Foxx
TPF Noob!
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2011
- Messages
- 255
- Reaction score
- 44
- Location
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Can others edit my Photos
- Photos OK to edit
Hey all,
So I have an idea for a shoot with a model friend of mine -- I'd like to use a long flourescent light as the sole light source AS WELL as a prop.
However I've found out this is much harder than it seems. I have a few problem logstically and electrically with this setup that I'd like to get fleshed out before I go ahead and start buying things, so anyone who can contribute any information would be extremely helpful.
I also want to make sure that anything I decide to do is 100% safe for my model(I don't want the light blowing up or anything...) so any saftey tips would also be paramount
So my questions
1) Rapid-start FL lights have two pin contacts that slide into a starter switch that is usually inside a fixture. Is it safe for me to disassemble the fixture and use the components inside separately to make a stand-alone circuit?(So that my model can hold the bulb)
2) Assuming I can find a fixture with a standard 120V outlet plug, would I be able to use this with a portable generator? Do I need some kind of resistor if I do this?(my electrical skills are basic at the most)
3) How long can my model hold the bulb before it starts to becomes too hot to touch? Obviously the bulb will only be on for a few seconds while I take a shot -- I don't foresee any problems here but just wanted to get an opinion.
and finally
4) Does anyone have any experience doing anything like this? Are there kits for this? Can I buy individual/specialized components that could make this easier?
Thanks!
So I have an idea for a shoot with a model friend of mine -- I'd like to use a long flourescent light as the sole light source AS WELL as a prop.
However I've found out this is much harder than it seems. I have a few problem logstically and electrically with this setup that I'd like to get fleshed out before I go ahead and start buying things, so anyone who can contribute any information would be extremely helpful.
I also want to make sure that anything I decide to do is 100% safe for my model(I don't want the light blowing up or anything...) so any saftey tips would also be paramount
So my questions
1) Rapid-start FL lights have two pin contacts that slide into a starter switch that is usually inside a fixture. Is it safe for me to disassemble the fixture and use the components inside separately to make a stand-alone circuit?(So that my model can hold the bulb)
2) Assuming I can find a fixture with a standard 120V outlet plug, would I be able to use this with a portable generator? Do I need some kind of resistor if I do this?(my electrical skills are basic at the most)
3) How long can my model hold the bulb before it starts to becomes too hot to touch? Obviously the bulb will only be on for a few seconds while I take a shot -- I don't foresee any problems here but just wanted to get an opinion.
and finally
4) Does anyone have any experience doing anything like this? Are there kits for this? Can I buy individual/specialized components that could make this easier?
Thanks!
Last edited: