Tiffen Lowel Rifa eXchange User Manual

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eneral Warnings
G
The Lowel Rifa eX is a profes­sional lighting instrument. Read these instructions and lamp manufacturer’s warnings carefully before operating.
n Do not pull power cable
to open fixture.
n Always operate with diffuser
safety panel in place.
n Not for household use,
use only for photographic lighting (film; video; imaging) purposes.
n When setting Rifa eX up
always orient it with Warning Label on top.
n Do not leave Rifa eX
unattended.
n Always unplug unit and allow it to cool before lamping, changing lampheads, storing. n Do not use more than one
diffuser, nor any diffuser other than the Lowel Rifa diffuser supplied.
n Make certain that lamp
voltage matches power source voltage. The units use lamps of different voltages (example: never connect a 120 volt lamp to a 230 volt source, or a Rifa-44-EX with 12 or 30 volt lamp to any higher voltage).
n Do not exceed maximum
rated wattage for unit.
n Make certain to attach
appropriate approved power cable for voltage being used.
n Do not interfere with unit’s
ventilation.
n Never touch hot parts. n Units such as this emit
considerable light and heat, if not properly used could be dangerous.
n Avoid placing unit too close
to faces, delicate objects or flammable materials.
n Do not use near
standing water or in damp locations.
n When mounting light over­head use Safety Cables. n Unplug before cleaning
material. Handle reflector with care. Clean with a damp cloth only, as soap or chemical cleaners may damage material. Do not operate while fixture is damp.
n Do not fold Diffuser when storing. Roll it up onto supplied
cardboard tube to prevent cracking.
Lamp Warnings
n Always unplug unit and allow it to cool before lamping, changing lampheads, storing.
n Avoid touching glass with bare fingers. Insert lamps carefully to avoid breaking. Lamps must be pressed firmly and fully into socket. Not doing so will cause socket dam­age and shortened lamp life.
n Never exceed maximum
rated wattage of unit.
n Rifa-44EX socket is designed
to accept lamps with 2 different pin configurations. Use extra caution
when installing & removing lamps, contacts may be stiff at first.
Lowel Rifa®eXchange®Instructions
Lowel Rifa eXchange Models
Rifa®eX 44 Rifa®eX 55 Rifa®eX 66 Rifa®eX 88
Code: LC-44EX
Front size: 16 x 16" (40 x 40 cm) Collapsed length: 21" (53 cm) Max. wattage: 300 Max. amperage: 2.5 at 120v Weight: 2.1 lbs (1 kg)
w/ 4' captive cable U.S. Patents: 459645, 7081001, 7153153
Supplied Lamphead: TH-X300
It is not necessary to remove supplied Standard Lamphead when storing or transporting Rifa eX. Remove only to exchange for accessory lampheads.
LC-44EX
with 120v, 200w, 3200°K, FVL lamp
Lamp Code Volts Watts °K Avg Life FC(lux) 5' FC(lux) 10' LC-44EX – Maximum 300w
JCV14.5-50WC 12/14 50 3200 100 hr 7 (80) 2 (22) GCC 12 100 3200 100 hr 8 (81) 2 (22) GCB 30 200 3200 100 hr 20 (220) 5 (58) FSH 120 125 3200 100 hr 15 (166) 4 (46) FVM 120 105 3200 250 hr 14 (148) 4 (40) FVL** 120 200 3200 200 hr 33 (356) 9 (100) GCA 120 250 3200 100 hr 39 (418) 10 (111) CP/96* 120 300 3400 75 hr 49 (532) 14 (147) GLF/P44 230 235 3200 100 hr 35 (381) 9 (102) CP/97* 230 300 3200 75 hr 54 (582) 15 (159)
*Different lamp base, Rifa-44EX supplied standard
lamphead socket accepts this base.
NOTE: Above lamps are for Standard lampheads as supplied with models of Rifa eX System and pre-2007 models of Rifa-lite. See instructions for Accessory Lampheads or www.lowel.com for information on use and different lamp options.
Code: LC-55EX
Front size: 21 x 21" (53 x 53 cm) Collapsed length: 24" (61 cm) Max. wattage: 500 Max. amperage: 4.2 at 120v Weight: 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg)
w/ 4' captive cable U.S. Patents: 459645, 7081001, 7153153
Supplied Lamphead: TH-X1000
Beam Angles — points at which intensity drops to 50% of maximum
LC-55EX
with 120v, 500w, 3200°K, EHC lamp
Code: LC-66EX
Front size: 25 x 25" (63.5 x 63.5 cm)
w/ 4' captive cable U.S. Patents: 459645, 7081001, 7153153
Supplied Lamphead: TH-X1000
LC-66EX
with 120v, 750w, 3200°K, EHF lamp
Code: LC-88EX
Front size: 32 x 32" (81 x 81 cm) Collapsed length: 34" (86 cm) Max. wattage: 1000 Max. amperage: 8.3 at 120v Weight: 4.5 lbs (2 kg)
w/ 4' capt. cable U.S. Patents: 459645, 7081001, 7153153
Supplied Lamphead: TH-X1000
LC-88EX
with 120v, 1000w, 3200°K, FEL lamp
Lamp/Beam Data
Lamp Code Volts Watts °K Avg Life FC(lux) 5' FC(lux)10' LC-55EX – Maximum 500w
EHC 120 500 3200 300 hr 72 (778) 19 (209) EHD 120 500 3000 2000 hr 69 (745) 18 (198) JCV 220V-500WBM 220 500 3000 2000 hr 78 (846) 21 (228) JCV 240V-500WBM 240 500 3000 2000 hr 66 (710) 17 (188)
LC-66EX – Maximum 750w (May also use lamps for LC-55EX)
EHF 120 750 3200 300 hr 109 (1180) 30 (326) EHG 120 750 3000 2000 hr 89 (962) 24 (262) FKR/240 240 650 3200 300 hr 92 (990) 25 (270)
LC-88EX – Maximum 1000w (May also use lamps for LC-66EX)
FEL 120 1000 3200 300 hr 195 (2110) 56 (608) FEP 240 1000 3200 150 hr 160 (1730) 45 (491)
FEP/240 240 1000 3200 150 hr 148 (1598) 40 (432)
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Lowel Rifa®eXchange®Instructions
Setting up Rifa eX
Warning: Do not pull power cable to open light. Doing so may dam-
age the cable & fixture. Make sure fixture is unplugged before setup.
n Remove the Rifa eX unit from its sleeve and mount and lock on suitable stand. n Release tilt lock handle, tilt light to horizontal, relock tilt handle, release the Velcro strap around the folded assembly. n Reaffix the strap to itself. Unfurl Rifa-lite reflector mate­rial until assembly loosens. n Loosen thumbscrew locat­ed on back end of fixture. n While holding the assem­bly base push the socket/lamp cage assembly (avoid touch­ing lamp) inward until the
assembly “click-locks” into position. n Tighten thumbscrew clock­wise to lock fixture open. Warning: The fixture must be locked open before using, failure to do so may cause the fixture to close during opera­tion, damaging the fixture. Note: Make sure tilt lock handle is on left side when viewed from rear, this will cause lock to tighten if light droops forward on stand. n Orient on stand with one leg extending straight out under Rifa for best balance.
n For increased balance, use Rifa Balance Bar accessory. n Attach diffuser panel by placing it over the front of the light inserting the corner pins of the reflector frame through the grommets of the diffuser, securing it with Velcro strips located around the reflector. n Never use more than one diffuser at a time.
Always operate Rifa-lite with diffuser panel in place.
n Attach 16' extending (switched) power cord to captive cable IEC connector.
eXchange™System Accessory Lampheads (See eXchange System Lamphead Instructions Sheet for more information)
Lowel Rifa eX uses quick-swapping accessory lampheads of the eXchange System, to increase versatility in lamps & output. It is not necessary to remove supplied Standard Lamphead when storing or transporting Rifa eX.
n To remove standard (supplied) lamphead, make sure fixture is unplugged & cool to touch. With diffuser removed, fixture open, on
TH-X1000 Standard lamphead supplied with Rifa eX 55, 66, & 88. Can not be used with Rifa eX 44.
TH-X300
stand, hold rear fixture stem, and push in & twist lamphead to release.
FLO-X1
FLO-X3
1
n Use same method to install accessory head, taking note of proper bayonet pin / cutout alignment.
2 3
Tilt lock handle
Stand lock
Stand orientation viewed from behind
FLO-X5
4
Thumbscrew
Stand mounting
bracket
For all Rifa eX models
Standard lamphead that is supplied with the Rifa eX 44. It will also fit the other models of Rifa eX as an accessory head, allowing use of lower wattage, as well as some lower voltage DC powered, lamps.
Wattage / Voltage
125 - 300W at 120V 235 - 300W at 240V 50 - 100W at 12V 200W at 30V
For all Rifa eX models
This accessory lamphead is designed to take screw-thread edison base (normal household socket) daylight fluorescent lamps. It will also allow use of low wattage incandescent lamps (27W or less)
Wattage / Voltage Model
27W or 80W @ 120/240V, 65W @ 120V Rifa eX 88
27W at 120/240V or 65W at 120V Rifa eX 66
27W at 120/240V Rifa eX 55
27W at 120/240V Rifa eX 44
For all Rifa eX models
This accessory lamphead is designed to take screw-thread edison base (normal household socket) daylight fluorescent lamps, switched separately.
Wattage / Voltage Model
27W or 80W @ 120/240V, 65W @ 120V Rifa eX 88
27W or 80W @ 120/240V, 65W @ 120V Rifa eX 66
27W or 80W @ 120/240V, 65W @ 120V Rifa eX 55
27W at 120/240V Rifa eX 44
Attaching Soft Egg Crates Packing & Storing Rifa eX
Soft Fabric Egg Crates are a valuable accessory for controlling the aprox­imately 80˚beam angle of Rifa, which can cause unintended light spill in other areas of your shot. They can also help pre­vent a moving subject from becoming overlit as they approach the light. Egg Crates are available in 3 different dispersion angles (30, 40 & 50 degree) for each model of Rifa. Egg Crates will lower output of Rifa eX.
n 1 Unfold Egg Crate accessory. With the diffuser already attached, place the Soft Egg Crate over the front of the light, inserting the corner pins of the reflector frame into the metal tube sockets located in the egg crate corners. n 2 Secure the egg crate to the body of the Rifa with Velcro strips located around the edge of the reflector housing.
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Unplug light and allow to cool for at least five minutes before disassembly.
n Detach Soft Egg Crate (if used) and front diffuser. To prevent damage to the diffuser, wrap material around tube and place in pocket of light storage sleeve. n Accessory flourescent lampheads & lamps will prevent Rifa eX from collapsing fully. Remove lamps and head before collapsing. Place supplied protective caps on head & post.
Rifa eX Beam Angles with Soft Egg Crates (Beam Angle = Point at which intensity drops to 50% of maximum)
Rifa alone - 75° Rifa with 30° Egg CrateRifa with 40° Egg CrateRifa with 50° Egg Crate
For Rifa eX 88 only
Uses screw-thread edison base lamps. Designed for maximum output from Rifa eX 88, especially when used with the 80w lamp. Use with Rifa Balance Bar for improved balance on stand.
Wattage / Voltage Model
27W or 80W @ 120/240V, 65W @ 120V Rifa eX 88
n Hold stand mounting bracket, loosen thumbscrew on mounting arm assembly and push shaft forward until frame has collapsed. n Smooth reflector material, and secure with Velcro strap, tilt light down, remove unit from light stand and place in sleeve.
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The Rifa eX is a dedicated soft light,
3:009:00
C
B
A
Camera
B
3:009:00
A
Camera
with quick set-up and beautiful output. With a little practice, good results are easy to achieve.
First, a brief overview...
Soft light is soft because the size of its source is large when compared to the size of the sub­ject being lit. The larger the ratio of light source size to subject size, the softer the light. If you stand outside on an overcast day, you will have very little shadow because the size of the source (the whole sky) is so much larger than you are.
Hard light is hard because the size of
its source is small when compared to the sub­ject being lit. In a fixture such as a Pro-light, the physical size of the source is much smaller. This makes the light very directional and as a result, the shadows it throws are sharper. A clear sunny day will result in sharper shadows because of the smaller (harder) source.
Distance from source to object
well. The further away from the subject the source is, the smaller the source appears to be & therefore the harder its shadows.
becomes a factor in sharpness as
Rifa eX Models
There are 4 models of Rifa, with front diffusers in sizes of
• 16 x 16" (Rifa 44-EX)
• 21 x 21" (Rifa 55-EX)
• 25 x 25" (Rifa 66-EX)
• 32 x 32" (Rifa 88-EX) So logically, at same distance, the 88 will be softest of all because its source (the lit diffuser) is the largest.
Rifa eX 55, 66, & 88 all use the same standard lamphead & socket.
While you should never use higher wattage lamps than the maximum recommended for each model, you can use lower wattage lamps in the larger models for increased softness at the same wattage / output.
For example, using the 500 watt EHC lamp in the Rifa eX 55 at a distance of 5 feet will give you 72 foot candles of light with the amount of softness from a 24 square inch source, yet using the same 500 watt EHC lamp in the Rifa 88 from a distance of 5 feet, will give you the aprox. the same 72 foot candles of light, yet a greater amount of softness because its now coming from a larger 32 square inch source.
The TH-X300 Accessory Lamphead can quick­ly swap to allow greater use of lower wattage lamps in larger sized Rifa’s, to reduce output while retaining softness. It is the supplied standard lamphead for Rifa eX 44
Postitioning the Rifa
Soft light falls off in output strength much more quickly than a hard source of identical wattage, because the soft source is so much larger in size (light is dispersed in a wider direction). As a result, soft sources, like Rifa are designed to be used fairly close to the sub­ject. This can create problems of light spill on the areas behind the subject. The first step in minimizing background spill is to move the subject away from walls, by 6 feet or so if pos­sible. This will allow a light placed on a stand higher than the subject to fall off towards the floor, before hitting the wall.
Lowel Rifa®eXchange®Instructions
n Introduction to Rifa eX for the New Pro
A
Using Fabric Egg Crates
Another situation that can arise as a result of using soft sources close to the subject is fluc­tuation in exposure level that can occur if the subject moves back & forth in relation to the light source. With the source being so close, its effect can be noticable in the camera. An easy solution to this, which can also help reduce the light spill described previously, is to add an accessory fabric egg crate to the front of the light. Soft fabric egg crates are available in different degrees of dispersion, so where the Rifa's have an output that will cast light in almost 180 degrees (with the strongest portion of the output being in the center 70- 75 degrees), the egg crates will trim this to either 30, 40 or 50 degrees, depending on the model of egg crate used. They do a great job of pre­venting the subject from "burning up" if they happen to get too close to the light source for your exposure.
Mixing with daylight
For setups when you are shooting in a room that also has windows, where the desire is to mix the output of the Rifa with daylight, there are 2 options. First, using Accessory eXchange Lampheads, you have the option of removing the supplied tungsten-halogen lamphead and swapping to one of several heads that take screw-threaded daylight fluorescent lamps. Use only profes­sional photography lamps, such as our 'On­Color' 80w, not hardware store specials. They may be "daylight" but their low Color Rendering Index will mean poor color rendtiton across the light spectrum. See eXchange System Lamphead Instructions Sheet or lowel.com for more information.
The second option involves using some level of daylight color correction gel. The goal is to match the warmer 3200k tungsten lamp in the Rifa, with the cooler daylight color (5000­6500k). Because daylight can vary in color, depending on whether its direct sun, overcast clouds, blue sky or any combination of the above, you will need to choose either 1/4, 1/2 or full day blue to most closely match the Rifa to the daylight in the room. Rifa Day Blue Gels are custom cut to fit the Rifa's. They are sized to cover the front diffuser with enough excess to allow them to be clipped to the velcro pock­ets on the side of the light. You can use clothespins, Lowel Gel-jawz, or any small spring loaded clip.
These are just some starting suggestions.
For an in-depth understanding of the creative decisions involved in the art of lighting, we suggest a visit to Lowel's EDU section at lowel.com. You will find an in-depth
lesson on using the eXchange lamp­heads of Rifa eX. .
www.lowel.com
Basic Starter Setups using Rifa eX
Setup 1
Soft source close = Softest shadow
Same soft source further back =
Less soft shadow
Setup 2
Directional Sources have smaller surfaces
Direct (small) source = Hardest shadows
1 Rifa, 1 Tota-light
To light an interview subject with the Rifa eX alone, You can place the light at a 45º angle, 2-3 feet higher than the subject, with the light tilted down towards the subject. From there, you can arc the angle of the Rifa-lite out in either direction from 6:00 (at camera - this will give the most even lighting) to either 3:00 or 9:00, depending on how much dramatic contrast & fall off you want in your shot. Place the broad throw Tota so it lights the background without spilling onto the subject.
A Rifa eX with 250 - 500W lampSetup Keys: B Pro-light with 100 - 250W lamp C Tota-light with 300 - 500W lamp
1 Rifa, 1 Pro-light, 1 Tota-light
To light an interview subject with 1 Rifa eX and 1 Pro-light (250w focusable hard source), try using the Pro-light as a back light to give the subject separation from the background. Vary the angle to the subject while keeping the 2 lights facing each other for increased dramatic results. As you approach a 9:00 / 3:00 placement, the Pro becomes a hard / dramatic key, as the Rifa becomes soft fill. Note: watch for lens flare from the back light (Pro). Place the broad throw Tota so it lights the background without spilling onto the subject.
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Lowel Rifa®eXchange®Accessories
Male
Female
16'
MaleFemale
16'
MaleFemale
16'
Female Male
5'
Male
Female
10'
Female Male
1'
Female Male
1'
Light Controls
Replacement Diffusers
Standard light diffuser replacements for all 4 models of Rifa. Diffuser must always be used to pro­tect against lamp explosion.
For LC-44EX
Code: LC-44D Size: 16 x 16" (40 x 40 cm)
For LC-55EX
Code: LC-55D Size: 21 x 21" (53.3 x 53.3 cm)
For LC-66EX
Code: LC-66D Size: 25 x 25" (66 x 66 cm
For LC-88EX
Code: LC-88D Size: 32 x 32" (81.3 x 81.3 cm)
Rifa Daylight Gel Sets
For correcting Rifas to mix with varying strengths of daylight, they attach to Rifa’s velcro pockets with clothespins.
Each set contains 3 sheets:
Day Blue; 1/2 Blue; & 1/4 Blue (1 sheet each).
For LC-44EX
Code: LC-47 Size: 23 x 16" (58.4 x 40.6 cm)
For LC-55EX
Code: LC-57 Size: 29 x 22" (73.7 x 56 cm)
For LC-66EX
Code: LC-67 Size: 33 x 26" (84 x 66 cm)
For LC-88EX
Code: LC-87 Size: 39 x 32" (99 x 81.3 cm)
Soft Egg Crates
For better light control. Each Egg Crate attaches quickly and afterwards folds up to be stored in its own small light-weight bag.
30° x 30° Egg Crate
Soft Egg Crate with 30° dispersion angle.
30° Egg Crate for LC-44EX
Code: LC-44EC/30 Weight: 8 oz (228 g)
30° Egg Crate for LC-55EX
Code: LC-55EC/30 Weight: 9.5 oz (266 g)
30° Egg Crate for LC-66EX
Code: LC-66EC/30 Weight: 12.5 oz (345 g)
30° Egg Crate for LC-88EX
Code: LC-88EC/30 Weight: 1 lb (448 g)
40° x 40° Egg Crate
Soft Egg Crate with 40° dispersion angle.
40° Egg Crate for LC-44EX
Code: LC-44EC/40
40° Egg Crate for LC-55EX
Code: LC-55EC/40
40° Egg Crate for LC-66EX
Code: LC-66EC/40
40° Egg Crate for LC-88EX
Code: LC-88EC/40
50° x 50° Egg Crate
Soft Egg Crate with 50° dispersion angle.
50° Egg Crate for LC-44EX
Code: LC-44EC/50
50° Egg Crate for LC-55EX
Code: LC-55EC/50
50° Egg Crate for LC-66EX
Code: LC-66EC/50
50° Egg Crate for LC-88EX
Code: LC-88EC/50
Mounts
Uni TO Stand
Code: UN-55 Weight: 2.6 lbs
(1.2 kg)
Size: 21.5" (55.2 cm) folded.
Maximum height:
7' (2.2 m) Base diameter: 46" New stand, based on design combination of Uni-stand & Omni-stand. More stable than Uni-stand, more compact than Omni-stand. For Rifa 44.
KS Jr. Stand
Code: DT-33
Size: Maximum height: 7'7" (2.3 m), Collapsed length: 2.3' (65 cm) Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) Wide based, sturdy, lightweight stand with 5/8" (1.59 cm) stud and solid bar legs. For Rifa 44, 55, 66.
KS Stand
Code: KS Size: Maximum height:
9' (2.74 m),
Collapsed length:
3' (91 cm)
Weight:
4 lbs (1.8 kg) Wide based, sturdier, lightweight stand with 5/8" (1.59 cm) stud. For all 4 Rifas.
KSA Stand
Code: KSA
Black-anodized, air-cushioned stand. Otherwise same as above.
Tota-clamp
Code: T1-30 Weight: 4 oz (113 g)
Clamps onto pipes, shelves, etc. up to 1 7/8" (4.78 cm) thick. 5/8" (1.59 cm) stud locks in two positions and accepts a light. Also accepts two Flexi-shafts with flags or flectors.
Safety Cable (3)
Code: CM-50 Weight: 2 oz (57 g)
Recommended for extra security when attaching Rifa-lites |overhead. (Set of 3).
Balance Bar
Code: LC-30
Size: 12.5" (31.8 cm) Weight: 6.5 oz (184 g)
The Rifa Balance Bar is an extension arm accessory that mounts between the Rifa-lite and its stand fitting. When installed, it can shift the Rifa’s center of gravity to allow better stand balance. It can facilitate angling and tilting of the light when necessary, such as on a boom arm, without the need to overtighten stand fitting knob. Install Balance Bar as shown, orienting conical washers as shown (*).
Rifa
Support
Tube
Conical
*
Washers
Rifa Stand-
fitting
Cables
16' Switched AC Cable
Code: T1-80 Weight: 13 oz (369 g)
Standard #18/3; with switch.
10' Unswitched Cable
Code: T1-808 Weight: 1.1 lbs (.5 kg)
For portable stage lighting use. “Hard service” #18/3 cable.
16' (5 m) Eurocord
Code: T1-801 Weight: 13 oz (369 g)
#18/3 (.75 mm/3) with double pole switch and male CEE-7 plug.
16' (5 m) T/O UK Cord
Code: T1-802 Weight: 13 oz (369 g)
#18/3 (.75 mm/3) with double pole switch and male fused BS 1363A plug.
5' Omni 30v Cable
Code: O1-81
Adapts Rifa-44 for use with 30 volt battery #18/3; with switch and 2 pin “Amphenol Type” connec­tor for batteries.
4-pin XLR Switched Cable
Code: R2-82
Adapts the Rifa-44 or use with appropriate 12 volt batteries. No wiring required.
1' 12v Switched Cigarette
Lighter/Car Adaptor Cable
Code: R2-85
Adapts Rifa 44 IEC Connector for use with some 12 volt batteries and automobile cigarette lighter sockets. No wiring required.
Lowel-Light Manufacturing, Inc.
90 Oser Avenue, Hauppauge, N.Y. 11788
Call: 800 645-2522 or 631 273-2500 Fax: 631 273-2557 e-mail: info@lowel.com www.lowel.com
Problems, info, repairs, etc.
Lowel equipment and kits are sold through authorized Lowel Dealers and, in some countries, Authorized Lowel Distributors. Repairs, problems, suggestions, and requests for brochures, instructions, parts lists may be handled by your authorized Lowel Dealer (Distributor) or directly with Lowel. Electrical repairs should be made only by Lowel or a qualified electrician. Rifa-lite
Manufacturing, Inc. U.S. Patent No. 4594645
®
, Rifa®, and eXchange®are registered trademarks of Lowel-Light
, ver: 6.7 © Lowel-Light Mfg., Inc. 2010 120
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