Is this true? I hear they are designed for light use and mostly flash photography and not to be left on for long periods of time (for film use).

I was close to buying a set of 3 before I heard this.

So what is a cheap alternative? I need a set of maybe 3 lights that don't overheat real easy and produce white balanced light with maybe the ability for a diffuser or softbox.

I tried the work lights with creating my own softbox and didn't like it. I would rather pay a little more for something that's semiprofessional.

Any suggestions?

I'd like to spend around $300 max or $100 per light. That seems reasonable right?

:)

The problem with the Smith Victor lights is that they don't use aluminum that has had all of the uranium completely refined from the raw materials. If they are left on for more than 42 minutes, they can achieve criticality and will destroy your city.

Seriously, they are just like any other fixture that uses high wattage tungsten lamps. They get hot at the same rate as other 500w fixtures. They get hot but unless you switch to fluorescent, you are always going to be dealing with heat on your set.

What exactly are you trying to do? List your intended use and I'm sure you will get excellent recommendations.

It really depends on which lights you have. The 700 model are made from some sort of resin. I contacted Smith Victor and they indicated that the lights should not be left on for a period of more than 30 minutes. I bought a used set and they are pretty much junk.

However, some of the other lights that are all metal construction are much better. I have a set which I believe are 710's. They are much better and are designed for continuous use. However, as noted, all lights get hot. Every kit needs a set of leather gloves.

You might want to check Smith Victor's website. The lights that are not designed for continuous use are the ones you want to stay away from.

The problem with the Smith Victor lights is that they don't use aluminum that has had all of the uranium completely refined from the raw materials. If they are left on for more than 42 minutes, they can achieve criticality and will destroy your city.

;-) I heard they had hydrogen in the bulbs too which really adds some punch to the light...

I don't know if the SV's you're looking at use screw in bulbs like mine, but the link below has some 250W equivalent (4,100 lumens) Compact Flourescents you can use to keep your lights cooler when you only need 250W of light. Note this bulb says life will be shortened if not burned upright. They don't say how much.

http://www.energyfederation.org/consumer/default.php/cPath/2050_25_44_786_1562

Shayne Weyker
http://weykervideo.com

Good link Shayne, its 5500K color temperature which makes it really desirable.