Fresnel fixture

 

Introduction

A Fresnel fixture is a type of spotlight commonly used in the entertainment industry to illuminate a specific area or object. It derives its name from the Fresnel lens, a thin, lightweight lens with a distinctive stepped surface that helps to focus light into a concentrated beam.

Fresnel fixtures are typically made up of a spherical reflector and a Fresnel lens mounted in front of the lamp. The reflector directs the light onto the lens, which in turn focuses the light into a beam that can be adjusted by changing the distance between the lamp and the lens. This allows the operator to adjust the size and intensity of the beam, as well as the sharpness of the edges of the beam.

Fresnel fixtures are commonly used in theater, film, and television production, as well as architectural lighting and photography. They are prized for their ability to create a soft, even wash of light that can be used to highlight a specific area or object and for their versatility in terms of beam shaping and control.

Fresnel fixtures are available in a variety of sizes and lamp types, ranging from small, compact units with low-wattage lamps to large, powerful fixtures with high-intensity discharge lamps. They can be mounted on a stand or hung from a grid and are often used in conjunction with other types of lighting fixtures to create a layered, dynamic lighting design.
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History

The Fresnel fixture is named after its inventor, Augustin-Jean Fresnel, a French physicist, and engineer who is best known for his work on light theory. In the early 1800s, he designed and patented the first Fresnel lens, which is still used in lighthouses today.
Fresnel lenses were used to produce a more even beam of light for lighthouses, but they were later adapted for use in the theater industry. The first Fresnel fixture was created in the late 1800s, and it quickly became a popular choice for theater lighting due to its ability to produce a soft-edged, even beam of light.

Over time, the design of Fresnel fixtures has evolved, with improvements made to the materials used, the construction of the housing, and the mechanisms for controlling the light. Today, Fresnel fixtures are widely used in theater, film, and television production, as well as in architectural and commercial lighting.

Despite being over a century old, the Fresnel fixture remains a staple of the lighting industry, with many designers and technicians still opting for its classic design and versatile performance.

Classifications

Fresnel fixtures are primarily classified based on the size of the lens and the wattage of the bulb. The following are the common classifications of Fresnel fixtures:

Studio Fresnel: These fixtures are designed for studio and stage lighting applications. They typically have a large lens size of 10 inches or more and use high-wattage bulbs ranging from 1 kW to 10 kW. They are used to light large areas or backgrounds and have a long throw distance.

Theater Fresnel: These fixtures are commonly used in theaters and auditoriums. They have a smaller lens size of 6 to 8 inches and use lower-wattage bulbs ranging from 250 W to 2 kW. They are used to create focused spotlights or to light specific areas on stage.

Location Fresnel: These fixtures are designed for location shooting and are portable in nature. They have a lens size of 5 to 8 inches and use lower-wattage bulbs ranging from 150 W to 1 kW. They are used to light small areas or subjects and have a short throw distance.

LED Fresnel: These fixtures use LED technology to produce light and are energy-efficient compared to traditional Fresnel fixtures. They come in various sizes and wattages, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

RGBW Fresnel: These fixtures have a color-changing feature and are commonly used in stage productions, concerts, and events. They can produce a wide range of colors and effects, making them highly versatile.

Zoom Fresnel: These fixtures have a variable beam angle feature that allows the user to adjust the spread of light. They are suitable for applications that require flexibility in lighting design.

Advantages

Fresnel fixtures have several advantages that make them a popular choice for various lighting applications. Here are some of the advantages of Fresnel fixtures:

Focus control: One of the main advantages of Fresnel fixtures is their focus control. They can be easily adjusted to provide a narrow or wide beam angle, depending on the lighting requirements.

Soft light output: Fresnel fixtures produce a soft light output that is pleasing to the eye, making them ideal for use in theater and television productions.

Heat management: Fresnel fixtures are designed to handle high temperatures and are equipped with heat sinks and fans to ensure that the fixture does not overheat during use.

Easy to use: Fresnel fixtures are relatively easy to use and do not require a lot of technical expertise to set up and operate.

Versatility: Fresnel fixtures are versatile and can be used for a wide range of lighting applications, including stage and studio lighting, architectural lighting, and event lighting.

Energy efficiency: Many modern Fresnel fixtures are energy-efficient and use LED technology to provide high-quality lighting while consuming less energy than traditional incandescent fixtures.

Durability: Fresnel fixtures are designed to be durable and can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use.

All things considered, Fresnel lighting fixtures are dependable and adaptable lighting solutions that can produce gentle, controllable light for a variety of applications.

Manufacturers

There are several manufacturers of Fresnel fixtures, some of the popular ones include:

ARRI – ARRI is a well-known brand that offers a wide range of lighting solutions, including Fresnel fixtures. Their fixtures are known for their high-quality build and excellent performance.

ETC – ETC offers a range of lighting fixtures, including Fresnel fixtures, that are designed for use in theater, television, and film. Their fixtures are known for their reliability and performance.

Strand Lighting – Strand Lighting is another popular brand that offers a range of Fresnel fixtures. Their fixtures are known for their quality and versatility.

Mole-Richardson – Mole-Richardson is a well-known brand that has been producing lighting fixtures since the early 1900s. They offer a range of Fresnel fixtures that are known for their quality and durability.

Altman Lighting – Altman Lighting offers a range of lighting fixtures, including Fresnel fixtures, that are designed for use in theater, film, and television. Their fixtures are known for their quality and reliability.

Desisti Lighting – Desisti Lighting is a leading manufacturer of lighting fixtures, including Fresnel fixtures, that are used in a variety of applications, including theater, film, and television. Their fixtures are known for their quality and performance.

Coemar Lighting – Coemar Lighting is a manufacturer of lighting fixtures, including Fresnel fixtures, that are used in theater, film, and television. Their fixtures are known for their quality and versatility.

Robert Juliat – Robert Juliat offers a range of lighting fixtures, including Fresnel fixtures, that are used in theater, film, and television. Their fixtures are known for their quality and performance.

FAQs

What is a Fresnel lens?
A Fresnel lens is a type of lens that is composed of a series of concentric rings that allow the lens to be thinner and lighter than a traditional lens.

What is a Fresnel fixture used for?
Fresnel fixtures are commonly used in theatre, film, and television productions as they are able to produce a soft-edged beam of light that can be focused and adjusted easily.

How does a Fresnel fixture work?
Fresnel fixtures work by shining a light through a Fresnel lens, which is made up of concentric circles that help to focus and shape the light.

What are some common applications of Fresnel fixtures?
Fresnel fixtures are often used for key lighting, back lighting, and fill lighting in stage and studio productions. They are also commonly used for architectural lighting and outdoor events.

What are the benefits of using Fresnel fixtures?
Fresnel fixtures offer a number of benefits, including the ability to adjust the focus and intensity of the light, the ability to produce a soft-edged beam of light, and the ability to use them in a variety of applications.

What are the different types of Fresnel fixtures?
There are a variety of different types of Fresnel fixtures, including tungsten, LED, and HMI fixtures. Each type has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

How do I choose the right Fresnel fixture for my needs?
When choosing a Fresnel fixture, it’s important to consider factors such as the intended application, the size of the space, and the desired color temperature and intensity of the light. It’s also important to consider the budget and any other specific requirements.