Transformers E.A.V.I. Metal Opticlones (Masterpiece Reflector) 2019 Reissue Ver.
The set comes with an outer plastic bag.
A screw driver is included in the manual pack.
Since these are Third Party, non-official items, it’s best to get some stickers from Reprolabels/Toyhax.com to make these guys more “toon-accurate”.
To apply, I find the best way to stick the stickers on is to use the tip of a blade, this way you have more control over the application, as compared to using just your fingers. You can also use the blade to help gently peel off a corner of the sticker in case you didn’t center it right and need to re-apply.
Originally, the bots were just named Optix 1, 2, 3. But looking up Bigbadtoystore’s description, we actually get names for these guys now. ShutterDrive, PowerZoom, PhotoFlux
ShutterDrive
PowerZoom
PhotoFlux
First released in 2015, Keith’s Fantasy Club reissued their take on Reflector for the Masterpiece line last 2019. This set features redesigned feet and come in robot mode instead of camera mode. This can create a bit of a problem as the manual is still the same as the original so you have to navigate the transformation in reverse, or look up Youtube reviews to figure out the transformation. The set also lacks the Energon cubes that came with the original 2015 version.
While ShutterDrive and PhotoFlux look the same, there is a slight difference in one of them, as it has a button with sound effects for camera mode, you won’t see it in robot mode unless you flip out his backpack or when it’s in camera mode.
Different tops in camera mode.
Zoom Lens
The Zoom Lens actually comes apart and folds up and combines with the tripod legs to become rifles.
I can’t really recall Reflector ever wielding rifles in the cartoons, (pistols maybe) so this is a bit out of place for me. But I guess these are the only weapons we can get out of this set for the team.
The flash cube can connect to the tripod to form a missile launcher.
It is a bit on the low side though and looks awkward for the Opticlones to use. I guess it needs a platform to make it look less out of place.
There are also hardpoints on the forearms for holding MP Laserbeak and Buzzsaw.
The weigh in:
ShutterDrive – 176 Grams
PowerZoom – 182 Grams
PhotoFlux – 172 Grams
Each figure stands roughly 7 inches tall.
Diecast parts:
-Feet only (?)
-Mini camera is diecast
Camera Mode
The camera mode is a bit of a pain to do, it feels over-complex when it really shouldn’t have to be. The clearance spaces for the arms going into the legs are very, very tight. You will experience some scrapping while inserting the arms into the legs. The panel tabs also don’t give you much room for errors, leading to stressmarks on the tabs if you did it wrong. I think the reissue really could have been easily improved. You will actually be surprised at how similar a lot of the transformation steps are compared to the official Transformers Siege version and I really wish Keith’s Fantasy Club fixed these issues.
I didn’t want to force the panels any further. It is what it is.
Viewfinder
Tripod mount
There are lights and sound gimmicks for the camera mode, but it requires specific button type batteries that I didn’t have on hand when I did the review. I don’t think it matters that much as it only puts up a red light for the camera lens and a shuttering sound (I think) when you click on the button.
The set requires the following batteries.
PowerZoom uses LR521 AGO 379A SR521SW batteries x 3
ShutterDrive requires CR12203V battery x1
Switch for PowerZoom
The set also comes with a mini camera that other Masterpiece figures can use. I think the camera is actually diecast.
Overall, a decent set. I’m glad KFC reissued this set (with improvements to boot!), I do wish it came with the original cubes and that there were some improvements with the transformation to make it smoother.
I would’ve loved to get the Fans Toys Spotter, but they’re going for a lot of money right now and while they do look good, supposedly transforming the FT versions is a real crazy chore. Another good alternative are the Make Toys versions, as they are supposedly the most fun to transform amongst the three, but on the negative side, they’re the least cartoon model accurate-looking.
Gold
