Tiffen Lowel Rifa-lite User Manual

Lowel Rifa-lite®Instructions

The Lowel Rifa-lite is a profes­sional lighting instrument.
Read these instructions and
lamp manufacturer’s warnings
carefully before operating.

■ Do not pull power cable

to open fixture.

■ Always operate with diffuser

safety panel in place.

■ Not for household use,

use only for photographic lighting
(film; video; imaging) purposes.

■ Do not leave Rifa-lite

unattended.

■ Allow unit to cool for

5 minutes before storing.

■ Do not use more than one

diffuser, nor any diffuser other than
the Lowel Rifa-lite diffuser supplied.

■ 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 with 12 or 30 volt lamp
to any higher voltage).

■ Do not exceed maximum

rated wattage for unit.

■ Make certain to attach

appropriate approved power cable
for voltage being used.

■ Do not interfere with unit’s

ventilation.

■ Never touch hot parts.

■ Units such as this emit

considerable light and heat, if not
properly used could be dangerous.

■ Avoid placing unit too close

to faces, delicate objects or
flammable materials.

■ Do not use near

standing water or in damp locations.

■ When mounting light over­head use Safety Cables.

■ 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.

General Warnings

Lamp Warnings

Lowel Rifa-lite Models

Performance with Recommended Lamps

Lamp/Beam Data

Code: LC-44

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. Patent: 459645

Rifa-lite®44 Rifa-lite®55 Rifa-lite®66 Rifa-lite®88

Code: LC-55

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. Patent: 459645

Code: LC-66

Front size: 25 x 25"
(63.5 x 63.5 cm)

Collapsed length: 30" (76 cm)
Max. wattage: 750
Max. amperage: 6.25 at 120v
Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)

w/ 4' captive cable
U.S. Patent: 459645

Code: LC-88

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. Patent: 459645

Lamp Code Volts Watts °K Avg Life FC(lux)5' FC(lux)10'
LC-44 – Maximum 300w

JCV14.5-50WC 12/14 50 3200 100 hr 7 (78) 2 (21)

GCC 12 100 3200 100 hr 10 (103) 3 (28)

GCB 30 200 3200 100 hr 26 (280) 7 (74)

FSH 120 125 3200 100 hr 15 (162) 4 (44)

FVM 120 105 3200 250 hr 16 (170) 5 (48)

FVL 120 200 3200 200 hr 30 (320) 9 (92)

GCA 120 250 3200 100 hr 39 (420) 11 (120)

CP/96* 120 300 3400 75 hr 50 (540) 14 (147)

GLF/P44 230 235 3200 100 hr 32 (345) 9 (94)

CP/97* 230 300 3200 75 hr 46 (495) 12 (132

Lamp Code Volts Watts °K Avg Life FC(lux)5' FC(lux)10'
LC-55 – Maximum 500w

EHC 120 500 3200 300 hr 88 (950) 23 (248)

EHD 120 500 3000 2000 hr 67 (724) 18 (194)

JCV 220V-500WBM 220 500 3000 2000 hr 68 (730) 18 (196)

JCV 240V-500WBM 240 500 3000 2000 hr 63 (680) 17 (185)

LC-66 – Maximum 750w (May also use lamps for LC-55)

EHF 120 750 3200 300 hr 99 (1069) 29 (313)

EHG 120 750 3000 2000 hr 80 (864) 22 (238)

FKR/230 230 650 3200 300 hr 82 (886) 23 (248)

LC-88 – Maximum 1000w (May also use lamps for LC-66)

FEL 120 1000 3200 300 hr 183 (1976) 53 (572)

FEP/220 220 1000 3200 150 hr 156 (1685) 46 (497)

FEP/240 240 1000 3200 150 hr 148 (1598) 40 (432)

LC-44

with 120v, 250w, 3200°K, GCA lamp

LC-55

with 120v, 500w, 3200°K, EHC lamp

*Different lamp base, Rifa-44 socket accepts this base.

■ Always unplug unit before

lamping.

■ 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.

■ Never exceed maximum

rated wattage of unit.

■ LC-44 socket is designed

to accept lamps with 2 different pin
configurations. use extra caution
when installing & removing lamps.

LC-66

with 120v, 750w, 3200°K, EHF lamp

LC-88

with 120v, 1000w, 3200°K, FEL lamp

Beam angles — points at which intensity drops to 50% of maximum

■ Unfold Egg Crate accessory. With the
diffuser already attached, place the Fabric 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.

■ Secure the egg crate to the body of the
Rifa with Velcro strips located around the edge
of the reflector housing.

Lowel Rifa-lite®Instructions

Warning: Do not pull power cable to open
light. Doing so may damage the cable & fix­ture. Make sure fixture is unplugged before
assembly.

Setup Warning

Setting Up Rifa-lite (all models)

Attaching Fabric Egg Crates Storage

Rifa Mount Opening Rifa

2

1 32 4

■ Remove the Rifa-lite unit from its sleeve
and mount and lock on suitable stand.

■ Release tilt lock handle, tilt light to horizon­tal, relock tilt handle, release the Velcro strap
around the folded assembly.

■ Reaffix the strap to itself. Unfurl Rifa-lite
reflector material until assembly loosens.

■ Loosen thumbscrew located on back end of fixture.

■ While holding the assembly base push the socket/lamp cage assembly (avoid touching lamp)

inward until the assembly “click-locks” into position.

■ 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.

■ Place on stand with one leg extending straight out under Rifa for best balance.

■ For increased balance, use Rifa Balance Bar Accessory

■ 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.

■ Never use more than one diffuser at a time.

Always operate Rifa-lite with diffuser
panel in place.

■ Attach 16' extending (switched) power cord
to captive cable IEC connector.

Thumbscrew

Stand mounting
bracket

Tilt lock

handle

Stand

lock

The Fabric Egg Crates are a valuable accessory
for controlling the light spill of the Rifa.
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.

Rifa-lite alone - 75° Rifa-lite with 30° Egg CrateRifa-lite with 40° Egg CrateRifa-lite with 50° Egg Crate

Unplug light and allow to cool
for at least five minutes before
disassembly.

■ Detach fabric accessory (if used)
and front diffuser. To prevent damage to the
diffuser, wrap material around tube and place
in pocket of light storage sleeve.

■ Hold stand mounting bracket, loosen
thumbscrew on mounting arm assembly and
push shaft until frame has collapsed.

■ Smooth reflector material and secure with
Velcro strap, tilt light down, remove unit from
light stand and place in sleeve.

Rifa-lite Beam Angles

Lowel Rifa-lite®Instructions

The Rifa is a dedicated soft light,
with quick set-up and beautiful output.
With a little practice, good results are
easy to achieve.

Rifa Models

There are 4 models of Rifa, with front
diffusers in sizes of

• 16 x 16" (Rifa 44)

• 21 x 21" (Rifa 55)

• 25 x 25" (Rifa 66)

• 32 x 32" (Rifa 88)
So logically, at same distance, the 88 will be
softest of all because its source (the lit diffuser)
is the largest.

Rifa's 55, 66, & 88 all use
the same socket.

And 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 55 at a distance of 5 feet will give you
88 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 88 foot candles of light, yet a
greater amount of softness because its now
coming from a larger 32 square inch source.

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

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

becomes a factor in sharpness as
well. The further away from the subject the
source is, the smaller the source appears to be
& therefore the harder its shadows.

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.

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. Fabric egg crates are available in
different degrees of dispersion, so where the
Rifas have an output that will cast light in
almost 180 degrees (with the strongest portion
of the output will 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, some
level of color correction gel will be needed.
The goal is to match the warmer 3200k tung­sten lamp in the Rifa, with the cooler daylight
color (5000-6500k). Because daylight can vary
in color, depending on whether its direct sun,
overcast clouds, blue sky or any combination

An Introduction to Rifa-lite for the New Pro

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 Rifas.
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 additional introductory information,
see the Resources section of the complete
Lowel catalog. For an in-depth understanding
of the creative decisions involved in the art of
lighting, we suggest Ross Lowell's acclaimed
book, Matters of Light & Depth, available from
many of our dealers.

Also see the evolving educational
resource section of www.lowel.com

3

3:009:00

C

B

A

Camera

B

3:009:00

A

Camera

A Rifa with 250 - 500W lampSetup Keys: B Pro-light with 100 - 250W lamp C Tota-light with 300 - 500W lamp

1 Rifa-lite, 1 Pro-light, 1 Tota-light

To light an interview subject with 1 Rifa-lite 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.

1 Rifa-lite, 1 Tota-light

To light an interview subject with the Rifa-lite 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 Rifa­lite 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.

Basic Starter Setups using Rifa-lite

Setup 2

Setup 1

Soft source close = Softest shadow

Same soft source further back =
Less soft shadow

Direct (small) source = Hardest shadows

Directional Sources have
smaller surfaces

Rifa-lite®Accessoriess

Replacement
Diffusers

Standard light diffuser replacements
for all 3 models of Rifa-lite.
Diffuser must always be used to pro­tect against lamp explosion.

For LC-44

Code: LC-44D
Size: 16 x 16" (40 x 40 cm)

For LC-55

Code: LC-55D
Size: 21 x 21" (53.3 x 53.3 cm)

For LC-66

Code: LC-66D
Size: 25 x 25" (66 x 66 cm

For LC-88

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-44

Code: LC-47
Size: 23 x 16" (58.4 x 40.6 cm)

For LC-55

Code: LC-57
Size: 29 x 22" (73.7 x 56 cm)

For LC-66

Code: LC-67
Size: 33 x 26" (84 x 66 cm)

For LC-88

Code: LC-87
Size: 39 x 32" (99 x 81.3 cm

Light Controls

Fabric Egg Crates

For better light control. Each Egg
Crate attaches quickly and
afterwards folds
up to be
stored in
its own
small
light­weight
bag.

30° x 30° Egg Crate

Fabric Egg Crate with 30° dispersion
angle.

30° Egg Crate for LC-44
Code: LC-44EC/30
Weight: 8 oz (228 g)

30°Egg Crate for LC-55

Code: LC-55EC/30
Weight: 9.5 oz (266 g)

30°Egg Crate for LC-66

Code: LC-66EC/30
Weight: 12.5 oz (345 g)

30°Egg Crate for LC-88

Code: LC-88EC/30
Weight: 1 lb (448 g)

40° x 40° Egg Crate

Fabric Egg Crate with 40° dispersion
angle.

40° Egg Crate for LC-44

Code: LC-44EC/40

40° Egg Crate for LC-55

Code: LC-55EC/40

40° Egg Crate for LC-66

Code: LC-66EC/40

40° Egg Crate for LC-88

Code: LC-88EC/40

50° x 50° Egg Crate

Fabric Egg Crate with 50°
dispersion angle.

50° Egg Crate for LC-44

Code: LC-44EC/50

50° Egg Crate for LC-55

Code: LC-55EC/50

50° Egg Crate for LC-66

Code: LC-66EC/50

50° Egg Crate for LC-88

Code: LC-88EC/50

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 (*).

Mounts

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.

12v Car Adaptor

Code: O1-82

Connects T1-80 Cable to cigarette
lighter connector. For Rifa 44 only.

Cables

4

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

®

is a registered trademark of Lowel-Light Manufacturing, Inc.U.S. Patent No.

4594645

, ver: 5.0 © Lowel-Light Mfg., Inc. 2005 120

140 58th Street Brooklyn, NY 11220

Call: 800 334-3426 or 718 921-0600
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]
www.lowel.com

Problems, info, repairs, etc.

Lowel-Light Manufacturing, Inc.

Male

Female

16'

MaleFemale

16'

MaleFemale

16'

Female Male

5'

Male

Female

Male

Female

10'

Female Male

1'

Female Male

1'

Rifa Stand-fitting

*

Conical
Washers

Rifa
Support
Tube