modelling lamps

[nickt]

Is it possible to use a normal lamp as a modelling lamp. I've just bought an Interfit studio kit and one of the modelling lamps has blown. Jessops are getting me a new lamp, but I thought if I can get a normal 100w ses lamp, will it do?

Nick

[Malcolm1938]

The colour temperature will be different and may cause White Balance problems. I worked for many years using 150W lamps but that was with B&W Film. You could try using ordinary bulbs in both lamps and making an adjustment for white balance.
Malcolm

[nickt]

I thought the colour temperature might have been a problem. I'll wait 'till Jessops gets the lamp in. Thanks for your reply.

Nick

[Jonathan]

Dunno really - never tried it.

But although the whibal will be different it shouldn't cause a problem.  Either the lights will shut off the modelling lamps when the flash goes off (some do) or they will be so insignificant they won't make a difference.

E.g. set up your flash ready to take a picture and make sure it's decently exposed by the flash.  Turn flash off and modelling lights on, leave the exposure the same and take a picture.  What do you see....?

[Malcolm1938]

Silly me - I forgot about the flash and thought the exposure was being made using the lamps.  Of course it would make no difference if you are using the highest sync speed on your camera and exposing with flash. It's worth a try anyway because the bulb will be cheaper. You may find that the dimming of the modelling lamp is not consistent when using lower power and most longlife type bulbs dont work properly with dimming circuits.

Malcolm

[nickt]

The lamps do add to the exposure. I might just get some lamps and see what happens. Thanks for your replies.

Nick