Elinca's new Scanlite 1000 heads are intended to compete with
cool-running fluorescent heads by offering a higher maximum wattage than a
redhead, the halogen bulb encased in an optional opal diffusing dome, with
the benefit of Elinchrom reflector and softbox compatibility.
We tested a pair of Scanlites, which come in a tiny blue fitted case and must be the smallest, lightest 1kW lighting heads around. They are also intended for video work and conventional still photography - the name simply reflects their special suitability, compared to lower power halogen lights, for digital scan cameras such as the Lumina, Praktica, Agfa StudioCam and Photophase. These are the digital still life cameras most likely to be bought by new entrants to electronic photography, as they cost from under �3,000.
The Scanlite's compact plastic body has a permanently running fan which
is very quiet. At the front is an Elinchrom bayonet mount, but the
protective dome rules out some older reflectors with narrow waists. We
used a spill-kill; a deep parabolic, which projected too much heat; and a
1m softbox, which tripped the thermal cutout of the head at intervals when
aimed downwards. To prevent this the diffuser dome can be removed, or
lower wattage 200W, 300W and 650W bulb options used.
This vital cut-out makes 1kW bulbs less usable for scanning, where times may be from several seconds to a few minutes. If a head should cut off during exposure, the scan is ruined. The head, once the cut-out trips, may appear to be 'off'. It is not, and comes back on automatically when it cools. A manual reset button would avoid the possibility of leaving the head switched on by mistake.
In terms of scan times, the 1kW bulbs in reflectors proved unexpectedly powerful - a shot which took a minute lit by full power Scandles from the same distances needed just eight seconds. The power was so high the Lumina was unable to balance the colour, R and G channels being at minimum 4.5ms exposure when B was at 5.5ms. A single 1kW in the softbox needed 3 minutes (R49.9ms, G54.8ms, B159.9ms), but did a far better job with the terribly difficult subject we picked as a test. Moving the softbox as close as physically possible without appearing in the shot, and adding the second head direct from a distance, cut exposure down to thirty seconds but gave rather high contrast.
The studio did become very hot, and the Elinchrom light table perspex occasionally "popped" as it warmed under the lights. This is inevitable with 650W or 1kW bulbs, if not with 200-300W.
In conclusion, we felt the Scanlites with reflectors and large softbox
give much-needed light control and quality, but unlike fluorescent sources
can not be used all day for intensive work like digital catalogue
shooting. They are an inexpensive route to quiet, portable (two heads can
be packed in the blue case shown and fit under an airline seat) video and film
lighting and make perfect mixed lighting partners for Elinchrom flash.
They tackle flat artwork and large area subjects better than most
fluorescent heads.
For the cost of two fluorescent heads you can buy four Scanlites with 650W bulbs and run them from a single 13 amp plug. This makes a versatile lighting kit for today's tungsten-tolerant digital scan cameras - and a superb system for conventional industrial, still life and video work.
- David Kilpatrick
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