Fixture for solux bulbs/what is a good alternative

[perbjesse]

I am looking for a task lamp or desk lamp for a solux bulb for soft proofing, but I am having a hard time finding one. Does anyone know where to find a good MR16 fixture?

If that is impossible, then what is the next best thing? I am not adverse to cobbling something together. Buying a full blown viewing booth would be wonderful but I don't think I can justify it.

[digitaldog]

Did you contact Solux? They used to sell two kinds (I have each) but don't any longer, but they may be able to provide you a link to either the original manufacturer or provide someone who's desk lamp will work correctly.

[perbjesse]

That is a good idea. The task lamps etc. are listed as out of stock on their website and I can't find any even after wild googling. But if anyone should know, it's them.

Are there any other good suggestions shy of buying an off the shelf viewing booth?

[digitaldog]

See how to build your own toward the end of this article:
http://digitaldog.net/files/16TheRightLightpart2.pdf

[perbjesse]

Thanks for the pointer Andrew; I had come across that article as I did my homework on this issue, and I had high hopes for it as a solution. The fixture that is the centerpiece for the build is not available anymore unfortunately.

[Pat Herold]

You might want to consider track lighting instead of a task lamp.  That's a simpler way to go and the fixtures and lamps are readily available. It may not be what you originally had in mind, but a simple track strip on the ceiling and a couple of Solux lamps will give you a good wash of daylight on your subject.  Run the power line down the wall to an outlet, and install a switch inline in the power line.  It's an idea...

[perbjesse]

Yeah, that may be a way to go, although it seems like anything MR16 related is becoming very hard to find. LEDs seem to be eating the market for halogen lamps.

[elliot_n]

Yeah, that may be a way to go, although it seems like anything MR16 related is becoming very hard to find. LEDs seem to be eating the market for halogen lamps.

Yes, that seems to be the case over here (UK). When I was replacing a broken track assembly a few years ago, I had to turn to eBay to find what I needed (1 metre of track, with 3 x MR16 fixtures). I ended up with a set-up where the track is mains-powered and each fixture includes a transformer to knock the voltage down to 12 volts. (Previously I had a single 12 volt transformer feeding the track, followed by simpler fixtures). The new set-up was cheap and works well. I use Lee glass diffusion filters over the bulbs to smooth out their patchy light output.

[perbjesse]

Do you remember what fixtures you used that would take a filter? I would love to find some.

[elliot_n]

I believe this is the fixture:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Saxby-Bullett-Track-Light-3TM113W/dp/B006P0FV76

I found some old stock on eBay.

(The Lee glass diffusion filter is placed directly in front of the Solux bulb, and is held in place by the fixture's front cap. It's a tight fit - so not ideal, but it works.)