Mole-Richardson 1 kW Baby Softlite (Type 2581)

Last Updated 58 minutes ago

Overview

Key specifications

Specification	Type 2581
Lamp positions	One double-ended quartz lamp
Power	Mole’s current specification lists 1,000 W, 8.3 A at 120 V. See the rating note below.
Aperture	8 × 8 in.
Head with cable	7 lb
Mount	⅝-inch receiver on the yoke
Control	Single inline switch

Replacement lamps

The catalogue lists the following double-ended lamps. The voltage and wattage are per globe. On the 2581, check the individual head’s rating plate before fitting a 1 kW lamp. FCM lamp lookup.

Code	Power	Voltage	Lamp colour	Finish
FCM	1,000 W	120 V	3,200 K	Clear
FHM	1,000 W	120 V	3,200 K	Frosted
EME	800 W	240 V	3,200 K	Clear
EMF	800 W	240 V	3,200 K	Frosted
EMD	750 W	120 V	3,200 K	Frosted
EJG	750 W	120 V	3,200 K	Clear
FDF	500 W	120 V	3,200 K	Clear
FDN	500 W	120 V	3,200 K	Frosted
FCL	500 W	120 V	3,000 K	Clear
FCZ	500 W	120 V	3,000 K	Frosted
EHM	300 W	120 V	2,950 K	Clear
EHZ	300 W	120 V	2,950 K	Frosted

Strengths and limitations

• The 7 lb head fits a baby stand and is small enough to place close beside the camera.
• An 8-inch source appears small at a long throw. Moving it close changes the softness of the shadow and the size of the reflection.

Practical uses

For a seated close-up, place the small hood just outside the frame and check the far cheek. Use the egg crate when the broad field also lights a nearby wall.

Output and photometrics

Mole’s chart identifies the test globe as EJG-Q750T3/4CL but also calls it 1,000 W. Its lamp table lists EJG at 750 W. These are the published Type 2581 readings. The available sheet cannot establish the test wattage.

Throw	Centre (fc)	Field diameter
4 ft	200	5.6 ft
6 ft	90	8.4 ft
8 ft	50	11.2 ft
10 ft	30	14 ft
12 ft	20	16.8 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

Mole’s current model page rates the Type 2581 at 1,000 W. Its older sheet prints an 800 W maximum in the rating line, even though its title and lamp table include 1,000 W. Check the rating plate on the head before choosing a lamp. A 750 W lamp draws about 6.25 A at 120 V.

Optics and mounting

Mole lists the Type 25827 egg crate, Type 25830 diffuser frame and Type 25850 two-leaf shield for the 8 × 8-inch opening.

Comparable fixture

The 2 kW Baby Zip uses two switches and an 8 × 17½-inch aperture, just over twice the width of this head. 2 kW Baby Zip.

Field coverage

B&H’s archived entry identifies the 8 × 8-inch head and ⅝-inch mount. Its photometric listing differs from Mole’s archived chart. Use the labelled chart when comparing readings in this entry. B&H Type 2581 listing.

Rental and used-fixture checks

Inspect the lamp contacts and the coating inside the hood. Record the head rating and installed lamp code together if you need to match a second unit.

Documentation

• Mole-Richardson model specifications and accessories
• Original Type 2581 lamp and performance sheet

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