Modelling Lights

[Biomech]

Just wanted to get your opinions on leaving modelling lamps on in mains powered flash heads?

I was at a gig a few weeks ago and they turned out all the lights, the camera couldn't focus and I had to do some quick skull trickery to save myself :P I had heard that you should only use the modelling lamps for setting up and then switch them off and change to the flash bulbs only.

[zona5101]

I don't know why that would be (to turn them off). They won't effect the exposure, in fact some units the modelling light shuts off when the tubes fire and then come back on when the unit is back at full charge.

When I run studio heads off of a battery pack I turn off the modeling lamps but that is all about conserving the battery power.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by zona5101

I don't know why that would be (to turn them off). They won't effect the exposure, in fact some units the modelling light shuts off when the tubes fire and then come back on when the unit is back at full charge.

That's how I've always seen them work: I didnt know they did anything else.

[Biomech]

I heard/read it was to do with heat issues

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by Biomech

I heard/read it was to do with heat issues

Maybe a valid consideration... bigger units with 250w or larger modeling lamps can generate a lot of heat inside a closed softbox. But big heads are usually fan cooled so I think that offsets the need to shut the lamps off. So maybe yes if they are enclosed and not fan cooled.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

That's how I've always seen them work: I didnt know they did anything else.

maybe so. mine turn off but come right back on. I get an audible beep when recharged rather than the modeling lamps turning on.

[WooD]

Originally Posted by zona5101

Maybe a valid consideration... bigger units with 250w or larger modeling lamps can generate a lot of heat inside a closed softbox. But big heads are usually fan cooled so I think that offsets the need to shut the lamps off. So maybe yes if they are enclosed and not fan cooled.

All mine are fan cooled. The only time I turn off the modeling lights, is when using a 10 or 20 degree grid on a 7" reflector. Those will get super hot fast.

[Biomech]

For the benefit of the community Here's the official response from Interfit:

Thank you for your email, re the modeling lamps.
It is perfectly safe to use the modeling lamps when using umbrellas or
softboxes, turning off the modeling lamps is only applied when using
products such as Snoots, honeycombs or barndoors where the lamp can over
heat, in these cases the modeling lamps must be switched off for safety
reasons.