little fluoros

Jim Brennan

Jim Brennan

VHS Member Old Skool
I was in Home Depot today (surprisingly, looking for something other than a way to make filmmaking gear on the cheap) and I came across these little battery operated fluoros. They run on AA batteries (or an adapter). They came in (I think) 4", 8", and 12". I was in a rush, so I didn't write any of the manufacturer info down. It didn't mention what type of bulb it was (color temp), but I was wondering if you could get replacement with the right temp. They ranged form about 7-12 dollars if memory serves. If you can get the right bulb in there it sounds like a great way to light tight spots like car interiors. Anybody else seen these?
 
Re: little fluoros

I've run into something that sounds like those. I don't remember them running off AA batteries though...keep us posted.
 
Re: little fluoros

Look at Walter's site for his discussion about his self-named GraffLites, sounds like you're talking about the same thing.
 
Re: little fluoros

Problem with the battery operated ones is they don't last long, aren't that bright and color temps are lousy. Best bet is to buy AC versions and a $70 power inverter. Plug them into your cigarette lighter and you have all the interior car lights you need without worrying about batteries. A 20 watt light will be too much light in a car.
 
Re: little fluoros

Yes, I found Walter's graff lights as well. The thing I liked about these is that they were TINY. Maybe 3/4" by 1 1/4" by whatever length you buy. They even come with velcro strips to stick 'em anywhere. It's too bad about the color temp being so bad. Maybe if I can find replacement bulbs...
 
Re: little fluoros

[quote author=Jim Brennan link=board=lighting;num=1105676315;start=0#4 date=01/14/05 at 07:03:06]Yes, I found Walter's graff lights as well.  The thing I liked about these is that they were TINY.  Maybe 3/4" by 1 1/4" by whatever length you buy.  They even come with velcro strips to stick 'em anywhere.  It's too bad about the color temp being so bad.  Maybe if I can find replacement bulbs...[/quote]


You could easily get the same size in an AC version and buy a $30 power inverter and have reliable car lights.
 
Re: little fluoros

I bought a couple of those from wal-mart for like $6 ea. I used them on a music video that we were tinting matrix green.

They work great. I taped them above and below the mattebox (like a kino kameo). being battery powered, they worked great, even handheld. They were slightly bluer than the flou shop lights we had as practicals.

We also had a performance shot where the singer held the light in his hand hidden behind the 1950's microphone he was singing into. It gave is face a nice glow.

-j
 
Re: little fluoros

Not a bad job; I actually was digging the lounge version though. I guess that shows my age :-/ Then again, the singer looked in his 30's too! NIce job btw.
 
Re: little fluoros

I just picked up a 24" fluorescent fixture on sale at a hardware store for $10. I bought a Westinghouse Full Spectrum bulb for another $7. It's 6500K with a CRI of 94. I got a nice daylight-balanced fluorescent light for less than $20. Can't beat that.
 
Re: little fluoros

Thanks, I saw your sig and got jealous. ;D

The local Menards (midwest hardware chain) had the tubes in stock. It surprised the hell out of me.
 
Re: little fluoros

[quote author=HorseFilms link=board=lighting;num=1105676315;start=0#13 date=01/22/05 at 16:50:22]Thanks, I saw your sig and got jealous. ;D

The local Menards (midwest hardware chain) had the tubes in stock. It surprised the hell out of me.
[/quote]

It shouldn't surprise you. Quite a few 5500k lamps that you can buy in a store are near 94CRI. In fact the industry standard for CRI in the 5500k lamp is 91. It's easier to reproduce a full spectrum at 5500k than at 3000k. And keep in mind that the farther up the CRI scale you go the less the difference between any to numbers. After 85 CRI, 90 is not much of a difference and neither is 94.
 
Re: little fluoros

Its like I always say

"We can put a man on the moon; but we still struggle at producing 3000K's with a CRI over 90."

:D
 
Re: little fluoros

[quote author=John Hudson link=board=lighting;num=1105676315;start=15#15 date=01/22/05 at 17:56:35]Its like I always say

"We can put a man on the moon; but we still struggle at producing 3000K's with a CRI over 90."

:D[/quote]

Actually, outside of film production and maybe video (maybe, most CRI lamps of 85 work fine) there really is no need to make a CRI higher than 85. The human eye doesn't see the difference. They can make them but they have no need to. And if you want a higher CRI, buy a lamp from kino flo..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top