lowel totas

Craig Agee · March 21, 2006

just curious what anyone would do with two 500w tota lights shooting interiors on 16mm.i have them from my still work and only used them to bounce off ceilings for ambience.would like to be as creative with them as possible.also im wanting to buy a third light for my 16mm stuff.any suggestions to go with my totas? thanks

Don Bachmeier · March 21, 2006

Consider putting at least one Tota in a softbox with an egg crate. You might have to bulb it for 750watts. A small hard light in the 100-300watt range would be a nice addition. Don't scrimp on the accessories.

Thomas Worth · March 21, 2006

If you want more light output from a Tota, get a 650w FCM-HIR lamp. It's only 650w, but supposedly puts out the same amount of light as a 1K. This is nice since the Tota is rated for a max wattage of 750.

Bob Hayes · March 21, 2006

The Tota is a pretty nifty light. I made up a mini lighting kit and put it in an old padded tripod bag. 2 Totas, 2 gel frames, 3 stands, one French flag, three stingers, 1 cube tape, and gels. They can be globed for 110 or 220. You can key an interview with one Tota and hit the back ground with another. I used to get jobs where the producers say don't bring lights! We will not be lighting anything. I bring my total kit and we end up needing it. I build a soft box that used 2 Totas, used it for a while and then just went to an Arri Soft light kit.

With regards to buying a third Tota. I would buy a Lowel Pro light. It is reglobable from 220, 110, 12 volts, It is more controllable then the Totas. Its good for slashes on back walls or back lights. Sometimes I throw it and an extra stand in my kit.