Paul C. Buff, Inc. Technical Forum

Which are the most suitable modelling lamps for minimum power levels?

I have 4 AB800s with the traditionally shaped 100W bulbs they came with.

I often need to use minimum power levels but the modelling lights reduce down to such a dim orange glow it leads to focusing problems & also dilates my sitter's pupils.

Would the cylinder shaped 150W lamp be a significant improvement over my 100W bulbs, or would either of the 250W X Series or Ultra series be even better for my purposes? (I see these both specifically say not for use with Alien Bees but is that due to them overheating at full power, which I would never need to use.)

Simon :)


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If you let the gray TRACK button pop out on the back, the model lamp will remain at full power. If 100W is too bright at full, you can replace it with a lower power bulb (left at FULL), including LED bulbs. You cannot use a CFL bulb as a model lamp, however.

The 150W model lamp will provide about 50% more light at any power setting. A 250W model lamp would be about 2 times as bright. And while usage may be OK at lower power settings, it is easily forgotten, or used by others and then set to full power, so we cannot recommend doing this

If you use a Cyber Commander and appropriate receivers, you can independently set the flash and model lamp power.

"...The 150W model lamp will provide about 50% more light at any power setting. A 250W model lamp would be about 2 times as bright...".

Does this mean we now can use 250 watt modeling lights in our SB800 and AB1600?

No. As stated in the sentence following this quoted one, I state we cannot recommend this as they will not always be used at lower power. If used at higher power, the light cannot cool properly. This example was only used as a hypothetical example.

Thank you for your response. Do allow me a follow up question, regarding build up of heat the Einstein uses a 250 watt bulb, how is that different than Alien Bees using 250 watt bulbs?

Cordially

It's mostly in the lamp and socket design. AB uses lamp sockets made of bake-light. Using a 250W lamp in AB can burn up the contacts. Einstein uses metal sockets and more heat sinking on the driver circuitry.

Very good, I now understand. Thank you for the explanation much appreciated.