How hot are Britek softboxes? at DVinfo.net

Emre Safak · March 14th, 2006, 07:14 PM

I am considering buying their "1600W complete three light kit", but I am apprehensive about using tungsten lights after my last encounter. A pair of 500W work lights heated the room in no time, making everyone very uncomfortable. Furthermore, when you consider their LPW inefficiency, I have to wonder why people don't simply use fluorescents. Surely one with a CRI of over 90 would do, and be less hassle?

Travis Cossel · March 14th, 2006, 07:50 PM

I have heard that with fluorescents you can sometimes get flicker, but maybe that is just with cheap fluorescents?

Jack Smith · March 14th, 2006, 11:08 PM

I have used the Britek 1000w with and without softboxes.I find they run cooler than the Ianiro redheads. But all tungstens are going to generate some heat.Mid summer on set the talent will definitely feel the heat.Of course the advantage of tungstens is cost and controlability is easier.But they don't mix with daylight sources as easy.You have to weight the plus and minus for your application.
ps if you order the Briteks ,I suggest upgrade to the heavy duty stands

Marcus Marchesseault · March 15th, 2006, 04:24 AM

Do the Britek kits accept the compact fluorescents? If so, compact fluorescents usually have a high-frequency ballast that does not show flicker. It is also much easier to match daylight with a 5000k fluorescent than to gel the heck out of a tungsten. I just wish for the ability to screw in a big compact fluorescent (medium/edison base) and be able to control it a bit. A softbox with louvres/chimera would be fine and would be sufficient control for most of my needs.

Jack Smith · March 15th, 2006, 11:48 PM

The Briteks do not use srcew in base bulbs,they use pushin bulbs such as R7s base.

March 14th, 2006, 07:14 PM	#1
Emre Safak Trustee Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Brookline, MA Posts: 1,447	How hot are Britek softboxes? I am considering buying their "1600W complete three light kit", but I am apprehensive about using tungsten lights after my last encounter. A pair of 500W work lights heated the room in no time, making everyone very uncomfortable. Furthermore, when you consider their LPW inefficiency, I have to wonder why people don't simply use fluorescents. Surely one with a CRI of over 90 would do, and be less hassle? Last edited by Emre Safak; March 14th, 2006 at 07:52 PM. Reason: spelling

March 14th, 2006, 07:50 PM	#2
Travis Cossel Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,933	I have heard that with fluorescents you can sometimes get flicker, but maybe that is just with cheap fluorescents? __________________ Black Label Films www.blacklabelweddingfilms.com

March 14th, 2006, 11:08 PM	#3
Jack Smith Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ontario Posts: 445	I have used the Britek 1000w with and without softboxes.I find they run cooler than the Ianiro redheads. But all tungstens are going to generate some heat.Mid summer on set the talent will definitely feel the heat.Of course the advantage of tungstens is cost and controlability is easier.But they don't mix with daylight sources as easy.You have to weight the plus and minus for your application. ps if you order the Briteks ,I suggest upgrade to the heavy duty stands

March 15th, 2006, 04:24 AM	#4
Marcus Marchesseault Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,961	Do the Britek kits accept the compact fluorescents? If so, compact fluorescents usually have a high-frequency ballast that does not show flicker. It is also much easier to match daylight with a 5000k fluorescent than to gel the heck out of a tungsten. I just wish for the ability to screw in a big compact fluorescent (medium/edison base) and be able to control it a bit. A softbox with louvres/chimera would be fine and would be sufficient control for most of my needs.

March 15th, 2006, 11:48 PM	#5
Jack Smith Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ontario Posts: 445	The Briteks do not use srcew in base bulbs,they use pushin bulbs such as R7s base.