Using pulsed Xenon lights in studio

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

Has anyone used pulsed Xenon lights for studio work? Is it safe or is the UV level output potentially dangerous?

I recently stripped a huge copy camera which was on its way to the dump. Aside from a few lenses and a massive bellows, I took home a set of four Lumax 1500w pulsed Xenon lights with cables, transformers (220v), exhaust vents, and a dimmer unit. I also saved a case of XOP15 bulbs from the dump. To use them I will have to run a high-amp 220v line to my studio.

Has anyone used pulsed Xenon lights for studio work, perhaps for alt-process portraiture? I know they are about 5400K, but I am concerned that their UV output is too high and might be dangerous. Does anybody know?

Thanks in advance.

[Drew Wiley]

Besides a completely bizarre color balance (spectral distribution) which would be tricky to tame you are correct in your hunch. You're going to get a lot of dangerous UV plus heat. Xenon wastes most of its energy on heat; that's why they're pulsed in short bursts. Nothing you want in someones eyes for sure!

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

Thanks Drew, that is what I was afraid of. Back to the dump they go I guess...

[Ash]

Wire them to your alarm system, can't be bad if they temporarily damage thieves

[Gary Beasley]

I wouldn't dump em, someone may want them to use for an alt process exposure lamp.

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

Ah that is a nice idea. I suppose I could also use them as a light source for the 8x10 enlarger which is sitting in my basement.

[Carsten Wolff]

or you can use them to clear your Aero-Ektar....:)

[Wally]

Isn't Xenon the gas used in _all_ flashes?

Don't handheld flashes use a yellow tinted reflector to help balance the color?

And don't they use a plastic sheet in front of the element to eat the uv?


// Wally

[Drew Wiley]

Wally, you're comparing dyanmite to a firecracker. Both are "pyrotechniques" but
with significantly different consequences.