Arri 1000W Fresnel spotlight with 150mm lens, 4.8kg, delivers 16,800 candela in spot mode; ideal for portraiture and key light.
The T1 weighs 4.8 kg and measures 380 x 290 x 425 mm with the barndoors folded in. The Fresnel lens has a diameter of 150 mm and focuses the light of a 1000W halogen lamp (type CP40 FEL). The fixture achieves a light intensity of 16,800 candela in spot mode and 1,250 candela at maximum flood setting. The die-cast aluminum housing features forced ventilation and a 16mm spigot for mounting on stands. Four adjustable barndoors allow for precise light shaping.
Arri introduced the T1 in 1987 as part of a completely revised Tungsten series, replacing the outdated 650W and 2000W models. The T1 quickly established itself as a standard fixture for smaller productions and location shoots where the favorable ratio of light output to weight was crucial. With the increasing prevalence of LED technology, demand for Tungsten fixtures began to decline from 2010 onwards, yet the T1 remained in Arri's product range until production ceased in 2018.
The T1 is particularly suitable for portrait lighting and as a key light for close-ups. For interior shots, it often serves as window light or for accentuating details. The barndoors allow for sharp light cuts, which is why the T1 is also used for background separation. The fixture requires a 16A circuit breaker and can be operated via standard CEE connectors. Due to its high heat output (approximately 3000 BTU/h), adequate ventilation and safety distances from flammable materials are necessary.
Compared to the larger T2 (2000W), the T1 offers greater mobility with lower light output. Modern LED alternatives such as the Arri L7-C or SkyPanel S30-C achieve similar illuminance levels with significantly lower power consumption and variable color temperature. 575W HMI daylight fixtures outperform the T1 in terms of light output for exterior shots. For budget-conscious productions, the T1 remains a practical solution due to its low acquisition cost and robust construction, provided power consumption and heat generation are acceptable.
Ich setze den T1 gerne als warmes Key Light ein, wenn ich eine gemütliche, cineastische Stimmung erzeugen will – die 3200K harmonieren perfekt mit praktischen Lichtquellen im Set. Die Torflügel geben mir präzise Kontrolle über Spill Light, und durch die kontinuierliche Spot/Flood-Verstellung kann ich die Lichtcharakteristik exakt an die Gesichtsform des Darstellers anpassen.
Der T1 hilft mir dabei, intime Momente visuell zu unterstreichen – das warme Tungsten-Licht schafft eine emotionale Nähe, die LED-Panels oft vermissen lassen. Bei Dialogszenen nutze ich die scharfen Lichtschnitte der Torflügel, um Charaktere selektiv zu beleuchten und dadurch Machtverhältnisse oder emotionale Distanz zu visualisieren.
Der T1 rechnet sich bei kleineren Produktionen durch niedrige Mietkosten und einfache Verfügbarkeit – praktisch jeder Verleiher hat diese Geräte im Bestand. Allerdings muss ich bei der Location-Auswahl auf ausreichende Stromkapazität achten, da vier T1s bereits einen 63A-Anschluss benötigen, und die Klimatisierung kostet durch die Wärmeentwicklung zusätzlich.
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