Chinese Lanterns??

The bigger the size ... the softer the light.

I'd go for at least the 24" lantern --- too bad that you have to buy a dozen to get the 30" diameter ones.

I end up clipping duveteen or black wrap to flag off spill of the sides of the lantern if needed, especially facing towards the camera to avoid lense flare. The fall off and wrap around from the light is beautiful.
 
Great as what a practicle? Sure they put out a soft light. If they're a practicle then they must fit the decor of the set and the mood of the scene. If they're not a praticle then theres lights that will be much more efficent and effective. You can mount lights on gobo arm or even a boom or jib arm, Also you can get grip equipment called wall spreaders. Theres two ends one with a screw and plate on it. You put each one on a 2x4 and screw it out overhead of your scene. Then just hang whatever lights you want on that beam.

Here's a link to a spreader at B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...ls&Q=&sku=33155&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
 
Bear in mind you need as wide array of wattage bulbs to figure out right lumens for any given situation - yes you can use a dimmer but tends to throw things into the nasty orange scale.

also have 216 or other heavy diffusion scraps handy to plug the bottom opening.

also think about the ceiling height and room size of where you working and if you intend ot use the light as a practicle, that is really determines the size and wattage that you'll need.

It does give off nice light, but I never use them myself unless I want them as a practicle, simple because the light is too hard to control and keep off you walls. But can very useful in exterior nights with daylight bulbs.
 
Gopher_Greene said:
Great as what a practicle? Sure they put out a soft light. If they're a practicle then they must fit the decor of the set and the mood of the scene. If they're not a praticle then theres lights that will be much more efficent and effective. You can mount lights on gobo arm or even a boom or jib arm, Also you can get grip equipment called wall spreaders. Theres two ends one with a screw and plate on it. You put each one on a 2x4 and screw it out overhead of your scene. Then just hang whatever lights you want on that beam.

Here's a link to a spreader at B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...ls&Q=&sku=33155&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
Click to expand...

Hey folks, wall spreaders and mattpoles or pole cats are great, I use them all the time. DOn't forget that you have to lug around the lumber with which to use them and have the various clamp or nail ons for attaching fixtures.

The best place to get wall spreaders is at Norms in North Hollywood, they only cost 35 bucks!!! Seriously, that's a great bargain over the mathews which is twice the price. Norms isn't fancy chrome plated but who cares is it's half the price. their phone is 818-766-6676

For those here that are fairly new to this, using thses tools are great because if the ceiling is high enough, you can rig all the lights you need without have any stands in the room, which means you can do 360 shots, or reverse without having to move a bunch of stands. It takes a while to pre-rig though and should only be done if you know you'll be filming in this room for a long time or have to have shot that shows the whole room.

it's a must have for bathroom scenes.

I preffer
 
I use chinese lanterns all the time. I buy the cheap 18" and 24" ones and put them on the end of a boom or a fishpole. They are good for interviews, as practicals (if appropriate), I'll even use it while a subject is walking, having a grip walk behind me as aI shoot. Portable, cheap, light, simple and effective.
 
I always keep a couple china balls in the kit, they're outstanding for soft, warm light. Very portable, very quick to set up and move. Also great for dynamic lighting effects, like simulating a swinging lamp or torch.
 
They are also a good way to get some soft daylight. You can use daylight mini-flos (at regular home stores and home depot/Lowes just test to make sure you don't have any strobing or noise) that are very bright (since they don't use near as much wattage as tungsten to get the same amount of light). The lanterns are a great way to soften them up. It's a good solution when you are stuck with daylight in an indoor scene (large picture window in the room, door opening, whatever) and don't have the money for HMIs and kinoflos.
 
Need advice

Need advice

vjbrennan said:
I use chinese lanterns all the time. I buy the cheap 18" and 24" ones and put them on the end of a boom or a fishpole. They are good for interviews, as practicals (if appropriate), I'll even use it while a subject is walking, having a grip walk behind me as aI shoot. Portable, cheap, light, simple and effective.
Click to expand...

What is the maximum watts I can use with a cheap 18' or 24'. I have heard that if the lighting is too hot, these easily burn. I am thinking of using a 24' for an interview scenario.
Also is the Chimera Lantern over rated. Will a basic Chinese lantern do the same thing.
 
I think the ones I have tell you not to go over 60 watts, but I go as high as a hundred all the time. If you use fluoros like Fitz mentioned, you can go as high as you want I would guess. Just don't leave them on forever and make sure the bulb is in the middle of the lamp so it doesn't rest against the paper.

I've never used the Chimera so i don't know how it compares. But one of the advantages of pro units is that (I believe) they are rated for higher wattege bulbs.
 
Also be sure to treat them really carefully. Little tears, dirt etc will show up like nobody's business. And man, do they love to tear.
 
Softboxes are nice because they don't go everyone like a chinesse lantern. Of course they are also more expensive.
 
I just bought some white nylon ones which seem much more durable than the paper ones. They recommend under 100 watts in a 24" lantern. I've put up to 250 watt photofloods in paper ones without too much problem. Anyone have any info on how much you can get away with nylon?
 
Lanterns make one of the nicest forms of soft light available. I have plastic ones and pro ones made by Chimera. They are great for interviews and many other scenarios. They are one of the most popular types of lights used today in major motion pictures and dramatic TV.
 
If you are buying the paper lanterns, make sure you get a ceramic socket with a high wattage ratings. Of course keep the light away from the paper and don't seal the top. It needs to vent the hot air. If spill is a problem from the top, make a small canopy out of black wrap and mold it over the hole. I've used GE Reveals in these with great effect.
 
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