Smith Victor lights overheat and catch on fire if they are left on too long? at DVinfo.net

Anthony Vincent · May 29th, 2007, 10:04 AM

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?

:)

Marcus Marchesseault · May 29th, 2007, 05:49 PM

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.

Curt Talbot · May 29th, 2007, 07:41 PM

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.

Richard Andrewski · May 30th, 2007, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Marchesseault

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...

Shayne Weyker · May 31st, 2007, 09:32 PM

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/cons...25_44_786_1562

Shayne Weyker
http://weykervideo.com

Richard Andrewski · May 31st, 2007, 09:57 PM

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

May 29th, 2007, 10:04 AM	#1
Anthony Vincent Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 47	Smith Victor lights overheat and catch on fire if they are left on too long? 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? :)

May 31st, 2007, 09:32 PM	#5
Shayne Weyker Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Columbia, Maryland Posts: 83	CF Bulbs keep things cool 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/cons...25_44_786_1562 Shayne Weyker http://weykervideo.com

May 31st, 2007, 09:57 PM	#6
Richard Andrewski Major Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Shenzhen, China Posts: 781	Good link Shayne, its 5500K color temperature which makes it really desirable. __________________ Richard Andrewski - Cool Lights USA - RED #114 http://www.coollights.biz

May 29th, 2007, 05:49 PM	#2
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	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.

May 29th, 2007, 07:41 PM	#3
Curt Talbot Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Regina, SK Canada Posts: 104 Images: 1	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.