Studio Lights User Guide

 

Note: This Is Not The Definitive Article. Please add comments.
These are hints about using the Bowens Lights, I went into the college and had a quick tutorial with the very helpful Vinnie.
The whole pack is in a carry case with wheels on one end. The middle compartment is empty, it would contain the battery if you wanted to use without mains, but this is a big weight saving if you don't.

The pack consists of 2 Bowens Esprit 500 lamps, the stands for them, 2 'Spill Kill' cones on to which 2 umbrella reflectors can be added. A mains cable for each light and a cable for the camera synch lead which you attach to one light. If you are using both lights the other light is triggered by the flash of the first by selecting 'cell' on the rear controls.



 
The lights travel with a protective plastic cone over the bulb end, and the Spill Kills sit over that saving space and more protection. The mount arms swing forward and loosely hold the SKs, lying them in the bag with the arms ontop works best.
Top tip: The lights get hot during use, the travel protectors are plastic. Wait for lamps to cool before putting on after use.

When setting up up for the shoot: Erect the light stands in approximately the positons you want them in. The lights are attached to the stands via the mount arm, which sits onto the conector at the top of the stand.
 
Top tip: Place the light on the stand and position before removing plastic cone protector, this frees up your hands and maximses bulb safety.
Positioning the lights and camera tripod etc. before attaching cables helps avoid trips and makes layout easier.

The lights can be rotated ontop of the stand, tighten the thumb screw when in position. No need to over tighten.




 

There are 2 bulbs within each light. The modelling light (lamp dial) casts continuous light to allow you judge where the light is directed. The Flash light (power dial) is the main source of light. when reducing settings remember to dump the power which is held in capacitors ( lower black button between dials)
Black switch near the 2 setting of power dial is the release for cones.



Don't touch the bulbs.


The Spill Kill directs light forwards from the lamp and protects bulbs. It also houses the umbrella attachment underneath.
 
The umbrellas reflect and soften the light

From top left.
Lamp: Continuous modelling light.
Beep: Noise when triggered.
Cell: Lamp is triggered by flash from other source.
On Switch: I for Mains. O for off. II for battery
Mains Input: Uses 'Kettle' type lead. If lead fails any other kettle type could be used.
Sync: Camera to first lamp. Use universal adapter on camera hot shoe if no lead out from camera.
Battery power socket: below middle.

Health and Safety
Obvious issues are care with positioning of cables. Tracing the cables to avoid trip hazards.
Bulbs get very hot during use and are brittle and fragile. Allow equipment to cool before handling.
Legs of stands and tripod form wide bases care with trip hazards
Not for use with known epilepsy or light sensitivity sufferers.
Mostly used with umbrella reflectors, reduce direct high intensity flash into eyes.