Photogenic Studiomaster S-400 8080 Speed-Lite Power Supply 16" Reflector

Photogenic Studiomaster S-400 8080 Speed-Lite Power Supply 16" Reflector

The Photogenic Studiomaster S-400 is a vintage studio strobe power supply made by the Photogenic Machine Company of Youngstown, Ohio. Model 8080 is the Speed-Lite designation found on the round badge affixed to the base. The unit consists of a heavy cast-aluminum power base, an adjustable vertical pole/column, a tilt-head lamp bracket, and a 16-inch spun-aluminum reflector with a center lamp socket mount. Power output is controlled by a multi-position rotary switch on the top panel of the base.

Specifications & What's Included

• Brand: Photogenic Machine Company, Youngstown, Ohio
• Model: S-400 (Speed-Lite Power Supply)
• Model/Badge Number: 8080
• Reflector diameter: 16 inches, spun aluminum
• Power control: Multi-position rotary switch — Off, Full, 1/2, Med, Lo
• Flash connector: Amphenol multi-pin circular connector (male and female pair present on base)
• Secondary connector port: Additional Amphenol-style connector on base top panel
• Tripmaster Control port: Labeled port present on base top panel
• Lamp head: Tilt-adjustable bracket with coiled sync cord
• Lamp sockets: Two sockets visible — one intact, one with deteriorated housing
• Column/pole: Adjustable height, copper-toned metal pole
• Base: Heavy cast-aluminum self-ballasted floor unit
• Bulb: Not included

Applications

The Photogenic Studiomaster Speed-Lite line was a professional-grade studio strobe system produced in the mid-20th century, targeted at commercial photographers and portrait studios. These self-contained floor units combined the power supply and stand into a single base, with the flash head mounted on an adjustable pole above — a format common in American portrait and commercial studios from the 1950s through the 1970s. Photogenic Machine Company was a well-regarded domestic manufacturer of studio flash equipment during this era, competing with brands like Speedotron and Norman. Units like this S-400 were typically paired with matching flash heads or reflector assemblies and used with Tripmaster sync controls for multi-light setups. Today, complete or restorable examples are sought by vintage photography collectors, prop stylists, film and television set decorators, and photographers interested in period-correct studio equipment. Partially functional or parts units are also useful to restorers sourcing Amphenol connectors, reflectors, or lamp socket hardware.