Review: 2.6W Copperhead by Blord & sinner (ULTRA PIC HEAVY)

2.6W Copperhead​

The inevitable run-down​

Well yes, I had the first post response in that thread, admittedly. He replied as the teasing devil himself: “The Copperhead is very appealing and feels pretty solid, and expensive too”. Damn right he was! Another member whose future participation was crucial for the final result I can enjoy to write about here, wisely contributed as well: “Copper for the win.” Needless to say, the root title of the new product series became known as The Hyper-Stick - 5th Generation of MS Series. Fast forward towards the end of 2013, when an ongoing official sale for a decent batch amount became reality:




My head says no, but heart couldn’t stop shouting yes. That was the first biting idea which came up to my mind the first time I’ve spotted this sensational offer. Again, my thread post reply says it all (…guess what it was…). I was hooked up and determined to grab this jewel. Communication with the master builder was pleasant and straight-to-the-point as it has become during the time I had a chance chat to him. After paypal funds transfer (no batteries and goggles included as requested by me) I was given the tracking number and started to prepare myself for the reception, estimated for 1 week. And indeed, the glossy auburn(er) with blue dynamo inside I could hold in my hands exactly 7 days (incl. the weekend) later…

Show me what you’ve got​

Diode type: M140 445nm diode
Driver type: buck driver set at 1780mA
Optics: G9 lens
Power output: 2.5-2.6W
Energy source: 2x18350 batteries​

I believe no extra words are needed for the actual visual observation of this spectacular laser host which packs the above stated innards. The characteristic mark of cold shiny copper heatsink this laser thanks for its name is the alpha-and-omega when it comes to outer metal anatomy structure. An attention catcher of a solid weight in the front matches very well with the highly polished aluminium handle/battery section and tail cap part. Conical shaped focus adapter, nearly mirror polished as well, responds to beam adjustments as smooth as a bronze-brown melted chocolate it connects to, a place where the diode’s sleeping before it unleashes the mighty beam.

The laser weight (no batts inserted) isn’t too bad, despite the copper appliance.



1st run graph. Not an ideal graph line due to nervous expectations of "what is it going to be.


2 rung graph. Smoother progress means less shaky hand.


Energy source (laser with batts used).

Co-pper-nfession of a pic-o-maniac​

I have a confession to make: I love taking single portrait pictures of lasers and their beams. A lot. I want to believe the (f)actual product images - that tell the story chronologically as much as possible - offer one of the best opportunities for explanation (perhaps a professionally made video graphic demonstration outperforms the still moment in a way:thinking. Anyways, I can’t stay pic-inactive with this review, multimedia simply remains my preeminent photonics area interest in general. Without breaking the chains of traditions based on my previous reviews, be ready now for an ultra pic heavy Copperhead staging. Divided into three basic episodes: still portrait & macro photography, indoor shooting and finally outdoor visual. Each shot has an added comment. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself…

My name is Copperhead​

Portrait intro​

Howdy!


Relax on the window, time for a bit of tan.


Smile for a while. The around dust is there for decorative purposes only.


And now the back, you se*y thing!


Stand up.


You shall have no other gods! :bowdown: (must level sunblinds:thinking


Very well, adoration is the goal. (safe edge operation:na

Innermost observation​

Basic disassemble look.


Say hi to 1" aluminium polish finish focus adapter. Front look.


G9 lens screwed in and taped around with some good old teflon.


Focus in a copper image.


Gap look in-between.


M140 well hidden in the copper heat-sink mass.


Aluminium meets copper.


Heatsink with focus adapter side look.


Shine oh shine almighty aluminium, you're mine.


Imperfections do not matter, copper does the job much better!


Meet the tail cap.


Tail cap side look. Do I see DSLR lens reflection there?


Inside the tail cap.


Screw in thread for the tail cap/batts insert space.


Authorised personnel only.

Come on in for a win​

In the living room's corner.


Violet reflection.


Hooked up I am.


Up the closet.


Dusting out of the drawer.


Tightest point.


Blue tunnel shot.


Shadow surface shot.


Workplace office tripod shot.

Open-air session​

Outdoor portrait and distance shots.​

At the concrete strand.


Front view shot.


Far away the beacon is.


Follow the water path.


Side angle water path shot.


Tree blues.


Horizon farewell.


Blue auburn.


Dungeon's keeper.


Blue midnight laser ray-ser.


Star shot.


Tarmac shot.


Mysterious square.


Electricity mast touch.


Shadows on the wall.


Reach the sky, touch the ground.


ISS(?) greetings.


Roof top shot.

Bonus shot​

One world. Impact shot.

Postscript​

I quite enjoyed writing about the Copperhead. I enjoyed photographing it and its visual performance even more. I don't know if reading this review will you, forum users and laser viewers, find equally enjoyable. What I want you to believe in though, is the fact the Blord-sinner cooperation belongs to the very fine spectrum of builder-designer wavelength ingenuity. Not to mention their creative involvement in other forum published ambitious projects we've witnessed so far. For those of you, who have been long enough participating on lpf.com, would very likely sign up for this statement. For the others that are just becoming familiar with the wonderful world of lasers while browsing through, recommendation of both very-much-hobby-dedicated gentlemen is a must, in my honest opinion.

:thanks: to lpf.com community!​

I personally want of book of your reviews. Hell ill send you mine to review as well.

Oh and ps. Anyone to send this guy a host. Prepare for the most up close photos ever, so a cherry picked one would be smart!!! Haha jk

Just amazing as usual my friend.

Edit: rep when allowed

Amazing shots and review :drool:

I especially like the waterbeam-shot :beer:

:thanks: fellas! I took about 150 pics in total during 2 sessions (Friday and Saturday evening) at 2 different outdoor and 2 indoor locations. Very changeable weather offered no rain at that time, otherwise putting up this review would have to be postponed to another weekend. But in the end it worked well.

Pictures look sweet- good representation of the true color.
To be honest, when I first saw these copperhead hosts, I was impartial to them. But, the more I see them, the more I want one!

Cheers, crazyspaz! The amount of copper mass applied in this particular host doesn't act too disturbing, although the heaviness in the front is to be felt if held in a hand. When it comes to near 445-450nm colour capture, a lot depends on portion of the outside light (whether natural or artificial) and/or exposure time. On some of the beam depictions it's clearly too see the wavelength tends to be displayed by DSLR partially like 455-460nm (or even 473nm) rather than the anticipated spectrum from M140 diode. But then again I don't usually do any photo post-processing.

Just for a comparison same shot with flash on/off:beer:.



versus



or

Comparison shot flashlight on/off.



against

Truly beautiful work gismo!
Every shot is art; super review of a top notch build/builder. :beer:

I should thank you & Blord for making a masterpiece out of what was once a hollow tube made with a couple of fancy metals. +rep

BowtieGuy: Pictures do the story-telling the best, don't they. You're way too kind, there's still what to improve on my side when it comes to a serious photography.

sinner: My pleasure:beer:. A laser prepared with an idea which turns into a decent piece of design engineering deserves at least a picture based review and a few personal notes. When Blord & sinner are in the laser town, I better hurry up to write a little report down.




...

Jewel it is.

Hey Gismo,
Great review and even better photographs!! My fav is the Blue Tunnel shot as it has the straight line of the laser and nice curves, very nice shot!

Pure and compelling... coherent eye candy. SOooo many great shots !!! We are fortunate indeed to share your talent's !! Thank you.
CDBEAM=======>

Brucemir: words from a much more experienced photography colleague are always appreciated:beer:. Perhaps I should explain the circumstances under the shot was born: I wrapped a dark navy blue exercise anti-slip mat (180x160cm) made of soft foam material with an loose end open showing the dark-brown background to match the blue beam with a symbolic copper appearance.

A view from the top gives an idea as well.




CDBEAM777: comment well received. A true talent lies in an original invention and ideas shared with the community:beer:. I - however - happen to be the guy behind the camera chasing the laser beam.

Beam reflection.

I think you may be obsessed with this wavelength range, looks like about 41% of your units fall between 445 and 455. I bet you have at least one of all the diode types M140, 9mm, the PL450B and the PLTB450B. suprised you haven't pulled the trigger on a build using the new 3.5W rated 445nm 9mm diodes. oops, did I just plant an Idea?

I think that's my next plan ~4.5W from one diode:gun:

your reviews are so great, you should link them in your signature for each unit

Mr.G,

You may be "Just the guy behind the camera", but your pictures resonate with many, many here on LPF. They silently speak to us, and we silently nod our heads in appreciation of their stark beauty.

It is almost impossible to put into words why we find these displays of coherent light " Beautiful "....BUT WE DO !! To those that find beauty in these things....you understand !! To those that do not....well....Oh Well !!!! Your loss.

We are a select group, with a common bond in this appreciation. For that, I thank LPF and all those that make this a vibrant and enthusiastic community. Members freely share their many different talents....from all around the world. Kind of amazing when ya think about it !! We inspire and share with each other in so many ways. Thanx again !!

CDBEAM=======>

Wow CD, I think you just summed up all our thoughts perfectly! Thanks for putting it in words. LPF is definitely a great and talented community!

Brilliantly summed up CDBEAM! My thoughts definitely echo your response to this amazing account of a quality collaboration between Sinner and Blord.

Your shots Gismo are of utmost quality and sharpness. The LPF community is surely lucky to have such talented builders, machinists, and photographers such as yourself. :beer: