Rostronics Lights deals for DVXuser members

  • Thread starter Thread starter Zoomforce
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Barry, is it the light or the dimmer that makes the noise? I thought the dimmer was the big culprit, so I ponied up for Walters hi-tech dimmers. I hope they are worth it.

And FWIW, I have a couple of 5-in-1 40x60 popup reflectors in my kit. Great for bounces, diffusion (lamp or window), or blacking out a window. They are big enough for outside diffusion and bounce too, but a little bulky in heavy winds. And they don't take very much space, stay nice and clean in their bag when travelling or the trunk of my car.
 
Pop-up reflectors are a very space-saving, handy thing to have. I have a couple and use them frequently.

They are, however, nearly worthless for use outdoors. The slightest wind will cause the reflected light to shimmer on the subject. Although real "shiny boards" are expensive, I just got a few small/portable ones from Rush at EVS;
http://msegrip.com/mse.php?show=product&cat=&products_ID=25784

They're 24" x 24", hard surfaces mounted on a yoke so they're positionable and won't shimmer. Strong wind will still cause them problems, but they're far superior to the collabsible/flexible reflectors (when used outdoors). The 5-in-1 PhotoFlex is great for interior work, but outdoors it's a recipe for frustration.

As for the dimmer, it's my understanding that it's usually from the lamp filament. I imagine it depends on the quality of the dimmer, I'm sure a cheap "junk" dimmer might make noise of its own.

And, some types of lights can't be dimmed -- fluo's and HMI's, for example, are usually non-dimmable. So for those lights you'd want alternative options for cutting the light output (eggcrate, diffusion, ND gel, scrims, etc). But a good dimmer is a mandatory accessory, I've got several and always wish I had more! I was just pointing out that while dimmers are wonderful, they're not the answer to every situation.
 
The smaller shiny boards work fantastic. Combined with silks they offer a fantastic outdoor solution.

shinyboards.jpg

Pair of 24" MSE shiny boards with 6x6 silk on C stands
 
Thanks Barry !! I always learn a lot when you stop by, even more when I think I actually know something. :shocked:
 
I just received a Britek 250w w/barndoors, softbox and 8' stand. I'm very happy with it. I think I will order a pair of the 300/600 dual power ones next. I don't regret buying the 250, but I think I would have bought the 300/600 from the get-go if I had thought it through. Does anyone know if the softboxes offered for those heads are interchangeable? I know they are both 24"x24", but I wanted to make sure that you could use it on either head since I think I will just go with 2 softboxes and use the 250 for a hairlight.

Now here's some silly questions. THis is my first "real" light. I noticed that at the top of the stand there is a small bit of threading above where the head locks on. WHat is that for (since it doesn't appear to be for the light.) Second, how secure is that system for attaching the head? The reason that I ask is that, if I can duplicate the metal shaft where the head attaches I was thinking of making some clamps to attach to a grid that would hold the heads. Will the head clamp on well enough if it were hanging from above instead of sitting on top of the stand?
 
Quick advice needed!

I wanna buy some lights form restronics but need further assisstance. I need to put together a kit suited for killer interviews. What setup would I need to put together with the stuff Restronics is offering? Much needed help please.
 
Killer interviews? You mean you want to kill people with the interview? Get a bunch of 2000 watters!!! :)

Or are you interviewing killers?

The quickest advice I can give is to atually read this thread and a few others here. Many people here put together interview kits and told us about them and it won't take you 60 seconds to do a search. YMMV. For me portable is critical. For studio work, not so much.
 
Yeah for interviews get the softboxes on whatever lights you get.. be it w 650s and a 200 kicker or whatever you find suits you.
 
Thanks! I searched the forum, including dvinfo.net and am finally getting somewhere with this lighting thing. Just ordered a dvx100a from evs and am trying to put together a lighting kit for interviews.

I am aware that 2 softboxes are great for interviews, and I guess a couple barndoors with it should be what I need? I'm guessing here. Thanks for your feedback.
 
vjbrennan,
Unfortunately. the softboxes are NOT interchangeable...the mounting rings are slightly different sizes.
I just bought a 250 w/doors & softbox, and a package of 2 600w focussing units with doors, softboxes and 7.5 foot stands, 1 bag for the lights and one for the stands(holds 3).
I like the 600w focussing unit better than the 300-600 switchable; more punch without the softbox and you can use a good dimmer if need be.

ReneH,
Tom at Rostronics is a great guy and will definitely put together a package to suit you.
As Jarred said, get the softboxes with each light...they're cheap enough and surprisingly well made for the price.
Hope this helps.
Ken
 
I own the 300/600 lights and a 250. The doors and softbox seem to be interchangeable. Too bad Tom doesn't have interchangebility info on his website.
 
I bought 2 softboxes 24x24 and a 250watt fresnel, tried em out today. Impressive light kit all around.
 
Question about Britek barndoors: All of the barndoors for my Britek's fit very loosely compared to my Arri 650, which is very snug, i.e. no play at all... is this true for everyone else that has Britek lights, and does it even matter?
 
It's the mounting rings for the 250w and 600w focussing light that are not interchangeable.
You can use the rods, softbox shell and diffuser cover from the 600 on the 250...it's just the rings that are a different size.
Hope this helps.
 
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