The Lowel Caselite 2 lighting instrument utilizes dual daylight-balanced fluorescent lamps to provide low-wattage illumination. Unlike most of the F&DM Checkout Lab’s lighting equipment, this instrument is unique in that it relies on fluorescent, not tungsten-halogen, technology to produce light. As a result, this instrument has the lowest power consumption of all of the lighting instruments, and operates at near ambient room temperature, making it much safer to handle by comparison.

The Caselite 2 Kit is instrument and case in one: half of the instrument’s chassis doubles as a storage compartment, making transportation and storage very convenient. During operation, users may elect to operate each fluorescent lamp independently, remove the “eggcrate” diffuser, or alternate the instrument’s leaves between intensifier or barndoor configurations.

However, despite its many advantages, it is the softest and “weakest” instrument in the F&DM Checkout Lab’s lighting equipment inventory; the effective throw peters out between 5 and 8 feet. As such, the Caselite 2 is best suited for documentary work as a quick key light for on-location interviews, or in more intensive productions as a fill light for close-ups, or for complementing existing natural light, or in situations where low power draw is a concern.

The Lowel Caselite 2 Lighting Kit includes:

• Caselite 2 Lighting Instrument (with Storage Compartment)
• 2 Barndoor/Intensifiers
• Gooseneck Adapter
• Lowel Uni Sr. Stand
• AC Mains Power Cable
• Heat-Resistant Gloves

Technical Specifications:

• Weight:
  • Fixture alone: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg)
  • Fixture with lamps, Egg Crate, Intensifiers, Plate & Stand-Fitting Bracket AC Cable: 10 lbs (4.5 kg)
  • Fixture with above, plus lid: 14 lbs (6.4 kg)
• Amperage: 1.3 at 120v, .7 at 230v
• Fits on: 5/8″ (1.59 cm) stud
• Materials: High impact ABS and aluminum
• Cable: removable 16′ (4.88 m) #18/3 with switch
• Switch: 1 in-line and 1 recessed lamp switch on back

Additional Resources:

• Lowel website
• Manual

Other Notes:

Due to the construction of the fluorescent lamps used, although they may be handled by hand, they can be extremely dangerous if they break, as their contents contain mercury and other toxic heavy metals. If a lamp breaks, it is very important to clear the area and clean up all of the shards. Take extreme care in handling the broken pieces to avoid injury and potential introduction of toxins into the body. Use a broom and dustpan alone, if possible.

In addition, fluorescent lamps do not operate properly with dimmer systems without a ballast. The F&DM Checkout Lab ask that production student not to use the Caselite 2 instruments in conjunction with dimmers for this reason. Doing so may reduce the lifespan or even destroy the lamp.

The Caselite 2 must not be mounted without its Gooseneck Adapter. If the instrument is mounted straight onto a light stand, its weight will not be distributed properly, increasing the chances that the lighting set-up may tip over, damaging the equipment and possibly injuring bystanders. In general, it is strongly recommended that this lighting instrument be adequately sandbagged for safety.

As with all of the F&DM Checkout Lab’s lighting equipment, users should take care to properly set-up, place, and handle the instruments in accordance with safety procedures. Instruction can be found on Slugfilm’s Training Page: Lighting Safety.