David Ross

After reading all the post, I agree with Toby! DR

Hello: I recently purchased a used 6x6 and 12 x12 butterfly set. Before i purchased the sets I carefully inspected the rags and found them to be in great shape. All the rags were nicely folded and placed in a single large orange cloth bag with pull spring. I did notice the rags had a slight musty smell. This was not really offensive but started me wondering how best to store the two sets. My equipment is stored inside ( out of the elements) in my warehouse and is only taken out when the package goes out. Again what is the best way to store the various cloths. Thank you in advance for your comments. Best Regards David

Like many I am interested in LED lights . I have been looking for something in between the $1600 light panels and the smaller on camera type LED lights . I ran into a Gaffer in Nashville who said to take a look at Cool lights. I checked out the web site and found a few 600 led panels. The are 10" x 10" and according to the photometrics chart pretty bright. The cost was under $500. Has any one had experience with the 600 led and if so is it a decent light. I understand normally you get what you pay for but for $500 it is worth a look. Thoughts Thanks in advance for your continued support. David Ross

Thanks for the info: My experience has shown me to "not cheap out" when it comes to stands. Spend the extra money up front to avoid a light falling on to who know what or who? I will look into the stand you mentioned. Best Regards David

I have put all kind of things in front of lights. As long as you keep a safe distance away from the light. There are no rules when it comes to being creative. I once saw a DP use white sheets to diffuse some 40" x 40 " reflectors for an outdoor scene. The shot was stunning and the sheets cost around $10. Diffuse away!

Thanks for the feed back, I own some of those Lowel Omni stands that you spoke of. They are too lightweight even for the mole midgets. I do also own some of the heavy duty lowel KS stands and they are a little over kill for this need. Again looking for something as good or better than the Arri AS-1stands. THANKS

Hello What size of a barn doors do you need. Many times you can find barn doors on e-bay. Once you know the size ,Check the Mole Richardson gear on e-bay. Normally you can find a size that would work. DR

Hello: I am putting together a small lighting package and need to purchase some lightweight light stands. The lights that i will be be using are basically Arri 650 fresnels,Arri 300 watt fresnels, 200watt Mole midgets and Arri 150's. I have a few Arri AS-1 stands. I love these stands.... but they cost around $130 each. I need a total of 8 stands so if you do the math it gets expensive. Can anyone suggest a good solid professional lightweight stand that meets or exceeds the Arri kit stand. Hoping to find something in the $45-60 range. I own several American and Matthews 2 riser baby stands that i use for my larger lights but these stands are clearly overkill for the run and gun type production. your thoughts please!

Thanks for the great advise! I will report back when i have made the investment. David Ross

WOW : It was hoping you would answer this one! Not sure if you remember me AND the all night shoot we did together about 10 years ago for a Furniture manufacture in Downtown Boston..? You were great to work with! Thanks so much for the advice and the time and thought that went into answering my question. I agree with everything you said. Perhaps my plan should be to save a little longer to be in a better position to buy the Parabeam 400 and the add-on tools for that light. OK Let me put this out there. If you had to own 3 Kino flo lights [ exclude a 12 volt kit since i own one] what would you own. Again corporate work, interviews, regional spots, small Indy features. #1Parabeam400 #2____? #3______? Thanks again, PS -your web site is great ! David

I'm want to upgrade/ round out my lighting package to include some Kino and LED. Currently I use Mole and Arri 2K down to 150 watt. I do own one 1200 hmi par. In addition, I also own a Kino 12 volt single kit. I'm listing what i own so you can help me fill in the equipment gaps. I have rented the Kino 4' 4 bank light and the diva 400 and 200. I enjoy the quality of the light and the option to switch lamps 56K -32K . I have looked HARD at LED and i just can't seem to get past the cost at this time. So that brings me back to Kino. I have convinced myself that buying a Diva 400 is a good move because of the flexibility of the light. The 4' 4 bank is also in my sights for a number of reasons including the full body beam spread. There are some new products from Kino such as the Bar Fly 400 and the Vista single that also interest me. I have a small budget for my upgrades say $3500 max so i cannot afford to get this wrong. I live in Indiana and do not have the option to demo these at a local dealer. So i must relay on what i can read on the internet and great forums like this one for many of my purchasing decisions. The Bar fly 400 interest me because of the high output for it's size. The Visa with it's small profile and 96 watt is looking interesting too. My question has anyone had any experience with the Bar fly 400 or vista single. Or has anyone heard of some cost reductions from Lite panels or other quality manufactures of LED lights that bring it into a cost effective range. Just so you know, most of my lighting is on large corporate video projects as well as regional TV spots. Best Regards.... David

I agree with the above. I would really consider the work flow issues currently with HDV. The DVC50 format is solid and proven. Cinegama is also plus. You said you were going to use a HD lens. Be prepared for outstanding images.... Good shooting!

I agree with everything above. Also having used this camera for a few years. This is truly the way to go. This camera is wonderful. The only thing this camea when full loaded is not that small. you had said doing fast paced work. You will need to be careful on panning speeds using 24P . Do some test, check out 30p. Currently i would not consider HDV as a lower cost consideratin. I think this camera is a much better choice.

We have used the Canon broadcast series with the build in cross over on the Two SDX's that we have bought . Very Happy, Paid in the 12K range.

Thanks for the input, You said you have attended 3 or 4 workshops. Did you feel you got your money's worth out of the seminars?. The one i looked at was 5 days and just under $2000. This is coming directly out of my pocket so i want to know if you felt it was a valuable experience. Thank you!

Can someone recommend a good place to get some HD training. I have been shooting 16 mm and video for about 23 years. I am currently using a SDX-900 as my main production camera. I love this camera, however it is not HD. I have looked in to the Santa fe workshops and they look to be very good. Then there?s the Varicamp which would seem like a natural progression from the SDX-900 . The Varicamp looked to be for Varicam only. I am looking for some type of training that can give me a good solid understanding of HD cameras[ all flavors} and some understanding of post production workflow. In additional to sharpening my skills and understanding of HD, My company is considering purchasing a HD rig in 2006. My company produces mainly corporate video and regional TV spots. HD is clearly in our near future. Any thoughts?

I bought my 900 in December 2003. I plan on using it for another 3 years or so . I am waiting to see how this HD thing pans out. Currently most of my corporate clients still use SD. This cameras is my digital bridge to full out HD. This HDV stuff is interesting, however my clients want to see a big camera when they are paying top dollar for the project. Cheers! DR :)

My SDX-900 was stolen in March at a Hotel in Dallas. I am asking everyone out there to please keep an eye open for anyone trying to sell a camera. The serial number on the unit is J3THB0023 . The camera has a Canon brodcast lens. Please feel free to contact me if you have any information on this matter. David Ross 812- 464-5244 or dross@fireandrain.com Thanks!