Opinions on these surplus lights??

[FiddlerMD]

I found these at allelectronics http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...HT,_USED_.html
anyone know if these are any good? what their primary uses would be.. how durable they are, etc.
thanks

[Justin Kuhn]

The cord looks like it would melt. And if it didn't melt than the light isn't bright enough. I admit to some hatred of lights that have barndoors that are all the same size--it's poor design, and it just looks like window dressing to try and fool you into think you're buying an instrument that's worth something (barn doors that are the same size don't control light very well). The "bulb" isn't included. If the "bulb" is cheap enough that they can expect you to get your own at Home Depot, it definitely isn't bright enough. Finally the source itself is too cheap to be any good. The globe on your average professional instrument tends to run about $40.

That said, I've never used this light. It's possible that I could be wrong in thinking that it's crap--but more probable that it's just crap, 'cause I've never seen these on or in any stage, set (indie or pro), or film school. Don't construe any personal insult; I am merely attempting to demonstrate to you what a waste of money one of those lights would be. I've recieved better lighting instruments in the bottom of cereal boxes.

[GenJerDan]

The "throw" is probably too long for most purposes.

[HorseFilms]

That doesn't look like something that you'd get a lot of use from, in my opinion.

[puredrifting]

Wow, that looks like a piece of junque.

Sorry. I am all for cheap and effective but cheap and ineffective is a waste of time and money. Buy real lights like an Arri, Mole, Altman, Lowel or Kino and you will have something that can last your entire career. Buy these and you will dump them in the garbage after a shoot and some frustration.

Dan

[j]

This light is for store display purposes. Spotlighting products and window displays. Might be interesting to play around with. I'd still want to have a couple of 650 fresnells, a couple of 300s and a couple of 1k openfaced lights as a base though...

[j]

OK, There is a guy selling these one ebay, 2 for $75 w/ shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-LIGHTOLIER-POR...QQcmdZViewItem

He also mentions that the bulbs are ~$200 each...

[vidled]

That doesn't look like something that you'd get a lot of use from, in my opinion.

Rubbish! Those Altman clamps are great!

[HorseFilms]

Rubbish! Those Altman clamps are great!

I stand corrected.

[FiddlerMD]

no offense taken - i suspected as much from the price and relative lack of any mention of them on any film-related boards
thanks

[J P]

If you are in LA, All Electronics has a store in Van Nuys where you can check out the lights in person.

[FiddlerMD]

if i were in LA i'd be at that store every day for various electronics ins and outs i'm in NJ tho