a useful lamp at DVinfo.net

Jim Schweer · March 27th, 2007, 09:03 AM

I enjoy reading the posts about cheap lighting solutions, and have a collection of clamp lights and cheap mic stands of my own, but I've never noticed anyone using a light fixture I use frequently so I thought I'd mention it: a torchiere style floor lamp. I bought mine for $20. It can take two 150w bulbs, so you can adjust its intensity by both the number and wattage of the bulbs in addition to the two position switch if you're using dimmable bulbs. Light projected through the open top adds overall brightness to the room. Light downward difuses through the translucent shade. It's about the right height to key the face of a seated person. And you can position it inside the frame of the shot.

Larry Vaughn · March 27th, 2007, 10:07 AM

I've picked up a few of these that were thrown out. The switches in them don't last long. I replaced one with a better switch and that quick working also.

I was thinking of using the fixture in the head for lighting.

Bill Davis · March 27th, 2007, 11:27 AM

The one's I've seen typically use those cheap high-wattage halogen lamps that get VERY HOT.

Never, ever EVER put one of these near an common office sprinkler head or you're asking for a shoot-ending shower.

Too much risk from my perspective.

But the light quality is OK if all you want is broad fill.

Jim Schweer · March 27th, 2007, 02:46 PM

My lamp didn't come with bulbs. I use spiral fluorescents in it.

Richard Andrewski · March 27th, 2007, 08:14 PM

You can find self-ballasted CFL lamps with e26 medium base in up to around 100 actual watts before the base changes to a larger mogul socket. They are available as spirals and also as something like a "4U" type too.

March 27th, 2007, 09:03 AM	#1
Jim Schweer Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Kansas City KS Posts: 60	a useful lamp I enjoy reading the posts about cheap lighting solutions, and have a collection of clamp lights and cheap mic stands of my own, but I've never noticed anyone using a light fixture I use frequently so I thought I'd mention it: a torchiere style floor lamp. I bought mine for $20. It can take two 150w bulbs, so you can adjust its intensity by both the number and wattage of the bulbs in addition to the two position switch if you're using dimmable bulbs. Light projected through the open top adds overall brightness to the room. Light downward difuses through the translucent shade. It's about the right height to key the face of a seated person. And you can position it inside the frame of the shot.

March 27th, 2007, 10:07 AM	#2
Larry Vaughn Major Player Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Gainesville, FL Posts: 201	lamp I've picked up a few of these that were thrown out. The switches in them don't last long. I replaced one with a better switch and that quick working also. I was thinking of using the fixture in the head for lighting.

March 27th, 2007, 02:46 PM	#4
Jim Schweer Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Kansas City KS Posts: 60	spiral fluorescents My lamp didn't come with bulbs. I use spiral fluorescents in it.

March 27th, 2007, 08:14 PM	#5
Richard Andrewski Major Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Shenzhen, China Posts: 781	You can find self-ballasted CFL lamps with e26 medium base in up to around 100 actual watts before the base changes to a larger mogul socket. They are available as spirals and also as something like a "4U" type too. __________________ Richard Andrewski - Cool Lights USA - RED #114 http://www.coollights.biz

March 27th, 2007, 11:27 AM	#3
Bill Davis Trustee Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Posts: 1,538	The one's I've seen typically use those cheap high-wattage halogen lamps that get VERY HOT. Never, ever EVER put one of these near an common office sprinkler head or you're asking for a shoot-ending shower. Too much risk from my perspective. But the light quality is OK if all you want is broad fill.