200W halogen fresnel spotlight with continuously variable beam angle of 12°–65°, designed by Lowel-Light in 1982 for mobile film production.
The fixture operates with a 200W/24V halogen lamp (G6.35 base) and produces a luminous flux of approximately 4,800 lumens at a color temperature of 3,200 K. The Fresnel spot mechanism allows for stepless adjustment of the beam angle between 12° (spot) and 65° (flood) by axially shifting the lamp relative to the lens. The aluminum housing with ventilation slots prevents heat buildup, while the 4-leaf barndoors enable precise light shaping. Operation is via 12V or 24V DC power supplies or batteries.
Lowel-Light Manufacturing introduced the first Compact 200 (Pro-Light) in 1982, followed by Dedolight's improved variants from 1987 under Dedo Weigert. The development responded to the need of mobile film crews for powerful yet portable light sources for documentary and low-budget productions. From the 1990s onwards, standardized versions from Arri, K5600, and other manufacturers became established. Modern LED versions since 2010 offer variable color temperature with reduced power consumption.
Compact 200 fixtures serve as key lights for close-ups, fill lights in larger setups, or accent lighting for details. In "Das Boot" (1981), Jost Vacano used early prototypes for the cramped submarine interiors. Documentary filmmakers appreciate the quick setup time of under 30 seconds and the ability to achieve professional portraits with a 3-light kit (2x key, 1x fill). The low power consumption allows for 4-5 hours of continuous operation with standard battery packs.
Compared to 650W Redheads, the Compact 200 offers significantly less light output but greater mobility and more precise light shaping due to its Fresnel optics. 150W LED panels achieve similar luminous flux with variable color temperature, but without the pinpoint light characteristic. For interview situations, the Compact 200 competes with ring lights but offers more natural shadow gradients. For daytime exterior shots, the output is only sufficient for subtle fill light, whereas 400W HMI lights provide daylight-equivalent illumination.
Ich verwende Compact 200-Leuchten hauptsächlich als präzise Akzentlichter für Augen-Highlights oder zum Freistellen von Haarkonturen, da die Fresnel-Optik saubere, harte Schatten mit weichen Übergängen erzeugt. Die kompakte Bauweise erlaubt es mir, die Leuchten in engen Räumen oder zwischen Möbeln zu positionieren, wo größere Tungsten-Leuchten nicht hinpassen würden.
Für mich sind diese kleinen Leuchten perfekt, um gezielt emotionale Akzente zu setzen – ein warmes Seitenlicht durchs Fenster oder dramatische Unterbeleuchtung für Thriller-Szenen. Die schnelle Positionierung ermöglicht spontane Lichtstimmungen während des Drehs, ohne dass mein DoP erst große Leuchten umbauen muss.
Ein 3er-Set Compact 200 kostet etwa 1.200 Euro und verbraucht zusammen nur 600W – das entspricht dem Stromverbrauch eines einzigen Redhead, spart also erhebliche Stromkosten bei Location-Drehs. Der Transport im Kleinwagen statt Licht-LKW reduziert meine täglichen Fahrzeugkosten um 200-300 Euro.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Compact 200"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
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