James Daggy

1st tip, search google, DVXuser has a pretty good forum for DIY stuff, There is lots of stuff scattered about the place. Instructables.com has a few, Cheesycam also has some stuff to consider. Everything now goes to youtube so start there also- My best advice is that you learn that not everything can be DIY'ed as a beginner, you need a workshop and need to be good at engineering to match what you can buy professionally. For example somethings are worth building yourself because they're easy enough like a dolly system or even slider* but some stuff you will waste time and money and are better off buying the chinese knockoff and hacking that to work better. Start saving as eventually you will want proper equipment.

Hey all If it's any interest I took some pics a while back when I first got them... Very make shift china lantern ball shoot to see what we're dealing with- I really like them-

I got these in as well and when using a more powerful power supply from 2a to 5a the thing got much brighter... Still waiting to try it on a 10A. Will be ordering the 4000 to 5000 version next.

and this.

Awsome, big cranes like that out of most peoples budget, I forget also from the start of the movie. never seen woods lit like this. This is probably the crane lights again but it has been done extremely well. Are those some form or airlight or HMI's?

Guys, main picture i was refering to was left out -

Tonnes of shots that need answers LOL, heres a couple AVP must be so far the most beautiful night scenes i've see since I started paying attention to them like this. I'm guessing a 6K or more high up on a cherry picker and maybe some kinos up close but i'm no expert. For Django it looks like there is a large light source hidden out of frame just above the house. What do you guys think?

Thanks for all the replies, Reason why i ask is because i have started to expiriement with digital ballasts and metal halide bulbs. Going second hand on some of the pro powerful units is out of my budget. The only problem I have had so far in testing is the CRI of the bulb I've used which is a standard grow bulb at 6000K I have however found a suitable and expensive e40 bulb with a CRI of 93. The type used in a stadium. I can also get these in 2000watts but only using a a magnet ballast unfortunately. My thoughts were if i could combine a bank of 1K. would it have the same effect as larger lights. I'm looking to get four of them as I figure a 4K light is good one to aim for. Also Why I would like to do this is that the lights could be split up when needed and could be easily managed power wise;) I'll have to test if the bulbs can stand the heat of each other next to each other, How they manage when strike after each other, I'm guess the light being diffused would even the light out? Thanks again!

Anyone with experience to this simple or not so simple answer please?

Hi, Can anyone shed some light on this. logic has already answered this for me but i just want to see if anyone else has a different opinion on it before i spend money on testing. Will a bank of 2x 1200 watt HMI's give near the same Output and Throw as a 2.5k HMI. If this is also the case can this formula be applied exponentially? Many thanks! James

thanks. looks like testing is the only way.

hi guys I can't really find a solid answer anywhere. I am in similar situation. I have built a 1kw metal halide light with digital ballast. The type used for hydro. etc. Are there any cheap generators that will work with this setup and future setups like this? We haven't got the coin for a honda yet. I am looking on ebay for something used - http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Business-Office-Industrial-/12576/i.html?_sop=1&_nkw=petrol+generator thanks!

This is great to know it's not something impossible, but what about the chemistry involved? Can this be easily replicated? Is the formula out in the open or can it be got from somewhere? Do you have any idea of figures where talking or can you point towards the person who has already attempted this Adrian? ] I have done a quick google search and found nothing on this. For peoples interest - A list of film stock history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motion_picture_film_stocks

Thanks Any chance of adding the black magic series in the future?

Hi guys, I've been burning to ask this question for sometime and see if anyone would actually know about it. There's so much diy going on around here these days. Not that I beleive this could be diy'd completely or could it? doubt it... But maybe a potential kick starter project etc. Some of us just still cant give up the search for that wanted and genuine vintage film look be it from the 80's 70's etc. From my research it's is mostly the stock which can't be had now. Everything else such as lighting, cameras/lenses are still available. Knowing this is probably a task for a small or big manufacture with the tools but would it even be possible to or is it just a dream and something to wait for in the future years of emulation software. Thanks