Kupo - to buy or not to buy

[skdean]

I am calling on your collective wisdom for some advice. I have the oppurtunity to purchase a lot of Kupo fittings. Things like thier profiles and fresnels. Has anyone here had any experience with them and was it good or bad. I have used loads of thier pars but only come across a few of thier profiles and fresnel here in oz. Answers in point form are ok, just want to know good and bad points.

Thanks in advance

[David A]

Problems with the fresnels 1 the lampbase frame tends to fall off needing to be re-spot welded 2 the colourframe/mesh grid are so wide they soak up much light and get hot 3 some have fuses in the lamps which is a very stupid idea 4 lamp access through the lid needs a phillips screwdriver to change lamp. The light is inefficient and striated but very cheap and for occasional users like schools and churches are worth living with,though for pro use or touring don't even consider them, a common thread with their gear is that they don't seem to understand the industry and don't respond to feedback about problems with their gear.

[vbm]

I know its not strictly what you were asking, but... I bought some Kupo equivalents of Manfrotto 087 stands about two years ago. I will be buying real Manfrottos again next time...