Last Updated 4 hours ago
Overview
The single-lamp Botticelli directs a linear tungsten lamp into a reflector to make a broad, soft source. With the silver reflector, De Sisti measured a 4.1 m wide by 4.7 m high beam at 3 m. That taller field is useful for a standing interview or for filling a section of wall from close range.
Key specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Fixture | Botticelli one-lamp softlight, Model 3101 |
| Lamp and holder | One linear double-ended R7s lamp, 1,000 W maximum |
| Tested lamp | P2/20, 230 V |
| Beam with silver reflector | 69° horizontal × 76° vertical |
| Reflector options | Frosted white or optional silver |
| Versions | 3101.MP stand mount, 3101.ST studio, 3103/PO/ST pole-operated |
| Front accessories | 3107.100 colour frame, 3106.100 and 3106.200 eggcrates |
Look up replacement lamp codes for this fixture.
Strengths and limitations
- The reflector gives broad coverage without a separate bounce or diffusion frame. The two accessory slots accept a colour frame and an eggcrate.
- The open field spreads light vertically as well as sideways. In a low-ceiling room, a top flag or an eggcrate may be needed to keep the ceiling from filling in.
Practical uses
For a single standing subject, use the tall dimension of the field to cover the upper body while keeping the head off the camera axis. At 6 m the silver reflector gives 132 lux at centre. Moving back for coverage has a substantial exposure cost.
Output and photometrics
De Sisti measured the centre of the beam with a P2/20 lamp at 230 V and a silver reflector. The calculator uses the metric test distances. The white reflector and any fitted eggcrate change the result.
| Configuration | Distance | Lux | Foot-candles |
|---|---|---|---|
| P2/20 · 230 V · silver reflector | 3 m | 528 | 49.1 |
| P2/20 · 230 V · silver reflector | 6 m | 132 | 12.3 |
| P2/20 · 230 V · silver reflector | 9 m | 59 | 5.5 |
| P2/20 · 230 V · silver reflector | 12 m | 33 | 3.1 |
Manufacturer photometric table and test conditions.
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 stand version has a 12 ft lead and onboard switch. The studio and pole-operated versions in the US sheet have 6 ft leads and no onboard switch. Match the linear lamp to the circuit voltage and the marked holder.
Optics and mounting
The shallow eggcrate is 1 in deep and the deeper version is 2 in. Both limit spill while leaving the reflecting surface as the apparent source. The rear lamp-access panel opens with the front accessories in place.
Comparable fixture
For an LED softlight from the same manufacturer, compare the De Sisti SoftLED 1.
Field coverage and further reading
B&H identifies the pole-operated model and lists the field dimensions at 10 ft.
Rental and used-fixture checks
Identify the yoke and connector, the installed lamp and the reflector finish. Inspect the reflector for dents or discoloration, and check that the frame and eggcrate latch in both tracks.