In 2004, Gekko Technology in the UK introduced Kisslight, an LED portable ringlight system that opened the door to the greater use of camera-mounted solid-state illumination, replicating the soothing, warm feel typically associated with incandescent and halogen lights.
Now, the company is offering Lenslite, a similar 6000K white ringlight system designed for operators of HDV and other compact video cameras. To be introduced at NAB 2006, Lenslite provides a lightweight and balanced, controllable beauty light source or fill, combined with an integral filter tray housing. The on-board dimmer allows operator control as ambient lighting conditions change.
Lenslite clamps onto 15mm bars, mounted to a camera base unit, designed and balanced for the Sony Z1 and other smaller HDV cameras. The standard clamp ring is 110mm and step-down rings are available for most fixed-barrel internal-focus lenses from 105mm down to 77mm.
The lamp unit is powered by a small dedicated power supply that works from any 12-24 volt film or video battery. The power supply unit provides flicker-free operation and allows individual switching of four-quarter sub-sets-top, bottom, left and right-and dimming from 100 to 5 percent without altering color temperature. The power supply features instant start, at preset dim level, at full color temperature.
Also available is a DC power outlet that can be used to power the camera, allowing one battery or mains power source to run both light and camera simultaneously. It also features instant start, at preset dim level, at full color temperature.
The basic Lenlite, priced at $4,240, is distributed by VFGadgets. For more information, visit http://www.vfgadgets.com.