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Archive 2009 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

Justin Berman
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

Hey guys, I am hoping someone here has experience with these bad boys. I can't find any info on these two:

Profoto Small Fresnel - US$874
http://www.profoto.com/content/7/2/9/7/147e141e/100789_Fresnel_Small.jpg

Profoto Small Spot - US$1325
http://www.profoto.com/content/7/3/0/9/3af6ea30/100790_Spot_Small.jpg

Both mount directly onto the heads but I can't find info about them other than that.

It seems like the current alternative is the Profoto Multispot (much more expensive at US$3013).
http://www.profoto.com/content/2/9/4/8/44151de6/multispot.jpg

If anyone knows anything about the first two I would really appreciate it. A fresnel lens modifier is *MUCH* more attractive to me than buying a specialized head just for fresnel.

Oct 07, 2009 at 06:59 AM

f1.2
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

I have used the Broncolor equivalent for many years. They called it a Flooter, basically the same as the Profoto Small Fresnel. The unit could be focussed at different angles. Very nice modifier with precise control.
The spot projector is quite different, main use is to project gobo's or even transperancies. Again I had the Bron version, didn't get much use.
The multispot is a beefed up version of the small Fresnell, it's a unit with built in flash tube(s), most probably it has a
higher power rating.

Erik

Oct 07, 2009 at 09:34 AM

PeterBerressem
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

The first two are not focusable. The Fresnel is equiped with an iris shutter that alters the size of the light pool. Not bad if you wish exactly this but it's not a true Fresnel (as the Multispot).
Man, if the US and Europe were closer....there's a focusable Fresnel attachment similar to Elinchrom's S35 availible for just a € 300. Though it is mfg in China I don't know of any importer to the US. Here's a link to it: Walser Fresnel attachment
Larson's are the next in price AFAIK: Larson Fresnel

Oct 07, 2009 at 11:39 AM

Justin Berman
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

To be fair, the nature of the profoto allows you to focus almost any modifier you put on it by moving it up or down the lamp. Additionally, the small spot has the classic lever for diaphragm control.

Oct 07, 2009 at 12:13 PM

PeterBerressem
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

No, Justin. It is not focusable in the sense as all other modifiers, the iris is located right in front of the inserted head. (Profoto also doesn't claim any focusable property)
Also the high weight (2.5 kg) restricts a head from not being fully inserted for stability reasons. A focus facility is subject to the ProFresnel, speaking of attachments.

Oct 07, 2009 at 12:33 PM

Justin Berman
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

peter, I am a bit confused now:

According to Profoto:
Fresnel Small projects a clean, crisp beam of light, similar to that of natural sunlight. This compact, vented housing features a 15 cm (6'') glass fresnel lens, then adjustable beam-angle control and a tilting light stand mount. Filters can be attached to the front of the fresnel for additional lighting effects. It attaches to any Profoto flash head, without requiring an adapter, and is easily adjustable with its built-in iris control. It adjusts the diameter of it's projected beam and can also be used with all Profoto heads. Excellent for location interiors.

It sounds as if it can be focused and controlled though?

Oct 07, 2009 at 01:14 PM

f1.2
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

there's a focusable Fresnel attachment similar to Elinchrom's S35 availible for just a € 300

Thanks for that link Peter.
For € 300 its a bargain, even if it falls apart after a short time...
I got some other gear from Walser in the past, They have a nice range of BD's with grids for
very reasonable prices.

Erik

Oct 07, 2009 at 01:32 PM

PeterBerressem
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

Justin Berman wrote:
According to Profoto:
.. then adjustable beam-angle control...adjustable with its built-in iris control. It adjusts the diameter of it's projected beam...

It sounds as if it can be focused and controlled though?

The excerpts, describing what's in the box, are precise marketing lingo :-)

Many mfgs offer this attachment for their brands too, as e.g. Bowens and Multiblitz. As said it's viable to project a pool of light (even very small at short distance) but it requires some pretty large distance to light e.g. a full body. I'd estimate an output angle of 20 degrees at full open iris.

Oct 07, 2009 at 02:05 PM

Justin Berman
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

Peter,
My real goal is simply to project an extremely controlled spotlight, I use softboxes and large umbrellas when a pool of light is desired. Perhaps flagging a gridded or snooted head is a better solution?

Oct 07, 2009 at 02:33 PM

PeterBerressem
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

Well, how much of an area has the spot approximatly to cover and which max. lighting distance is possible? How much power do you need from this source? Soft or sharp shadows / fall-off to the edges?
I'd think of several suiting sources, as Magnum w/10° grid, a Fresnel spot, a Hensel's Super focus reflector (not shown on the US site: http://www.hensel.eu/SUPER%20FOCUS%20REFLEKTOR-DETAILS/22-de-78-223-de.html ) for softer edges.

Projection spots (ellipsoids) or even a standard head bounced via a simple large mirror for sharp edges....

Oct 07, 2009 at 03:24 PM

Justin Berman
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

Most of my work is up close beauty, and I'm looking to create things like:

http://www.bwgreyscale.com/adimg13/adv_7364.JPG

or even most like this:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_V7lJdZi_T9A/SLV46hVKOOI/AAAAAAAAGg8/URkrME597r8/s400/chanel+ad.jpg

Oct 07, 2009 at 03:39 PM

PeterBerressem
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Profoto Fresnels and Spotlights

They are obviously lit by an ellipsoidal spot, defocused for the unsharp edges. As the Profoto Zoom spot is crazy expensive ($9k about?) I'd try the 'Small Spot' attachment first in case you shoot with Profoto equipment. It's light circle is large enough for close-ups and it's equipped with shutter blades. (A frosted glass at the gobo level may have been added in the above shots).
Another option is to look at less expensive brands (Speedotron?) for such optical spot and rewire it to a Profoto pack.
addendum: even ebay is worth a look:

http://cgi.ebay.com/SPEEDOTRON-OPTIQUE-1542-4800-W-S-6-ZOOM-SPOT_W0QQitemZ220471282729QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPortable_Flashes_Strobes?hash=item33551ccc29

Oct 07, 2009 at 04:53 PM


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