CoolLights> dimmable or non dimmable?

E

eco_bach

Well-known member
Hi
Having rented KinoDiva in the past I was so impressed with the professional looking results I decied was time to invest in a cost affordable alternative. I am considering either the CoolLights
http://www.coollights.biz/cl455p-cool-lights-portable-watt-softlight-p-67.html
or dimmable version which is $150 more
http://www.coollights.biz/cl455pmd-cool-lights-portable-dimming-watt-softlight-p-70.html

Since dimming fluorescent bulbs greatly reduces their lifespan, was wondering how useful the dimmable version is.

Wouldn't it be be simple to simple cover the light with some type of nd filter or diffusion scrim to reduce the light if need be?
Any CooLights owners want to chime in?
 
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Thanks for your interest. Just to be sure everyone understands. Dimming doesn't reduce the life of the fixture, only the tubes. And its not really possible to quantify how much it does.
 
While this may or may not apply to the Cool Lights product, Phillips and GE have this to say about dimming flourescents:

http://www.advance.philips.com/documents/uploads/literature/Advance Dimming Guide7.pdf

Quote:

FAQ:
Q: Will dimming reduce the life of a lamp?
A: Dimming has no effect on the life of a lamp.
Properly designed dimming ballasts will provide
sufficient filament heating and will maintain the
full rated life of the lamp.

From GE:

http://www.geappliances.com/email/lighting/specifier/2008_07/downloads/DimmingLFL.pdf

Quote:

Myth #3
Dimming incandescent lamps extends lamp life, so dimming fluorescent would extend lamp life as well.
TRUTH
• Life is not necessarily extended, as the cathode heat must be maintained for the lamp to operate as
specified.
o NEMA has completed an entire study dedicated to this aspect of dimming LFL.

But then they also say:

GE has 1, 2, and 3 lamp models with full range dimming from 100% to 5% for 4-foot F32T8 lamps. This V5
ballast is designed for optimal lamp performance in providing positive starting at all dimming levels and by
increasing the cathode voltage as lamps dim. This provides for no flicker at all dimming levels. Increasing the
cathode heating when dimming to maintain the cathodes proper temperature provides for enhanced lamp life
and performance stability.

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Another thing to think about is color shift. Even on Kino Tegras, they state that there's a color shift with only 15% dimming--and that's not even a half stop! I'd rather have a switchable bank.
 
eco_bach said:
Wouldn't it be be simple to simple cover the light with some type of nd filter or diffusion scrim to reduce the light if need be?
Click to expand...

An interesting question. I too would like to know the answer. Seems like we need something like a 1 or 2 stop wire scrim like we would use with a fresnel to drop the light level without color shifting.

Would a 1 or 2 stop diffusion fabric work? Velcro it to the barn doors maybe. IDK, just askin'.
 
Since flos run cool, you can use a wide variety of stuff for diffusion; silks, ND gels, old bed sheets, you get the idea. I have been very happy with non-dimming 4x55s. Do get the new quick release mounting system.

Grant
 
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