how to modify your studio lights for under $7.00

[mdgnys]

Huh.  For some reason it was in my head that you couldn't dim these... Like you cant dim fluorescents.. Thanks for clearing that up!

[onjoFilms]

That's a great idea. Don't know why I never thought of that before. Thanks dude.

[kidrayfilms]

Cool !!! Thanx !!!

[101AOK]

Thanks...I subbed 2U

[kevinwong530]

Great Idea! Thanks =D

[TheMexicanstick]

real cool idea.I like it.I need to figure how to put barn doors on the lights too.

[pianodon]

thanks for a good idea. Keep 'em coming. Loved the casual comment, funny.

[KenStar1972]

Very Well Done!

[rogerdodgeraviation]

This is a great idea.

[CamaraMountClamp]

Check out Camera Mount Clamp dot com

[LOVENOTESBYANGEL]

I love that idea thank you

[7Royalty]

This is sick! Ima make a softbox out of this XD

[alishasbelly]

Hi there...what is the actual name for the orange adapter boxes? I couldn't find anything like those at Home Depot...? Thanks!

[RockerLittleE]

Great idea. Thanks!

[Livetogrowtolive]

I'm so going to use this idea for my shoots

[Evanpatricksmith]

THANKS MAN! the exact video i was looking for...except its 7$ instead of $70. Even better!

[djkaneck1]

Thanks man! do you know you can also add (diy) barn doors to your project? I saw someone else add barn doors to these lights but not a dimmer. Put those 2 projects together...lord have mercy! thanks man.

[offroadryanmb]

Great idea, I'm just getting into video lighting and just bought one of these lights yesterday. Already I had the idea of putting a dimmer switch in on these lights.

[crazykar3]

why not use a plug in dimmer?

[lemmonsinmyeyes]

I LOVE YOU MAN!!!! T.T

[jacobs246]

really good idea and consept... but horrible how to video men.. sorry.

[l2silver]

Is that as dim as the lights get?

[trailerfitter2]

wow you have some jumps shot issues in this one

[RATHAHONNI]

Google,Designers Edge,twin head fluorescent worklight,600 watts,NEW!

[RATHAHONNI]

Just returned from Home Depot,They now have "Husky twin head, heavy duty work light" flourescent lights and many more that are beneficial to photographers,check them out!

[RATHAHONNI]

Very good,i thought of this myself,but never really needed it before now.I see it's been about 3 yr's since u made this tutorial,Have u done anymore with these lights in actual usage? in some kind of a production? i would like to see some actual examples. Thanks for your tutorial and u'r time.

[lardmonk]

good to see! I just bought a couple of lights of that style.

keep up the good work old sport!

[Raphaeluberzor]

this video is cool, but I would advise you to link it to some basic safety instruction, because there are morons who don't really know how electricity works, so it might be dangerous indeed.

Keep in mind that poeple aren't all electricians, and when you give such advise, you take up somekind of responsibility about misinformation. that doesn't mean that if an idiot shock himself that won't be your fault but he's own...

[dukeriluo]

nice idea

[elscivic]

Thanks!!!!!!!

[CAPTIN22]

GREAT IDEA GOOD JOB 

[nader626]

Great idea! Too bad that those lights in specific get SUPER hot and yet, for photography at least, supply minimal lighting on my sweaty and blinded talent.

BUT! Home depot sells a red rechargeable (+cordless) LED unit similar to these yellow ones. It has 180 bulbs in it, and only runs you about $60. Now, I didn't look at its control box or anything because I hadn't seen this video yet, but I'm 80 percent sure that this LED light just has an ON/OFF switch too. Do you think this tech work on it?

[RoyTugbangTV]

Thanks man! I did the exact same thing! :) two 500 watt lights, and changed the switches to two 600 watt slider dimmers. Works great! Do you have any ideas how I could diffuse the light, just to make it more evenly spread?

[xXxstewiedudexXx]

The stand u had them on in the beginning can u get those at home depot

[straightprodigy]

i have those lights but it wont come on, please help

[depotax]

yeaahhh

[MZMStudios]

very nice.

[HLCB3Productions]

Great job man. I have those exact lights and I think I'm going to put those dimmers on it like you did. Thanks for the tip!

[LetzRideOrDie]

Thank you.. This is fast easy and brilliant....

[RobertGChristman]

Why wouldn't you just plug it into a DIY or brand dimmer? Thats almost a waist of money. Kinda cool, but not cost efficient. Especially for shitty work lights.

[BigVilFromWestPhil]

Great vid. I work at a Home Improvement Center and never thought of that.

[demofactory]

Great video. I would mention that different dimmer controls are rated for different wattage lights. For safety, I would even recommend installing a fuse or a breaker switch just in case.

[thetward]

This is oneof the best Filmakking posts ever...thanx for posting, I just sent it to my buddy....

[StabbyMcButterPants]

One thing I don't like about light dimmers, is they have a huge color shift into the red spectrum and you must white balance again. Whereas if you use scrims, (metal screens covering the light head) you can take the light down 1/3, 1/4, 1/2 stop with minimal color shift. I have used steel screen door material and use my light meter to calibrate.

[moekanz]

@StabbyMcButterPants

but really how important is that? how often do you need to change the light mid shot?

[kryptonite1965]

Good stuff. I did something similar but instead made a extention cord with a dimmer built in

[cj691]

The only issue about dimming halogen-tungsten lights is it shortens the life of the bulb...

[marcelovp77]

cool video... This worked very well for me as hot lights in photography. I love how you just drop stuff as you don't need them anymore...very funny.

[sumitino]

what about the bulbs, which bulbs are available that are more 'photo friendly'?

[pudentane777]

I thought that was great. I did the same thing with an extension cord and dimmer and made a soft box for it, worked great!. I think we could of done with out the Blasphemy tho.

[dfaom]

that was excelent thanks

[indyfilmguy007]

Great informative and innovative video!

[codebreaker2001]

Not bad. In actual film sets, the lights used actually has a fixed lense and an adjustable housing in which the bulb resides that allows to adjust the "throw" of the light. Even the metal "barn doors" helps out in making the light land the way it needs to. We also use fluorescent lights for filmmaking, but there is no real way to dim them (they can only be switched on or off). But still, great tutorial. :D

[DJ4000VOLT]

1:49 Jesus Christ haha

[rich2rock]

nice idea. good video.

[darrelqify]

love it!...

[dafranx]

Are those dimmers for the movie lights, just as good as the barn doors?

[aadailey]

In short, no.

The only reason I installed dimmers on my lights, is because I was having problems with hot spots on my screen.

I ONLY use these lights for illuminating the screen, I don't use them for anything else.

"Barn doors" are used on object lights, for controlling the direction of lighting on the set.

[Fedmutt]

thats prety good don't listen to parravision he's a dumb ass im a electrician putting the dimmer in the light is the same as you would do in your house thairs no difference unless you use lights that run on 480 volts wich your outlets are all 120 so thairs no problem. mr parravision is a dumb fuck

[sarahflem2000]

Thanks for this Video!! It's amazing to see how many DIY ways of lighting there are from halogen lights to flourecent bulbs. All I have to say is thank you so so so MUCH!!

[diosa101]

hey! i was just wondering what those lights are called? are they called construction lights??? whats the brand of that light i hope we have it here in the Philippines thanks for this vid!

[maincreation]

What type of dimmer switch would you suggest getting?

[AllAmericanGuy01]

I bought this light today.

I am very satisfied with it because as a photographer, the light temperature is neutral.

And if the light is too harsh, just put cook paper in front of it...Dimming the light isn't gonna do much

[guaposneeze]

Hey, great little video. I was going to just do dimmers for my lights to plug into, but mounting the dimmer on the light looks like a great idea. Yes, you do need to make sure your dimmer is rated for at least the wattage that the light will pull, but that's just common sense planning. You will get a color shift, but it's usually manageable. Just remember to manually white balance.

This mod + a PVC diffuser = pretty damned good indie studio lights.

[PARRAVISION]

if you talk to a real electrican even the guy in home depot he will tell you that these dimmers are not rated for this type of light! buy work lights from sears they have the proper dim switch on it, this lights for two heads caost $39.00 last time I bought them

[Nudiford]

Based on your suggestion I've been looking on the Sears site for a work light with a dim switch but cannot find it. Any help?

[PARRAVISION]

go to sears store the lights are the $34.00 red ones, for some reason sears dosent advertise the dimmer switch

[PARRAVISION]

your house is gonna burn down! the wires cant take the heat! your nuts!!

[aadailey]

My lights run COOLER with the dimmers, because I run them at around 80%.

After two years of use, I haven't had a single problem with them.

By the way, "gonna" is not a real word, And what about my nuts?

[YouSpeakProductions]

If each lamp is rated at 500W and each dimmer is rated for 600W why would this be a problem? If you were running one dimmer for both lights yes but I think (not 100% sure) this should be okay from a safety point of view.

[PARRAVISION]

these lights are not designed to dim with a dimmer switch, buy the lights at sears they have press button dimmer with three settings, if this type of light was able to be controlled by a dimmer switch you would see them come from factory with them

[PARRAVISION]

its stupid people, real stupid and ignorant people like you that dont know what the hell your doing! its people like you that cause fires where kids die in because your ignorant cheap motherfucking ass dont want to spend a few bucks on real UL listed and approved lights!!! know go fuck off!

[aadailey]

The dimmers, and lights are both UL listed.

your comments are really funny, and they show just how benighted you are.

Your blocked... Have a nice day!

[wbtaunya]

Hey aadailey, thanks for posting that. You know, PARRAVISION was probl T'd off that he didn't see this vid before buying those expensive lights. Thanks for posting.

[PARRAVISION]

your going to cause a fire! ask you electrician or the one at home depot! if you want to burn your house down go ahead and install the switch!

[aadailey]

The lights at sears use the SAME bulb, and a similar dimmer switch; yes I checked.

The last person I would ask about home wiring, is a salesman from Home Depot.

I would ask someone who has actually taken a basic electrician course... like myself.

I made two sets of lights almost two years ago, and I have yet to run into any problems with them.

Ask your salesman friend at Home Depot, why a 500 watt bulb, would overload a 600 watt dimmer? I would love to here the answer to that.

Thanks.

[flimflamman53]

i work at home depot and work as an electrician, hd hires people that have worked in the professions that hd has products for..dont "assume" i know what you did is fine the only thing you should not dim is Fluorescent Lights, ( film makers there are others but we will never use them so not listed)

[TexasWundergirl]

This is a great vid! Thanks!

[DarnellHarvey]

GREAT JOB! I WILL TRY THIS. THANKS!

[PassingWind02]

Just remember... when you change the voltage to tungsten lights, they change color temp. They will go to the warm side of things... RED'ish or orange'ish. You can only dim tungsten's about 20% then they begin to color shift. There are much easier ways to reduce the light output without the side effects... like metal window screen material. 1 layer=1/2 stop aprox. 2 layers=1 full stop. Dimmers are nice but not the right solution in most cases. Just thought or two.

[aadailey]

I think people are getting confused.

I only use these lights to illuminate a green screen, for chroma key.

I DO NOT use these lights as an object light.

how will "color temp" effect a green screen?

I have never had any problems with keying.

The purpose of dimming the light, is to cut down on any hot spots.

[PassingWind02]

You are confusing Quantity of light with Quality of light. Dimmers changes the amount of light. If you want even light... add diffusion to soften and spread the light out.

As well. The dimmed light is now reddish. Reddish light on green screen.... no what I would do. Your mileage may vary.

[rhutchi535]

I liked the video but woud have liked the wiring instructions that went with it. I didn't find them that easy to follow. Can you tell me how you did it? Thanks

[canariohk]

Hi,

Yesterday..I have almost bought one..just like yours!. But, when I asked the guy if the light was "white light", he said - it was not!. It is "yellow colour". So, I did not buy it. I need it for background light in "Chromo key setting". My question is: is your light "white" or "yellow"? or Is it possible to change the bulb to "white color" ?

Thank you very much...I like your tutorial!.

Cheers.

[ekuska]

thats pretty cool. thanks for taking the time to post this.

[ExtremeVideoTraining]

Nice! Gives me an idea for another project.

[patriothomeschoolmom]

Cool video how do you make the light soft as these lights are hot. keep the tutuorials coming.

[jacobm3]

Awesome video, I didn't know you could put dimmers inline w halogen lights, I'm going to pick some up tomorrow!

[libdash]

Questions: 1. What types of dimmer and epoxy glue (ratings?) should I get? 2. Does the can on the table contain beer?

[MicGeezee]

I got the lights... i just didnt get the dimmers yet. Haven't gotten around to it with the Holidays and all. First thing in the new year!

[aadailey]

I used cheap epoxy, and a cheap dimmer switch from a local hardware store.

yes, that was beer... and if your over 21, it's good for you!

[MicGeezee]

beautiful job! Going to try soon!

[libdash]

MicGeezee, when you do why don't you make a video of the process and how it turns out?

[aanglero]

Thanks,

That Lighting tip was very very helpful

[guitarking0128931927]

WOW bro... thanks this video makes me wanna go out and get dimmers for the lights im buying!

[tazio2000]

Thank you. This tip was great for me as I would never have tried this before. I converted one lamp last night and it worked like a charm. Very cool. Thanks again.

[sunnyboots]

This was great. if you are worried about the glue melting, you could always set up the box (metal one) and dimmer in between the light and the power source. Plug>>>Cable>>>Dimmer>>>Cable>­>>Light

[stevesperandeo]

Great idea..thanks

[NiteAngel]

the heat of the lamp will undo the clue over time

[kowai79]

nice instruction & edit. fun

[LAYZBOY5]

great post!

[Road82]

Looks like a blue screen for a table cloth there!

I thought those halogen lights didn't like potentiometers. Dimmers. I dont know why they wouldn't like them.

Maybe its the compact fluorescent lights im thinking of.

[aadailey]

I have been using my lights for almost a year. In that time i have not had any issues with the lights or the dimmer switches.

I have my lights set at around 80% and the bulbs last noticeably longer!

However the lights are noisy when dimmed low.

[rickvanman]

Absolutely brilliant idea! I've been looking for ages for ways to make the lights less intense - this is perfect - thanks for sharing!

[1dairo]

I thought of that too but didn't do it, now I will ,,,,thanks alot.

[SimulatedFilms]

i made this

[marathonspirit]

LMFAO yeah the Jesus christ thing...hilarious :D. This is JUST the type of project my husband would love to try for budget lighting. THanks a MILLION!!!

[ludraman]

For sure ! Very funny.

[cyberkaiwebdesign]

That has got to be the most simple solution for those popular lights. Can this mod work with replaced flourescent lighting also?

[assmunchower]

You can do it with fluorescent lighting, you just need a special dimmer made for the lights.

[LuvhandleR]

Great Tip!!!

[jcast015]

hahaha, i loved the random "Jesus Christ!" when you opened up the case.

[kent630]

Good idea! but doesn't it change the temperature of the lighting?

[lilboybelew12]

is there a certain type of dimmer you have to get?

[captainfury2007]

I like. This seriously helps. I have 3 halogen lights, and I have three options half power, full power, and off. This helps a lot.

[KatastrophicPruduqks]

I was originally going to do that with my Work Lights! Haven't gotten around to it yet!!! But that's perfect!

[nafango22]

only works with non-flourescent lights.

[Sickandwhy]

good job

[geterbra]

Way to complicated to me, hehe. Very informative though ^^ Keep 'em coming.

[skateAR6]

If you were to tell me I could do this for under 7.00 dollars I would say get a better mic! lol this is a very informative video thank you!!!

[fred30680]

That is some good information. I am going to try that with my green screen.Great tip thanks so much !

[loadbrecht]

I just watch your video and I think this might help out my poblems with green screen

I'm gonna check out your channel to see what else you got

[kingjowl]

thanks alot man i wanted to know if you could do this or not

[AmericanFabricator]

I've been trying to figure out what can be used as a light diffuser. At 500 watts each, the lights get too hot and will ignite parchment paper (which is ideal). Using a 500 watt halogen light for the green screen is great, but using the same light to light the foreground leaves too many shadows. I wonder what material can be used as a diffuser and not burn?

Nice tutorial. ★★★★★

[markapsolon]

I love the mini sets. I used one for the space ghost stuff. easy to build and fun. Nice dimmer vid!

[roadsidevideoproduct]

I'm going to buy the one that you have becouse it has more wattage.

Thank you somuch

[roadsidevideoproduct]

Wow great work I have DJ lights will thay work

for green screen

[aadailey]

Any light will work.

I've even used household lamps, with the shades removed.

The only thing thats important, is to get the screen lit as even, and as softly as you can.

This is why I installed dimmers on my lights.

Also...

I use LIME GREEN fabric for my green screen.

you can purchase this at wal-mart for about $2.00 a yard, and it works awesome!

The LIME color just glows when lit.

Even if your using a cheap lights like me!

I hope this helps you:)

[Ragnarokcrew]

I don't personally own much of this stuff, but I do a lot of work with a stage crew, often modifying or repairing old stuff. Not sure this will ever come up... but you never know.

And I too dislike that clear hard packaging - it's nigh on impossible to open, even with scissors.

[randalldowney11]

i haven't gotten into any special lighting yet, but this was great.

just curious... what were you drinking at the end?

[aadailey]

LOL... It was a job well done beer!

Thank you, I'm glad you liked this.

[Jwats96]

Hey, thanks, this helps ALOT!

[aadailey]

awesome!

I'm glad you liked this how-to video.

I went a little fast on some of the points, to keep the video moving.

remember to double check EVERYTHING before you plug in the lights.

and If you have any questions let me know

[Jwats96]

I will do that.