Converting Continuous Light To Strobe

[Muhfahsa]

I recently purchased a 1250w light kit for a video project. I need to know if it is possible to turn this kit from a continuous light kight to a remote strobe kit. If it is possible, what do I need to do this? Or is it better for me to just scrap this and start from scratch?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/308806-REG/Impact_401495_Three_Flood_Light_Kit.html

[tim]

No.

[tim]

To elaborate: constant lights use a tungsten bulb. Flash uses a flash tube, I think it's Xenon, plus capacitors, charging circuits, etc. Totally different systems. You could probably get a constant light to flash once...

[FlashZebra]

You will likely be able to use your:


light stands
umbrellas
the carrying case


You will need to purchase:

Flash units
Possibly adapters to connect the flash units to he light stands (depending on what sort of flash units you purchase)
Flash sync cords and sync adapters or other sync accommodating systems


Enjoy! Lon

[Curtis N]

Converting a continuous light to a strobe would be like converting a tractor into a sportscar.

Sell the tractor and buy the sportscar.

[colormaniac]

I recently purchased a 1250w light kit for a video project. I need to know if it is possible to turn this kit from a continuous light kight to a remote strobe kit. If it is possible, what do I need to do this? Or is it better for me to just scrap this and start from scratch?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/308806-REG/Impact_401495_Three_Flood_Light_Kit.html

I'm confused with what the question is about. If you just want to have light at the very moment your camera shoots, then a continuous light certainly can do that, because its light is continuous! So, what do you mean when you want to change it into a strobe? Why do you need it to be turned off when the camera is not shooting? To save energy? My understanding is that people usually have some continuous lights in their studios, softboxes, hair lights, etc.

[Curtis N]

My understanding is that people usually have some continuous lights in their studios, softboxes, hair lights, etc.The times, they are a changin'.

Before the advent of electronic flash, studios had "hot lights". Tungsten bulbs, some of which were designed to emulate a daylight color temperature, that generated dangerous amounts of heat and had a very limited lifespan. The amount of light they produced was still miniscule and the slow shutter speeds involved required the use of a tripod and a calm, still subject.

Then studio strobe systems came along, and they were a godsend. They produce daylight color temperature and emit massive quantities of light in a millisecond or two. At last, photogs could disconnect from their tripods and shoot fidgety toddlers and even capture a jumping child in mid-air. Slow film and small apertures were no problem. Strobes generate very little heat. Modeling lights incorporated into the strobe units allow the photographer to visualize what his strobes will produce.

Now the paradigm is shifting again. Compact fluorescent bulbs with electronic ballasts produce daylight balanced (sort of) light with very little heat. This technology, combined with the high ISO capabilities of modern digital cameras, is allowing studio shooters to use continuous light once again. No waiting for strobes to recycle, we can now use burst mode if we want. No "pop" of the strobes to startle children.

I don't see myself selling my strobes anytime soon, but we certainly have more options than we had even five years ago.

[Psychobiker]

Yes, you can. But it'll only work once, and will shower your studio in glass.

I'm an EE, did it once discharging 440V from a power supply in 2nd year :D.

[egordon99]

Pictures, or it didn't happen

:lol:

Yes, you can. But it'll only work once, and will shower your studio in glass.

I'm an EE, did it once discharging 440V from a power supply in 2nd year :D.