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OT: where to buy pro lighting gear
Vegas Forum friends,
I’ve retired from my job making video at UW-Madison, and I’m starting my own business. I’m gathering the minimum pro gear I need to get started but I’m frustrated trying to shop for pro video lighting kits, softboxes, etc. Of course I could shop online, but this is one item I would really like to see in person before buying. I live near Full Compass, but they don’t really have a showroom. I would be willing to go to Chicago, but I’m not sure where to go there.I would appreciate suggestions on stores that would have a variety of pro lighting gear on display, or suggestions for starter lighting kits in the $500 or less range.
Thanks,
Mary Waitrovich
Media Plus You, LCC -
5 Replies
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Check the Calumet Photo site to see if they have what you are looking for. They have stores in the Chicago area.
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I’ve been pleased with a company called Image West. Check them out online.
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Mary,
If you are really on a budget and have a few hours, you can build a unit called a ‘nano-light’ pioneered by a guy named Victor Milt. He explains how to build it on a DVD called ‘Light It Right’, available through VASST. He might also have the designs on his website.
I bought fluorescent bulbs on discount through Steve Kaeser, and also built a kind of a nano light with a PBL MX-FLO 6 head. I am sure your requirements may be different, but that and a daylight reflector and a simple eye-light seem to do the job for me.
Best of success.
Norman Willis
http://www.nazareneisrael.org -
Thanks. This info is very helpful.
In the past I have only used arri and lowel light with halogen bulbs. I note that the most affordable lights have florescent bulbs. Are they just as good or should I avoid them? -
IMO, fluorescents are way, way, way better. They run cool, so you don’t sweat when sitting in front of them. And they use far less electricity. The bulbs last forever (approximately 7000 hours). So unless you are on a set where you really need something high powered (like a 10K Fresnel), fluorescents are much more practical.
They are a major step forward, IMO.
I can recommend Steve Kaeser Lighting. He carries some good stuff. The only brand I absolutely do not recommend is Britek. It is junk. But the PBL MX-FLO 6 is great. I only wish they made more soft boxes for them. I converted a Savage softbox for the MX-FLO 6 (had to gusset it a little), but I don’t understand why there are no standard soft boxes to fit it yet (or at least, the last time I looked).
Norman Willis
http://www.nazareneisrael.org
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