fluorescent flickering

Robert86

Robert86

Carbonite Member
Hey everyone,

Any of you guys know a way to make fluorescents flicker, not just the kind where you only notice it subtly on video/film, but actually having the flo's flicker on and off. I've bought a couple of double bulb fixtures with bulbs from home depot. Each fixture and the bulbs together cost about $14, a total of approx. $30. They work pretty good, but for a unique music video I need them to flicker. They already came with the type ballast that prevents the type of flickering that you notice after you shoot the footage and each fixture outputs a max of 80Watts. Do you guys have any suggestions on how to modify them so that they will flicker or do you know of any website that I can buy a flicker box from, for less a good price. Thanks a lot.
 
You're not supposed to use that flicker box with fluorescents. At least that's what the instructions that came with it said. I've never tried it.
 
HorseFilms said:
You're not supposed to use that flicker box with fluorescents. At least that's what the instructions that came with it said. I've never tried it.
Click to expand...

Dimmers with flourescents create a strobing that will give you a headache. They don't dim, they just pulse rapidly.

I'm sure that it's a desireable effect for something, but I've never used it.

David Kuznicki
Production Manager, WGTE-TV30
 
Another technique is to clip one of the posts from the bulb. I've never tried it, but it is supposed to leave the bulb flickering, in a perpetual state of trying to start.

I would try having the gaffer switch on and off the fluo with a slow-start magnetic ballast, if you want it to have that random flicker look.

-j
 
Cool, I'll try and purchase that flicker box smelni, but before I do, I'll email Walter and see if I really can use it with some fluorescents. And if not I guess I can try the flickering on and off of the switch, the only problem with that is that it can get very inconsistent, I'm looking for a relatively fast flicker but if worse comes to worse... I am actually going to be shooting the fluorescents(the bulbs themselves), so the consistancy is a big part since they will be on screen. Any other suggestions are appreciated while I look into the previous ones. Thanks.
 
I would look more into the fact before you go out and buy a flicker box. I don't think they work well with flourescents and you can get the same effects with what you already have. Keep in mind as someone said in an earlier post that they are slow to start. Meaning don't think when you turn them on they'll flick on right away like other non flourescents do. You can get a flicker effect but it won't be controlled to the tee. If you need them to flicker just simply install the bulb in loosely on one end. You'll see it flicker immediately. Also, if you are looking to put a few flourescents in the shot flickering, I would suggest adding additional light such as fill or key flickering but with a different controlled source such as a non flourescent. That source should be cued by a grib with either a switch (simplest method) or a flicker box (more money) Just make sure you match the color. That way the the flourescents really act more as a prop instead of your main source to give you more control. It's like what people do for candle light. They usally don't light the scene with the candel but sources offscreen. Hope I helped.
 
Did it in "Radio Mechanics" by running power through a momentary, push-button switch box that I made. Grip pushed the button rapidly and randomly. Worked very well with surprising amount of control - and with standard hardware store fixtures (iron ballasts). There's a shot of it in the trailer.
 
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