Cinematographer
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Large tungsten Fresnel spotlight by Mole-Richardson (10,000/12,000 W) featuring an oversized ~24-inch Fresnel lens for wide-area illumination.
Overview
"Big Eye" (also "Big Eye Tener") refers to a tungsten Fresnel spotlight from the US manufacturer Mole-Richardson's Tener class (10K). The name derives from its conspicuously large Fresnel lens: while a standard 10K Fresnel ("Tener") has a smaller front lens, the Big Eye features a significantly larger lens, approximately 24 inches in diameter. The larger lens increases the emitting surface area, making the light appear softer with gentler fall-off at the same lamp wattage compared to the classic Tener with its smaller lens.
The Big Eye is one of the large hard light tools on set and is traditionally used as a powerful key light or daylight imitation (using conversion gels) as well as for illuminating large sets and backgrounds. Mole-Richardson is among the oldest still active manufacturers of film lighting equipment; the Big Eye is a long-standing model in their product range.
Technical Specifications
Data according to manufacturer's data sheet (Mole-Richardson, Model 4361 "10,000/12,000 Watt Big Eye Tener Solarspot"):
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 10,000 / 12,000 Watts |
| Light Type | Tungsten (Incandescent, warm) |
| Voltage | 120/240 V, AC or DC |
| Current Draw | max. 100 A |
| Fresnel Lens | approx. 24 ¾" (≈ 63 cm) diameter |
| Beam Angle | approx. 21.8° (Spot) to 66.5° (Flood) |
| Socket | Medium Bi-Post (spring-loaded contacts) |
| Focusing | Rear hand crank (dolly system) |
| Reflector | Alzak aluminum |
| Dimensions | approx. 33" × 33" × 29 ¾" |
| Weight | approx. 98 ½ lbs (≈ 45 kg, incl. cable) |
Note: The exact lens size is stated differently in various sources (ranging from around 20 to just under 25 inches); the manufacturer's data sheet for the respective model is definitive.
On-Set Usage
- Key and Daylight: as a strong, directed main light source, often with daylight conversion gel (CTB) to simulate daylight.
- Large Areas and Sets: for the general illumination of wide image areas, backgrounds, and exterior facades.
- Softer Hard Light: Due to the large lens, the Big Eye produces a milder, less harsh hard light with a softer shadow edge compared to a standard Tener.
- Control: As is typical with Fresnels, via spot/flood adjustment, barndoors, and scrims; due to its high wattage and weight, a robust stand/rigging and sufficient power supply are required.
Due to its power consumption, heat generation, and weight, the Big Eye is a tool for larger productions with the appropriate infrastructure. Mole-Richardson now also offers LED versions of large Fresnels.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Producer
Diese professionelle Lösung erhöht die Produktionseffizienz und reduziert Post-Production-Anforderungen. Sie ermöglicht flexible, schnelle Anpassungen während des Drehs.
Gaffer
Als Gaffer ist dies ein unverzichtbares Werkzeug meines täglichen Handwerkszeugs. Es ermöglicht mir professionelle Lichtkontrolle und schnelle Anpassungen auf Set, was Zeit spart und Qualität sichert.
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Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Big Eye (10K)"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?