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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

What HMI do you reccommend?

Jason beaumont

Jason beaumont

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I am constantly renting an HMI for outdoor shots. I'm pretty sure is an Arri 4k light. So ive decided to just buy one, but before I do I wanted input from the community if there are other brands or types, that my be more cost effective, or better is some other ways. Or if there is a better model. Just want your feedback on what high powered lights you use for outdoor shots.
 
Ryan Purcell said:
You might want to look at an ARRI M18. You can plug it into an standard outlet. No need for a generator. Not a 4k but pretty bright.
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The M18 is a really useful light, and being able to run it off of normal main power is a great benefit. I'll also say that I have a real fondness for the old school single socket Arri 1.2 Par. The lamps are more expensive to replace but available through Galaxy, but there is just something about the quality of light from that unit. I'd rent an M18 and see what you think.
 
Kind of depends on how you intend to use the light. I generally consider a 4k to be the minimum size to fight with the sun. Also should think about light type. A 4k fresnel you can flood out and bang right into people and it's a very smooth not hot spotty beam. A par is going to need to go through something to smooth it out, and that will eat a bunch of photons. I do not like the reflector design on the m18s. But I am admittedly an old school fresnel guy, so there's that. The old saying that a big light far away always wins is true.

Nick
 
I'd also bet on an m18. It's the most versatile light you can get, which doesn't need a Gen power. Slightly less than a 25D in output (according to Arri Calc), has rather big front lens diameter for such a small light. If you don't light the faces straight on, it's a good light to consider.
 
Nick, to replace a 4k!?? None of those come close to the spread and output of a 4k.

Nick
 
Nick Gardner said:
Nick, to replace a 4k!?? None of those come close to the spread and output of a 4k.

Nick
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Sorry I was reading the thread too quick - yeah none of those will get to 4K, my bad. But all three of those are so useful, are all worth considering if personally buying. A 4K can be pretty limiting as can't use housepower, etc
 
David Peterson said:
If you want to go really cheap, you could go with a CAME-TV HMI:

https://www.came-tv.com/collections/hmi-light-kit-economic

And they have a bit higher produced version:

https://www.came-tv.com/collections/hmi-par-and-fresnel-light

But yes, if going ARRI, then get the M18! Or the 1.2KW
(as once you go a lot bigger it makes it trickier to run power for them)
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Stay away from those POS's. I've bought 2 x 1200 and a 575 in the past. They end up frying and with little to no support from China they end up in the bin. Pretty expensive mistake. I've bought 2 used LTM 1200 pars that work like a charm and never give any issues...
 
I agree with the above. I bought one of the 1200s and they mailed me 3 ballasts one after the other after they kept burning up. I just gave up at that point.

LTM, Arri, and Desisti (my personal favorite), you can't go wrong with.

Nick
 
Aaron Lochert said:
While we're talking cheap, anyone have any experience with these ones Ikan has been putting their name on?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1277321-REG/ikan_ls_575spx_575_watt_hmi_super.html

I like that the ballast is lightweight enough to hang on directly on the yoke and off the floor.
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I remember seeing a light like that last year with that body. I can’t find the pictures with it mounted on the side anymore. Here’s a link that still have saved:http://www.ajj.com.tw/eng/Product/tabid/808/ProdID/327/Default.aspx

I remember finding this online. I think the Ikan HMIs may be sourced overseas. If you look at the body styles of their other HMIs, they look just the cametv ones. I don’t know if they’re modifying the insides or not. Personally, I just don’t care for cheap lights from overseas. I prefer after support or stateside incase gear goes down during initial ownership.
 
Depending on how much patience you have, you could always check out: http://www.josephfinn.com/

I'm not affiliated with them in any way, but usually purchase a bit when auctions come up in the Midwest. They service a lot of auctions for production companies and lighting houses that are closing up shop / reducing inventory. At least in my area, anything that can be run off of standard Edison house power is still pretty pricey, but once you get up into the territory above 2,000w/20a, fixtures start going for dirt cheap. I know when my local rental house does a spring cleaning every year, I've seen ARRI 4K's go for under $1,000.00
 
If considering an off brand HMI, talk to Galaxy Lighting repair first. Some very interesting comments, about what components are used where. Back when I had HMIs I had Arri, LTM and Mole.

I'm with Nick Gardner. I like big bright fresnels. you just need power and crews to run them.

I also like film...
 
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