I have a 300w Arri that I haven't been using that much, and I think I can probably enhance its use with a softbox. I know it's probably a familiar question, but has anyone used the Photoflex Cinedome in a versatile way? I usually do tight one-to-one interviews, but am interested in lighting maybe half a room too. I guess I've been getting too used to the Tota & umbrella approach and would like a bit more creative manipulation by emphasizing the Arri's light through a softbox and perhaps grids, etc. Any thoughts?

Barry,
I'm not exactly clear on what you're asking, but I think you're asking for "101 Things Tou Van Do with a 300w Fresnel"?

Well, for starters, putting any instrument inside a soft box is somewhat akin to dating <name a gorgeous female here> with her wearing a veil. That is, inside the box they all look the same, some brighter some dimmer. I'd be far more inclined to put that Tota in a softbox where, frankly, it's most effective.

That Arri fresnel is a very flexible instrument...like the Ginsu knives! For starters, you can point-and-focus directly at a subject bang it at backs for hairlight scrim to taste bang it off of a reflector for a soft light blow it through a pattern (ex: a cookie or cukuloris) for interesting light/shadow effectsAnd there's more!

Anything goes with a good fresnel! Just let your inhibitions go. All that matters is what the frame looks like! (Can you tell that I've just spent 4 hours wrangling 3 Arri fresnels on a shoot?)

If you get a softbox, like a Photoflex, -do- spring for a grid for it. It makes a world of difference for controlling the spray.

Ah! That's what I was wondering--how about those egg crate things? Are they the most useful? I think it's patterned effects I'm rather thinking of, ultimately.

I'd have been fascinated seeing you corral those wild Arris. :)

My reference to "grid", above, is the same as "egg crate". They are an essential accesory for a soft box.

There are pre-made "window" patterns useful to background lighting. They're pretty pricey but well made. You can, with some time and skill, make your own.

Barry,
Before you "free your inhibitions" too much, I must offer one warning. Keep the instrument in an upright position. Certainly, you can tilt it freely. But I do not recommend hanging it straight down or pointing it straight up or turning it upside-down for any length of time. The instrument's passive heat dissipation system is actually quite sophisticated and can be defeated by such positioning, potentially leading to a dangerous and/or costly failure.

Thanks for the advice--I am not yet one to put any lights into any position other than upright--my more uninhibited impulses are actually confined to the editing table. :)

I'm very interested in the egg crate/grid possibilities for a softbox; I imagine that medium-to large softboxes offer a more pleasing canvas, so to speak, to work on?

General Rule #235: The larger the light source, the softer the light.

Practical translation: The larger the soft box the softer the light. The face area of the box represents the effective size of the light source.

Item 8000 Chimera

24x32 bank\
40 degree grids
500 watt light that goes 1k
Avenger 10 ft stand
Carry bag

for around $530

A great deal
Drop shipped from a dealer with no tax

peace

Barry,

These guys make an interesting assortment of cucolori. (http://www.lightbreak.com/)

I recently bought the Chimera 8000 softbox kit from B&H, and am pleased with it. Setup is fairly easy and it casts a nice light on interviewees, and the resulting video looks great. You might want to consider this softbox (with a speedring) for you Arri.

I am glad you like the kit..

drop me an email if you get a chance..


Thanks for buying Chimera and I am glad you like the kit.
I can help you get a 1k bulb if you need one.

peace

Thanks John.....interesting textures alright.