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Author Topic: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.  (Read 87548 times)

wayne_eddy

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Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« on: July 19, 2015, 09:00:09 am »

Hi all,

I have been after a new light source for my study/digital processing room for some time now thought I would first consult LL for advise.

My current set up is a Dell U27 (27") monitor and a secondary Samsung 24". I only calibrate the Dell and the second monitor is mostly for Photoshop windows, palettes, layers etc. The Dell is calibrated with a Spyder 4 Elite.

Though I do have a pretty

Current lighting;
Minimal ambient lighting at night when I do most of my processing, during the day there is little light coming in through a couple of windows a meter behind the monitors (the windows have good blinds).
At night I operate a halogen desk lamp placed behind the main Dell monitor and it disperses it's warm light across the wall and blinded windows behind that monitor.
Walls in the room are pretty much white.
I estimate the strength of the halogen bulb to be 50-50W.

So ideally, I wouldn't mind an LED light source with a flexible stem I can point about if needed that stands about 30-40cm tall.

I'm wondering if I should be looking for a specific light temperature for the new light -  I feel I should be choosing something closest to daylight.

One last thing that may be important to some: I do not print at home.

What are you thoughts, opinions and experiences?


So I am after replacing
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digitaldog

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howardm

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #2 on: July 19, 2015, 01:16:23 pm »

if only their lamps weren't so mofo ugly and/or even 'in stock'.

Very disappointing and it's very hard to find a MR16 desk lamp these days.  it's all LED or mini-halogen

And since the user is not printing at home (and maybe not even viewing the outside-done prints on them), is it
particularly 'important' that it be a Solux or D50-ish illuminant  ?

PeterAit

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #3 on: July 19, 2015, 01:30:38 pm »

With all due respect, I think you are way over-obsessing about this light source. Some people get way kooky about this sort of thing, and that's because they are interested in the technology and not the photography. Go and take photos. Screw the light.
 
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digitaldog

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #4 on: July 19, 2015, 01:31:33 pm »

if only their lamps weren't so mofo ugly and/or even 'in stock'.
Yes, the new lamp is ugly! I have two of the older black units which look better but the QC of the lamp is iffy. But the illuminant? Can't be beat outside of mother nature.
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digitaldog

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #5 on: July 19, 2015, 01:32:52 pm »

Go and take photos. Screw the light.
First point is a good one. 2nd, not so much. At least viewing printed output next to your display, it's rather important.
Screw the light, your prints are in the dark, don't look very good.  ;)
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Alan Klein

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #6 on: July 19, 2015, 02:01:35 pm »

Interesting thread.  Raises a question.  If you don't have this special lamp, what and when are is  best for viewing your print?

PeterAit

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #7 on: July 19, 2015, 02:09:32 pm »

First point is a good one. 2nd, not so much. At least viewing printed output next to your display, it's rather important.
Screw the light, your prints are in the dark, don't look very good.  ;)

It is my understanding that you do not want to view prints next to the display (as in literally "next to"). This is why I have set up my studio so that I have a print display area (corkboard with Solux lamps) off to the left of my workstation. Thus, it is physically impossible for me to see a print and a screen image at the same time. I do not recall where this advice came from, probably these forums, but it has worked for me.I look at the screen, then I must pivot my head to look at the print. Back and forth, back and forth. The result is that I am very pleased with how my prints match my soft-proofed images.
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digitaldog

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #8 on: July 19, 2015, 02:21:03 pm »

It is my understanding that you do not want to view prints next to the display (as in literally "next to").
Well next to needs to be defined. ;D How would you decide you've produced the desired WYSIWYG between display and print if you didn't view them next to each other? Run from computer room to the other room where the print is being illuminated? That's not going to work.
You want the viewing both ideally about 90 degrees from the display and such that NO light spills on the surface of the display, that affects you perception of black.
Quote
This is why I have set up my studio so that I have a print display area (corkboard with Solux lamps) off to the left of my workstation. Thus, it is physically impossible for me to see a print and a screen image at the same time.
But you can move your field of view quickly and ensure that the two match or don't. What you describe is the 'correct' procedure, one just has to control light spill, control the other ambient light.
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Rainer SLP

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #9 on: July 19, 2015, 02:37:36 pm »

« Last Edit: July 19, 2015, 02:49:39 pm by Rainer SLP »
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Tim Lookingbill

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #10 on: July 19, 2015, 03:53:44 pm »

The SoraaVivid PAR30L/product number 00807 is the best full spectrum 5000K Daylight LED for home use I've found on the market. It puts out over 1000 lumens. It's still puts out heat but not as much as a halogen.

Here's a discussion on paper OBA's and various lights that includes the Soraa and Solux examples at the bottom of this thread...

http://photo.net/photography-lighting-equipment-techniques-forum/00dNjR
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WayneLarmon

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #11 on: July 19, 2015, 04:12:12 pm »

Quote
https://www.solux.net/cgi-bin/tlistore/partaskdesk2.html

This uses their 120v screw-in PAR20 3500K bulb.  Is this what you meant to recommend?

If you want to DIY with the Solux 12v 4700K bulbs, you can get fixtures for 12V MR-16 halogen bulbs at hardware stores.  I got a fixture (designed for outdoor lawn lighting) at Lowe's.  I got a 60 watt 12v transformer at Home Depot (both are in the US.)  The electrical supply sections have boxes, wires, switches, etc.  I mounted the fixture to an old mike stand (but a light stand would work.)

Some people use MR-16 track lighting mounted to some stand.

Wayne
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Tim Lookingbill

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #12 on: July 19, 2015, 04:16:48 pm »

This uses their 120v screw-in PAR20 3500K bulb.  Is this what you meant to recommend?

If you want to DIY with the Solux 12v 4700K bulbs, you can get fixtures for 12V MR-16 halogen bulbs at hardware stores.  I got a fixture (designed for outdoor lawn lighting) at Lowe's.  I got a 60 watt 12v transformer at Home Depot (both are in the US.)  The electrical supply sections have boxes, wires, switches, etc.  I mounted the fixture to an old mike stand (but a light stand would work.)

Some people use MR-16 track lighting mounted to some stand.

Wayne

Can you take a picture of your setup and post it here. That sounds rather complicated for the OP's purposes since all he wants is to provide ambient light for editing on his monitor, not for print matching.

Though I am interested in the parts you found at Home Depot & Lowes since I have the Solux MR16 4700K but the Tailored Lighting Eiko task lamp power plug crapped out after 40 hours of use.
« Last Edit: July 19, 2015, 04:20:26 pm by Tim Lookingbill »
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ErikKaffehr

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #13 on: July 19, 2015, 04:23:31 pm »

Hi,

I would say that most exposures are limited by flare. I have seen this from analysing a lot of images in RawDigger. Very few images reach down in the shadows.

Essentially, any image containing a significant amount of bright sky would be limited in DR by flare. On the other hand, dark church interiors with small bright windows may have a full dynamic range.

Best regards
Erik

Can you take a picture of your setup and post it here. That sounds rather complicated for the OP's purposes since all he wants is to provide ambient light for editing on his monitor, not for print matching.

Though I am interested in the parts you found at Home Depot & Lowes since I have the Solux MR16 4700K but the Eiko lamp power plug crapped out after 40 hours of use.
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WayneLarmon

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #14 on: July 19, 2015, 04:53:32 pm »

Quote
Can you take a picture of your setup and post it here?

Not handily.  I have a very small studio/computer room and I'd have to move a lot of stuff that is clustered around that fixture.  But I can link to the salient parts:  

First, the exact fixture I used is discontinued, but this one is very similar:

Portfolio Black Low Voltage 50-Watt (60W Equivalent) Halogen Spot Light
 (Lowes)

Lightech 60-Watt 12-Volt Electronic Transformer  (Home Depot)

They also have a 150 watt transformer if you want more headroom.

Lightech 150-Watt 12-Volt Electronic Transformer

I got a box large enough to hold the transformer + connecting wire, a heavy duty 120v cord, and wire nuts from the electrical supply section.  I wired everything together and taped the fixture to the top of a mike stand.   I plugged it into an outlet strip that has a circuit breaker.

I am intrigued with the Soraa lamp you mentioned.  I just looked and the only place I can find it in the US is at

https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/114368/LED-00807.html

But they show it as being back ordered until the end of August.  Do you have a link to any place that might have them in stock?

Wayne

 
« Last Edit: July 19, 2015, 04:57:45 pm by WayneLarmon »
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digitaldog

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #15 on: July 19, 2015, 05:32:49 pm »

This uses their 120v screw-in PAR20 3500K bulb.  Is this what you meant to recommend?
Sure, why not? The values of the bulbs don't necessarily match what comes out, at least the one's I've measured. The higher CCT that one might suspect are preferable due to the value themselves don't necessarily produce the most pleasing color rendition, the CCT 3500K bulbs look great. I find the CCT 4700K bulbs can appear 'too cool' depending on the task.
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Tim Lookingbill

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #16 on: July 19, 2015, 05:36:41 pm »

Hi,

I would say that most exposures are limited by flare. I have seen this from analysing a lot of images in RawDigger. Very few images reach down in the shadows.

Essentially, any image containing a significant amount of bright sky would be limited in DR by flare. On the other hand, dark church interiors with small bright windows may have a full dynamic range.

Best regards
Erik


Erik, are you referring to this thread... http://forum.luminous-landscape.com/index.php?topic=102203.0

We're talking about desk lamp lights, not dynamic range limited by flare.
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Tim Lookingbill

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #17 on: July 19, 2015, 05:48:03 pm »

Not handily.  I have a very small studio/computer room and I'd have to move a lot of stuff that is clustered around that fixture.  But I can link to the salient parts:  

First, the exact fixture I used is discontinued, but this one is very similar:

Portfolio Black Low Voltage 50-Watt (60W Equivalent) Halogen Spot Light
 (Lowes)

Lightech 60-Watt 12-Volt Electronic Transformer  (Home Depot)

They also have a 150 watt transformer if you want more headroom.

Lightech 150-Watt 12-Volt Electronic Transformer

I got a box large enough to hold the transformer + connecting wire, a heavy duty 120v cord, and wire nuts from the electrical supply section.  I wired everything together and taped the fixture to the top of a mike stand.   I plugged it into an outlet strip that has a circuit breaker.

I am intrigued with the Soraa lamp you mentioned.  I just looked and the only place I can find it in the US is at

https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/114368/LED-00807.html

But they show it as being back ordered until the end of August.  Do you have a link to any place that might have them in stock?

Wayne

 


Wayne, thanks for the links to the individual electrical components for building an MR16 lamp fixture. Like I said that's way too complex of a DIY project I'ld want to get into. Though I am mechanically inclined as was tested by the military back when I was a senior in high school I was way too afraid of 120 voltage electronics. Install a 12 volt sound system with amps, crossover network and subs in my car? No problem. Your setup scares the crap out of me.

I just checked my Amazon order history where I bought the Soraa from 1000bulbs and you're right, it's not currently available. Don't know what to tell ya'. Maybe buying direct from the manufacturer or going to their site will direct you to other retail suppliers.
« Last Edit: July 19, 2015, 06:09:55 pm by Tim Lookingbill »
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WayneLarmon

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #18 on: July 19, 2015, 07:34:47 pm »

Quote
Though I am mechanically inclined as was tested by the military back when I was a senior in high school I was way too afraid of 120 voltage electronics.

Yeah, you shouldn't do something that you aren't comfortable with.  I used to experiment with electronics several decades ago.  Which included making power supplies from scratch so I was used to wiring line voltage stuff. 

I forget that most technical people aren't near as likely to be into hardware electronics anymore.   Which is probably why Radio Shack just gave up the ghost.

Wayne
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Tim Lookingbill

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Re: Choosing a new desk lamp for digital processing.
« Reply #19 on: July 19, 2015, 08:24:17 pm »

Yeah, you shouldn't do something that you aren't comfortable with.  I used to experiment with electronics several decades ago.  Which included making power supplies from scratch so I was used to wiring line voltage stuff. 

I forget that most technical people aren't near as likely to be into hardware electronics anymore.   Which is probably why Radio Shack just gave up the ghost.

Wayne

My local Radio Shack here in New Braunfels, TX is actually hiring.

Found a place online selling the Soraa 00807 indicating it should ship by July 31, 2015...

http://www.elightbulbs.com/catalog_product.cfm?source=AmazonCSE&prod=SC00807&pageurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fgp%2Foffer-listing%2FB00P97UKCM%2Fref%3Dolp_tab_new%3Fie%3DUTF8%26condition%3Dnew&sku=SC00807
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