Red Head Lights

[deadby23]

Ive seen a lot of sets like this http://tinyurl.com/28shgkg on ebay and some other sites. I was wondering if anyone actually uses these lights and how reliable they are. Keep in mind im a student/no budget filmmaker so lights like this seem pretty perfect.

 

[Deniz Coker]

Run a quick search on here for them. I've seen countless reports of them melting and grounding issues i.e. you getting electrocuted when you go to handle one. Lots of people also have had great results with them. But I think 300.00 is a lot of money to throw away on something that will eventually fall apart, especially rather quickly. Have you considered some used mole lights or lowel lights? You could snag 1-2 heck maybe 3 if you're lucky for that range. Don't rush for three lights off the bat. You can do a lot with one or two. Plus this way you get different lights. There isn't a whole lot of flexibility with three open face lights of the same wattage. You'd be better served by having some fresnals or something. Also, I love practicals. Don't be afraid to re-lamp household lamps and such, I've even used standard fluorescents with a bunch of luck. If you're a student, can your school loan you lights? How about renting? Owning anything doesn't make sense to me unless it pays itself off. I'm as addicted to the cool toys as the next guy but then it usually winds up sitting at home. I do think lights are a basic need but there's a lot of options on the cheap and quality ones at that. You might be better served spending time renting a variety of things then focusing on building up a set of what you really like and finding it used. It's how I've built up my set. I'm usually on the lookout for something fun or different that I think might throw an interesting effect.

 

[avp]

Those don't look like real "Redheads" but rather cheap knockoffs. I have a couple of the Ianiro 1000w fixtures and have had no problems with them. They are real workhorses and very durable

The real deal will cost a lot more than $300.00

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/307921-REG/DeSisti_LKRC11000_Cosmobeam_1K_Open_Face.html

I agree with Deniz...use as many fixtures as you can before jumping in and spending $$. You can buy used, rent...in general, you can get by with a lot less than you think. Look at softboxes. I use mine often.

Jeffro

 

[Michael Carter]

When shooting tungsten, I rely on all sorts of open faced lights - for bouncing, diffusing, etc.

For me the three main things are:

Standard 5/8" mounting;
Barn Doors;
Ability to take several bulb wattages.

My favorites are rectangular stage lights - I've found them on eBay for as low as $20; many take the "work-light" sized long bulbs, which are available from 100 - 1000 watts. For a couple bucks a lamp as well. I really can't overstate how handy it is to quickly relamp for your needs - and most places I've shot in, 1k lights are the max without tripping breakers.

You can find them made by mole, berkey-colortran, L&E and dozens more (the theatrical biz has had hundreds of manufacturers for decades). Just replace the pipe clamp with a spud and they're ready to go. They fold into a pretty flat shape - you can get several in a dairy crate and the doors will protect the lamps in travel. I've found them to be very durable - I have three or four and I love the dang things. Easy to gel 'em to 5200k, too.

 

[Paul Hudson]

The "real" Red Heads are very good. The Chinese copies are pure junk!

 

[dariodirdp]

I just picked up a real "red head" for $40 and just had to change the euro plug. Pretty cool it had a fuse built into the plug. It has a 800w bulb which looks a little orange (warmer than 3200 degrees). Curious if they can handle a 1000w bulb (which is about 3/4 of an inch longer).

Meanwhile I'm selling a bunch of hot lights (LTM Peppers, Ianero 1k, Strand 2k, 1500w Studio Broads, BM 2K Openface, etc.) if anyone is interested.
Dario
Echo Park