Outdoor Lights to Buy

[David W. Jones]

A few thoughts on low budget HMI ownership..... While older large HMI lights can look appealing price wise, the cost to ship large magnetic ballasts can get pretty expensive as they are very heavy. I would check local outlets first. Also replacement lamps for large HMI lights like a 12K can get expensive as well costing well over $2K. Lastly, when renting a towable be aware of the generator weight. For example, my Sprinter van can only tow an 18 to 24kw genny package depending, as once you fill the tank with Diesel fuel the weight goes way up.

All the best!

Dave

 

[Run&Gun]

A few thoughts on low budget HMI ownership..... While older large HMI lights can look appealing price wise, the cost to ship large magnetic ballasts can get pretty expensive as they are very heavy. I would check local outlets first. Also replacement lamps for large HMI lights like a 12K can get expensive as well costing well over $2K. Lastly, when renting a towable be aware of the generator weight. For example, my Sprinter van can only tow an 18 to 24kw genny package depending, as once you fill the tank with Diesel fuel the weight goes way up.

All the best!

Dave

Good advice. A friend of mine has two old Arri 1200's that he bought from a guy several years ago. Mag ballasts, non-hot-restrike, they are very finicky/delicate compared to newer units and they use the old "sealed car headlight" type lamp, not readily available, cheap(relatively speaking) bi-pin lamps.

 

[Patryk_Rebisz]

On the budget:
1.2s and 575s will work fine on a cloudy day. Those can be run from a portable genny.
And on sunny day use reflectors to direct light and overheads to control it (and your head to know where to place the camera when).

Some interesting high power LEDs are out there but cost is prohibitive if you are on the budget.

Also don't forget that many DPs today come with some money savings such as camera gear or lighting gear. So owning, if you direct, might not be so smart.