Basic Bundle
stock hardware
All of the “off-the-shelf” hardware needed for a Slabmsith A-frame style photostation.
Photostation Stock Hardware Essentials
Most of the “off the shelf” stock hardware required for a Slabsmith™ photostation installation can be purchased online. This page lists the stock hardware and links necessary to set up a Slabsmith “Basic Bundle” photostation. Parts may be purchsed from any vendor as long as you order the specific models referenced on this page.
While this page lists all the easily available hardware, a complete setup also requires three pieces of custom fabricated hardware: an A-frame, a camera stand, and light stands. See the custom hardware section of this web site for more information.
Camera gear
| Qty | Description | Vendor | Part # | Cost/unit | Extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canon T8i (T6i or T7i is also acceptable) (USA) Canon EOS 850D (EOS 750D or 800D is also acceptable) (EU) |
B&H Photo | Canon T6i/T7i/T8i (USA) Canon EOS 750D/800D/850D (EU) |
$749.00 | $749.00 |
| 1 | 18-55 zoom f/3.5-5.6 IS lens Note: While the 18-55 zoom makes set-up easy, better lenses are available, see “Prime lens…” below. |
B&H Photo | MFR(Canon)# 2942B002 BH# CA185EFS |
$199.00 | $199.00 |
| 1 | Canon AC Adapter for T6i/T7i/T8i IMPORTANT: The Canon adapter is recommended over third-party adapters. |
B&H Photo | MFR(Canon)# ACK-E18 BH# CAACE6NDCCK |
$139.00 | $139.00 |
| 1 | Manfrotto 410 Junior Geared Head | B&H Photo | MFR(Manfrotto)# 410 BH# MA410 |
$300.00 | $300.00 |
| 1 |
(Canon T6i or T7i)USB 2.0 – A/Mini-B Cable (Canon T8i)USB 2.0 – A/Micro-B Cable |
Amazon Amazon |
Generic | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Approximate camera gear total (USD): | $1,397.00 |
Prime Lens info and selection
Prime lenses are lenses with a fixed focal length (they don’t zoom). This means less “glass” in the lens, resulting in sharper, higher-contrast images. The downside is slightly harder and restricted setup of the photostation. Since the lens does not zoom, the camera must be place at a specific distance from the photostation A-frame. If you are willing to spend a little more time and effort on the initial setup, using a prime lens will improve your pictures forever.
The chart below shows the correct prime lens to use on the Canon Rebel/EOS cameras for the specified distance between the camera and the photostation A-frame.
| Approx. distance camera to A-Frame |
Canon prime lens | ||
| Feet | Meters | ||
| 15.5 | 4.72 | EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM | (Overhead installations) |
| 19 | 5.9 | EF 35mm F/2 IS USM | |
| 21.6 | 6.6 | EF 40mm F/2.8 STM | |
| 27 | 8.2 | EF 50mm F/1.8 STM | |
| 45.5 | 13.9 | EF 85mm f/1.8 USM | |
Flash gear
(North America only)
| Qty | Description | Vendor | Part # | Cost/unit | Extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Alien Bee B800 Flash Units B800’s work only on 120v. For other options, see below. |
Paul C. Buff | B800 | $300.00 | $1200.00 |
| 1 | Spare Flash Tube for B800 Flash | Paul C. Buff | AWFT14MMUV | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| 2 | CyberSync Receiver | Paul C. Buff | CSR | $70.00 | $140.00 |
| 1 | CyberSync Trigger Transmitter Mounts on the camera hotshoe to fire the flash remotely. |
Paul C. Buff | CST3 | $90.00 | $90.00 |
| 1 | USB 3.0 – A/C 15′ cable Provides power to the CST3 Transmitter |
Amazon | USB A to C | $9.00 | $9.00 |
| 4 | Cam brackets Mounting bracket from flash to flash stand |
Paul C. Buff | EC32 (Alternate: Godox #FH03) |
$20.00 | $80.00 |
| Approximate flash gear total (USD): | $1,569.00 | ||||
For customers outside of North America
The flash manufacturer does not ship internationally.
Outside of North America we recommend a different flash unit that supports both 125v/240v. If you are in Europe, you can order the recommended flash gear from Flitsen Flash. Expand the section below for ordering information.
If you are outside of North America and Europe, we can facilite the shipment of the flash units to your facility. Contact us for details.
Flash Gear list for Europe
Please see below for a list of the flash gear using Einstein flashes instead of B800’s.
| Qty | Description | Vendor | Part # | Cost/unit | Extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Einstein Flash Unit | Flitsen Flash | E640 | €640.00 | $2,560.00 |
| 4 | 7″ Standard Reflector | Paul C. Buff | 7AB/R | €25.00 | $100.00 |
| 2 | Spare Flash Tubes for Einstein Flash | Paul C. Buff | MAXFT12MMUV | €70.00 | $80.00 |
| 4 | CyberSync Transceiver one for each flash unit |
Paul C. Buff | CSXCV | €55.00 | $220.00 |
| 1 | CyberSync Trigger Transmitter mounts onto the camera hotshoe to fire the flash remotely |
Paul C. Buff | CST2 | €90.00 | $90.00 |
| 4 | Cam brackets mounting bracket betwen flash and stand) |
Paul C. Buff | EC32 | €27.00 | $108.00 |
| Approximate Flash Gear Total: | €3,158.00 | ||||
Calibration targets
| Qty | Description | Vendor | Part # | Cost/unit | Extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calibration targets | Northwood Designs +1 315.287.2877 |
Calibration Targets | $900.00 | $900.00 +shipping |
| 3 |
3 sheets – 4′ x 8′ x 3/4″ Building styrofoam and/or 3 sheets – 4′ x 8′ x 1″ Building styrofoam NOTE: If your camera is 20′ or more from the A-frame, you can use either 3/4″ or 1″ for both 2cm and 3cm calibrations. |
Any Buidling supply co. | Building styrofoam | $? | $? |
Label printer
| Qty | Description | Vendor | Part # | Cost/unit | Extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ZD220t – Zebra Thermal Transfer printer Do NOT purchase the ZD220d printer, it is for paper labels which will quickly fade. A second printer may be purchased for use in the office to print remnant (off-cut) labels during layout. |
Barcodes, Inc. | MFR(ZEBRA)# ZD22042-T01G00EZ | $433.00 | $433.00 |
| 1 | 4″ x 2″ Polypropylene label roll (1000 labels) Do NOT purchase paper labels, they do not work with this printer |
Amazon | MFR(ZEBRA)#3000T | $215.00 | $215.00 |
| 1 | 4″ Thermal transfer ribbon (12 Pack) |
Amazon | MFR(ZEBRA)# 18932 | $46.00 | $46.00 |
| Approximate printer gear total (USD): | $694.00 | ||||
Other printer options.
If you currently have a printer that you use to print labels, it should work with Slabsmith. You may just need a custom label, call us to arrange for a custom label.
While any Windows printer will work, if you need labels that can stand up to the elements and don’t fade over time, you should be looking for a printer that prints on a “plastic” base that is specifically designed for long term durability.
Slab Consumer/Locator scanner
| Qty | Description | Vendor | Part # | Cost/unit | Extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zebra LI4278 Bluetooth Scanner (with Cradle & USB cable) |
Amazon | MFR(ZEBRA)#LI4278 | $229.00 | $229.00 |
| Approximate scanner total (USD): | $229.00 | ||||
The scanner for the Slab Consumer/Locator is optional, but recommended. They can both be operated manually.
If the scanner is used, the operation is faster, greatly reduces the possibility of operator error and provides additional error checking. ( There is a warning slab scanned is not part of the current cut job.)
Approximate total of stock hardware costs
| Qty | Description | Vendor | Part # | Cost/unit | Extended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All |
|
Various sources | Approximate “Basic Bundle” equipment total (USD): |
$4,789.00 | |