Can a Britek Softbox Fit an Arri Fresnel?

T

The Evil Mariachi

Well-known member
Hello everyone,

First time, long time...I've been doing a lot of research on what to buy for my first light kit and an Arri 650 fresnel is at the top of my list. Its versatility is what attracts me, since I'm on a very limited budget (about 1k). My aim is to do interviews as well as narrative work.

So my question is, has anyone ever been able to use a Britek softbox on the Arri? Or for that matter, a JTL? The prices seem just right, but a forum search didn't turn up any hits on this. I e-mailed rostronics about using their softbox with the Arri and they told me to ask here. I'd like to hear the experts weigh in before I make a purchase.

Thanks in advance.
 
From my experience the Britek ring will not fit on the Arri 650 but will fit on the 1k plus model although it has about a 1/4" of play. Hope this helps. It may also help to just ask the Rostrinics people if the have anything to fit a 6 5/8" diameter mount which is what the 650's have.
 
TMFilms said:
From my experience the Britek ring will not fit on the Arri 650 but will fit on the 1k plus model although it has about a 1/4" of play. Hope this helps. It may also help to just ask the Rostrinics people if the have anything to fit a 6 5/8" diameter mount which is what the 650's have.
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I've got altman fresnels (650's) and from what I understand they pretty much the same as the arri. I tried to put a britek softbox on and the speed ring was waaay too small. Hope that helps.
 
I guess I should add that the Britek softboxes I have are for the 500/1000w combo light, they may make different size rings.
 
Thanks, guys, I appreciate the info. On the same note, has anyone had any experience with those cheap softboxes they sell on ebay? They include a "universal" speed ring, but I'm not sure just how universal or durable they really are...

I wish I could just go out and buy a chimera, but the budget won't allow (I got a good deal on two arri 650 fresnels and my ntg and ocktava are on their way). Could I just shine the arri through the diffusion part of my 5-1 reflector if I decided to soften it up? One would expect spill to be a concern, no?

I still have a great deal to learn, but this community has been an immense help.

Thanks again!
 
When I need to soften my 650 fresnels I usually end up close pinning a diffusion gel to them.
 
Does anyone know the differences between putting a diffusion gel over the front of your fresnel compared to using a softbox? I assume there's a bit more directionality there as you can always attach an eggcrate to the front of the softbox, but that's not really doable with the diffusion.

Yeah, so I just want some soft light! Do I really have to spring for the softboxes?
 
RyanT said:
Does anyone know the differences between putting a diffusion gel over the front of your fresnel compared to using a softbox? I assume there's a bit more directionality there as you can always attach an eggcrate to the front of the softbox, but that's not really doable with the diffusion.

Yeah, so I just want some soft light! Do I really have to spring for the softboxes?
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Larger surface area (like softbox) of light is useful for some kinds of lighting like wine bottles or other dark/shiny reflective objects. A fresnel with diffusion gel on it just wouldn't be considered a large surface.
 
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