Coollights 2 x 55 Dimmable: What kind of usage?

K

Kholi

Section Moderator
What kinda mileage can you get out of these things? I won't be shooting talking heads, more like lighting full narrative scenery?

How well do these work for lighting full scenes and interiors?
 
How many of them are you talking about?

I have one 6 x 55 and with all 6 lamps on full blast, it lights up a room about 10' x 10' pretty well. With only 2 lamps, you would need multiple units to light the same room; I'd say at least three...

Personally, I find that one 6 x 55 and two of the CDM-150's work quite nicely for many smaller interior situations. For accents, I use a few smaller tungsten fresnels and will be probably be adding some portable LED's as well.

Cheers,
 
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The common config right now is a 2x55p and a 4x55p and some hard lights (like the MF0150) for a pretty versatile kit.
 
Hmm. Points you raise are good. What about in a hotspot where the DImming could be very useful? Instead of diffusing?
 
Its definitely true that you pay a price in tube life with dimming but how much is hard to quantify. I would say that most people that buy the bank selectable models get by with just adding extra diffusion material and switching off unneeded banks. Also, eggcrates will cut light output too a bit (like 20%) when you're using them with the added benefit of complete control over side spill.
 
I was JUST about to ask what the heck the eggcrate did. LOL. I'm such a newb to this stuff. =B Well, newb to anything that isn't computers or video games.

Thanks!
 
Got the 2 x 55 Dimmer today! I like it so far, as well as the CDM150. =D

Must try some practical usage here soon.
 
Kholi said:
Got the 2 x 55 Dimmer today! I like it so far, as well as the CDM150. =D

Must try some practical usage here soon.
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What the ?@#$? That was quick! How'd you get everything so fast? Posted questions yesterday; received lights today. Anyway, glad to hear you like your purchases...
 
Weirdest story EVER. I posted up for them, another user saw that I was looking for some and happened to be flying to Santa Monica this week so he brought a CDM150 and a 2 x 55 Dimmable with stands, extra bulbs for an incredible price.

Best part about it was that they were only test used, so they're brand new in boxes and packages.

Now I just need to get another CDM150, gels, etc so I can start learnin' about this lighting stuff.

I love 'em though! I'm wondering how bad it is to shoot without CTO gel and just using the chroma settings within the HVX to warm the image up via camera.

Any thoughts?
 
You gotta come up here before Friday night. My HVX is gettin' rented out for a short film on Saturday.

Come up this way!!! Let's play with teh lights.
 
:laugh:
Kholi said:
Weirdest story EVER.
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That IS weird; totally weird. AND you got a great price on top of it and hand delivered to boot? It doesn't get any better than that...

Kholi said:
I love 'em though! I'm wondering how bad it is to shoot without CTO gel and just using the chroma settings within the HVX to warm the image up via camera. Any thoughts?
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IMO, not bad at all. As a matter of fact, unless I'm trying to color match to tungsten or need a special effect, I don't use gels at all and white balance in camera. Warm if necessary in post to taste and context...

Now just get out and shoot will ya? Experimenting is not only fun but highly addictive and educational...:D
 
I can't wait. I have a major experiment I'm setting up here soon. My only wish is that I could get ahold of one of Richards 575w 2400W equivalents to play with as well.

Thanks for your thoughts on the CTO versus Scene Files. I've been experimenting with GF as the subject (while she's reading) and I felt really comfortable first white balancing to grey, then adjusting the warmth with the Chroma Temp in the settings. Have you tried it that way instead of white balancing?

Matty - Email me or AIM me when you know about the video details, actually. I'm tied a little this week but if it's at the right time I can come and help out. I'm still trying to clean some work up so that I can hit up Geoff's set to AC.
 
Oh yeah, and BIG REP to the user for hooking me up today!!! Can't believe how he came through like that. DVXuser rocks so hard.
 
Kholi said:
Thanks for your thoughts on the CTO versus Scene Files. I've been experimenting with GF as the subject (while she's reading) and I felt really comfortable first white balancing to grey, then adjusting the warmth with the Chroma Temp in the settings. Have you tried it that way instead of white balancing?
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The more you 'play' with color and image settings in camera the less room you'll have to maneuver around in post. So typically, you'll want to shoot as neutral and flat as possible so you have the most 'raw' material to work with later on.

This is not a fast rule of course; if you like certain in-camera settings for particular shots and feel it won't need adjusting in post, then by all means use them. Again, experimenting is key to learning how and when to use all the tools in your filmmaking arsenal to achieve the effect you see in your mind's eye.
 
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