Monolight
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A monolight is a self-contained photographic flash lighting unit[1] typically found in studios. Bowens introduced the first in 1963. Each monolight has its own independent power source.[2] It does not depend on a centralized power supply as a "pack and head" system does. Monolights are also independently controlled: each has its own power settings and light output.[3] Flash power is predominantly measured by the industry in watt seconds, which is unit-equivalent to the joule.
Common features
A simple monolight at a minimum consists of a power supply, power connector, and flash tube. Most monolights have a fairly common set of features, described below.
Most monolights have several features in common:[4]
- Flashtube/strobe bulb — The bulb that creates the flash.
- Modeling light — A continuous light that illuminates the subject and aids the photographer in composing the picture.
- Power connector — The receptacle for the power cord.
- Power switch — A switch to turn the monolight on and off.
- Slave sensor — A sensor that detects the flashes of other strobes and triggers the strobe of which it is a part.
- A mounting for light modifiers, including a simple reflector, Umbrella socket, soft box etc. The Bowens' S-Mount is a common standard.
- Stand socket — A device on the unit that allows it to be mounted on a standard light stand.
Additional features
In addition to those features listed above, monolights may also have the following features:
- Output control - Allows the intensity of the flash to be adjusted down or up to the maximum power output of the flash unit.
- Model light tracking - Allows the modeling light to increase and decrease with the strobe when the strobe fires.
- Auto dumping – the ability to partially discharge the light's capacitors when the output power is reduced. Without this feature, when the light's output is turned down, it has to be fired to fully discharge the capacitors, then the capacitors recharged up to the new lower level.
- Power recycle indicator - A light or sound emitter or both which tell the photographer that the flash has fired, and is currently charging.
- Remote control - either wired (through a telephone jack to a handheld control) or wireless. Remotes may allow the user to adjust light output, modelling lamp intensity, etc.
