Modern LED bulb as a modeling light in older Alien Bees, Photogenic etc.

[MIC37]

Please share your experiences about the usage of the modern LED bulbs as a modeling light in older Alien Bees, Photogenic etc. Is it OK or not? If it is OK, what are you using?

 

[Ed Shapiro]

Please share your experiences about the usage of the modern LED bulbs as a modeling light in older Alien Bees, Photogenic etc. Is it OK or not? If it is OK, what are you using?

Good question with many different answers. This is because the modelling lamps in different makes and models of electronic flash equipment vary quite a bit, even sometimes there are different modelling lamp specifications within the same brand. In order to find a LED substitution, you need to find out the voltage and wattage requirements as well as the physical dimensions and base size and type.

Older Photogenic units vary greatly. The Flashmaster series uses 12 Volt Automotive tail-light lamps. You can boost the output by using a similar lamp used in aircraft interior lighting- same base size but higher wattage. Inside the power pack, there's an adjustment to increase the output of the modelling lamps at a reduced lifespan. Perhas an automotive conversion lamp (LED) might fit.

The Poweligh series use 250-watt Quartz lamps with a bayonet-type base. I am no sure if a substitution will work with the tracking system

The Studiomaster series uses a special elongated 110 Volt modelling lamp with multiple filaments to accommodate tracking changes- might be difficult to substitute an LED and still use the tracking feature. Size matter because it has to fit with the envelope of the flash tube and the base is very specific with 2 contact points and the outside shell conducting the ground. The Photogenic Flashmster Umbrell head uses a 245-watt quartzite lamp and has a conversion box to conduct 110- 117 volts to the head.

Many of the old Buff lights have a standard screw base and someof the newer models feature LED modelling lamps but I am not sure if they are interchangeable. Check it out with Buff's customer service- they are usually extremely helpful. There are many LED lamps with standard screw-in bases but remember that the physical size of the envelope has to work with the flash tube configuration.

If you can make the conversions you will get more lumens per watt and your modelling lams may be brighter if you select a good wattage equivalent which can be advantageous when using softboxes, umbrellas and other light modifiers. LEDs will produce less heat and last longer than incandescent and quartz lamps.

Frankly, I have dozens of older unts- Speedotrons, Photogenic, Vanca, and a few others and have stayed withte 250-watt quartz lamps. I can use them as modelling lamps or if I need some continuous light, I just expose them for the modelling and set the camera for a tungsten or custom white balance,

If you are set on conversion, I would check with the manufacturer and make certain of the aforementioned specifications. Even if a lamp of the same physical size and base fits the socket, an LED of the wrong voltage can burn out, cause a fuse or circuit break in the unit to pop, or even cause an internal wiring or componant burnout or short circuit and damage the unit. If the manufacturer has a dedicated kit- that would be your best bet!

I hope this helps!

Ed Shapiro- Commercial and Portrait Photographer. Ottawa, Ontario Canada

 

[RDKirk]

Please share your experiences about the usage of the modern LED bulbs as a modeling light in older Alien Bees, Photogenic etc. Is it OK or not? If it is OK, what are you using?

It's going to be extremely specific with each type of flash, inasmuch as each one will have its own restrictions of base type and shape-to-fit. The tough thing right now is that LED units increase greatly in size as they get powerful enough to be modeling lights.

I have only recently found these 20 Watt LED bulbs that work pretty well in Alien Bees flash units. They are just bright enough to replace the150-watt incandescent bulbs native to Alien Bees (you need at least 20 Watts)...and they fit within the flash ring.

The major problem is that their length precludes their use in some flash modifiers like the beauty dish, and they will have a slightly different cast light effect in hard reflector modifiers. But they work fine in soft boxes and umbrellas. They are also non-dimmable, so they must always be used at full power. LEDs are being constantly updated, though. In another six months, there may be LEDs that fit and are more powerful, or shorter, or dimmable.

E26 LED Corn Light Bulb, 20W Wenscha T10 LED Light Bulbs 100Watt Equivalent 6000K Daylight White, 1500 Lumen Super Bright LED Desk Lamp Aquarium Pendant Light Tubular Bulb, Non-Dimmable, Pack of 4… - - Amazon.com

--
RDKirk
'TANSTAAFL: The only unbreakable rule in photography.'

 

[MIC37]

Please share your experiences about the usage of the modern LED bulbs as a modeling light in older Alien Bees, Photogenic etc. Is it OK or not? If it is OK, what are you using?

It's going to be extremely specific with each type of flash, inasmuch as each one will have its own restrictions of base type and shape-to-fit. The tough thing right now is that LED units increase greatly in size as they get powerful enough to be modeling lights.

I have only recently found these 20 Watt LED bulbs that work pretty well in Alien Bees flash units. They are just bright enough to replace the150-watt incandescent bulbs native to Alien Bees (you need at least 20 Watts)...and they fit within the flash ring.

The major problem is that their length precludes their use in some flash modifiers like the beauty dish, and they will have a slightly different cast light effect in hard reflector modifiers. But they work fine in soft boxes and umbrellas. They are also non-dimmable, so they must always be used at full power. LEDs are being constantly updated, though. In another six months, there may be LEDs that fit and are more powerful, or shorter, or dimmable.

E26 LED Corn Light Bulb, 20W Wenscha T10 LED Light Bulbs 100Watt Equivalent 6000K Daylight White, 1500 Lumen Super Bright LED Desk Lamp Aquarium Pendant Light Tubular Bulb, Non-Dimmable, Pack of 4… - - Amazon.com

Thanks for the response. I think these will be a bit better:

YIIZON E26 LED Corn Bulbs 15W, Candelabra LED Light Bulbs, 6000K Daylight White, 1500LM, 120W Incandescent Equivalent, Edison Screw LED Light Bulbs Non-dimmable,4-Pack - Amazon.com

YIIZON E26 LED Corn Bulbs 15W, Candelabra LED Light Bulbs, 6000K Daylight White, 1500LM, 120W Incandescent Equivalent, Edison Screw LED Light Bulbs Non-dimmable,4-Pack - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

[MIC37]

Please share your experiences about the usage of the modern LED bulbs as a modeling light in older Alien Bees, Photogenic etc. Is it OK or not? If it is OK, what are you using?

Good question with many different answers. This is because the modelling lamps in different makes and models of electronic flash equipment vary quite a bit, even sometimes there are different modelling lamp specifications within the same brand. In order to find a LED substitution, you need to find out the voltage and wattage requirements as well as the physical dimensions and base size and type.

Older Photogenic units vary greatly. The Flashmaster series uses 12 Volt Automotive tail-light lamps. You can boost the output by using a similar lamp used in aircraft interior lighting- same base size but higher wattage. Inside the power pack, there's an adjustment to increase the output of the modelling lamps at a reduced lifespan. Perhas an automotive conversion lamp (LED) might fit.

The Poweligh series use 250-watt Quartz lamps with a bayonet-type base. I am no sure if a substitution will work with the tracking system

The Studiomaster series uses a special elongated 110 Volt modelling lamp with multiple filaments to accommodate tracking changes- might be difficult to substitute an LED and still use the tracking feature. Size matter because it has to fit with the envelope of the flash tube and the base is very specific with 2 contact points and the outside shell conducting the ground. The Photogenic Flashmster Umbrell head uses a 245-watt quartzite lamp and has a conversion box to conduct 110- 117 volts to the head.

Many of the old Buff lights have a standard screw base and someof the newer models feature LED modelling lamps but I am not sure if they are interchangeable. Check it out with Buff's customer service- they are usually extremely helpful. There are many LED lamps with standard screw-in bases but remember that the physical size of the envelope has to work with the flash tube configuration.

If you can make the conversions you will get more lumens per watt and your modelling lams may be brighter if you select a good wattage equivalent which can be advantageous when using softboxes, umbrellas and other light modifiers. LEDs will produce less heat and last longer than incandescent and quartz lamps.

Frankly, I have dozens of older unts- Speedotrons, Photogenic, Vanca, and a few others and have stayed withte 250-watt quartz lamps. I can use them as modelling lamps or if I need some continuous light, I just expose them for the modelling and set the camera for a tungsten or custom white balance,

If you are set on conversion, I would check with the manufacturer and make certain of the aforementioned specifications. Even if a lamp of the same physical size and base fits the socket, an LED of the wrong voltage can burn out, cause a fuse or circuit break in the unit to pop, or even cause an internal wiring or componant burnout or short circuit and damage the unit. If the manufacturer has a dedicated kit- that would be your best bet!

I hope this helps!

Ed Shapiro- Commercial and Portrait Photographer. Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Thanks for the response. I forgot that Photogenic does not use E26 / E27 socket.

 

[RDKirk]

Please share your experiences about the usage of the modern LED bulbs as a modeling light in older Alien Bees, Photogenic etc. Is it OK or not? If it is OK, what are you using?

It's going to be extremely specific with each type of flash, inasmuch as each one will have its own restrictions of base type and shape-to-fit. The tough thing right now is that LED units increase greatly in size as they get powerful enough to be modeling lights.

I have only recently found these 20 Watt LED bulbs that work pretty well in Alien Bees flash units. They are just bright enough to replace the150-watt incandescent bulbs native to Alien Bees (you need at least 20 Watts)...and they fit within the flash ring.

The major problem is that their length precludes their use in some flash modifiers like the beauty dish, and they will have a slightly different cast light effect in hard reflector modifiers. But they work fine in soft boxes and umbrellas. They are also non-dimmable, so they must always be used at full power. LEDs are being constantly updated, though. In another six months, there may be LEDs that fit and are more powerful, or shorter, or dimmable.

E26 LED Corn Light Bulb, 20W Wenscha T10 LED Light Bulbs 100Watt Equivalent 6000K Daylight White, 1500 Lumen Super Bright LED Desk Lamp Aquarium Pendant Light Tubular Bulb, Non-Dimmable, Pack of 4… - - Amazon.com

Thanks for the response. I think these will be a bit better:

https://www.amazon.com/Candelabra-D...words=E26+LED+Corn&qid=1625783071&s=hi&sr=1-7

Those are the same ones I showed you. At least in my brower, the two links point to the same produce.

 

[MIC37]

Please share your experiences about the usage of the modern LED bulbs as a modeling light in older Alien Bees, Photogenic etc. Is it OK or not? If it is OK, what are you using?

It's going to be extremely specific with each type of flash, inasmuch as each one will have its own restrictions of base type and shape-to-fit. The tough thing right now is that LED units increase greatly in size as they get powerful enough to be modeling lights.

I have only recently found these 20 Watt LED bulbs that work pretty well in Alien Bees flash units. They are just bright enough to replace the150-watt incandescent bulbs native to Alien Bees (you need at least 20 Watts)...and they fit within the flash ring.

The major problem is that their length precludes their use in some flash modifiers like the beauty dish, and they will have a slightly different cast light effect in hard reflector modifiers. But they work fine in soft boxes and umbrellas. They are also non-dimmable, so they must always be used at full power. LEDs are being constantly updated, though. In another six months, there may be LEDs that fit and are more powerful, or shorter, or dimmable.

E26 LED Corn Light Bulb, 20W Wenscha T10 LED Light Bulbs 100Watt Equivalent 6000K Daylight White, 1500 Lumen Super Bright LED Desk Lamp Aquarium Pendant Light Tubular Bulb, Non-Dimmable, Pack of 4… - - Amazon.com

Thanks for the response. I think these will be a bit better:

https://www.amazon.com/Candelabra-D...words=E26+LED+Corn&qid=1625783071&s=hi&sr=1-7

Those are the same ones I showed you. At least in my brower, the two links point to the same produce.

The lamp you found is 160mm. The lamp in the link I've found is 101mm.

 

[RDKirk]

Please share your experiences about the usage of the modern LED bulbs as a modeling light in older Alien Bees, Photogenic etc. Is it OK or not? If it is OK, what are you using?

It's going to be extremely specific with each type of flash, inasmuch as each one will have its own restrictions of base type and shape-to-fit. The tough thing right now is that LED units increase greatly in size as they get powerful enough to be modeling lights.

I have only recently found these 20 Watt LED bulbs that work pretty well in Alien Bees flash units. They are just bright enough to replace the150-watt incandescent bulbs native to Alien Bees (you need at least 20 Watts)...and they fit within the flash ring.

The major problem is that their length precludes their use in some flash modifiers like the beauty dish, and they will have a slightly different cast light effect in hard reflector modifiers. But they work fine in soft boxes and umbrellas. They are also non-dimmable, so they must always be used at full power. LEDs are being constantly updated, though. In another six months, there may be LEDs that fit and are more powerful, or shorter, or dimmable.

E26 LED Corn Light Bulb, 20W Wenscha T10 LED Light Bulbs 100Watt Equivalent 6000K Daylight White, 1500 Lumen Super Bright LED Desk Lamp Aquarium Pendant Light Tubular Bulb, Non-Dimmable, Pack of 4… - - Amazon.com

Thanks for the response. I think these will be a bit better:

https://www.amazon.com/Candelabra-D...words=E26+LED+Corn&qid=1625783071&s=hi&sr=1-7

Those are the same ones I showed you. At least in my brower, the two links point to the same produce.

The lamp you found is 160mm. The lamp in the link I've found is 101mm.

Be sure to match the wattage...shorter tubes are probably less wattage, equivalent to 100 incandescent Watts instead of 150 incandescent Watts. Twenty LED Watts is what it takes to equate to 150 incandescent Watts.

Also, be careful of the diameter of the base. The ones I ordered fit within the flash tube ring. I've ordered others that were close--but didn't quite fit.

 

[MIC37]

Please share your experiences about the usage of the modern LED bulbs as a modeling light in older Alien Bees, Photogenic etc. Is it OK or not? If it is OK, what are you using?

It's going to be extremely specific with each type of flash, inasmuch as each one will have its own restrictions of base type and shape-to-fit. The tough thing right now is that LED units increase greatly in size as they get powerful enough to be modeling lights.

I have only recently found these 20 Watt LED bulbs that work pretty well in Alien Bees flash units. They are just bright enough to replace the150-watt incandescent bulbs native to Alien Bees (you need at least 20 Watts)...and they fit within the flash ring.

The major problem is that their length precludes their use in some flash modifiers like the beauty dish, and they will have a slightly different cast light effect in hard reflector modifiers. But they work fine in soft boxes and umbrellas. They are also non-dimmable, so they must always be used at full power. LEDs are being constantly updated, though. In another six months, there may be LEDs that fit and are more powerful, or shorter, or dimmable.

E26 LED Corn Light Bulb, 20W Wenscha T10 LED Light Bulbs 100Watt Equivalent 6000K Daylight White, 1500 Lumen Super Bright LED Desk Lamp Aquarium Pendant Light Tubular Bulb, Non-Dimmable, Pack of 4… - - Amazon.com

Thanks for the response. I think these will be a bit better:

https://www.amazon.com/Candelabra-D...words=E26+LED+Corn&qid=1625783071&s=hi&sr=1-7

Those are the same ones I showed you. At least in my brower, the two links point to the same produce.

The lamp you found is 160mm. The lamp in the link I've found is 101mm.

Be sure to match the wattage...shorter tubes are probably less wattage, equivalent to 100 incandescent Watts instead of 150 incandescent Watts. Twenty LED Watts is what it takes to equate to 150 incandescent Watts.

Also, be careful of the diameter of the base. The ones I ordered fit within the flash tube ring. I've ordered others that were close--but didn't quite fit.

Thanks for clarifications. It is strange that any of the already established brands manufacturers do not offer LED modeling lamps as the replacement for the old type of the modeling lamps.

 

[MIC37]

Found today:

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[rumple]

Please share your experiences about the usage of the modern LED bulbs as a modeling light in older Alien Bees,

From the Buff website:

Paul C. Buff, Inc. | FAQ's - Flash Units (paulcbuff.com)

"LED bulbs may be used in AlienBees™ and White Lightning™ units. We recommend the GE “Energy Smart” (11W / 60W equivalent or lower) LED bulb. Please note LED bulbs may not dim accurately with the slider on White Lightning™ units or when in TRACK mode on AlienBees™ units. When choosing an LED for the AlienBees™ or White Lightning™, make sure to find one that sits as far away from the flashtube as possible. Since LED bulbs are made up of a lot of plastic parts, the heat emitted from the flashtube, when firing, may eventually melt those LED parts (especially when fired for long durations of time during one session). Unfortunately, we are not aware of an LED bulb that works properly with the Einstein™ unit at this time."

Good luck. I ended up just 'up'grading some strobes `to Digibees with their good built-in LED.

 

[MIC37]

Please share your experiences about the usage of the modern LED bulbs as a modeling light in older Alien Bees,

From the Buff website:

Paul C. Buff, Inc. | FAQ's - Flash Units (paulcbuff.com)

"LED bulbs may be used in AlienBees™ and White Lightning™ units. We recommend the GE “Energy Smart” (11W / 60W equivalent or lower) LED bulb. Please note LED bulbs may not dim accurately with the slider on White Lightning™ units or when in TRACK mode on AlienBees™ units. When choosing an LED for the AlienBees™ or White Lightning™, make sure to find one that sits as far away from the flashtube as possible. Since LED bulbs are made up of a lot of plastic parts, the heat emitted from the flashtube, when firing, may eventually melt those LED parts (especially when fired for long durations of time during one session). Unfortunately, we are not aware of an LED bulb that works properly with the Einstein™ unit at this time."

Good luck. I ended up just 'up'grading some strobes `to Digibees with their good built-in LED.

Thanks!

 

[Claudio S]

I remember I asked that question to a Paul C. Buff sales representative and she said that I had to be careful with the material the LED bulb is made because the flash tube gets hot like hell so if it is plastic it will melt the buld like butter and if you take a look at the incandescent bulb that comes with the flash, it has a ceramic base and a thick glass, so I decided not to move forward with the experiment... Did anybody finally tried the LED bulb and did a whole phot shoot with it without melting the thing down?

--
Claudio Sergiacomo
Photographer / Digital Artist
http://www.sergiacomophoto.com