Depth of Options
This kit is outfitted with all the features one would expect in a unit of its reputation. As anyone who is acquainted with the lighting industry is aware, ARRI is a premiere company. Their lights service multi-million dollar productions as well as broadcast newsrooms, independent production companies and even low budget microfilm sets. And, after reviewing them closesly, they are now the equipment of choice for Microfilmmaker's productions. A large part of the appeal of ARRI’s products is their proficiency for scaling their equipment without losing quality in their product line. So using this Fresnel Combo Kit (or other ARRI products) allows you to utilize the same quality of equipment that is afforded to filmmakers with much higher budgets. Conversely, your production value can much more closely resemble the quality those filmmakers produce.
To get an idea of what all is included, the Kit includes:
(2) 300W Fresnel
(2) FKW 300W Lamp
(2) 650 W Fresnel
(2) FKW 650W Lamp
(4) Barndoor
(4) Filter Frames
(2) 5” Full Single Scrim
(2) 5” Full Double Scrim
(2) 6 5/8” Full Single Scrim
(2) 6 5/8 Full Double Scrim
(4) AS-2 Stand
(1) Accessory Pack
(1) Heavy Duty Case with wheels (40X19X13 ½”)
For most microfilm sets (small to medium), the 300/650 combo is very adaptable. The 650s can be combined to produce over 1200 watts of power and can be diffused in many ways to adjust to the desired quality. The same principles apply in the case of the 300 watt bulbs. The user can also choose to down-lamp the equipment using a lower wattage bulb. This is particularly helpful for those of you shooting with very light sensitive cameras. Users retain control by using the hardware while preventing blow-out in the scene. When not in use, the halogen lamps that fit the lights can be placed in a padded plastic case that accompanies the kit to prevent breakage. (Remember that halogen lamps should never be touched with bare hands. Natural oil from your fingers will damage them and they can be expensive to replace.)
The ARRI 300/650 Fresnel Combo Kit provides four lights for use. On the most basic level, it is always very helpful to have an extra light on hand in case of equipment malfunction. You may also choose to create more complex lighting set-ups with additional available equipment. Additionally, this kit delivers in terms of accessories. It is completely ready for you to “plug and play,” providing scrims, C-47s (clothes pins) for attaching gels and diffusion material, a scrim bag, a multi-head extension cord, and leather gloves. The time saved in gathering these materials is a huge value in itself. Also, the equipment case is very agile, particularly for its weight. The heavy duty exterior and wheels will stand up to significant abuse. Plus, there are several sturdy, collapsible hand grips to allow one or two people to move the kit.
Finally, a basic lighting manual is included in every kit. So if you are reluctant to purchase a kit because you believe you wouldn't know how to use it anyway, you now have absolutely no excuse! This booklet explains the basic concepts of lighting and also includes several set-up diagrams for lighting scenarios. A picture of the lighting look for each scenario is included so users can easily pick the style they wish to achieve and know how to position the lights to accomplish it. (Of course, for more in-depth training, The Power of Lighting for Film & Video is a DVD training series on lighting with ARRI lights that's very economical. Running just $150 for four training DVDs, it is led by one of ARRI's top trainers, Bill Holshevnikoff.)
