What to do with a Cool Lux Mini-Cool? at DVinfo.net

Scott Williams · May 6th, 2006, 02:17 PM

So here's my challenge:

I have a Mini-Cool light made by Cool-Lux, given to me as a birthday gift years ago... and I've never been able to figure out a use for it. For those who don't know, they're a small halogen light which give a massive blast of hard blinding light. I believe wedding videographers and news reporters were supposed to be using these, but I still can't imagine how or why. Maybe at night?! This sucker even has heat vents on the top, which makes it extra tricky to diffuse.

So, what I could really use if a soft box. The thing is, Cool Lux has what looks to be a sock, with a panel of white material that they're selling for $80.

I need a cheaper option! and suggestions for practical uses for this light, since it's just sitting in a drawer right now.

Rob Neidig · May 6th, 2006, 04:00 PM

I've used the mini-cools as an on-camera light, a "hair light", and even as a little kicker background light. You can get lamps at a lower wattage to keep them from being too hot as an on-camera light, and they even make (or made?) a little diffusion glass to replace the regular clear glass on the front. If you have barn doors for the little guy (those will run you about $35-40 if I remember correctly), then using them as a hair light or for highlights in the background work great, just like any other light.

Have fun!

Rob

Scott Williams · May 6th, 2006, 08:08 PM

Thanks, for the lower wattage bulb suggestion - that's probably my best bet, and actually it hadn't occured to me.

I would still love a way to convert this into a soft box.

Bob Grant · May 7th, 2006, 07:18 AM

Would this help:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Portable-Flas...QQcmdZViewItem

I've just bought one for my DSC but it might cheaply solve your problem, I know it's going to look wierd but hey it's cheap.

May 6th, 2006, 02:17 PM	#1
Scott Williams Tourist Join Date: May 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 2	What to do with a Cool Lux Mini-Cool? So here's my challenge: I have a Mini-Cool light made by Cool-Lux, given to me as a birthday gift years ago... and I've never been able to figure out a use for it. For those who don't know, they're a small halogen light which give a massive blast of hard blinding light. I believe wedding videographers and news reporters were supposed to be using these, but I still can't imagine how or why. Maybe at night?! This sucker even has heat vents on the top, which makes it extra tricky to diffuse. So, what I could really use if a soft box. The thing is, Cool Lux has what looks to be a sock, with a panel of white material that they're selling for $80. I need a cheaper option! and suggestions for practical uses for this light, since it's just sitting in a drawer right now.

May 6th, 2006, 04:00 PM	#2
Rob Neidig Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 222	I've used the mini-cools as an on-camera light, a "hair light", and even as a little kicker background light. You can get lamps at a lower wattage to keep them from being too hot as an on-camera light, and they even make (or made?) a little diffusion glass to replace the regular clear glass on the front. If you have barn doors for the little guy (those will run you about $35-40 if I remember correctly), then using them as a hair light or for highlights in the background work great, just like any other light. Have fun! Rob

May 6th, 2006, 08:08 PM	#3
Scott Williams Tourist Join Date: May 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 2	Thanks, for the lower wattage bulb suggestion - that's probably my best bet, and actually it hadn't occured to me. I would still love a way to convert this into a soft box.

May 7th, 2006, 07:18 AM	#4
Bob Grant Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 1,570	Would this help: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Portable-Flas...QQcmdZViewItem I've just bought one for my DSC but it might cheaply solve your problem, I know it's going to look wierd but hey it's cheap.