Last Updated 2 hours ago
Overview
The Twelve-Light Molefay carries twelve 650 W PAR36 lamps in four columns of three. At 30 ft with daylight FAY spots, the published minimum-width field is 14.1 × 12 ft at 435 fc. Opening the columns gives 59.7 × 12 ft at 145 fc.
Key specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Head rating | 7,800 W maximum |
| Supply and full-load current | 120 V AC or DC, 65 A maximum |
| Lamp contacts | Spring-loaded ferrule contacts |
| Switches | Twelve head-mounted switches, one per lamp |
| Mount | Cast-aluminium yoke, removable 1⅛ in. pin |
| Body dimensions | 18⅞ × 21⅛ × 4⅜ in. |
| Weight | 30 lb with cable |
Replacement lamps
| PAR36 lamp | Rated power and voltage | Colour and beam | Rated life |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAY | 650 W, 120 V | Dichroic daylight spot | 30 h |
| FCX | 650 W, 120 V | 3,200 K medium | 100 h |
| FCW | 650 W, 120 V | 3,200 K wide | 100 h |
Look up the individual lamp codes for FAY, FCX, FCW.
Strengths and limitations
- Four columns let the operator trade centre intensity for horizontal coverage. Individual switches allow adjustments while the lit lamps stay at full voltage.
- At 30 lb with cable, this is a junior-pin head. The twelve lamp positions, frame and any front diffusion all need clearance to tilt.
Practical uses
For a night exterior bounce, the published 30 ft FCX medium-flood readings are 330 fc converged and 110 fc spread. Those are incident readings at the bounce position. Meter the returned light at the actor.
Output and photometrics
Centre-beam output in foot-candles with 650 W, 120 V lamps. All lamps are on. Maximum and minimum refer to the width of the field as the modules pivot. In the original chart, the field boundary is where the intensity falls to roughly half the centre reading.
| Lamp and beam setting | 5 ft | 10 ft | 15 ft | 20 ft | 30 ft | 40 ft | 50 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAY daylight spot · maximum width | 4,840 | 1,300 | 580 | 325 | 145 | 80 | 50 |
| FAY daylight spot · minimum width | 14,700 | 3,930 | 1,745 | 980 | 435 | 245 | 160 |
| FCX tungsten medium · maximum width | 3,450 | 1,000 | 445 | 250 | 110 | 60 | 40 |
| FCX tungsten medium · minimum width | 11,320 | 2,960 | 1,315 | 740 | 330 | 185 | 120 |
| FCW tungsten wide · maximum width | 2,090 | 600 | 265 | 150 | 65 | 35 | 25 |
| FCW tungsten wide · minimum width | 4,780 | 1,250 | 555 | 310 | 140 | 80 | 50 |
Original manufacturer chart with beam width and height.
Photometric & exposure calculator
Estimate centre-beam illumination and the corresponding camera aperture from this fixture’s published measurements.
Estimated output
Select a configuration to calculate.
Manufacturer readings are for the stated optic, colour setting and full output, measured at the beam centre. Values between measured distances are interpolated. Point-source values outside those distances are approximate inverse-square estimates; large sources cannot be reliably extrapolated and are limited to their measured range. Exposure uses frame rate, shutter angle, ISO and the selected incident-meter calibration. Only the optics and diffusion explicitly listed in the measurement are included; additional modifiers, bounce, beam edges, ambient light, ND filters and camera exposure-index differences are not accounted for. Confirm critical exposures on set with a meter. Photometric source
Power and controls
The manufacturer rates the head at 65 A at 120 V and lists a 60 A Bates plug on its product page. A 60 A connector cannot carry the stated 65 A full load within its rating. Have the rental house or set electrician verify the actual head, lead and supply rating before planning full-bank use.
Optics and mounting
Type 5576 shields and holder, Type 5574 diffuser frame. Each lamp has its own Type 55416 retainer. Confirm that the frame comes with the matching holders.
Comparable fixture
The Nine-Light uses three columns of three PAR36s. Its smaller array produces a different overlap pattern. Nine-Light Molefay (Type 5541).
Field coverage and further reading
The original sheet identifies a Type 500476 junior stand and lists a 100 A extension cable and master switch as accessories. The fitted head connector must still be identified on the unit. Mole-Richardson rental catalogue, twelve-light package.
Rental and used-fixture checks
Confirm all twelve lamp codes, twelve working switches, the junior pin, the frame and the power package. A spare daylight FAY is especially useful given its 30-hour rated life.