Interfir EX 150 heads- issues?

[BBR]

I was looking to buy some flash units and came across this review that claims the modelling lamp exploded and a potentially serious accident was only narrowly avoided.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1DW71FRU15RIM/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R1DW71FRU15RIM

I do not know if this was an isolated incident or not but thought I would give people the heads up (excuse pun)

 

[Phil V]

Someone needs to explain slowly how that problem is anything to do with Interfit.

I'm not defending anyone, buts a modelling bulb shattering is a rare occurrence that could happen with any make, although some mfrs may use guards to lessen the danger.

 

[Garry Edwards]

As above. Modelling lamps can and do fail on any make of flash

 

[BBR]

As above. Modelling lamps can and do fail on any make of flash

So when they fail, rather than just stop working they explode or is that rare or dependent on the quality of the bulbs fitted? Genuine question, I have no experience in this area.However while it seems reasonable for a bulb to fail at some point, if that failure is characterised by the bulb exploding then surely it should have some kind of protected guard fitted (as Phil suggested)?

 

[graycbr]

As above ...
You can buy mind cheap if you want lol

 

[Garry Edwards]

So when they fail, rather than just stop working they explode or is that rare or dependent on the quality of the bulbs fitted? Genuine question, I have no experience in this area.However while it seems reasonable for a bulb to fail at some point, if that failure is characterised by the bulb exploding then surely it should have some kind of protected guard fitted (as Phil suggested)?

Modelling lamps often have a short life, compared to other tungsten lamps that use the same technology. The reason for this is that the filament sags, because they tend to be used more or less horizontally but are designed to be used vertically, and also people tend to move the lights with the modelling lamps hot, or even switched on, which isn't good for them.

One manufacturer, which shall be nameless, even over-runs them, i.e. they are designed to be used at a lower voltage, which produces a brighter light for a shorter time.

When they fail, they usually just die. It's pretty rare for them to explode, but it can happen, especially if they have a crack in the glass envelope.

 

[BBR]

Thanks Gary.

 

[HoppyUK]

Those tiny little halogen bulbs can go bang and shatter in spectacular style, but they're always fitted behind a protection glass or dome for exactly this reason, as on this Lencarta SuperFast http://www.lencarta.com/flash-heads/sf-300

Never heard of any other kind of bulb physically disintegrating.