Lowel Rifa eX 55 (Tungsten)

Last Updated 2 days ago

Overview

The eXchange version has a removable bayonet lamphead for documented accessory configurations. It is not identical to every older fixed-head Rifa 55, and the TH-X1000 name on the standard lamphead does not permit a 1,000 W globe in a 55: the complete LC-55EX fixture remains limited to 500 W.

Key specifications

Specification	Details
Fixture code	LC-55EX Rifa eX 55
Original source	Tungsten-halogen with supplied TH-X1000 lamphead
Fixture maximum lamp power	500 W; lower than the head’s model number may suggest
Standard 120 V examples	EHC 500 W 3200 K; EHD 500 W 3000 K
Front diffuser size	21 × 21 inches / approximately 53 × 53 cm
Collapsed length	24 inches / 61 cm
Weight with captive cable	2.5 lb / 1.1 kg, as specified
Original full-power current	Approximately 4.2 A at 120 V
Cable arrangement	4 ft captive lead plus documented switched extension
Dimming	Suitable external tungsten dimmer; warming at reduced voltage
Standard diffuser	LC-55D; the prescribed safety/diffusion panel must be installed for operation
Soft egg-crate options	Model-specific 30°, 40° and 50° accessories in original catalogue
Accessory lampheads	Documented TH-X300 and fluorescent configurations require their own lamp/power instructions
Variant boundary	Original non-eX Rifa and LED-retrofitted Rifa require separate compatibility checks

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• A continuous tungsten source gives direct, visible control of the lighting effect.
• Lamp and accessory choices adapt the source to its job.

Limitations

• Heat and electrical load remain central to placement and circuit planning.
• Dimming changes colour; lamp code, voltage and fixture limits must match.

Practical uses

The useful emitting area is the front diffuser, rather than the small tungsten filament. Close to a person, that square surface can create a soft key with a straightforward catchlight. Move it further back and the apparent source shrinks while the level falls, so placement remains central to the result.

The folding mechanism combines reflector, support and diffusion into a single dedicated system. It can be faster to deploy than attaching an unrelated softbox to a separate head. The advantage depends on the ribs, locking mechanism, diffuser and tilt hardware being in good condition; a worn used Rifa may not open or hold shape as intended.

Setup	Working approach
Interview key	Open the softbox fully, fit the correct diffuser and meter at the selected dimmer level.
Soft fill	Control spill with compatible accessories and keep the diffuser and lamp within the documented clearances.

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Output and colour

The Rifa eX instructions give the following LC-55EX readings with its standard lamphead and diffuser arrangement. Different lamps can have different colour and service life even at the same wattage.

Lamp / supply	Colour	At 5 ft	At 10 ft
EHC 500 W, 120 V	3200 K	72 fc / 778 lux	19 fc / 209 lux
EHD 500 W, 120 V	3000 K	69 fc / 745 lux	18 fc / 198 lux
JCV 240 V 500 W BM	3000 K	66 fc / 710 lux	17 fc / 188 lux

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Power and batteries

The LC-55EX is rated to 500 W. Its supplied TH-X1000 lamphead is shared with larger Rifa models, but the name is not a licence to install a 750 or 1,000 W globe in the smaller housing. Use the lamp table for the complete fixture, and match voltage, power and approved lamp geometry.

The EHC and EHD examples illustrate a separate choice: both are 500 W at 120 V, but the listed colour and life differ. A European-voltage lamp is another documented configuration, not an automatic conversion of an installed 120 V globe. Disconnect and allow cooling before changing either lamp or lamphead.

Control, cooling and camera operation

A suitable tungsten dimmer provides level adjustment with the expected warmer filament colour at reduced voltage. For critical matching, check the final dimmer setting rather than assuming the full-power 3200 K value remains unchanged. An LED version or retrofit has different electrical and colour behaviour and must be specified from its own documentation.

The original model-specific egg crates reduce spill while preserving the soft source, at the cost of some light. The operating instructions prohibit adding a second diffuser or substituting an arbitrary diffusion panel. Do not stack fabric over the front to obtain a lower level; use approved control methods and keep ventilation and clearance as instructed.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

The eX bayonet arrangement accepts documented accessory lampheads, including lower-power tungsten and fluorescent options. Each configuration has its own lamp, voltage and power-cable requirements. A low-voltage globe alone is not a complete battery conversion, and a higher-rated removable head does not raise the housing’s maximum wattage.

Older non-eX Rifa fixtures can have a different fixed-head arrangement. Lowel also offers a separate Rifa LED bulb and diffuser retrofit for specified eX models. Confirm exact compatibility and use the retrofit’s supplied diffuser and instructions; the original tungsten photometrics and operating assumptions no longer describe the converted light.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

A complete healthy Rifa eX 55 remains useful for a simple tungsten interview setup when its colour, heat and power fit the location. A larger Rifa creates a larger front source and uses its own lamp limit; a modern LED softlight offers faster colour and electronic controls. Before buying used, price the correct diffuser, working lamphead, lamps and any required servicing as part of the actual package.

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

Owner experience: a quick interview soft source

The Notes on a Film owner used Rifa eX 55s as portable interview and greenscreen keys. The review values quick setup, compact transport and warm soft light, while acknowledging the heat of tungsten operation. View the source.

Videos

Lowel Rifa eX 55 (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

Open the fixture using the prescribed mechanism, not by pulling its power cable. Lowel instructs keeping the warning label on top and operating with the correct diffuser safety panel installed. The photograph may show the reflector during setup; it does not illustrate an approved bare-lamp operating mode.

Inspect ribs, seams, reflective lining, diffuser attachment points, bayonet lock, lamp socket, tilt/stand fitting and cable condition. Keep the diffuser clear of tears or damaged fastening, and replace missing or unsuitable components before use. Allow cooling before collapsing and packing; do not enclose a hot tungsten lamp in its carrying sleeve.

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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