Was this a good deal or what? - DPChallenge Forums

12/01/2006 11:01:47 PM · #1

I have been wanting to get some studio lights for a while, but I wasn't sure what to buy. I walked into a local camera shop and they had some used lights on consignment.

I got...

2 x Smith Victor A120's
2 x Bogen 3086 Light Stands

for.... $85.00

Granted these are relatively old and there is some paint missing from them, but I don't think there has been a major change in light socket technology for ummm, about 150 years, so I figured this would be great. Did I make a bad impulse buy, or will these get me started?

Thanks,
-Jeremy

Here is a shot of my ugly mug using the new lights. This is against my garage door with a white sheet for a back drop.

Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital ED

12/02/2006 11:09:33 AM · #2

Obviously not a good deal. :)

Fromac

Nikon D7000

12/02/2006 11:26:02 AM · #3

Not having any lights at all, other than whatever lamps and flashlights etc I can assemble from around my house without everyone screaming at me...I think you got a great deal.

The self-p. looks great.

What do you plan to shoot next? More portraits...still life...?

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

12/02/2006 12:19:15 PM · #4

Well, I am supposed to shoot some portraits for a company's christmas party in front of a christmas tree, so I was getting concerned that it would likely be a dimly lit room, so I wanted to be able to get some light in there. I have 500 watt bulbs, 200 watt bulbs, and 150 watt bulbs, so I should be able to get the right amount of lighting, but now I need to figure out how to use these things effectively. I don't know if aiming them right at the subject is going to give me the right look. I wonder if bouncing the light off the wall or ceiling would be better? I will also be using my SB-600 and the Lightsphere, so that should help.

I know what you mean about scrounging for flashlights, lamps, shop lights, and everything else for light. I was there until yesterday when I stumbled across this deal.

BeeCee

Nikon D40

12/02/2006 12:30:58 PM · #5

Well, considering the lights are on sale for $75 each and the stands are $36 each, it sounds like quite a deal :D

Some will pooh-pooh hotlights, but when it's that or nothing, you grab!
I lucked into 2 boxes-ful of Smith Victor reflectors, sockets, clamps and bulbs for $10 at a thrift store and couldn't be happier.
(Well, I'd have been happier had there been stands, but you know what I mean, I'm sure!)