Kino Flo FreeStyle 21

Last Updated 2 days ago

Overview

This is an LED panel system, not a fluorescent 2ft 4Bank, a Diva-Lite 200 or a FreeStyle tube bank. Its approved LED controller is part of the light. The standard fixture and the 21GT tray arrangement also have different physical handling, so identify what is actually supplied in a rental or used listing.

Key specifications

Specification	Details
Source	True Match full-colour LED panel; removable from barn-door shell
Fixture identification	CFX-F21; standard fixture versus CFX-F21T / 21GT tray
Listed CCT range	2500–9900 K
Published colour metrics	CRI >96; TLCI >96; TM-30-18 Rf 95, Rg 103
Current controller family	FreeStyle 152 LED DMX, correctly matched to the panel
Controller AC rating	100–240 V, 50/60 Hz, 150 W; 1.25 A at 120 V
Controller DC rating	18–36 V DC; 6.25 A at 24 V
Control	Local, DMX and LumenRadio wireless DMX; firmware/profile dependent colour and FX modes
Dimensions in product features	26.5 × 3.5 × 13 in, with the specified 6 in barn-door arrangement
Component weights in product overview	Overview: complete fixture approximately 11.6 lb / 5.3 kg; removable panel approximately 7 lb / 3.2 kg
Head cable	25 ft documented system cable; approved extensions up to the stated 50 ft arrangement
Spill control	Barn doors; removable 90° louver, optional 60° louver
Cooling	Passive LED/controller design
Controller temperature range	−10 to 40°C

Strengths and limitations

Strengths

• A broad emitting face suits soft keys and controlled reflections.
• Model-specific controls allow repeatable white or colour settings.

Limitations

• Diffusion and grids change both the exposure and the useful coverage.
• The controller, supply and rigging are part of the complete package.

Practical uses

The 21 is the compact choice in this panel family. It fits a close interview, a small interior or a position where a longer panel would compete with set dressing. Its roughly rectangular face gives a different reflection and wrap from a long four-foot strip. Choose distance and orientation for the face or object rather than assuming every soft panel behaves identically.

The quick-release panel is useful when the shell is the part preventing a placement. It can sit closer to a ceiling or fit inside a shallow set element, with the controller placed elsewhere. Removing the shell also removes its convenient barn-door/spill arrangement, so plan a louver, flag or suitable diffusion around the new configuration.

Setup	Working approach
Interview key	Set source size and distance for the required wrap, then add a grid or flags.
Product reflection	Watch the actual reflection while adjusting orientation and diffusion.

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Output and colour

The manufacturer-hosted Light Laboratory report identifies June 2017, 100% intensity, 6500 K, no louver, LED-150X or LED-151X controller. The measurements are absolute and the report says not to rescale its candela values for another lamp rating. Its older tested controller is identified separately from a current LED-152X package.

Using the report’s peak intensity, a calculated far-field estimate at five metres is about 120 lux (candela ÷ distance²). This is a derived orientation figure, not a new measurement or a promise for close placement. Louvers, diffusion, firmware settings and the actual operating package require their own check.

Report datum	Value
Luminaire light output	8,256 lumens
Peak intensity	2,991 candela
Recorded test input	128.64 W
Test arrangement	June 2017, 100% intensity, 6500 K, no louver, LED-150X or LED-151X controller

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Power and batteries

The current product system uses the FreeStyle 152 LED DMX controller. Its manual specifies 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 150 W, or 18–36 V DC, with a listed 6.25 A at 24 V. That is a controller/system rating, separate from the power recorded in an older photometric test. Use the actual controller label for circuit and battery planning.

A compatible-looking head cable does not make a fluorescent Kino Flo ballast an appropriate LED controller. Use the approved FreeStyle head/controller combination and extension arrangement. The product page describes a 25 ft head cable in the system and operation up to 50 ft away through the prescribed cables; it does not authorise arbitrary extensions or altered pinouts.

A battery must provide the required voltage and continuous current, not only enough watt-hours. Use a suitable DC supply and correct cable polarity. Support the controller and power source independently so their weight and cable pull do not load the removable panel or its connector.

Control, cooling and camera operation

The FreeStyle controller provides white-light adjustment, green/magenta correction and full-colour modes, including hue/saturation, RGB, gels and xy in the documented firmware family. Camera profiles and colour-space options affect the fixture’s colour calculations; they are not a substitute for checking the chosen camera, lens and subject. Record those settings when matching a second light.

The controller includes wired DMX and LumenRadio wireless DMX. Choose a documented personality and match it to the console profile and firmware. A simple white mode and a colour/FX personality expose different controls and channel footprints. Confirm addressing and signal-loss behaviour before the light becomes difficult to reach.

Kino Flo describes a stable white level through CCT changes and quiet passive cooling. Check the actual operating mode and use a camera test for unusual frame rates or shutter settings. Do not present a white-light CRI or TLCI figure as a guarantee for every saturated colour, every camera or every firmware setting.

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Modifiers, rigging and the working package

The fixture’s removable louver narrows off-axis spill; 90° and 60° options are listed. A Flozier or compatible SnapBag changes diffusion and apparent source depth. The old open-face report below does not describe those modified configurations. Meter after the accessory is fitted, particularly when the light is close to a face or reflective product.

Use the appropriate KinoGrip or other documented mount for the fixture or removable panel. The corner fittings are rigging features, but they do not make every improvised suspension method equally suitable. Check the load path, retention and access to the release mechanism before placing the light above an actor.

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Alternatives and related fixtures

A smaller pocket panel is easier to hide but provides a very different source area and useful level. The Celeb 250 is a different integrated-panel package. Choose the FreeStyle 21 when a detachable compact source and remotely placed controller are the useful features.

Published weights vary with mount and document revision. Weigh the actual panel, mount, modifier and cable arrangement for a rigging decision, and include the separate controller and supply when comparing a complete transport package.

Fixture	Choose it for
Kino Flo FreeStyle	A modular soft-source and controller system.
LiteMat Spectrum	A shallow full-colour format with generation-specific control hardware.

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What people are saying

Kino Flo: the FreeStyle family

Kino Flo’s Cine Gear presentation introduces the FreeStyle family and its modular approach. Compare the demonstrated panel and controller with the size and hardware in the intended kit. View the source.

Videos

Kino Flo FreeStyle 21: family guide

Manufacturer presentation of the FreeStyle family; specifications remain size-specific.

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Rental and used-fixture checks

The removable panel reduces head size and weight but still needs a secure mounting method. Use the intended twist-on plate, corner rigging points and compatible hardware, with suitable independent retention above people. Lock the mount and account for cables, modifiers and leverage, rather than judging support only by the panel’s bare mass.

Keep the controller’s heat-dissipation paths clear and follow its −10 to 40°C operating range. Protect the fixture, controller and connections from conditions outside their instructions. Inspect the panel face, LED uniformity, cable entries, shell, barn doors, corner fittings, mount lock and controller connectors.

Test several white settings, saturated colours, low-end fades, blackout and the intended DMX/radio route on a used package. Confirm the controller version, approved head cable, mount, louver and any diffusion are included. Do not infer an LED engine’s condition or remaining serviceability from the appearance of its outer shell alone.

Documentation and specifications

Official product information, panel/controller instructions and identified open-face photometric report.

Product photograph: Kino Flo official product photograph.

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