Space Light Diffuser

Overview

A Space Light (also Spacelight or, at Mole-Richardson, Spacelite) is a lantern-like softlight fixture that is typically hung above the set and emits soft, even light all around (360°). The Space Light Diffuser is not the fixture itself, but the diffusion element attached to it: a cylindrical fabric skirt, called a silk skirt or diffuser skirt in English, which scatters the hard lamp light.

The term thus refers to a specific piece of grip/lighting equipment. A classic example is the Mole-Richardson Molequartz Spacelite, which is operated with several interchangeable fabric components. The diffuser transforms the open fixture into a kind of Chinese lantern and is the reason why a Space Light is considered a very soft light source.

Construction and Function

The fixture typically carries several independent fabric components that are combined:

• White Silk Skirt (Diffuser): Envelops the fixture laterally and diffuses the light. It reduces hard shadows and provides the namesake soft all-around light.
• Black Skirt: A light-tight outer skirt that limits lateral light emission and directs the soft light downwards into a defined pool.
• Silk Target / Bottom Diffuser: An additional fabric piece at the bottom that further diffuses the downward-directed light cone.

In practice, the black skirt, white silk skirt, and target are usually sold separately and combined depending on the desired light character. The fabrics are heat-resistant and designed for proximity to tungsten lamps.

Technical Data

Space Lights are classically tungsten fixtures with double-ended halogen lamps and a correspondingly warm tungsten spectrum (3200 K). Mole-Richardson offers the Spacelite series in several power ratings; in addition, there are LED variants and units from other manufacturers (e.g., Cinelight).

Note: Exact light output, dimensions, and weight depend on the model and configuration and should be obtained from the manufacturer's specifications.

Set Usage

Space Lights with diffusers are hung above the shooting area and serve as large-area, soft key or fill light. Typical applications include the even illumination of studio areas, ambient ceiling light above sets, and greenscreen and infinity/white studios where shadow-free, broad lighting is required. The white silk skirt creates diffuse all-around light; with an additional black skirt, light emission can be restricted and the light bundled into a defined pool downwards.