Filmlexikon.
Support
LTM Cinepar
Lighting · Terms

LTM Cinepar

Murnau AI illustration
color temperature flow roll take

LTM Cinepar spotlight, 200W–2500W, double-walled aluminum housing with PAR lamps and integrated shutters for hard light control.

Technical Details

The LTM Cinepar series includes models from 200W to 2500W with corresponding PAR lamps (PAR38, PAR56, PAR64). The characteristic double-walled aluminum lamp body ensures efficient heat dissipation with housing temperatures below 80°C. The integrated barndoors allow for precise light shaping, while the adjustable yokes permit 360° positioning. The color temperature ranges from 3200K (Tungsten) to 5600K (Daylight) depending on the lamp type, and the beam angle varies between 10° (Spot) and 60° (Flood) depending on the PAR lamp used.

History & Development

LTM developed the Cinepar series in the 1980s as a robust alternative to conventional Fresnel fixtures. In 1985, the LTM Cinepar 1200W established itself as the standard for location shoots, offering the same light output as heavier competing products with a lower weight (4.2 kg). The introduction of HMI Cinepar variants in 1992 expanded the portfolio to include daylight-equivalent lighting. Since 2010, LED Cinepar models have complemented the series, while the classic Tungsten versions continue to be produced.

Practical Use in Film

Roger Deakins used LTM Cinepar 2500W for the hard shadows in "Blade Runner 2049" (2017), while Emmanuel Lubezki employed them for candlelight scenes in "Barry Lyndon"-esque setups. Their compact design makes Cinepars ideal for tight locations and handheld setups. Disguised as practical lights, they simulate car headlights or streetlights. The quick, tool-free lamp change and immediate operational readiness significantly speed up the workflow compared to HMI fixtures with their ballasts.

Comparison & Alternatives

Compared to Fresnel fixtures, Cinepars produce harder light without continuous focusing, but with higher light output per watt. Modern LED panels like ARRI SkyPanel offer more flexibility in color temperature and effects but do not achieve the light intensity of the 2500W Cinepar models. For maximum portability, Aputure LED lights compete, while for classic film aesthetics, the Cinepar Tungsten versions remain irreplaceable. HMI Cinepars are suitable for daylight mixing, and LED variants for battery-powered use.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Ich schätze die LTM Cinepars für ihre knackig harten Schatten und die vorhersagbare Lichtverteilung – mit einem 2500W Cinepar und CTB-Folie kann ich problemlos Tageslicht durch Fenster simulieren. Die schnelle Reaktionszeit beim Ein- und Ausschalten ermöglicht mir präzise Lichtakzente bei schnellen Schnittfolgen, ohne auf HMI-Vorschaltgeräte warten zu müssen.

Director

Die Cinepars helfen mir dabei, klassische Filmstimmungen zu schaffen – ihre harten Schatten verstärken Dramatik und Charakterzeichnung perfekt. Wenn ich eine Szene mit der rauen Ästhetik der 80er Jahre anstreben möchte, sind die Tungsten-Cinepars mit ihren ungeschönten Lichtcharakteristiken das ideale Werkzeug für authentische Vintage-Looks.

Producer

Ein LTM Cinepar 1200W kostet etwa 800 Euro und amortisiert sich durch Robustheit und niedrige Wartungskosten schnell gegenüber komplexeren HMI-Systemen. Die kompakte Bauweise reduziert Transportvolumen um 30% gegenüber Fresnel-Batterien, was bei internationalen Produktionen erhebliche Frachtkosten spart.

More in the lexikon

Related terms

Test your knowledge

Quiz

1. Zu welchem Department gehört „LTM Cinepar"?

2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?

Report an error
From the Filmfarm ecosystem

Understand visual language, budget productions, connect crew.

The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.

FilmFarm FilmRadarComing soonFilmPulseComing soonFilmNumbersComing soonFilmCapitalComing soonFilmLabComing soonFilmBalanceComing soonFilmCircusComing soon