question on modelling lamp

[ujjwaldey8165]

I guess this is a silly question; but there we are.

I am getting a set of studio head (balcar) which needs new modelling lamp. Balcar uses 110v, 250 w, frosted, e11 modelling lamp. Now, all the 110v E11 modelling lamp I am getting here in UK is clear, not frosted. The frosted ones are available in US; and they cost about 3 times by the time they are delivered here.

Is there any significant difference in using a clear lamp instead of a frosted lamp? (i.e can I use a clear one, or do I have to get the US variety)

 

[Garry Edwards]

I can't think of any good reason why the lamp needs to be frosted. After all, it doesn't do anything other than give an indication of where the shadows will fall, so it won't make any significant difference to what you see, and no difference to what you actually get.

There are many studio flash heads that use clear halogen lamps, and I remember a few old ones that used ordinary household lamps, which could be either clear or frosted.

 

[ujjwaldey8165]

Ah, thanks Gary. You just saved me a bunch of cash.

Ujjwal

 

[Chaz Photos]

A frosted lamp is softer light If you was to put lamps into a chandelier you would use clear glass to get a sparkle, a frosted lamp would go in a lamp with some form of covering.
So I can see why the lamp would be frosted.