How to protect lights.

[Erik Baczay]

Hey everyone!

I am used to shooting outside in dusty environments and nature with my camera, and wrapping cameras and tripod heads isn't new to me. Recently, a company I work for landed a commercial job with a salt room.

The issue is that they would like to see the particles of salt floating in the salt cave inside this location. It is dark and tough to get any contrast without additional lighting equipment. The gaffer is bringing a light that is perfect for the output and fits in the budget since it's free. This is a Leko Source Four (Not LED). How do I protect it from the absorbing salt and never work again? Is there any way to safely wrap it?

Kino 4-footer four banks are also an option.

I am looking forward to some ideas as I am very worried.

[Johanan Pandone]

Lekos are indestructible and they are practically disposable due to low prices on the 2nd hand market. I just bought a leko jr zoom for 69$ a light that cheap is the perfect candidate for abuse. The most sensitive components (bulb reflector and lenses) are well protected by the enclosure. Kinos are far more fragile. You will require the hard light and degree of a control that the leko offers if you intend to highlight small details like a grain of salt

[Sebastian Bock]

I would recommend leaving the Kinos outside the room. The electronics of the ballasts wouldn’t like salt that much…

In your case, I’d go with PAR64 spots and a couple of different reflectors/diffusers in case you want it softer. 

PAR64 spots are lightweight, simple, punchy, cheap, versatile, beautifully warm light dimmed down - and they could also keep you and your crew warm on frosty winter shoots…