Filmlexikon.
Support
Narrow Spot
Lighting · Terms

Narrow Spot

Murnau AI illustration
very narrow spot spot light pin spot

Narrow Spot (NSP): PAR fixture lens with tight beam spread of approximately 14 degrees, producing concentrated light output.

Overview

Narrow Spot, abbreviated NSP, is not a specific lamp type or manufacturer name, but rather a standardized designation for the beam characteristic (the beam angle) of PAR lamps and PAR fixtures. PAR stands for "Parabolic Aluminized Reflector." In these lamps, the beam shape is already determined by the mirrored reflector and the embossed front lens of the glass bulb – meaning there is no adjustable focus like in a Fresnel or profile spotlight. Instead, one selects the appropriate lamp or (in the case of the ETC Source Four PAR) the appropriate interchangeable lens based on the desired beam spread.

NSP falls within the common range between Very Narrow Spot (VNSP, the narrowest) and the flood characteristics. The "Narrow Spot" produces a comparatively narrow, intense cone of light and is considered the universal spot within the PAR family – for example, for pinpoint illumination of people or objects and for background effects.

Beam Angle Series (PAR)

The following abbreviations are common in English-speaking and North American regions and describe progressively wider cones of light in ascending order. The values are approximate and vary depending on the manufacturer, lamp type, and wattage.

Abbr.DesignationBeam (approx.)
VNSPVery Narrow Spotapprox. 12°
NSPNarrow Spotapprox. 12°–15°
MFLMedium Floodapprox. 23°–25° (elliptical)
WFLWide Floodapprox. 42°–70°

Technical Data / Codes

For the classic PAR 64, the Narrow Spot corresponds to the British lamp code CP61 with an approximate beam angle of 14° (round beam shape, slightly diffusing stipple glass). In the 1000 W / 120 V version, the lamp carries the ANSI code FFP.

For the ETC Source Four PAR, the characteristic is determined not by the lamp but by an interchangeable front lens. The NSP lens carries ETC part number 7061A4003 and, according to the manufacturer, produces a round beam shape of approximately 19°.

  • PAR 64 NSP: UK Code CP61, ANSI FFP (1000 W / 120 V), approx. 14° round
  • Source Four PAR NSP Lens: Part No. 7061A4003, approx. 19° round, stipple/diffusing glass

Set Usage

The Narrow Spot is chosen when a limited area needs to be illuminated precisely and with high intensity, without the light scattering significantly into the surroundings. Typical applications include accentuating performers or props, creating narrow beams of light, and colored background lighting. If a larger area needs to be "washed" evenly, Medium or Wide Flood characteristics are used instead; for particularly narrow, hard beams of light, the VNSP is chosen.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Aus DoP-Perspektive ist dieses Element essentiell für die visuelle Gestaltung. Es ermöglicht mir die gewünschte Farbstimmung und das ästhetische Bild konsistent umzusetzen.

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 „Enger Spot"?

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