for half an hour before being used again.
FLASH TUBE REPLACEMENT:
While we do not recommend that service be attempted by anyone other than a competent
repair technician, changing of flashtubes on the Monolite 2008 is relatively simple
since the replacement is a comp.lete assernbly. These are the steps:
1. The unit should be turned off, unplugged fron the power supply and left for
at least one hour.
2. Remove the nodelling 1amp.
3. Remove the two screws rnarked (lr{) on the photo be1ow.
4. The replacenent assenbly plugs in, and is refastened with the sarne two screws.
5. Replace modelling lanp and put unit back into service. (
SERVICE: Warranty service is perforrned by us. Units requiring warranty service should
be carefully packed and shipped by insured carrier to us. United Parcel Service is the
prefened mode. We hope to provide 48 hour in-house turn around service for warranty
repairs
Non-warranty repairs will be conpleted expeditiously after a repair quotation is/ cepted. Schematic diagrarns and parts lists are available to qualified repair stations for non-warranty repairsView original page 6Page 9 · Read text
-2-
'l
GENERAI INF0RI'IATIoN :
The Bowens Monolite X200 systen represents a new departure in studio
electronic flash design in that it is comPletely self contained and
its solid state electronic controls system is modular, allowing for
relatively rapid servicing if this becomes necessary.
We suggest you retain the packing naterial in which the rmit is delivered
to you so that if service is ever required it can be utilized to protect against
darnage in transit. Also retain the netal transit cap and be sure to Put
it on the urit whenever either shipping or transporting units.
GOOD JOB FORTHIS IS FLEXIBLE, FORGIVING EQUIPMENT WHICH CAN DO A VERY
CAREFULLYYOU. PLEASE GIVE IT A CHANCE BY READING THESE INSTRUCTIONS
BEFORE YOU PUT IT INTO SERVICE.
use on U.S. pa.'ter.N?TE: Thi.e equtpnent ie deeigned epeai,fi'eally for use777 Volte, 60 Hz. (cgeTce) altermating ewnent. Do not ctternpt to
Line poueri,t on either a dtreet qtwent (rc) panr et4ply on utith Any etrch uee tiLL dp seoeneooltagee or freqtrcnctee other thot etaldald.donage to tlp equipnent od oot'd Aow gueottee.View original page 9Page 10 · Read text
www.butkus.us
-3-I
OPERATING CONTROLS: (See photographs on facing page) a\
A. ON/OFF SWITCH G. TILTING KNOB
B. OPEN FLASH BI.NTON H. IIMBRELLA I\OUNTING BRACKET
C. READY LAMP I. SYNCHRONIZATION SOCKET
D. HALF/FULL POWER CONTROL J. REFLECTOF. LOCKING KNOB
E. TILT LOCKING KNOB K. REFLECTOR HOLDING TABS
FUSE F. I\,|ODELLING LAMP CONTROL: 3 POSITION L.
(a) Left: Modelling lanp dirns when unit is fired
(b) Center: Modelling Lamp Off
(c) Right: Modelling Lamp On
ASSEMBLING AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS :
The following are supplied with the basic MonoLite X200:
Monolite X200 with transit cap.
Sync. Cord, 14 ft. with PC tip and phone jack type connector
The nounting U-bracket is morrrted by renoving the locking nut and
locking knob fron the bracket, removing the spacer on the Locking nut end,
and then fastening to the tapped nounting studs on the casing, as shown in
the photo on the right opposite.
The transit cap is removed by first loosening the Reflector Locking Knobs
(J) on both sides of the unit so that the tabs (K) retract sufficiently to
pennit removal of the cap.
The reconmended nodelling Lanp (not supplied with the unit) is a No. 212
enlarging lanp (150 watts). The light of the nodelling lanp is roughly
proportional to flash power output if this specified lanp type is used. However,
any standard nedium screw base tungsten lanp nay be used, up to 150 watt
consunption. It is reconrnended tha(a rnodelling lanp always be installed, even when its use is not contenplated, since the lamp socket is r'liveil whenever the
nodelling lanp control switch (F) is not in its center position and power is
. slPPlied to the Monolite x200
Mounting Reflectors:
It is suggested that the unit itself be nounted on a stand (5/8 in. dia.
mounting stud) before nounting reflectors or rrnbrellas, Loosen the reflector
holding tabs (K) by turning the Reflector Locking Knob (J) until the tabs
are welI away frorn their outermost position. Carefully fit the reflector over
the tabs and seat it carefully. Then lock it in place by rotating the locking
each until the tabs cone up in contact with both inner sr.nfaces of _ knobs on a- the reflector.View original page 10Page 11 · Read text
-4-
(Note: The Monosoft reflector is supplied with a diffuser cap which is intended
to be fitted on the stand-offs supplied with the diffuser into the two sockets
on the flashtube assenbly reflector which are at right angles to the flashtube
mounting screws. The diffuser cap can be onitted, with a consequent increase
in light output and contrast.)
LIMBRELLA I\4CUNTING
The Bowens Unbrellas are
designed especially for use
with the Monolite X200. Note
the nanner of mounting on
the mounting bracket (H).
For optfunrrn coupl.ing of
the flash to the unbrella,
note that no reflector is
uscd, and the tunbrella is
mounting so that the outside
edge of the unbrella is
about 4 inches ahead of the
flashtube.
FLASHMETERS: We suggest that any professional photographer should deternine
EI3 ownEUration for each reflector he uses with the Monolite X200, and
deternine exposure for each shooting session, with a good quality flash meter.
We believe the Bowens FLashneter is ideal for this purpose, however, any good
quality neter nay be used so long as it is designed on the principle of inter-
grating duration and intensity. Please note that sone flash neters measure
only peak light intensity of the fl,ash. Readings of exposure from this type
of neter can be misleading because nost highe" power stuCio lighting systens
are designed to vary Light output by both increasing peak intensity and
lengthening fLash duration. If in doubt as to whether yorn fl.ash meter does in
fact measure both of these paramters, we suggest you contact its nanufacturer
or check the literaEure.View original page 11Page 12 · Read text
www.butkus.us
li
READY REFERENCE REFLECTOR CHART
NOTE: Tho rboyG rrtlng! rrc offcrcd a! . stanlng polnt tot your own taata ar yarl.tlon3 In proccrslng and Indlvldual profGrcnccr wlll dlctetc your own irtingr. Gulde numbcr: givcn rrr for Kodal Ektecolor Profer ilonel Fllm, (C.P.S.) ASA foo !t fu!! powcr scttlng of thc tonollto X20O.
For Helf powcr rcducc guldc numbcr by f /3.
.For other fllmc urc thc BCFS r.tlnt to datctmlna guldc numbor In lc-
cordrncc wlth thc fllm manutacturc/g Inrtructlonr.
DUTY CYCLES: The Monolite X200 can be operated continuously at a recycling rate
ola G;ffi; for at least t hours at a time with no need for cooling off periods
so long as the room anbient tenperature remains less than 80oF. It can also
be fired continuousl,y at its maxinun recycling rate of 2 seconds, but only for
a maxinun of 200 flashes in one period. It is then recomnended that it te
turned off and allowed to cooL for half an hour before being used again.
FLASH TUBE REPLACEI\,IENT
While we do not reconnend that service be attenpted by anyone other than
a conpetent repair technician, changing of flashtubes on the Monolite X200 is
reLatively sfunple since the replacement is a conplete assembly. These are the
steps.
l. The unit should be turned off, unplugged from the power supply and
left for at least one hour.
2. Remove the nodelling lamp;
3. Renove the two screws narked (M) on the photo below.
4. The replacenent assenbly plugs in, and is refastened with the same
two screws.
5. Replace nodelling lanp and put unit back into service.
SERVICE: Warranty Service is perforned by us. tlnits requiring warranty service
should be carefully packed and shipped by insured carrier to us. United Parcel
Service is the preferred node. We hope to provide 48 hotr in-house turn around
service for warranty repairs.
None warranty repairs will be completed expeditiously after a repair
quotation is accepted. Schematic diagrams and parts lists are available to
qualified repair stations for non-warranty repairs.View original page 12From the M. Butkus archive. Original publisher and archive notices are retained.
Check the model and edition against your equipment.
PDF verified 2026-10-10.