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-   -   Smith-Victor Soft-Lights??? (https://www.dvinfo.net/forum/photon-management/43939-smith-victor-soft-lights.html)

Chris Korrow May 2nd, 2005 03:51 PM

Smith-Victor Soft-Lights???
 
Anybody tried these lights?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=250335&is=REG

They look like they'd be a super fast set up - and compact. I've got lots of experience with umbrellas and soft boxes and they can fill up a small room fast. The other question is that they look pretty small to have a real soft effect.

Thanks,
Chris

Michael Struthers May 2nd, 2005 06:23 PM

I have them.

They are not as good as large softlights imo, but they work well in small rooms and are lightning speed to set up. Also a low and high setting, which is very helpful. A nice interview kit.

Richard Veil May 2nd, 2005 06:37 PM

that says it all
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Struthers
I have them.

They are not as good as large softlights imo, but they work well in small rooms and are lightning speed to set up. Also a low and high setting, which is very helpful. A nice interview kit.

plus look for grids

also

cool lux

r

Chris Korrow May 3rd, 2005 08:18 AM

Thanks Michael,

you don't sound too enthusiastic but that's about what I expected. Are they pretty well made?
Buying something that you can't see in the flesh and something you don't have any experience with is always a little stressful.

Thanks again,
Chris

Jack Barker May 19th, 2005 12:08 PM

I have the LTM Pepper version of this fixture and I like it a lot, though nothing made of sheet metal is as solid as something made of die-cast aluminium. I put an opal gel in the guide thingey, then slide the grid in front of that. Of course, there's already one level of diffusion built-in, by virtue of the light being reflected off of it's interior white surface. I then often add Tough Lux or similar on a 20" x 24" standard frame in front of the fixture and hey-presto, three levels of duffusion. Magic!

Having said all that, I wouldn't buy a kit of them, perhaps just one and while the price is good, S-V don't seem to have a grid for it.

Patrick Gault May 20th, 2005 06:31 AM

After shipping your looking at $500. That's a lot for an SV kit. I've never used them, but Britek seems to be a better solution for the price.

A better solution for the money (imo):

1 Lowel Omni with barndoors
1 Lowel Pro with barndoors
1 Translucent Umbrella - around 40"
1 Silver / White Collapsible Reflector - 32" or more
1 Avenger D700B Reflector holder
3 Bogen 3333 9' light stands
1 Impact Light Kit Bag - WB111

This runs about $650 at b&h.

Add to this as you can afford to. Making a better investment will be cheaper in the long haul.

Anthony Marotti May 24th, 2005 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Korrow
Anybody tried these lights?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=250335&is=REG

They look like they'd be a super fast set up - and compact. I've got lots of experience with umbrellas and soft boxes and they can fill up a small room fast. The other question is that they look pretty small to have a real soft effect.

Thanks,
Chris

Hello,

I have the 3 Softlight Kit. The case needed padding to keep the lights from banging around, and the units are flimsy, but usable. I bought them to send out with new crew members to shoot testimonial stuff to get them use to working on their own. I will also use them on a corporate shoot as fill lights that can be moved quickly from place-to-place.

I like them if you can be gentle. Will they last as long as an Arri... No, will they serve you well if you take care of them... Yes.

JMHO


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