ARRI Fresnel Lighting Kit Help

[Scott Lamoreaux]

Hi Guys - New to filmmaking using studio lights so go easy on me here =)

I purchased a 3 light used kit via Adorama refurbished department. It includes (2) Arri 300W + (1) 650W Fresnel Lights. The 650W obviously seems to be the most powerful but I've noticed that the color temperature varies greatly from the bulb that came with the 650 vs the 300. Also one of the 300's appears to have a 650W bulb being used in a 300w fixture. I'm sure this is a no-no...however it's insanely brighter than the other 300w and makes the 300w bulb seem weak.

Essentially: The 300W seems extremely underpowered compared to the 650W output. The 650 seems more cool compared to the additional bulb Adorama sent me for the 300.

Can someone tell me what I should be expecting?

here are the two bulbs:

 

[Rob Schein]

The 300W bulb says 220V right on it. You are effectively running it dimmed 50% if running it on 120v voltage. That explains the warmth and the low output. You need a "FKW" coded globe in countries that run 120V voltage.

 

[Justin McAleece]

Good call Rob!

 

[Scott Lamoreaux]

Duh silly me! Thanks guys

 

[Scott Lamoreaux]

The 300W bulb says 220V right on it. You are effectively running it dimmed 50% if running it on 120v voltage. That explains the warmth and the low output. You need a "FKW" coded globe in countries that run 120V voltage.

Is this the correct bulb then?: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0_127745480_pd_te_o_mr_ti/190-9087064-4052421

 

[Rob Schein]

That one should work in the US and 120V countries.

 

[Daniel Reed]

Look into adding an Arri 750+

100W more, but puts out the equivalent of 1K tungsten and use the same size scrims as the 650 (also takes 375W and 575W bulbs).
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/752206-REG/Arri_571101_Arrilite_750_Head_with.html


Another awesome cheap ($85) thing to add to your tungsten kit a 24" Lantern lock china ball and get at least a 500W or 1KW mogel.
http://www.lanternlock.com/Pricelistcc.html (works perfectly w/ C-stands)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/500807-REG/Interfit_INT329_Solarlite_Lamp_1000.html (3200K, 1KW, E39 Mogul base screw, 120v)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/168154-REG/Chimera_5505_Mogul_Base_Lamp.html (3200K, 500W, E39 Mogul base screw, 120v)


AND add a cheap $20 dimmer:
Speed Bully Motor Fan Speed Controller (I have two, they work extremely well, have a 15amp fuse)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005644IS0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can also use the "dimmer" to reduce the rotation speed of large fans (for that sci-fi blade runner look)

 

[Eric M Hurt]

I would not run a 650 bulb in a 300 unit. It says a lot for those little lights that it hasn't melted parts already!

 

[Daniel Reed]

I would not run a 650 bulb in a 300 unit. It says a lot for those little lights that it hasn't melted parts already!

I'm talking about the newer Arri 750+
Its a 750watt openface (focusable flood)

super helpful for standard 20amp(or in some cases 10amp) circuits on standard outlets

 

[Daniel Reed]

FYI, you can run lower wattage bulbs in the Arri 650 fresnel, such as a 500W or 300W.
In that sense you can have three 650s and use two 300w and have the same output as you do now,
while being able to use all the same BDs, scrims, etc.

I do like the little Arri 150 for rigging a hair light, or to cheat in a little snoot to make a face pop.

Using diffusion though, it's really hard to work with these lower output lamps sans super speeds wide open.

When you get a chance to rent lights, ask to see a joker-leko demo. I love these things!

Which reminds me, standard Source-Four lekos are pretty awesome too for tungsten work (can use 750, 575 and 375w bulbs)
they focus light w/ a lens and have built in "cutters" to shape light, and have a nifty gobo slot.
Here's the Manual: http://www.etcconnect.com/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737461230

Another awesome thing about the Source Fours:
They're dirt cheap to rent and can really pump out light compared to fresnel Lamps at same wattages.
Many consider them theater lamps and they look like Laser Canons... so you may get funny looks from folks.