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I know what you're thinking. By "intimate," I meant close-up lighting under difficult light situations--not necessarily for "intimate situations." (However, it can be used for that as well...)
As a New York City videographer--or guerrilla filmaker--it's sometimes difficult to have the necessary lighting. As a solution, I built this compact, portable device.
This light is a great way to get a really unique, soft light that works great as both a fill (in daylight) and aesthetically-pleasing primary light in lower-light situations.
The design is a nice alternative to what's on the market, as it gives a more even spread of light than some of the shoemount spot lights available--especially for close-up situations. This particular design is for the Canon GL-1; with some ingenuity, however, the design can be modified to fit many existing video cameras. (Plus it makes a great handheld fill light for still photos.)
I've tried to make this as simple as possible for anyone to make one of these lights. I've tried not too get too technical (to scare off the less-technically-inclined) or too basic (to bore the techies). I've created a resource page and parts list at the end. The build time, with minimal tools, is around 3-4 hours.
As a New York City videographer--or guerrilla filmaker--it's sometimes difficult to have the necessary lighting. As a solution, I built this compact, portable device.
This light is a great way to get a really unique, soft light that works great as both a fill (in daylight) and aesthetically-pleasing primary light in lower-light situations.
The design is a nice alternative to what's on the market, as it gives a more even spread of light than some of the shoemount spot lights available--especially for close-up situations. This particular design is for the Canon GL-1; with some ingenuity, however, the design can be modified to fit many existing video cameras. (Plus it makes a great handheld fill light for still photos.)
I've tried to make this as simple as possible for anyone to make one of these lights. I've tried not too get too technical (to scare off the less-technically-inclined) or too basic (to bore the techies). I've created a resource page and parts list at the end. The build time, with minimal tools, is around 3-4 hours.
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Signing UpStep 1Tools and supplies.
Tools needed:
Ruler or measuring tape
Saw (bandsaw preferred, but can be mitered by hand)
Drill press (preferred; drill okay as alternative)
Drill bits (size based on specifics of components you buy)
Screwdriver
Wire strippers
Soldering iron how to
Pliers
6-32 Tap (can be substituted with self-tapping screws)
Materials needed:
Four Luxeon K-2 LED's
Two 2-AA battery holders
Four AA batteries
Two 5-inch aluminum picture frame kits (Note: only 2 rails come in each kit)
Four 1 and 1/8th-inch makeup pots if you get 5 you'll have a carrying case for extra screens and diffusions.
Four 1/4-inch 8-32 barrel nuts
Diffusion
1" wire screens to be used if needed to cut down light in the diffusers
On/off switch
1.5-Ohm resistor
4 6-32 U style clips
4 6-32 x3/8 screws
Expendables:
Sandpaper (200-grit)
Red and black 22-gauge wire
JB Weld (I used the fast set JB-kwik)
Locktite
Solder & flux
Doublestick foam tape
Heat shrink or electrical tape
Optional materials:
Beleza Pura Cachaca
Basil
Pepper
Ice
Potato chips
Sour cream
Lipton onion soup mix
Pizza
For the record, by no means am I an expert when it comes to electronics. I know just enough to get by. With that in mind, please use caution when using my recommendations on wiring, resistors, heat sinking, etc. I am also open to advice, feedback or criticism (constructive or destructive).
However, when it comes to the booze, trust me.
Ruler or measuring tape
Saw (bandsaw preferred, but can be mitered by hand)
Drill press (preferred; drill okay as alternative)
Drill bits (size based on specifics of components you buy)
Screwdriver
Wire strippers
Soldering iron how to
Pliers
6-32 Tap (can be substituted with self-tapping screws)
Materials needed:
Four Luxeon K-2 LED's
Two 2-AA battery holders
Four AA batteries
Two 5-inch aluminum picture frame kits (Note: only 2 rails come in each kit)
Four 1 and 1/8th-inch makeup pots if you get 5 you'll have a carrying case for extra screens and diffusions.
Four 1/4-inch 8-32 barrel nuts
Diffusion
1" wire screens to be used if needed to cut down light in the diffusers
On/off switch
1.5-Ohm resistor
4 6-32 U style clips
4 6-32 x3/8 screws
Expendables:
Sandpaper (200-grit)
Red and black 22-gauge wire
JB Weld (I used the fast set JB-kwik)
Locktite
Solder & flux
Doublestick foam tape
Heat shrink or electrical tape
Optional materials:
Beleza Pura Cachaca
Basil
Pepper
Ice
Potato chips
Sour cream
Lipton onion soup mix
Pizza
For the record, by no means am I an expert when it comes to electronics. I know just enough to get by. With that in mind, please use caution when using my recommendations on wiring, resistors, heat sinking, etc. I am also open to advice, feedback or criticism (constructive or destructive).
However, when it comes to the booze, trust me.
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I'm curious how heavy your rig is -- the frame looks pretty bulky, to accomodate those batteries right inside itself. But it looks like your camera's not slipping into an Altoids tin any time soon, anyway. ;)