Flashlights as Practicals

[Rob C. Givens]

Does anyone know what kind of bulbs one would put in a large maglight to get the beam effect, like in Seven.

 

I've got a scene with only flashlights and moonlight as the sources and need the high power bulbs to help illuminate the scene. Any recommendations on types or brands?

 

Rob C. Givens

[David Mullen ASC]

For really bright beams, you need to get a high-powered flashlight like a Surefire or Streamlight. Not cheap.

 

Otherwise, create your own flashlight with some MR-16 bulbs, probably spot bulbs, and a hidden power cable. You'd have to find a body that you can gut and the bulb will fit into.

 

The room needs to be evenly hazed with a smoke machine / hazemaker to see the beams. You may get enough of an affect with ordinary maglights so do some tests.

[Rob C. Givens]

Surefire or Streamlight. - are these cinema/specialty fixtures..?

 

Can I find MR-16 bulbs at your normal hardware store or are these a specialty lighting purchase?

 

 

Offtopic :> David - I recently met you with the North Carolina School of the Arts group in early June. - I really appreciate your respect for the growing cinematographers out here. Your knowledge has been quite helpful.

 

Thanks for the quick response.

[David Mullen ASC]

Just do some searching on Yahoo:

 

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_dis...r/367/sesent/00

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_dis...r/362/sesent/00

http://www.streamlight.com/products.htm

 

Here's a photo of an MR-16 bulb:

http://www.ccl-light.com/docs/lamps/sure.html

 

You can find them in hardware stores or lamp stores. Don't ask me how to wire them, etc. because I haven't tried it myself. But it can't be hard to figure out. I guess you need a transformer though.

[mrbill762]

You can get MR16 lamps in some hardware stores however the will be very expensive.

I get mine on ebaY on boxes of 10 much cheaper that way.

 

I think you will want to get the 12 volt ones.

They run much cooler and are not as sensitive when bumped or jostled.

Also a power source will be easier to fashion.

 

Let us know how you make out.

 

Mr. Bill

 

 

Just do some searching on Yahoo:

 

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_dis...r/367/sesent/00

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_dis...r/362/sesent/00

http://www.streamlight.com/products.htm

 

Here's a photo of an MR-16 bulb:

http://www.ccl-light.com/docs/lamps/sure.html

 

You can find them in hardware stores or lamp stores.  Don't ask me how to wire them, etc. because I haven't tried it myself.  But it can't be hard to figure out. I guess you need a transformer though.

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[Phil Rhodes]

Hi,

 

There are MR-16s, or the smaller MR-11 which comes in 5W and upward. I think the smallest MR-16 is 20W, which you could reasonably run from a hidden battery pack. You can get AA cells in 2400mAh rating, which ought to run a 20W MR-16 for... well, at least a few minutes, and could be worn as a low-profile beltpack under clothing. Otherwise, just figure a story reason for them to be using super high power flashlights, and put a PAG brick or similar on a belt mount.

 

Phil

[Rob C. Givens]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'll have to talk to my gaffer and figure out what will be the easiest to rig up...

 

It's two kids holding the flashlight - so the lighter the better.

 

Great help, Thanks again.