Smith-Victor K61 2-Light 1200 Watt Controlled Quartz Kit

Comments about Smith-Victor K61 2-Light 1200 Watt Controlled Quartz Kit:

I use these in the studio for copy and general tabletop shooting. I work in a museum so I am shooting artifacts rare books ect.
The stands are better quality than I expected. The lights seem a little flimsy, probably would not hold up well as location lights (although they are lightweight). Only two barn doors four would be better.
Still a lot of light for the price!

Comments about Smith-Victor K61 2-Light 1200 Watt Controlled Quartz Kit:

First of all, these are great little lights for the price. Compact, powerful, and easy to setup, these things are great when you need a light-duty, discreet fixture or two. DYS lamps mean they're small enough to leave in the socket when transporting without fear of damage, and the lightweight aluminum stands are quick to deploy, fairly stable, and secure. Bring some sandbags if you're outside, as the stands might get a little tippy in a breeze. Fixture-mounted on/off switches are a little inconvenient if you need the lights up high, but it's better than a cord-mounted switch that'll eventually fray and cost a small fortune to replace. For weddings and events, these things are just perfect. Don't give 'em to news photogs, 'cause they won't last a week in the hands of those guys.

Now the caveats: first, if you're looking for industrial-strength fixtures that can take a pounding by hamfisted best boys, gaffers, and grips, these ain't them. They're well constructed, but not designed for rough duty. They'll last plenty long enough if you take care of them, though.

Second, if you need precise control of light spill, you might have a little trouble. There are only two barndoors on each fixture, permanently attached in the side position. They can't be rotated, and the fixture yoke doesn't lend itself to easily rotating the whole thing to put the doors on top and bottom, unless you're bouncing off the ceiling. For most purposes, however, the light spill is tolerable with careful placement of the light, and if you're really desperate you can just break out a roll of tin foil and some C47's and baffle the top and bottom.

All in all though, it's a great lightweight and compact way to get 600-1200 watts of 3200K light anywhere there's a 15-amp Edison outlet. Gel 'em with full-blue CTB to use them with natural daylight if you can afford the couple of stops that'll cost you and you've got some nifty outdoor fill lighting that won't require a call to Showpower. Or a loan from your favorite banker.

Comments about Smith-Victor K61 2-Light 1200 Watt Controlled Quartz Kit:

I use these in the studio for copy and general tabletop shooting. I work in a museum so I am shooting artifacts rare books ect.
The stands are better quality than I expected. The lights seem a little flimsy, probably would not hold up well as location lights (although they are lightweight). Only two barn doors four would be better.
Still a lot of light for the price!

Comments about Smith-Victor K61 2-Light 1200 Watt Controlled Quartz Kit:

First of all, these are great little lights for the price. Compact, powerful, and easy to setup, these things are great when you need a light-duty, discreet fixture or two. DYS lamps mean they're small enough to leave in the socket when transporting without fear of damage, and the lightweight aluminum stands are quick to deploy, fairly stable, and secure. Bring some sandbags if you're outside, as the stands might get a little tippy in a breeze. Fixture-mounted on/off switches are a little inconvenient if you need the lights up high, but it's better than a cord-mounted switch that'll eventually fray and cost a small fortune to replace. For weddings and events, these things are just perfect. Don't give 'em to news photogs, 'cause they won't last a week in the hands of those guys.

Now the caveats: first, if you're looking for industrial-strength fixtures that can take a pounding by hamfisted best boys, gaffers, and grips, these ain't them. They're well constructed, but not designed for rough duty. They'll last plenty long enough if you take care of them, though.

Second, if you need precise control of light spill, you might have a little trouble. There are only two barndoors on each fixture, permanently attached in the side position. They can't be rotated, and the fixture yoke doesn't lend itself to easily rotating the whole thing to put the doors on top and bottom, unless you're bouncing off the ceiling. For most purposes, however, the light spill is tolerable with careful placement of the light, and if you're really desperate you can just break out a roll of tin foil and some C47's and baffle the top and bottom.

All in all though, it's a great lightweight and compact way to get 600-1200 watts of 3200K light anywhere there's a 15-amp Edison outlet. Gel 'em with full-blue CTB to use them with natural daylight if you can afford the couple of stops that'll cost you and you've got some nifty outdoor fill lighting that won't require a call to Showpower. Or a loan from your favorite banker.