Fans of the world-acclaimed Gemini lighting system can now buy a brand new Bowens Classic 500C monolight from just £355 (incl VAT).

Explained Robert Cook, marketing director: “We completely redesigned the Gemini range eighteen months ago with a mission to simplify photographers’ workflow both in studio and on location.

We added new features like remote control, built-in radio triggering, digital display and precise ‘tenth of a stop’ accuracy on new twin-dial controls. And sales rocketed. But our recent recession surveys revealed that customers wanted an additional ‘back to basics’ option that would still offer renowned Bowens reliability and accuracy but without the full complement of extras found on the Professional Gemini ‘R’ units.

He added: “The result is our new Bowens Gemini Classic. This revamped monolight boasts a new black-painted, sturdy metal case, the Bowens ‘S’-type reflector mount, user replaceable flash tube, 250W modelling bulb, switchable slave cell and complete compatibility with our award-winning Travelpak battery system.

User-variable modelling controls are retained and we’ve added the unique-to-Bowens radio trigger module, allowing the new Gemini Classic to easily integrate with photographers’ choice of either Bowens Pulsar or PocketWizard radio trigger systems.”

“This new tier in the Gemini monolight family means that from beginner to professional, we’ve got all our customers’ needs covered. The 500C is available now and will sell at £355 – but a follow-up Gemini Classic 250C model will be our most cost-efficient option. The price point of this unit has yet to be released.”

The Gemini Classic, available in 250Ws or 500Ws models, is positioned between entry-level Gemini 200 and 400 units and the feature-rich Gemini ‘R’ and Pro models.

The new range is available as individual units or as part of Bowens’ ‘super value’ two and three head kits, including umbrellas, softbox, stands, reflectors and case.

The Gemini Classic 500C will sell at £355; the Gemini Classic 500C 2-Head kit at £780 and the Gemini Classic 500C 2-Head Travelpak kit at £1090. (All prices include VAT)

Bowens online at www.bowens.co.uk

Bowens, the award-winning professional lighting company, has launched an exclusive programme of online video tutorials that can be accessed completely free of charge on its website.

The new ‘bite size’ videos reveal lighting techniques favoured by leading photographers Christian Hough and Chris Reeve and will build into a comprehensive ‘lesson bank’ for photographers over coming months.

Robert Cook, Bowens marketing director explained: “We believe that once our customers have invested in Bowens lighting equipment they shouldn’t have to pay again to learn how to use it.

Each video is five minutes long and will feature all new, completely original content. The brief to our expert photographers is to produce compelling and entertaining material – rather than just having someone explaining unit controls.”

He added: “This idea is a natural progression of our supremely popular Litebook magazine which is available both online and in a printed version. Now visitors to our site can read the magazine online and/or simply click to watch a selection of these fast-paced videos.

We aim to have five tutorials – based on earlier ‘Hough To’ articles written by Christian, in Litebook – online by early March. That’s 25 minutes of free tutorials available before Focus at the NEC.”

Christian Hough said: “Bowens are providing exceptional added value with this programme. We will be giving photographers some really cool ideas on how to add new dimensions to their shoots – and all within five minute video snapshots”.

Visit Bowens at www.bowens.co.uk