Mole-Richardson 18-Inch Fixed-Focus Scoop (Type 8182)

Last Updated 2 hours ago

Overview

Key specifications

Specification	Type 8182
Maximum head load	2,000 W, 16.7 A at 120 V
Reflector	18-inch Molebrite Alzak aluminium scoop
Focus	Fixed
Socket	Mogul screw, E39
Size with standard diffuser clips	20¼ × 20⅜ × 20⅛ in.
Head weight with clips	12¾ lb
Head weight with square holder	15¼ lb

Replacement lamps

Lamp	Power	Voltage	Rated colour	Finish	Rated life
BWG	2,000 W	120 V	3,200 K	Frosted	500 h
BWF	2,000 W	120 V	3,200 K	Clear	500 h

The BWG is frosted and the BWF is clear. Both are 120 V, E39 mogul-screw lamps. Mole measured the published beam with the BWG.

Strengths and limitations

• The fixed field is repeatable. At 10 ft its half-intensity diameter is 13.6 ft.
• Coverage changes with throw. A tighter cut at the same hanging position requires flags or a different optical system.

Practical uses

For two presenters moving across a set, check the centre of each field and the overlap on their shared mark. The 15 ft and 20 ft chart rows give a starting point for two different grid heights.

Output and photometrics

The figures are centre-beam foot-candles. Field diameter is the width at approximately half the centre intensity. Mole tested the BWG at 120 V. The table is for the fixed-focus head.

Distance	Centre (fc)	Field diameter
10 ft	200	13.6 ft
15 ft	90	20.4 ft
20 ft	50	27.2 ft
25 ft	30	34 ft
30 ft	20	40.8 ft

Photometric & exposure calculator

Estimate centre-beam illumination and the corresponding camera aperture from this fixture’s published measurements.

Light configuration Light-to-subject distance

mft

ISO Frame rate (fps) Shutter angle (°) Incident-meter referenceDome (C = 340)Flat (C = 250)

Estimated output

Illuminance—lux

Foot-candles—fc

Approximate f-stop—nearest 1/3 stop

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.

Power and controls

The head is rated for 120/240 V AC or DC. The 2,000 W catalogued test lamp draws about 16.7 A at 120 V. Mole supplied the standard head with 36-inch leads and no switch. The optional 25 ft cable had an inline switch. Confirm the plug and lamp voltage on the unit being booked.

Optics and mounting

The standard Type 81885 diffuser clip ring takes material at the front. Mole also lists a Type 8185 square holder and a Type 81849 Molequik frame. The Type 8183 junior pin fits mounts with a 1⅛-inch receiver, and the yoke accepts ½-inch mounting hardware.

Comparable fixture

The focusing version has the same reflector diameter and lets the operator tighten the field from the same hanging position. Mole-Richardson 18-Inch Focusing Scoop (Type 8181).

Field coverage and further reading

The manufacturer shows the 8181 and 8182 side by side. A ControlBooth discussion of vintage Mole scoops points out the focusing versus fixed-focus distinction, which is easy to miss in second-hand listings. ControlBooth discussion of Mole scoop identification.

Rental and used-fixture checks

Look at the type plate before accepting a unit listed simply as an 18-inch Mole scoop. Inspect the mogul socket and the front ring, then test the field with the intended lamp and diffusion.

Documentation

• Original Mole-Richardson specification and photometric sheet
• Mole-Richardson equipment catalogue
• Download the original scoop sheet

Back to contents · Mole-Richardson fixtures · Tungsten lights