Wex Photo Video is predicting a bright new future for the Bowens brand with the introduction of the XMS500 Flash Head, which will be available to order from the Wex Photo Video web site from midday on 29 April 2019 for £599. An extensive new range of lights, flash systems, triggers and accessories will also follow later in the year.

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All Bowens products come with a full two-year, Fixation-approved warranty. Fixation is the dedicated repair, rental and service wing of the Wex Photo Video group.

In addition to the new line-up, Wex Photo Video will continue to offer selected products from the existing Bowens range, including the renowned XMT500 Flash Head.

New Bowens XMS500

The Bowens XMS500 Flash Head boasts an enhanced specification, including flash durations as short as 1/13690s and a fast recycle time of 0.9s to full power.

The XMS500 is fully digital, ensuring complete accuracy of flash power and colour temperatures. The intuitive digital control panel makes precise control fast and simple, and with 9-stops of flash power (adjustable in 1/10th-stop or 1-stop) that can be easily set from a single rotary control dial, the XMS500 offers photographers the possibility to shoot at high power settings or as low as 2Ws when wide apertures are required, allowing total creative freedom.

For unprecedented lighting control, the XMS500 is fully compatible with a dedicated 2.4GHz radio remote and trigger system, allowing the photographer to make all necessary adjustments from the camera’s position. It also features multi-voltage operation (100-230V) for worldwide compatibility.

Unique design features include an easy-open and quick-lock adjustment latch, to make repositioning and fine-tuning the angle of the lights as simple as possible. A foldaway stand mount ensures easy storage and transportation, while an innovative and integrated reflector cap enables photographers to shoot straight out of the box. The XMS500 also features a new 38W LED modelling lamp.

Beyond the XMS500, there are a number of other exciting products in the pipeline, including the XE, a more basic solution at a lower price point to the XMS; the XMT II; the XMS1000; and a range of light-shaping accessories. Further details on these items will be announced soon.

Bowens XMS500 technical specifications:

• Rated energy: 500Ws
• Power range (f-stops): 9-stops
• Power range (Ws): 2Ws – 500Ws
• Power adjustments: 1/10-stop
• Flash duration (shortest): 1/13690s
• Recycle time: 0.9s to full 500Ws
• Flash modes: M, MLT, TTL
• Flash sync: High-Speed-Sync (up to 1/8000 sec), 1st curtain sync, 2nd curtain sync
• Colour temperature: 5600 ±ºK
• Multivoltage: AC 220V-240V-50Hz
• Flash to flash consistency (f-stop): ± 0.05
• Flash to flash consistency (colour temp): ± 100 ºK
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 407mm 169mm x 137mm
• Weight: 3.7Kg