Smith Victor quartz lights-worth buying used?

[dustino]

Well, I just found a pair of used SV Q60 lights (and stands) for $100 shipping included. (link is for reference, of course)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...ls&Q=&sku=48833&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

I'm planning on buying a Britek kit but won't have the cash for another month or two. I know these aren't the best quality but they're better than the photofloods, right? And at least they have a tiny bit of control with the two barn doors. I thought these might come in handy for fill lights and such in the future and give me something to use until then. So I've got two questions and any input/advice would be greatly appreciated:

1. Are these things just junk and not worth spending any $ on?
2. Do you think I could use these suitably to light a bare bones interview for a doc?

Thanks for any help...

 

[David Jimerson]

I have an S-V set, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

However, it IS light, pretty bright light, and you can find a way to control it (poster board, black foil, etc.). People find ways to make Home Depot $20 sets work.

Light is light. What you do with it is the challenge.

 

[j]

>>hey're better than the photofloods, right? And at least they have a tiny bit of control with the two barn doors<<

You answered your own question. Yes, you could use them for an interview, you might want to clip on some diffusion to those barn doors, but they should work fine.

-j

 

[dustino]

>>You answered your own question.-j

Man, you're absolutely right. I guess I was hoping someone would sway me to buy these (I'm pathetic, I know) so that I could start shooting early. I've decided my $100 bucks would be better spent going towards a quality product.