Looking to add some fresnels to my current light kit...
- Thread starter MattC
- Start date
Matt,
I'd agree that adding one light at a time is a better strategy, because it lets you customize your lighting package to exactly what you need. For DV work, I think 650 watt fresnels are pretty useful. A 650 plus a 300 makes a good combo. I've got some Arri's, but you could also go with Mole, Altman, or B&M.
I'd agree that adding one light at a time is a better strategy, because it lets you customize your lighting package to exactly what you need. For DV work, I think 650 watt fresnels are pretty useful. A 650 plus a 300 makes a good combo. I've got some Arri's, but you could also go with Mole, Altman, or B&M.
Greetings MattC,
I'm constantly adding to my kit by finding good deals at B&H's used department and ebay, so I would agree with the idea of adding pieces one unit at a time that way.
It seems that you have a range of wattages on your units and if I were to suggest a fresnel I would suggest something from LTM. I've heard great things about the Britek units, but unfortunately I've not had an opportunity to work with them but I've brought several LTMs and their build quality is excellent. I've also handled Mole and Arri as well, and IMO LTMs are small compact units that cool fast and are fun to work with. As far as wattage is concerned, I'd get higher rated units, you can always throw on a scrim. LTM has a great smaller model that can be lamped with both 500 and 1000K globes. If I'm not mistaken though, I think there are a lot of units that can be lamped with lesser wattage globes, but I'm not certain which ones.
Hope this helps.
-Tim
I'm constantly adding to my kit by finding good deals at B&H's used department and ebay, so I would agree with the idea of adding pieces one unit at a time that way.
It seems that you have a range of wattages on your units and if I were to suggest a fresnel I would suggest something from LTM. I've heard great things about the Britek units, but unfortunately I've not had an opportunity to work with them but I've brought several LTMs and their build quality is excellent. I've also handled Mole and Arri as well, and IMO LTMs are small compact units that cool fast and are fun to work with. As far as wattage is concerned, I'd get higher rated units, you can always throw on a scrim. LTM has a great smaller model that can be lamped with both 500 and 1000K globes. If I'm not mistaken though, I think there are a lot of units that can be lamped with lesser wattage globes, but I'm not certain which ones.
Hope this helps.
-Tim
MattC
Veteran
Thanks guys. Yeah I've been looking at the LTM Peppers and the Arri lights. I've heard good things about the Altmans on the web, but have never seen one. Both the Arris and the Peppers seem to be very good quality. The only reason I would consider a kit is do to all the accessories. Once you add in a stand, barndoors, scrims, maybe a snoot, you start getting up there and maybe a kit offers better value? But still, I think I will get one light at a time.
I was actually thinking of getting a couple of 150's just for spotting incidentals (hitting a wine rack just to give it a little sparkle, for example). Any thoughts on that?
I was actually thinking of getting a couple of 150's just for spotting incidentals (hitting a wine rack just to give it a little sparkle, for example). Any thoughts on that?
Barry_Green
Moderator
Agreed, 650's and 300's would round out a package nicely. Get 'em used off ebay. I got a 2k off ebay for $150. A new Arri or Mole might run you $400 or more, Altmans are less, but off ebay you should be able to pick up a 650-class light for around $100-$150. It'll be beat up and paint-chipped, but these fixtures last for decades. I got some new B&M's from pyramid-films for $240 for 650's, including doors, but I don't think they're offering those anymore.
I'll second Barry's reccommendation to go eBay--it takes a lot to kill a fresnel and you can always replace the socket and cord for a few bucks. I think just about any 650 can use a lower wattage lamp. Peppers are great--so great it's tough to find them used--but if you see any, snap 'em up.
TC
Resident Agitator
I bought a bunch of fresnels all at one. Got 2 650's, 1 300 and 1 150. Then I got scrims, stands and barndoors for all of them. Picked up as Kata Maze 4 case and BAM- cusom Arri kit. Do it one at a time if you've gotta, but get some fresnels to round out your kit for sure. I don't know how I survived without them.
I love LTM peppers too ... just one warning though ....
The pepper 420's (I believe) use the same housing as the Pepper 200's -- I had both of these units before and the 420's socket burned/melted down in 2 different units ... while the 200's still worked. I'm certain it had something to do with the heat (of course) ... I had to order replacement sockets for the 420's.
I would still go for a 200 or 300 unit though ...
The pepper 420's (I believe) use the same housing as the Pepper 200's -- I had both of these units before and the 420's socket burned/melted down in 2 different units ... while the 200's still worked. I'm certain it had something to do with the heat (of course) ... I had to order replacement sockets for the 420's.
I would still go for a 200 or 300 unit though ...