Building a China Ball System

mentatDUKE

mentatDUKE

Veteran
Hello all. I plan on building a daylight balanced china ball system with an eye toward high lumen output and a soft light quality.

With this in mind, I plan on using a heavy duty compact fluorescent (12,000 lumens, 800W equivalent) and a large china ball (30 inches most likely), the bigger the source, the softer the light.

If any of you have used china balls in the past, how do you go about placing them in a scene when shooting on location? Do you hang them from the ceiling (if it isnt too high) or do you use light stands?

Here's the compact fluorescent I have my eye on:
http://www.lightbulbemporium.com/maxlite_35871_ml_sko200ea50.asp

Here is the china ball I want to use:
http://www.asianideas.com/whnyla.html

Looks like a standard bulb assembly wont cut it. The bulb I want has a base type of E39 Mogul.

I may have to get this power cord rather than the assembly from the first post:
http://www.specialty-lights.com/903064.html
 
I always hang china balls from c-stands, if I need them elsewhere in a scene I will hang them from the ceiling. Do you know the heat output of those CFLs, I have never used them before but they look interesting. That is an excellent price for a china ball. I owned some clamp lights that were rated up to 600watts, I just took off the scoop and use the bulb assembly and cords in my china balls. You can easily make your own for a few dollars with parts from Home Depot or Lowes.
 
Thanks for the info, Keller. You really think I can build my own Mogul assembly? Everything seems to be geared toward standard, but I think I'll call Home Depot and ask about this specifically.

Not sure about the heat output on that bulb. Someone mentioned it's hot enough to damage itself if not given proper ventilation, but not hot enough to bake actors.

I'll have to look into c-stands. Know where I can get a good price on some?

Thanks again.
 
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