Cinematographer
Aus DoP-Perspektive ist dieses Element essentiell für die visuelle Gestaltung. Es ermöglicht mir die gewünschte Farbstimmung und das ästhetische Bild konsistent umzusetzen.
Leko: industry standard name for an ellipsoidal reflector spotlight (ERS) with hard, shapeable beam and gobo slot.
Overview
In film and theater, a Leko refers to a profile spotlight – in English, an Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight (ERS) or Profile Spot. It is characterized by a hard, sharply definable beam of light that can be mechanically controlled in shape, size, and edge sharpness, and features a slot for gobos (templates) for pattern projection.
The name originates from the Lekolite spotlight by the US company Century Lighting, whose name is composed of the first letters of its founders, Joseph Levy and Edward Kook. "Leko" has become a generic term for ERS spotlights, especially in North America; the modern ETC Source Four is considered a direct successor to this design.
Function and Construction
The Leko uses an ellipsoidal reflector with two focal points: the light source is at one focal point, and the gate with shutters and the gobo is at the other. From there, the light is projected through a lens system in the lens barrel. By moving the lens barrel, the edge of the light can be continuously adjusted from hard to soft.
Key components for light shaping:
- Shutters: typically four internal metal shutters for straight-line trimming and shaping of the beam.
- Gobo Slot: a holder for metal gobos for projecting patterns and textures.
- Iris (optional): for circularly reducing the beam.
- Lens Barrel: determines edge sharpness and – depending on the lens set – the beam angle.
Technical Data
The beam angle is determined by interchangeable lens sets. Common fixed field angles are:
| Typical Field Angles (ERS) |
|---|
| 5°, 10°, 14°, 19°, 26°, 36°, 50°, 70°, 90° |
Traditionally, halogen lamps were used as light sources; modern Lekos predominantly use LED engines. Specific wattage and color temperature depend on the respective model.
Set Usage
On a film set, the Leko is primarily used where hard, precisely defined light edges are required. Typical applications:
- Simulating hard light sources like sun through a window or a streetlight spot, with shutters precisely trimming the light to the window shape.
- Projecting gobo patterns (e.g., window mullions, leaf breakups) to texture walls and backgrounds.
- Tightly controlled, repeatable "sun hits" for motivated lighting.
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.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Leko"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?