Cinematographer
Aus DoP-Perspektive ist dieses Element essentiell für die visuelle Gestaltung. Es ermöglicht mir die gewünschte Farbstimmung und das ästhetische Bild konsistent umzusetzen.
Spherical fabric light modifier (China Ball) by Chimera Lighting that wraps around a fixture to produce soft, omnidirectional illumination.
Overview
The Chimera Lantern (also known as "Lantern Softbox" or "Lightbank Lantern") is a spherical fabric light modifier manufactured by the American company Chimera Lighting. Unlike a classic rectangular lightbank, the Lantern completely encloses a light source, emitting light all around (360°) as soft, diffuse ambient light. It belongs to the family of so-called China Balls or Balloons, but is manufactured as a reusable, heat-resistant professional tool made from industrial textiles. It is primarily used hanging freely on a boom or C-stand to evenly illuminate rooms, create a ceiling light effect, or raise the general brightness on set.
Construction and Function
The diffusion body consists of white diffusion fabric that surrounds the light source (bare incandescent bulb or flash tube) and softens the light in all directions. Connection to the light fixture is made via Chimera Speed Rings (compatible with the Chimera Strobe and Video Pro series), allowing the Lantern to be adapted to different fixture mounts. Fixtures with exposed lamps or flash tubes are suitable.
A characteristic feature is the included, removable black skirt: it acts as a gobo and allows one or two sides of the sphere to be flagged. This allows the otherwise undirected emission to be intentionally limited and the light directed in one direction.
Technical Specifications
Chimera manufactures the Lantern, hand-sewn from its own high-temperature textiles at its facility in Colorado, USA. Common standard sizes with manufacturer-specified values:
| Model | Diameter | Depth | Max. Load | Diffusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lantern 20" | 508 mm (20") | 406 mm (16") | 650 W | Full Diffusion (−1.4 stops) |
| Lantern 30" | 762 mm (30") | 660 mm (26") | 1000 W | Full Diffusion (−1.4 stops) |
In addition, there is the Pancake Lantern, a flatter and wider variant in diameter; it uses light more efficiently and is easier to lift out of frame. Manufacturer specification: about a third flatter and slightly wider than the 30" Lantern.
Set Usage
- Freely suspended on a boom, C-stand, or ceiling rig as soft, omnidirectional ambient or base lighting.
- As a practical, easy-to-install light source in cinematography (e.g., simulated ceiling/pendant lamp light) and for raising the brightness level of large set areas.
- With the skirt attached for directional control when full 360° throw is not desired; without the skirt for maximum all-around diffusion.
- Adaptable to common tungsten and strobe fixtures via appropriate Chimera Speed Rings; the permissible continuous load (see table) must be observed.
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 „Chimera Lantern"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?