Review on Profoto 101217 OCF Softbox 1X3 by Jon Garcia

Advantages: The light quality is very good. Lots of different modifiers (grids, band masks). Easy setting. Rings for most studio flashes and strobe lights. Cons: Not as durable as it looks. Poor service and support from Profoto. Expensive given the durability issues. I bought two 1 x 3 strip boxes and a 3 inch octabox for filming, plus all associated grids, speeds, etc. I replaced cheaper softboxes that were nearing the end of their lives. The Octabox had a manufacturing defect: instead of a Velcro loop to house the internal diffuser, a small loop of fabric was sewn on, just like the bottom of the Octabox. So the diffuser could not be mounted as it should be. I contacted Profoto and they told me that the only way they could think of fixing the problem was to send them the softbox at their own expense. You will look at this and decide what to do. Serious? I just gave out four numbers for modifiers and they didn't accept photos or videos or anything. They didn't send me a softbox to use while mine was being tested. After numerous calls and messages to them, I simply fixed the defect by sticking double-sided velcro on the fabric loop. That's how it is today. Second, the second time I used my 1 x 3 strip boxes, one of the metal handles fell off the metal bar forming the strip box. It looks like they're just glued to the pole. Due to my bad experience with Profoto I decided to glue the pen myself. Save me from complicate relations with them. Net/Net if you are a "Pro" photo company by charging "Pro" prices for your gear. The least a professional photographer expects is a "professional" service. It's not in Profoto. I continue to use what I have but will continue to look for other brands. Who wants to spend $4,000 on a Lightning system and get $4 service?