anyone uses portable light system?

**Jeff Liao** · 22-Apr-2002, 18:04

hi, does anyone use portable light system? any experience? i know there are three brand has portalbe system on the market. 1,Balcar B3......my most interested...because of huge output 2,Profoto 7B......most expensive.. 3,Hensel porty......best price, but low output..

please share your experience with me thanks Jeff

**Ellis Vener** · 22-Apr-2002, 18:23

The Hensel Porty,The Profoto 7B, the Broncolor Mobil, and the Comet PMT1200 are all 1200 w/s units and are all very close to each other when you measure the light output, with either the standard reflectors or when used with a softbox or umbrella. Balcar makes the Concept system which can be either be A/C (mains) or battery powered depending on which command module you get. it is iunique in that as you add heads you add power, all the way up to 6400 w/s when using 4 1600 w/s heads.

my experience has been wit hthe Porty and the PMT and of these two the Porty has been the more reliable.

**John Bailey** · 22-Apr-2002, 22:14

Dear Jeff

I have used the Balcar Miniblocs with some success. These require that you individually plug them into a conventional wall power source via a regular 110v plug, not a dedicated power supply. They have the ability to adjust power settings for light output and have modeling lights to give you an idea as to how your light will look on a subject. Also, they have electic eyes so all similar lights will go off at the same time without having to connect to each of them. They are a nice system. Perhaps you should go to Balcar's web site to learn more or maybe give a call to Calumet who are dealers for Balcar and one of their lighting experts could help further.

Best of luck,

John

**Ted Harris** · 24-Apr-2002, 11:15

Portable is in the eye of the beholder (or more importantly back of the bearer). All lighting systems take up space and weight. I use a Hensel monolight system both in the studio and in the field. For years I have felt more comfortable with each unit havign its own power supply hence the monolights. Typically I will carry two 500ws units, cords, etc.

**Ted Harris** · 24-Apr-2002, 11:16

Portable is in the eye of the beholder (or more importantly back of the bearer). All lighting systems take up space and weight. I use a Hensel monolight system both in the studio and in the field. For years I have felt more comfortable with each unit havign its own power supply hence the monolights. Typically I will carry two 500ws units, cords, etc.

If memory serves you can get a two light kit from Badger Graphics for under $900 and I believe they have similar Porty kits available.

**mark_1038** · 29-Apr-2002, 09:42

Hi Jeff, I actually use a couple of Norman 400B's, which are a little bit agricultural, but they are relatively cheap and they go forever and are really tough and lightweight... I have heard good things about the broncolour mobil packs, but for the price, you could buy 2 Normans. Hope this is helpful. regards, Mark..