Custom built LED lighting kit

G

Gorilla King

Well-known member
It it possible to build one? Frankly I really hate those skin burner lights and I want to build a kit that runs cool and can simply be packed up and moved quickly to maximize the number of setups each day.

I really don't know anything about lighting equipment so this is all speculation on my part, but would it be possible to use powerful LED flashlights clamped to C-stands and reflectors to create quality lighting? I could diffuse the lights in order to create the key, fill and backlight. And yes.....I'm serious.
:dankk2:

Update:
http://www.ledtronics.com/ds/gdl002-200/
I was just looking at that. They have one that run at 6,000K which is close enough to 5,600 isn't it? 500+ lumens

Found this one too:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/lights/782b/
Could be useful for certain situations.

Or how about attaching one of these to those cheap lights from Walmart:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/clearance/7aa8/
Says 120 lumens on the spotlight. How effective would that be?
 
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IF someone knew what they were doing, yes they could build their own LED light for video. Chances are it would look like heck, not good when the client sees it, but if your client does not see it and it works... who cares...

If we are looking at a parts level, you could purchase 100 white LEDs for $0.50 each ($50 total).

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bin/item/LED-121/340/ULTRA-BRIGHT_WHITE_LED,_5MM_.html



Two LEDs would be connected in series with a 330 ohm, 1/4 watt resistor (also in series) and this whole thing would be placed across 12 volts DC. This would make 50 sets of LEDs; with every set in parallel to the 12 volts. Together it would draw about 1 amp of current. There are some additional details I'm not saying right now that you would would need to know BEFORE you even start to think of this prtoject.

This would be a lot of work to build and a ready made light would look and function better. This home made unit would project a light that would be somewhat blue-white (off color) at around a [FONT=Verdana,Arial]15-25 degree viewing angle. This might work if you color correct in the camera and your LED light is your only light source. Plus, you would need to diffuse the light to get wider coverage.


I know how to build such a light, but for video work, I would rather go with a unit designed for the job, like the VidLED products.

http://vidled.com/products.html


BUT, if you feel like building your own light, just ask and I'll give you the rest of the details you'll need to know. Just remember, if you build it, you are on you own, because I don't do technical support.



Bob Diaz


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I wasn't planning on actually building my own LED's. What I had in mind was buying LED bulbs (like the 60 LED spotlight for 38.00 I listed above) and building a simple lighting kit.
 
[SIZE=+0]Take a look at florescent fixtures. I have 4-2' and 4-1' fixtures in my kit. They are single tube all-in-one housing with a switch, 2' $10, 1' $15 at Home Depot. You can buy them anywhere. I built mine into a housing for more control and people think I have Kinos(I do have a Diva 400). If you need more punch go with the 4'.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+0][/SIZE]
[SIZE=+0]Recently the market has flooded with standard socket florescent bulbs. I have been looking at Reptile lights. They are already 'boxed' for more control. I found a 4' single tube flo for $90; that's with an electronic ballast so you should be able to find it cheaper. These also come with standard sockets which I am thinking I'll put flo bulbs in.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+0][/SIZE]
[SIZE=+0]Now, having said all that there is an issue of rigging these where you want them. If you have C-stands your golden. Otherwise, light stands, spring clamps. Check the electrical aisle at a hardware store for conduit fittings and pipe, that stuff can be your big boy erector set. I am going to make my own frames for diffusion/sun light control.[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+0][/SIZE]
[SIZE=+0]Hope that helps. Just remember, it's the light that should look the way you want, not necessarily the lighting fixture.[/SIZE]
 
i have to be in spain for night shooting quick....


need full solution to light subject at night with only on cmaera light.

front shoe mount on HVX already taken by wireless mic.


what do I need exactly to get this going? 1 LED + battery + extra shoe? what model would be best for all around night shooting....I assume the brightest with the HVX right?
 
Gorilla King said:
I wasn't planning on actually building my own LED's. What I had in mind was buying LED bulbs (like the 60 LED spotlight for 38.00 I listed above) and building a simple lighting kit.
Click to expand...

I can only guess at the results, but my guess is that while it would work, the light might not be as ideal as you would like. First it may not be the correct color balance and second it may not be as uniform as you would want for video.
My guess is that the 60 LED spotlight would put out around the same light as a 75 - 85 watt bulb spotlight. Some light, but not super bright. Given the cost of around $39 ($38.99) it might be worth it to get one to see how it looks asnd decide from there.

The LEDtronics, Inc.® light sells for $170 to $185 depending on the model. In looking over the specifications, I can teel the light is not uniform. This would make a great 12 volt outdoor light, but would require defusion for video work. My guess is that it puts out about the same light as a 100 to 120 watt bulb. Maybe you might get it to work, but for the price, the VidLED costs only a bit more and is designed for the job.


http://vidled.com/products.html


http://vidled.com/productspecifications.html


Bob Diaz
 
I purchased the materials to build my own prior to finding this forum and Vidled and have to agree with Bob. I had a bear of a time finding true white LEDs and the fabrication of the case was time consuming and certainly not as robust as the Vidled unit. That said you can make your own with good results for about $75 to $100 if you have the time and necessary tools.

Bob
 
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