Dimmer Recommendations

egproductions

egproductions

Veteran
I've heard of generic dimmers that can added to standard video lighting just don't have any experience with these. Looking for 1 that could handle up too a 2K as well as one that could handle up to 650W and maybe one that handles up to 250 or 300W any recommendations?
 
I made dimmers from hardware store parts (a 14ga extension cord, a household dimmer switch, and an electrical box) good for <600W; cost, under $20.

For larger circuitry, upgrade the components as necessary.

If you're worried about niggly little things like electrocution and dying, hire a sparky to build you one... you'll probably still come out ahead, pricewise.
 
It looks like I might get the Harbor Freight router controller. I see that it has a low/medium/high settings. Is it fully variable throughout or are their essentially three positions?
 
The switch would be on/off/variable.
I have a bag full of these. There is absolutely nothing better at this price point.

Good Luck!
 
Thank you David. Sorry I wasn't clear with my followup question. When it's set to variable, does the dial have three positions (low/medium/high) or is it a spectrum of variance. Can it be somewhere between low and medium for instance.
 
What about the Lutron portable dimmer? I was on a shoot all day yesterday, and the lighting guy pulled out both the router controller and the Lutron which he bought at Lowes.

Are these equivalent? I was doing sound and heard exactly zero interference from the Lutron.
 
scottfs said:
What about the Lutron portable dimmer? I was on a shoot all day yesterday, and the lighting guy pulled out both the router controller and the Lutron which he bought at Lowes.

Are these equivalent? I was doing sound and heard exactly zero interference from the Lutron.
Click to expand...

I have a 1K Lutron Dimmer, but by the time you buy everything you need and put it together, the Harbor Freight unit comes out ahead price wise.
I think the portable Lutron is good for lower wattage lamps only.
 
egproductions said:
It looks like I might get the Harbor Freight router controller...
Click to expand...

I have a bunch of the Harbor Freight router controllers, but mostly use them with smaller tungstens, & practicals.

One issue is Hubble connectors, found on most professional hot lights, are too wide to fully seat into the Harbor Freight controller. It will work, but there is a gap, which is a liability.

So I mostly use the standard Hollywood squeezers.

http://www.filmtools.com/10watrotdial.html

http://www.filmtools.com/600watsliddi.html

Best,
Bern
 
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