What does everyone use for china ball / lantern gear?

D

digifruitella

Active member
Thinking of investing into this to use for both studio and location work - mainly location, but don't know much about them. Looking at filmtools, the Chimera seems to be the industry standard though. My concern is how would I power this on location when I need to be mobile - on a boom pole. They must power it through a battery? or an LED?

Any information, advice?
 
Been hoping to have our Gaffer build a similar LED China Ball for some of our more extended commercials but so far it's been impractical. It's easier to have lights built for films, & show, but not so much for commercials.

Wish LiteGear would just sell some of their demo builds. Or at least rent them.
 
Well, there's the lanternlock for tungsten, up to what, 300 or 500w?

I still have those Alzo bulb and ballasts which are great in chinas - 150w HID, about 500w daylight - and pretty nice daylight, too. I've used sort of "unbleached" chinas with them too. Spray painted the back half of a ball black, etc. Next gig I'm just gonna dye a couple balls 1/4 CTO.

But battery powered? I think you're better off just sticking an LED panel on a pole. Haven't seen any manufacturers address this, an LED cluster for china balls.

I have walked talent with someone holding a dual biax flo and another guy minding the extension cord...
 
The Jem Ball is usually what I see out there. 19", 22", or 32". Can fit any bulb up to 1000w or up to an 800w Joker. Not only that but you can have bleached or unbleached muslin, or a white rip stop covering for it. With a bit of lite gear lite ribbon you can easily have yourself a battery powered china ball.
 
Either/or China Ball or Jem Ball. China Balls are cheap so you could do your proof of concept with some LiteRibbon.

I invested in a Chimera Pancake Lanterm with a 200W HMI Joker this past year. The light it gives off is incredible for a number of applications. Interviews being one, however, I knew exactly what I was getting when I got the gear.

Since you are investigating this why don't you try out the China Ball with LEDs and other with small tungsten or CFL to see if this is what you really want or need.

Chimera had a booth at NAB last year. I am sure they will be there again this year if you want to look at their line up of soft banks/fixtures, some of which will be illuminated.

EDIT:

I see there is Jem Ball for sale with what looks like a Chimera light fixture. I'd be snapping it up but I have other fish to fry this month.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top