inexpensive tungsten fixtures?

[Azmyth]

I've got a slew of CFL's and softboxes, and I had some of those crummy knockoff redheads (that didn't last an entire job and have been rewired a dozen times and still blow bulbs in less than an hr). I'd like to supplement my CFL's with some tungsten lights, I've got tons of worklights that I've used as well in a pinch.. and I'll rent anything serious I need.. but for general purpose use.. are there such fixtures?

 

[TiE_Shepherd]

I had some of those crummy knockoff redheads (that didn't last an entire job and have been rewired a dozen times and still blow bulbs in less than an hr)

When you had those redheads rewired what exactly are you doing to them or having done to them? Are the fixtures grounded properly? Are you using bulbs from the same place? Wiring on these fixtures isn't too complicated. If bulbs keep blowing either the bulbs are junk or there is something like a short somewhere.

As for cheap fixtures, I would look on ebay. I've picked up most, if not all, of my lighting gear used on ebay. You can get some decent deals on stuff and if you stick to reputable brands you'll end up with lights that are durable and will last for years to come.

 

[nothing]

Used Mole-Richardson fixtures. Quality tungsten lights can last forever.

 

[Paul Hudson]

Used Mole-Richardson fixtures. Quality tungsten lights can last forever.

Same thing I have told people for years.

 

[gonzo_entertainment]

Agree with above about good lights.

That being said I light some quick and dirty (read I ain't getting paid) stuff with regular photo floods and other still photo gear. The only issue is control. Some diffusion umbrellas and some cheap cowboy studio fixtures and/or clamp lights with 250W and 500W bulbs can throw a ton of light around, you just don't have any controlled spot type light.

 

[Azmyth]

From my knowledge the issue with the redheads were the bulbs..

I couldn't not find anywhere to buy them without ordering them off ebay (which to me is how they get you, since they burn out so quickly)

I wanted to try to modify them to take some other standard halogen bulb but wasn't sure how.

I never touch the bulbs, and an electrician friend of mine has had them for months trying to make them work properly, he said they were just poorly made to begin with. Has anyone been successful in repairing/rewiring these things?