10 bulb CFL Brutte (Sample Video)

Ryan E. Walters

Ryan E. Walters

Well-known member
I just posted this over on Reduser.net, but for those of you who do not frequent that site, I thought you might find this useful:

So I just modified a 16 bulb CFL light to make it fit 10 65w CFL's for an equivalent 2,750w of light output at a draw of only 650w!

My full write up is here:
http://www.ryanewalters.com/page2/files/The_CFL_Brutte.html

1080p video can be found here:
http://www.vimeo.com/6369658

Still frames (compressed JPGs):
cflbrutte-sample-web01.jpg

cflbrutte-sample-web02.jpg

cflbrutte-sample-web03.jpg

cflbrutte-sample-web04.jpg
 
Yeah, I have been experimenting with these lights and I want to thank you for your efforts. I like you photometrics... that is what I have found, these CFs drop off quick. I have been using big box store bulbs and have some issues with color reproduction. I does not look like you had that issue, did you correct these lamps in any way? No quarter or half minus green correction?
 
Yep they do drop off fairly quickly. If you are looking for a punchy light, then CFL is NOT the way to go. The bulbs at the big box stores do not have enough output for my use in the E26 base. There are a couple of 65w and 100w bulbs there but the lights themselves are huge. Which is why I went with the smaller 65w bulbs I found online.

The higher the CRI on the bulb the less of a color problem that you'll have. So far I am having trouble finding CFL's in high wattage above the 80 - 85 CRI level. I did not correct the lamps at all, and other then adjusting contrast the images I posted have not been corrected. I did shoot the images with the camera set to 5000k, which is the native color temp of the sensor. But when looking at the RGB histogram I did notice that I could add a -1/8 to -1/2 green gel to the light make the image more technically precise. But I liked what I saw and I went without the correction.
 
caught this on vimeo earlier. Happen to have a picture of your modified light? I like the sound of a powerful soft source for that price!
 
I was building something similar, but as a ring where the CFLs where on a flat plane instead of sticking up. This was to mount on the ceiling directly over the scene (for example, a dining table), and take very little space -- only a four inches thick.

I made it instead out of 4-foot tubes since I had a bunch I wasn't using, but still may get around to doing the ring since it would be much lighter and easier to mount.
 
pmark23 said:
I was building something similar, but as a ring where the CFLs where on a flat plane instead of sticking up. This was to mount on the ceiling directly over the scene (for example, a dining table), and take very little space -- only a four inches thick.

I made it instead out of 4-foot tubes since I had a bunch I wasn't using, but still may get around to doing the ring since it would be much lighter and easier to mount.
Click to expand...

That is a brilliant idea. I had thought about building a coffin box for that type of setup, but the ring idea sounds like it might to the same thing but at a much lower profile. :)
 
Ryan, I know your displeasure with the softbox, but do you think it help raises the output level by controlling sideways spill and directing it forward?
 
Shawn Philip Nelson said:
Ryan, I know your displeasure with the softbox, but do you think it help raises the output level by controlling sideways spill and directing it forward?
Click to expand...

The softbox definitely helps control the spill of the light and helps to focus it forward. I have not taken measurements without it, but I would imagine that it is helping to increase the output as it is reflecting light forward. I'm just looking for a better / easier setup solution. But I can't argue with the price as it is next to nothing ...

Shawn Philip Nelson said:
Also noticed that the bulbs are 80cri, did you feel any lack of "color" so to speak from this lower cri?
Click to expand...

Some of the color can be brought back in grading (Not my preference, but it can be done.). But as the bulbs are 80 cri, that means that they do not have the most faithful color reproduction. So if you are shooting something that needs to be 100% color accurate, like a product shot for example- then a higher CRI is needed. But I have not found the lower CRI to be to objectionable yet. If anyone stumbles upon a higher CRI bulb let me know, as I'm keeping my eyes pealed!
 
Ryan, I have 2 of the c-900's and have been using 100 watt (equivalent) Nvision CFL's . I too love the lighting effect but a great deal is lost because of the flood effect of open bulbs. I have built many versions of high powered LED configurations that I also like very much. I was at Costco 3 days ago and they have R-30 flood configuration of cool temp leds. They claim to be 45 watt equivalent but because they are focused they really put out a nice combination of soft flood (multiple leds) and focus. After buying 1 at $10.95 I went back and bought 10 more. The really interesting thing is they only draw 3 1/2 watts per bulb. They are about
3 1/2 inches in diameter so they might fit perfectly in your adapted box. I like the idea that I could simple screw out the CFL's and put these in for different needs. They also have a warm version.
Gary
 
The difference between 5200K and 5600K is (almost) negligible, and not at all the same as the difference between, say, 2800K and 3200K which is definitely noticeable.
 
I have no experience with lighting yet, especially for video, so I wasn't sure. I know when processing RAW photos and adjusting white balance, the difference between, say 5000K and 5500K is pretty noticeable (the latter having much more yellow).

Thanks for the info.
 
Gary said:
Ryan, I have 2 of the c-900's and have been using 100 watt (equivalent) Nvision CFL's . I too love the lighting effect but a great deal is lost because of the flood effect of open bulbs. I have built many versions of high powered LED configurations that I also like very much. I was at Costco 3 days ago and they have R-30 flood configuration of cool temp leds. They claim to be 45 watt equivalent but because they are focused they really put out a nice combination of soft flood (multiple leds) and focus. After buying 1 at $10.95 I went back and bought 10 more. The really interesting thing is they only draw 3 1/2 watts per bulb. They are about
3 1/2 inches in diameter so they might fit perfectly in your adapted box. I like the idea that I could simple screw out the CFL's and put these in for different needs. They also have a warm version.
Gary
Click to expand...

Interesting idea- I'll have to go check those out at Costco. Might work for a lower wattage unit, when all the power of the CFL's are not needed.
 
kb99 said:
I have no experience with lighting yet, especially for video, so I wasn't sure. I know when processing RAW photos and adjusting white balance, the difference between, say 5000K and 5500K is pretty noticeable (the latter having much more yellow).

Thanks for the info.
Click to expand...

Yes the 5000k is warmer then 5500 or 5600. But it is not a drastic difference- not like going to 3200k.
 
Ryan these have an interesting situation. Yes they are lower wattage but because they are in a focused housing (like an outside floodlight) the output is actually stronger than the CFL's, yet is soft enough to use pretty close.
Gary
 
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