Mickey Mole vs. Arrilite? at DVinfo.net

Marco Leavitt · October 12th, 2006, 09:24 AM

Does anyone have experience with both of these lights? It will mainly be used with a Chimera softbox. I'm leaning towards the Mole, but I don't like the idea of a separate accessory holder. It's very important that I can easily drop in and take out scrims with the softbox attached as well.

Matt Irwin · October 12th, 2006, 10:52 AM

I've used both the Mole and Arri, and I'd go with the Arri. It's really a subjective choice, but I like the barn doors and top clip on the Arrilites much more. Not to mention the horrendous back-spill on the Mole heat vents (more so on their fresnels).

One thing to note with the Arrilites is at the space between the safety screen and the barndoors, there can be a hot slash of spill created by reflections from the scrims and screen. Not an issue with a Chimera, but with the doors on it's a problem and can be fixed with a piece of blackwrap.

Marco Leavitt · October 12th, 2006, 11:17 AM

I hate the top clips on Mole fresnels too. In fact, I took mine off altogether, except for one, which I left on in case I ever need to hang it or something. I haven't found the spill from the heat vents to be much of a problem, although there is quite a lot coming out from the space between the barn doors and the lens. Like you said, black wrap solves the problem pretty effectively. Interesting that the Arrilite has this problem as well. Could I remove the top clip from the accessory holder on the Mickey Mole and still use it with a Chimera? I don't know if it's just my love of anachronisms, but I really dig Mole in all its ugly, pink powder coated glory.

Matt Irwin · October 12th, 2006, 11:49 AM

I'm sure you could remove the top clip, but I'd be a little bit nervous with a chimera on there and no 4-point security.

Mark Sasahara · October 13th, 2006, 07:22 PM

The Mickey Mole is brighter than the Arrilite 1K, but the Arrilite is more compact. A properly outfitted Mickey Mole has the 4085 accessory holder and the 4084 four way barn doors. A set of 7 3/16" scrims is also necessary.

If you are having spill problems, that's what blackwrap is for. Just be sure that the luminaire is still getting adequate ventilation.

October 12th, 2006, 09:24 AM	#1
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Mickey Mole vs. Arrilite? Does anyone have experience with both of these lights? It will mainly be used with a Chimera softbox. I'm leaning towards the Mole, but I don't like the idea of a separate accessory holder. It's very important that I can easily drop in and take out scrims with the softbox attached as well.

October 12th, 2006, 10:52 AM	#2
Matt Irwin Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	I've used both the Mole and Arri, and I'd go with the Arri. It's really a subjective choice, but I like the barn doors and top clip on the Arrilites much more. Not to mention the horrendous back-spill on the Mole heat vents (more so on their fresnels). One thing to note with the Arrilites is at the space between the safety screen and the barndoors, there can be a hot slash of spill created by reflections from the scrims and screen. Not an issue with a Chimera, but with the doors on it's a problem and can be fixed with a piece of blackwrap. __________________ Matt Irwin DP / matt.irwincine.com

October 12th, 2006, 11:49 AM	#4
Matt Irwin Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	I'm sure you could remove the top clip, but I'd be a little bit nervous with a chimera on there and no 4-point security. __________________ Matt Irwin DP / matt.irwincine.com

October 13th, 2006, 07:22 PM	#5
Mark Sasahara Major Player Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: NYC Posts: 649	The Mickey Mole is brighter than the Arrilite 1K, but the Arrilite is more compact. A properly outfitted Mickey Mole has the 4085 accessory holder and the 4084 four way barn doors. A set of 7 3/16" scrims is also necessary. If you are having spill problems, that's what blackwrap is for. Just be sure that the luminaire is still getting adequate ventilation. __________________ Mark Sasahara Director of Photography Last edited by Mark Sasahara; October 14th, 2006 at 07:14 PM.

October 12th, 2006, 11:17 AM	#3
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	I hate the top clips on Mole fresnels too. In fact, I took mine off altogether, except for one, which I left on in case I ever need to hang it or something. I haven't found the spill from the heat vents to be much of a problem, although there is quite a lot coming out from the space between the barn doors and the lens. Like you said, black wrap solves the problem pretty effectively. Interesting that the Arrilite has this problem as well. Could I remove the top clip from the accessory holder on the Mickey Mole and still use it with a Chimera? I don't know if it's just my love of anachronisms, but I really dig Mole in all its ugly, pink powder coated glory.