Having had experiences in police work, and later living in a variety of rural areas, I have always valued high quality flashlights. Many years ago I got one of the first Surefire flashlights, before they even were Surefire, but were still Laser Products. That wonderful flashlight still works perfectly, but over the years, I have bought a couple of newer, more powerful models. Last week I received a Surefire Fury DFT (Dual Fuel Tactical) - amazing! Still small but 1,500 lumens. Tried it out at zero dark thirty this morning walking the dogs, it really lit things up, and out to 250 meters.
Immediate thought is to try some flashlight photography, which I will do. Curious if anyone has experience doing flashlight photos they would care to share.
I have done successful night time shooting using my Sure Fire on targets 100 yards and more, QD. I have not tried night time photography because I am no where near good enough with the day time kind.
DirtFarmer
Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA
I used the old D cell killers for many years. Eventually I got a DeWalt flashlight that uses rechargeable batteries. Since I have a bunch of DeWalt tools, I always had charged batteries when I needed them. The old flashlights didn't get used enough and they would last maybe 2-3 years before the battery corroded and ruined the flashlight. No problems with the DeWalt.
It's bigger and heavier than the old style flashlights but it always works for me. And you can set it down on the battery and the head was moveable so you could easily use it no hands.
Sorry, never tried it for photography.
UTMike wrote:
I have done successful night time shooting using my Sure Fire on targets 100 yards and more, QD. I have not tried night time photography because I am no where near good enough with the day time kind.
Back in the middle of September I came up with a new sport - night hunting Rattlesnakes. One startled my Wife so I went out with Surefire and Shotgun. Worked a treat! We'll see with cameras!
quixdraw wrote:
Having had experiences in police work, and later living in a variety of rural areas, I have always valued high quality flashlights. Many years ago I got one of the first Surefire flashlights, before they even were Surefire, but were still Laser Products. That wonderful flashlight still works perfectly, but over the years, I have bought a couple of newer, more powerful models. Last week I received a Surefire Fury DFT (Dual Fuel Tactical) - amazing! Still small but 1,500 lumens. Tried it out at zero dark thirty this morning walking the dogs, it really lit things up, and out to 250 meters.
Immediate thought is to try some flashlight photography, which I will do. Curious if anyone has experience doing flashlight photos they would care to share.
Having had experiences in police work, and later l... (
show quote)
Shot with a white board reflector (from an office supply store, a display board) and a flashlight to create black light photography. The reflection was created by placing one glass on another glass.
BBurns
Loc: South Bay, California
I did a lot of studio light painting years ago with a flashlight. All of those were incandescent or early halogen.
Today the daylight LED lights would give much nicer results.
We made snoods out of craft paper and taped them to the light. The smaller the diameter the finer detail can be achieved.
It was a crap shoot with film because you never knew if you had blown it out until you got it back from the lab.
Of course slide film was more critical than print but it was fun to play.
I think digital will be much easier because you can see each effect in real time.
I too love good flashlights. I have had a 7 'D' cell Kel-lite, the predecessor of Maglite, since 1974. Many models of Maglites all with LED conversions.
The latest LED's are a much higher grade, technology wise, than their primitive beginnings.
There is also a great deal of junk on the market as well.
Two that I will recommend is the
Maglite Mini LED 2-Cell AAA.
This tiny little light puts out an amazing amount of light for its size.
The other is the
NextLED Rechargeable 3 IN 1 LED Work Light Kit. Watch the video.
If either or both of these interest you, keep an eye out as they may be on sale over the next few weeks.
via the lens wrote:
Shot with a white board reflector (from an office supply store, a display board) and a flashlight to create black light photography. The reflection was created by placing one glass on another glass.
Thanks! Clever and well done photo!
BBurns
Loc: South Bay, California
quixdraw wrote:
Back in the middle of September I came up with a new sport - night hunting Rattlesnakes. One startled my Wife so I went out with Surefire and Shotgun. Worked a treat! We'll see with cameras!
When I was a kid 65 years ago, back in Florida,we hunted cottontail like that.
Flashlight taped to the barrel of a 22. It was called a 'One Eyed Dog'.
TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
quixdraw wrote:
Having had experiences in police work, and later living in a variety of rural areas, I have always valued high quality flashlights. Many years ago I got one of the first Surefire flashlights, before they even were Surefire, but were still Laser Products. That wonderful flashlight still works perfectly, but over the years, I have bought a couple of newer, more powerful models. Last week I received a Surefire Fury DFT (Dual Fuel Tactical) - amazing! Still small but 1,500 lumens. Tried it out at zero dark thirty this morning walking the dogs, it really lit things up, and out to 250 meters.
Immediate thought is to try some flashlight photography, which I will do. Curious if anyone has experience doing flashlight photos they would care to share.
Having had experiences in police work, and later l... (
show quote)
Thanks for the hint. Hadn’t heard of SureFire flashlights - they appear to be one of those class of tools that last a lifetime and are often passed down.
BBurns wrote:
When I was a kid 65 years ago, back in Florida,we hunted cottontail like that.
Flashlight taped to the barrel of a 22. It was called a 'One Eyed Dog'.
The things we did as kids. The poor children growing up now mostly miss the real fun. Night shooting rats at the dump from cars! Etc., Etc.
QD, I also own a couple of Surefires, Streamlights and two Olight- which are rechargeable. All work great. I’ve not tried night time photography . I did buy that Sure 1500 lumen for a friend last year.
TriX wrote:
Thanks for the hint. Hadn’t heard of SureFire flashlights - they appear to be one of those class of tools that last a lifetime and are often passed down.
They are an excellent product, I have several. I have the new one, plus a police model, and the original. Take a look at the Sidekick - much smaller and less bright. My Wife and I each have one attached to car keys. Has proven to be very handy.
TriX
Loc: Raleigh, NC
quixdraw wrote:
The things we did as kids. The poor children growing up now mostly miss the real fun. Night shooting rats at the dump from cars! Etc., Etc.
We taped a spotlight on the butt of our .22s and shot them by the dozens.
Quix. As you play around watch out for 1) how quickly a strong light can burn out an area, and 2) any white balance issues with the light. Go have some fun!
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