More lightbulb stuff…
Hrm, more thinking about bulbs is leading me to believe that the GE Photofloods which I purchased earlier today just aren’t right for the job. I came across these Sunwave full spectrum compact fluroescent bulbs, which look like they may be just about right. 150W equivilent, CF, 5500K, and a CRI of 93, which should be plenty good for my needs. The bulbs will run about $60-something for four, but the lifetime on them should be great. I’m now thinking this may be the way to go…
At least I can return these bulbs, having not even used them. < shrug >
Additionally, instead of replacing the disk tomorrow I just rebuild the array, including the failing disk. It appears to complete offline SMART tests properly, so it looks like it’s just beginning to have issues. I’ll replace it when I have more time… It seems to be working for the time being, though.
UPDATE: I just got off of the phone with Cindy from Cloud Dome during which time I ordered four of the aforementioned CF bulbs. I’m going to return the three GE BCA lamps to Camera Mart on Thursday, return the non-daylight ‘Daylight Plus’ lamp to Lowes, return the crappy CFs to Home Depot tomorrow, and pick up one more clip-on work light. This should work out well.
I recently tried to set up a lighting scheme so I could use my D50 indoors without the flash, for some portraits. I was impressed with the difference a single full-spectrum flourescent made. We had about four standard filament bulbs, white metal closet backdrop, ISO 1600, and I had to have the shutter at 1/60 or so to get enough light, and even then I was underexposed. I added one natural spectrum flourescents, at about twice the distance (8′ instead of 4′), and my light meter was MUCH happier, I got shots at 1/120 or so. Plus, the finished pics were much more natural.
If I do that sort of indoor photography again, I’m thinking of getting a few portable lamps with those bulbs. Cheaper than a full photographer’s light kit. :D
Just FYI, this ended up being about US$70 for the four bulbs, shipped. I’ll then stick each one into a clip-on work light from Home Depot. Should work out pretty well, I think…
Did you see the photo of the setup I’m attempting to work with? The backdrop is a simple $8 or so vinyl window shade. Photo is here.
I’ll try to get a better shot once I come to a better setup… That’ll likely be this weekend, though.
Your bulbs will probably work even better, given the higher price and rating. This was just a Meijer special, probably cost her $5. It hadn’t been purchased for photography, but for SAD.
Ahh, okay. These are designed for helping with SAD too, but are even closer to daylight. < shrug > Both seem to help, though. :)
Where’d you acquire them from? They look like they might be up our alley, as well.
Are you speaking of the compact fluorescent bulbs, or the BCA photo floods? If you need the photo floods, I’ll likely be out your way tomorrow and I could bring by these three. They were purchased from Camera Mart this afternoon and have not been used.
With regards to the CF bulbs, visit http://www.clouddome.com and email or call them. Feel free to tell Cindy (the owner / sole employee, best I can tell) that you heard about them from me. I don’t recall the exact price I got, but it was in line with other shops, and she was quite plesant to talk to.
The CF bulbs. *s*
Heh, yeah. I think the BCA’s are really.damn.hot.