HMI decision

[RH402]

For years I have been complaining about not having enough light for stand ups. I have the Joker 2 light 200W kit. Today another shooter who has a grip truck offered a trade of his 575W Arri Fresnel HMI for my Jokers. My kit is used, (8) years, but not abused. The 575W kit looks brand new and has only been used 2 -3 times a year.

Should I make this trade or is there something I am not thinking about that makes this somewhat of a bad trade?

[Hiding Under Here]

I own the ARRi 575 HMI. Or at least one version of it. No one makes a better light than ARRI. The 575 with the fresnel lens will give you about the same output as a Joker 400 Par with the wide beam. It's a bigger source and the fresnel allows you to use the light in backgrounds for making harder, more distinct shadows. I suspect you want to use it more as a key. I'd get a Chimera ring for it and a Small (S) Chimera if you don't already have one.

I would be very careful about a couple of things. First, if the lamp is old, it will read a greenish (down towards 5000K and below) color temperature. If it's down in that range you will need a new one soon. That lamp is close to $300 unless I am mistaken. Also, it should all pack into one case. And that case shouldn't be so big and so heavy that you are reluctant to pack it into your van. It has to be something that fits with your "Case Culture". There, I've coined a phrase. Go out and spread it beyond these pages.

200Watt fresnel are generally too small for outdoor use in mild to strong sunlight. In shade or shadows or late in the day they may work okay. But in blazing sun they are virtually useless. The 400 watt fresnel isn't a whole lot of light either outdoors. But under a silk and with a dark background, it will supply a face with a decent light level.

You will be getting the better end of this deal. However, you may find that the 200 watt has more day to day functionality and the 575 is a little cumbersome. If you can get past that, it's a good deal for you.

[Hiding Under Here]

Oh I get it, he wants to trade his one light for your two. Anyway to do one light and cash for the balance? I bought a virtually new ARRI 575 for $2500 for light, doors, stand, scrims, cases, replacement bulb.

[freedom]

Have you done a side by side comparison of the 2 lights? The fresnel eats a lot of light. I have an LTM 575 fresnel and it is not as hot as a 400 par with lenses.

[Stoney]

One Arri 575 with ballast, used, is about the same cost as one Joker 200, used. Trading two Jokers seems like you lose out. Why not sell, or trade, one Joker and buy a used Arri... then you get two lights.

Better yet, keep the Jokers and buy a third, higher wattage, HMI for the punch you need.

[Run&Gun]

Better yet, keep the Jokers and buy a third, higher wattage, HMI for the punch you need.

Bang for the buck is the Bron/Kobold 800...

[Baltimore Shooter]

I have an LTM 575 fresnel and it is not as hot as a 400 par with lenses.

I wonder if it's possible to change the Fresnel lens to another type of lens. Would that give you anything better?

Warren

[freedom]

I wonder if it's possible to change the Fresnel lens to another type of lens. Would that give you anything better?

Warren

Totally different animal. Par fixtures are built quite differently than fresnel fixtures.