Is $1800 too high for this used Arri light kit?

S

Screenforme

Active member
EDIT:

I bought the Arri Softbank 1 kit, which included the 4 lights. Total $1500.
It is the most immaculate set I have ever seen. The case, barn doors, everything is Brand NEW. AMAZING!
It has all the paperwork, showing it was purchased in 2008. I cannot say enough about this set!
WOW!
 
Last edited:
Looks like a great deal to me. I paid 2K for; (2) 300 fresnels, (1) 650 fresnel, (4) stands, scrims, bulbs, barndoors, gels, C47's and a great rolling Kata case.
If everything is working...buy it!
 
Thanks for the response, ZaZa. I usually rent and trying to decide if this is worth it for me or if should buy more camera gear...
Anybody else?
 
What kind of camera gear? For me personally, and this is just me, but I'd rank lighting above camera gear (things like 35 adaptors). Especially a solid foundation set like this. It it were something like kinos being added on for heck's sake then I'd pass (I guess that depends on what you shoot though) but it's pretty good to have your own lights. Renting is great, but you could learn your kit inside out and focus on getting grip stuff too. I still don't own sticks because they're dirt cheap to rent and I'd much rather put my money towards lighting and audio gear. That kit looks a lot like my first light purchase, minus the 1k. I wound up with peppers and moles but these are solid lights that'll have your back on many shoots. Once you have your own set of basics, you'll be amazed by how much you can learn and accomplish. Last thing I should add is, don't be afraid to piece together your kit one by one. I'd look at what I would be shooting the most, see what I'd usually need and how much it is new and work around that. But if it's going to be a lot of money for you, it might also make sense to buy them one at a time. I haven't checked the new price on these in a while so I won't comment on how much you might be saving but off the top of my head it does sound like a great deal.
 
This is a good deal though not a great deal. They are good solid lights that will last, if you care for them.

My only problem with this kit is Arri 650's we have mostly all had to have their lamp bases replaced. This was after many hours use and a very easy repair to make yourself.

As Deniz said, don't overlook they advantage of building your own kit from Ebay. Look for Moles, LTM and Desisti in addition to the Arri's.
 
I would say it's an average or typical price, if it's a clean kit. There are a few Arri fixtures that don't cut it in my book, and one is in this kit. Generally speaking, Arri Fresnels are less durable than Mole, but good lights. The Arrilite open face fixtures, however, are toys compared to Mole Teenie-Weenie, Teenie, Mickey and Mighty's. The Arrilites can't operate in any orientation and usually discolor, crack and melt over time. If you are doing nothing more than firing one into a Chimera, then you may be okay. But I've run five Mickey's hanging face down into a light box day after day with no problem; do that with Arrilites and they will fail within hours (or minutes).
 
maplecap said:
I would say it's an average or typical price, if it's a clean kit. There are a few Arri fixtures that don't cut it in my book, and one is in this kit. Generally speaking, Arri Fresnels are less durable than Mole, but good lights. The Arrilite open face fixtures, however, are toys compared to Mole Teenie-Weenie, Teenie, Mickey and Mighty's. The Arrilites can't operate in any orientation and usually discolor, crack and melt over time. If you are doing nothing more than firing one into a Chimera, then you may be okay. But I've run five Mickey's hanging face down into a light box day after day with no problem; do that with Arrilites and they will fail within hours (or minutes).
Click to expand...

Good info. I think few people think about the orientation of fixtures and what the manufacturer says about it. When I know I have a problem I'm careful to save them frequently so they don't get too hot. Another issue is that someone is sure to blackwrap the heck out of a fixture cutting off all its cooling circulation and cooking it. Takes a good light to stand up to that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top