Thoughts on ARRI X HMI

[Marcos del Villar]

Hello everyone,

I'm thinking on renting a couple of Arri X HMI for a commercial project. I'd like to create a very soft and filling light in a big studio, directional but very subtle, Probably bouncing on white silks.

They are discontinued now but easily available on rental houses. 

What are your experiences with this very wide angle HMI? Any advantages over an M40 or other HMI for soft lightnings? 

Many thanks,

Marcos

[timHealy]

It could work but I think the biggest x light or goya (desisti came out with the HMI "nook" light before Arri made the X) is a 4k and they are not focusable. Depending on your shooting medium and ASA you might need more than you think. You could get more light out of an HMI 4k par or HMI fresnel. Are you just bouncing or double diffusing? I would go with a bigger light and scrim it down if necessary. But thats just me.

[Stuart Brereton]

I used them once a few years ago, and was disappointed with the output. I'd rent a couple of M18s and double diffuse.

[Marcos del Villar]

Thanks for your replies. I finally chose two Alpha HMI 4K bounced and then diffused with good results. I didn't get the change to try the X series but the Alphas worked pretty good.