Comments

farss wrote on 7/9/2007, 11:17 PM
On the plus side:

It's cheap
A decent amount of light

On the down side:

That battery is going to be relatively heavy.
It's a 50W inkie so it'll get hot.
The light will change CT as the battery discharges. Minor issue probably.


All these lights, even including my favorite Zylights are very bright. For wedding receptions and the like your 'talent' might not be too happy having them shone in their faces. Apart from adding a softbox which are remarkably expensive and loose a bit of light I'd suggest putting the light on a Noga arm to get it above the camera. Not only will this make the shot look better, it'll minimise complaints and keep the hot parts out of your reach.

BTW for not a great amount of cash more you should be able to find a light that uses a sealed beam halogen lamp. That'll give you more light for the same watts and there's some lamps around designed specifically to be more flattering to the talent.

Bob.
Grazie wrote on 7/9/2007, 11:19 PM
Well, the only thing that comes to my mind - Lead Acid Battery [LAB].

I BUILT a similar setup. I based it around an eBay 50 Watt PagLamp. It works very well. The LAB is heavier than its less hefty LithIon. It's charging times are similar but I've found the performance is fine for me.

As I say, I built mine from "parts" but the theory is the same. On the LAB spec: "The MM-7 utilizes Starved Electrolyte, also known as Gel-Cell or Lead Acid. Advantages: Low cost, high per cell voltage, no memory effect and good capacity life."

$99Bux? Light + Barnies + Lens diffuser + AC Adaptor + LAB + Sockets - Yah can't knock it! Double up with another LAB and I guess you;ve got some truly excellent lumens on tap! Oh yeah, I've used my DIY version to throw some much needed lumen in and around dark corners and throw some "glow" onto a face. Works great!

Just WHAT is the lamp rated at? Also where is the lamp switch located?

Grazie

Grazie wrote on 7/10/2007, 12:35 AM
Ah! 50 watter!!

G
farss wrote on 7/10/2007, 12:47 AM
If you want to save a bit of weight checkout the batteries from here:
http://www.batteryspace.com/

SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) batteries are very good for what they're designed for, portable power. They're cheap, quite environmentally friendly (if you have then recycled) and chargers are cheap and simple. But in terms of capacity per kilo that you've got to lug around far from so hot.

Batteryspace have NiMH and Li-Ion batteries and chargers at a realistic price. I'd advise against Li-Ion for such a large capacity unless you're really brave. NiMH is way safer and easier to deal with.

BTW Batteryspace also sell some lights for trail bike riding, one day I'll try moding one to use as an on-camera light.

Bob, the tinker. Now if only I could find the space for a lathe and a mill.
Grazie wrote on 7/10/2007, 6:16 AM
http://www.tahoeinternational.co.uk/YUASA - This is the one I got.[/link]

It IS an SLA. Sling it over me shoulder - done!
richard-courtney wrote on 7/10/2007, 7:27 AM
You guys are spending too much for onboard camera lights.

My son (7 at the time) found a "Camera Light" desk light at the local
arcade/pizza place and spent all of his redemption tickets (500)
to buy this light for my birthday. With a handy hotshoe adapter,
made a nifty light. Powered by four AA batteries, has diffusion AND barn doors!


Sorry, this is one of a kind and I am not selling it.
auggybendoggy wrote on 7/10/2007, 6:10 PM
man one of a kind,
AWSOME!

who would of though chuck e cheese could outdo B&H?

ok what about something like a 20/30 switcahble lamp?

what is hot and what is not (termperature wise) I realize 50w will
get pretty hot

what about 20?
what about 30?

if you guys have any suggestion please mention. I'll look at the zylight or whatever their called.


Aug
auggybendoggy wrote on 7/10/2007, 6:19 PM
how bout the IDX?

or this one (sima)
http://www.simaproducts.com/products/product_detail.php?product_id=106

aug
Jay Gladwell wrote on 7/11/2007, 8:15 AM

Auggy, keep in mind, "You get what you pay for."

After all, you do want a light that has some throw.

In what circumstances, under what conditions will you be using the light? That should determine the instrument.


richard-courtney wrote on 7/11/2007, 9:17 AM
Jay is right. You get what you pay for.
I always try to tell people a solution that has an upgrade path because I hate
buying something twice.
Lowel makes a light head that you can replace the 12 volt DC bulb with a 120VAC
bulb and use it as a stepping stone to a larger light kit.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/285941-REG/Lowel_P2101_Pro_Light_Focus_Flood_Light.htmlPro-Light[/link]

My first real light kit was http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/284109-REG/Lowel__DV_Pro_Light_Tungsten_Light.htmlthis[/link]
and later added a http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/285872-REG/Lowel_LC94LBZ_Rifa_lite_44_1_Light.htmlRifa[/link]

The modified desk light above; I was impressed with my son and his sacrifice
for me. It actually looks pretty good if you add a Rosco 1/4 CTO gel. There are other
pro LED lights but are very expensive but they are cool both light spectrum
and temp wise. I guess you have to decide if this is a hobby or you think you can
make money in the future.