Using the Umbrella Mount Photo Yoke

First let’s look at the set screw that hold the yoke on the light stand or baby pin.

Unscrew this knob so that the ?” pin can pass the set screw.

Here it is all the way unscrewed.

Notice the baby pin receiver is clear.

For this demonstration we’re going to mount it to a baby pin plate but in most circumstances you’ll be using a standard light stand.

Make sure to tighten the set screw to secure the yoke.

Now let’s mount the light fixture. This works with all C and CX series lights.

On the back of the yoke you’ll find the Profoto™-style ring and this lock. Here it is in the locked position. Pull this tab to unlock the ring.

Now it is ready to receive the fixture.

Keep your hand on the fixture until you’ve locked it.

Now the fixture is secure.

Now let’s look at the large kip handle. This will give you the ability to adjust the fixture up and down like you’re nodding your head “yes.” You have about 180° of range of motion.

Keep one hand on the yoke or fixture when adjusting the kip handle.

Loosen the kip handle by rotating it CCW.

Tilting up.

Tilting down. Keep your hand on yoke or fixture until you’ve tightened the handle.

How tight you need the handle depends on how heavy or unbalanced the accessories are mounted to the yoke or fixture. If the light sags turn this handle further to lock it in.

To swivel the light left or right loosen the set screw again.

You have 360° range of motion on any standard baby pin.

Now let’s look at attaching an umbrella. This knurled knob can be loosened or tightened.

Here the small knurled knob is all the way tight and a standard umbrella rod will not pass.

Here the passage is completely free and ready to accept the umbrella shaft.

This is a small shoot-through umbrella but even very large parabolic umbrellas or softbox-style umbrellas will work great with this yoke.

Keep a hand on the umbrella until you’ve secured that knurled knob.

Don’t over-tighten! You can damage the umbrella shaft if you turn this knob too hard.

Here the light is pointing into the umbrella. You can adjust the position by setting the umbrella are various depths. The further the umbrella is from the source of light the softer and more even the effect.

You can combine the umbrella with a reflector. Here is the Hive Wide Par Reflector.

The reflector mounts to the studs on the face of the light.

Here the umbrella and reflector are used in concert.

The reflector helps on concentrate the beam to get a bright soft light with the umbrella.

Another great option are softboxes. Here is one of the smallest soft boxes we sell from Chimera but any 4-point softbox will work.

Notice the holes that accept standard softbox poles.

The poles fit into the built-in speed ring.

The final effect is very soft and evenly diffused. Plenty more combinations can be achieved with this yoke. See this list for more possibilities.