Lowel DP Light (Tungsten)

Last Updated 7 hours ago

Overview

Key specifications

Specification	Details
Source / maximum lamp power	Focusable open-face tungsten-halogen; 1,000 W
Optics	Peened parabolic normal reflector; optional super-spot reflector
120 V lamp examples	FEL 1,000 W; EHF 750 W; EHC 500 W, all listed at 3200 K
Other lamp options	Approved 3000 K longer-life and 220/230/240 V alternatives are listed
Normal FEL focus range	Approximately 8:1 in the manufacturer’s chart
Lamp-load current	Approximately 8.3 A with 1,000 W at 120 V
Weight	2.8 lb / 1.3 kg without 16 ft cable; 3.6 lb / 1.6 kg with it
Mount	5/8-inch / 16 mm stud
Control	Mechanical focus, inline switch and suitable external tungsten dimmer
Tilt mechanism	170° constant-tension travel; actual operating restrictions still apply
Front safety component	Protective screen required
Umbrella restriction	Do not operate in spot or half-spot focus with the umbrella
Orientation restriction	Do not operate tipped onto its side
Accessory boundary	DP controls and reflectors are not automatically interchangeable with Omni or Tota parts

Strengths and limitations

Strength	Limitation
A continuous tungsten source gives direct, visible control of the lighting effect.	Heat and electrical load remain central to placement and circuit planning.
Lamp and accessory choices adapt the source to its job.	Dimming changes colour; lamp code, voltage and fixture limits must match.

Practical uses

Use the DP when a compact hard source needs more output than a small Omni. It can give a pronounced back edge, lift a background from a distance or light a bounce without the volume of a large Fresnel body. The normal reflector produces a useful adjustable field; its shadow and spill behaviour remain those of an open-face fixture.

For an indirect key, choose a bounce or heat-rated diffusion arrangement large enough to create the intended softness, and spread the lamp to illuminate it sensibly. A narrow high-intensity hotspot on a large frame is not the same as using the whole frame as a source. Check the final level and distribution after every modifier is fitted.

Setup	Working approach
Controlled key or accent	Choose focus or diffusion for the intended shadow and trim spill with compatible accessories.
Warm practical motivation	Meter at the chosen dimmer setting and balance colour through the camera.

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Output and colour

The original DP instructions provide these centre readings at ten feet with the protective screen. The super-spot column requires the corresponding reflector; it is not the normal reflector’s ordinary spot position.

120 V lamp	Flood	Spot	Super-spot
FEL 1,000 W, 3200 K	88 fc	711 fc	1,161 fc
EHF 750 W, 3200 K	73 fc	554 fc	892 fc
EHC 500 W, 3200 K	43 fc	390 fc	678 fc

Electrical dimming offers familiar fades but makes the light warmer as lamp voltage decreases. If the scene needs consistent colour, consider distance, suitable optical attenuation or a different approved lamp. A 500 W longer-life 3000 K globe and a 500 W 3200 K filming globe also have different colour and output before any dimming occurs.

Identify the reflector when comparing levels. The very high super-spot figure comes with a narrower optical configuration, not a free increase in broad usable illumination. A used DP with the wrong or damaged reflector may not resemble the manufacturer’s normal-beam chart even with a new lamp.

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Power and batteries

Lowel lists several approved power and voltage options. FEL, EHF and EHC are different 120 V globe choices; there are other rated-voltage and colour-temperature alternatives in the lamp table. Use the exact compatible base, power and geometry rather than a bulb that merely appears to fit.

A 1,000 W lamp at 120 V has a nominal load of about 8.3 A. Add the other fixtures on the circuit and use a suitable cable, connector and external dimmer. A 230/240 V catalogue lamp option does not make a head carrying a 120 V globe safe on a higher-voltage supply. Verify the complete unit’s regional configuration before connection.

Control, cooling and camera operation

Use the documented control arrangement for this exact lamphead and power system. Check dimming behaviour, camera settings and thermal conditions at the intended working level.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

The manufacturer requires the protective screen and warns about hot lamp fragments, heat and ultraviolet exposure from close direct use. Keep the light away from people, delicate objects and flammable materials, preserve ventilation and let it cool before relamping or packing. Do not operate it tipped onto its side.

Lowel specifically prohibits spot or half-spot focus when using the umbrella accessory because concentrated light can scorch the material. Use an appropriate umbrella and the documented setup, rather than an unrelated fabric modifier. The tilt mechanism’s advertised travel is not permission to disregard lamp orientation or operating restrictions.

DP barn doors and their rotating accessory holder, gel frame, reflectors, diffusion accessories and mounting pieces form a specific system. Confirm exact fit and retention when buying missing parts. Include the cable, front accessories and any umbrella leverage when selecting support; the bare body’s low mass is not the complete working load.

Inspect the screen, reflector, socket contacts, focus travel, tilt tension and accessory holder. Check the removable power connection, switch, insulation, earth and strain relief for condition. The instructions warn that incomplete lamp seating can cause arcing and damage; relamping should be done disconnected and carefully, not by manipulating a live globe.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

The Omni is smaller and lower powered, the Tota gives broad flood coverage and the Rifa is a dedicated softlight. A tungsten Fresnel gives a different field and control system; a current LED spotlight adds colour and electronic conveniences. A healthy DP remains useful when its direct or bounced tungsten role is clear and its power, heat and accessory requirements fit the location.

Fixture	Choose it for
ARRI LED L-Series	A colour-adjustable Fresnel with different operating and control hardware.
A supported soft-light system	A larger diffused emitting area when a hard source is not required.

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What people are saying

Brendan Grant: DP operation and circuit load

Brendan Grant explains the DP’s features, operating approach and circuit loading. The tutorial concerns the 1000 W open-face configuration. View the source.

Videos

Lowel DP Light (Tungsten): family guide

A guide to the named Lowel fixture or family; verify lamp and revision.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

Check the exact model and revision, complete power package, mounting hardware and control leads. Inspect lamp holders, protective glass and ballast connections. Test the intended operating level, fade and camera settings before rigging.

Documentation and specifications

Original manufacturer instructions, hosted archive copy, Lowel catalogue with lamp and output tables and Tiffen/Lowel’s guide to using the lighting system. Confirm the actual unit’s revision, installed lamp and electrical condition before use.

Product photograph: Lowel, original manufacturer catalogue photograph.

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