Mole-Richardson 4 kW Super-Softlite (Type 2571)

Last Updated 2 hours ago

Overview

Mole-Richardson Type 2571 Super-Softlite and its open reflecting hood

Four separately switched 1 kW globes feed the Type 2571’s 36-by-30-inch reflecting aperture. With all four FCM lamps on, the head produces 165 fc at 12 ft across an 18 ft field, or 60 fc at 20 ft across 30 ft.

Key specifications

SpecificationType 2571
Rated load4,000 W maximum, 33.3 A at 120 V
Lamp positions4 × 1 kW maximum, recessed single contacts
Light-emitting aperture36 × 30 in.
Weight with cable72½ lb
ReflectorSpecular aluminium lamp trough and diffuse reflecting hood
MountRemovable 1⅛-inch junior pin
Standard cable3 ft entertainment cable, catalogue configuration with 60 A Bates plug

Replacement lamps

LampPowerVoltageRated colourFinishRated life
FCM1,000 W120 V3,200 KClear400 h
FHM1,000 W120 V3,200 KFrosted400 h
EME800 W240 V3,200 KClear250 h
EMF800 W240 V3,200 KFrosted250 h
EJG750 W120 V3,200 KClear400 h
EMD750 W120 V3,200 KFrosted400 h
FDF500 W120 V3,200 KClear400 h
FDN500 W120 V3,200 KFrosted400 h
FCL500 W120 V3,000 KClear2000 h
FCZ500 W120 V3,000 KFrosted2000 h
EHM300 W120 V2,950 KClear2000 h
EHZ300 W120 V2,950 KFrosted2000 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 36 × 30 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 wide product table or a standing set, the large hood can give a single broad reflection while the head stays back from the action. An egg crate is worth testing when that same opening is visible to a dark background.

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 4 × 1,000 W, 120 V FCM lamps.

DistanceCentre (fc)Field diameter
9 ft36012 ft
12 ft16518 ft
16 ft9524 ft
20 ft6030 ft
24 ft4036 ft
28 ft3042 ft
32 ft2548 ft
36 ft2054 ft

Photometric & exposure calculator

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

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 catalogue rates this head for 120/240 V AC or DC. The full-load figure of 33.3 A assumes 120 V lamps on a 120 V supply. Each of the 4 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 25723 egg crate limits light leaving the hood at an angle. Mole also lists the Type 25730 diffuser frame and Type 25750 two-leaf light shield. Match the accessory to the model number because the three Super-Softlites have different front dimensions.

Comparable fixture

The 2 kW Super-Softlite uses a 24 × 24 in. aperture and 2 lamp positions. Mole-Richardson 2 kW Super-Softlite (Type 2561).

Field coverage and further reading

B&H lists four FCM globes for the full-head test and gives 165 fc at 12 ft. Its published field diameter at that throw is 18 ft. B&H fixture listing.

Rental and used-fixture checks

Confirm the fitted connector and feeder before the head leaves the rental house. Check all four switches and inspect the face with each lamp on. Mole lists the head and cable at 72½ lb before the front accessories.

Documentation

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