Last Updated 2 hours ago
Overview
The Type 2561 uses two separately switched 1 kW lamps and a 24-inch-square reflecting aperture. With both FCM lamps burning, it gives 70 fc at 12 ft across a 16.8 ft field. One lamp can be switched out between setups.
Key specifications
| Specification | Type 2561 |
|---|---|
| Rated load | 2,000 W maximum, 16.7 A at 120 V |
| Lamp positions | 2 × 1 kW maximum, recessed single contacts |
| Light-emitting aperture | 24 × 24 in. |
| Weight with cable | 36 lb |
| Reflector | Specular aluminium lamp trough and diffuse reflecting hood |
| Mount | Removable 1⅛-inch junior pin |
| Standard cable | 25 ft attached lead |
Replacement lamps
| Lamp | Power | Voltage | Rated colour | Finish | Rated life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FCM | 1,000 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Clear | 400 h |
| FHM | 1,000 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Frosted | 400 h |
| EME | 800 W | 240 V | 3,200 K | Clear | 250 h |
| EMF | 800 W | 240 V | 3,200 K | Frosted | 250 h |
| EJG | 750 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Clear | 400 h |
| EMD | 750 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Frosted | 400 h |
| FDF | 500 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Clear | 400 h |
| FDN | 500 W | 120 V | 3,200 K | Frosted | 400 h |
| FCL | 500 W | 120 V | 3,000 K | Clear | 2000 h |
| FCZ | 500 W | 120 V | 3,000 K | Frosted | 2000 h |
| EHM | 300 W | 120 V | 2,950 K | Clear | 2000 h |
| EHZ | 300 W | 120 V | 2,950 K | Frosted | 2000 h |
Mole specifies T-3 double-ended globes, 4 11/16 in. overall, operated horizontally within 4°. The current and colour temperature depend on the installed lamp. See the FCM lamp lookup.
Strengths and limitations
- The 24 × 24 in. opening gives one continuous reflection on polished surfaces.
- The broad field can put fill on the background as well as the subject. A flag or the matching egg crate can help keep that spill off the set.
Practical uses
On a two-person interview, check the near and far marks with both globes on. Switching one off gives another starting level while leaving the unit in position. Meter again if the subjects move closer to the open face.
Output and photometrics
The figures are centre-beam foot-candles. Field diameter is the width at approximately half the centre intensity. The chart covers the full head with 2 × 1,000 W, 120 V FCM lamps.
| Distance | Centre (fc) | Field diameter |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | 585 | 5.6 ft |
| 8 ft | 160 | 11.2 ft |
| 12 ft | 70 | 16.8 ft |
| 16 ft | 40 | 22.4 ft |
| 20 ft | 25 | 28 ft |
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 catalogue rates this head for 120/240 V AC or DC. The full-load figure of 16.7 A assumes 120 V lamps on a 120 V supply. Each of the 2 lamps has its own toggle. All switches share the head’s supply lead. The 800 W EME and EMF in the lamp table are 240 V globes.
Optics and mounting
The Type 25612 egg crate limits light leaving the hood at an angle. Mole also lists the Type 25630 diffuser frame and Type 25650 two-leaf light shield. Match the accessory to the model number because the three Super-Softlites have different front dimensions.
Comparable fixture
The 1 kW Super-Softlite uses a 18 × 18 in. aperture and 1 lamp position. Mole-Richardson 1 kW Super-Softlite (Type 2551).
Field coverage and further reading
B&H specifies two FCM lamps for its 12 ft example of 70 fc across 16.8 ft. Its figures agree with the 12 ft row in Mole’s table. B&H fixture listing.
Rental and used-fixture checks
Run each switch on its own. Check that both globes match in output and colour, and inspect the diffusing surface for uneven patches before judging the head as a pair.
Documentation
- Manufacturer’s fixture and accessory page
- Original Mole-Richardson specification and photometric sheet
- Mole-Richardson equipment catalogue
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