Looking for a good portable light

[Steve Kalle]

I asked my local Abel Cine to ship one in so I can compare the output to an Arri 300w. However, I just added up the cost of an Arri 300 with barndoors, filter frame, bulb, full single scrim and filter pack (incl. diffusion paper & color filters). The total cost for 2 300's & extras is $996. Compare that to the $1100 for 2 SolaENG's and the Sola's look pretty darn good. Too bad I didn't make this comparison yesterday because I just ordered 2 Arri 300's today.

Hmmmmm....I can power the Sola's from Swit batteries....2 of the Sola's and my Dedo LEDzilla would be a great little field kit. I think I might need to change my order.

Olof,

On a side note, do you use Swit or Switronix batteries? I just ordered 2 Swit 88whr batteries and I was wondering how reliable they are compared to IDX. I also ordered the Swit 2 channel charger.

[Olof Ekbergh]

My most portable no AC field light kit is 2 8x12 LED panels and the Sola, all runs on IDX V-mount batteries.

And fits with stands in a small bag. Some Tough Rolex and a couple reflectors/scrims and some gels.

All of it less than 20LBS.

Times are a changing...

[Garrett Low]

Olof,

that looks like a great little light that could be used on camera or in other situations as an eye light or small accent light. Can I ask how much it cost you?

-Garrett

[Olof Ekbergh]

Originally Posted by Garrett Low

Olof,

that looks like a great little light that could be used on camera or in other situations as an eye light or small accent light. Can I ask how much it cost you?

-Garrett

I payed $499.00 from my local dealer here in NH. AccessAVNH.com. Kevin is a really nice guy and very knowledgeable. He helps me out a lot by loaning me equipment so I can develop rigs for different cameras.

[Bob Grant]

Seeing as how no one has mentioned it I am very happy with the Comer 1800 on my EX1. Yes it comes with two D-Tap leads (one short, one long) which is great if you use any of the 3rd party batteries which have a D-Tap socket.

[Piotr Wozniacki]

I second that, Bob!

[Jim Forrest]

Originally Posted by Bob Grant

Seeing as how no one has mentioned it I am very happy with the Comer 1800 on my EX1. Yes it comes with two D-Tap leads (one short, one long) which is great if you use any of the 3rd party batteries which have a D-Tap socket.

I think that is what I am going to get. Impressed with their specs and price.

[Les Wilson]

Doesn't the Comer have the odd 4500K color temperature that throws a little blue wash indoors and a little amber wash outdoors because it matches neither? I recall seeing some indoor wedding reception footage here on DVInfo that looked simply wretched because of it.

[Piotr Wozniacki]

Yes, it is 4500K - but I have no problem with it. For outdoors it's OK as is; for typical indoors situations it has the amber filter ready (and the light is strong enough for the filter to not cause too much a light loss).

BTW, apart from LAColorShop in the US, you can order the Comer lights from MxM Express.

[Greg Clark]

(Greenlife-style) on Ebay sells the HDV Z96 but won't give you any support if it is faulty. I want to use it exclusively with AA batteries but you cannot open the battery door unless you force it open. I guess I will have to carry around a pair of pliers on every shoot.

[Zoran Vincic]

Second z96 that I bought also came with a very tight fitting battery door. I usually run the light of a d-tap from a 14.4v battery but I wanted an option to pop in AA's at any time so I just threaded one small piece of wire tie through the small holes under the tabs in the external battery mount. It's easy to open now, no pliers needed.

It will loosen after a while and be easier to open.

[Brett Sherman]

Originally Posted by Les Wilson

Doesn't the Comer have the odd 4500K color temperature that throws a little blue wash indoors and a little amber wash outdoors because it matches neither? I recall seeing some indoor wedding reception footage here on DVInfo that looked simply wretched because of it.

In situations where I want true daylight. I just slip a piece of 1/4 CTB gel behind the focusing attachment. That get's it pretty close to 6500K. As others have said it has the CTO built in to get it down to 3200K. That being said, these days I'm usually dealing with a mixture of color temperatures from fluorescents and windows. There are very few true tungsten fixtures left anywhere as they have been replaced almost completely with fluorescent bulbs. Those bulbs color temperature can range between 3200K and 5500K depending on the type of bulb, so 4500K is a good happy medium.

[Steve Kalle]

Olaf,

I just received one of the 2 SolaENG lights and I was wondering if you use AC power. If so, what part do you use? I can't seem to find any AC adapter for it.

Also, what adapter is good for mounting it onto a light stand (normal 5/8")?

Thanks

[Olof Ekbergh]

Originally Posted by Steve Kalle

Olaf,

I just received one of the 2 SolaENG lights and I was wondering if you use AC power. If so, what part do you use? I can't seem to find any AC adapter for it.

Also, what adapter is good for mounting it onto a light stand (normal 5/8")?

Thanks

Any 12v power supply will work. I have an old NRG with a 4 pin XLR out, I just made an 4 pin to D-tap cable.

But most of the time I just use my IDX plate D-tap out. I actually have one mounted on a light stand cross bar, nice because I can use it real low or directly over head.

Also I have a bunch of light stands with 1/4" -20 threaded ends as well as 5/8' ends. There are lots of clamp systems available. I like the "magic" clamp, clamps to anything ( think that is what it is called).

[Steve Kalle]

What size batteries do you use and how long do they power a SolaENG?