Let's Build a Fluorescent Hot Light for Photography

So....no doubt you have Kino Flo in your mind when it comes to a fluorescent unit. For the unfamiliar, it is a company that makes robust, fluorescent units. Some are dimmable, some are hot only...and they put out beautiful light. Super soft.  Controllable. If you can use a Kino unit, give it a try.

The problem-to buy, they aren't in the reach of many hobbyist photogs. Even a relatively basic unit, like the 4Bank 4' unit, it's about $1100. It's a perfect short/medium throw unit-it puts out about 85 footcandles with a 100° spread, from a distance of 6'. You could comfortably shoot at a f4.0 or f5.6 and a speedy shutter.

What I recommend to most folks is to make a mimic (at least for photography purposes) of this unit.
Take the jump to learn about how I've done this before.

A Note for Photographers...

Hey guys. I'm about to embark on putting together a few posts about camera work and photography at the request of a few friends.

I'm a Lighting Designer by trade, and have been working in television for about 10 years. Though by no means do I consider myself a professional cameraman or photographer, my interaction and working with them means I know more than a little bit about cameras.

I figure I'll hit a few of the high points of questions that I'm asked frequently and how I work with them, in particular in relation to "hot lights", fluorescents, color temperature (and correction), and a few other tricks that I've picked up along the way. Those are some of the most requested topics people pick my brain about...anything you want to hear about?

Next: Let's Build a Fluorescent Hot Light!