BVH
Flashaholic
How many of us have HAD to replace an HID bulb due to "normal wear and tear"? Experimentation, abuse and other non-normal wear and tear should not be counted as a "yes".
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HID bulb replacement poll
- Thread starter BVH
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karlthev
Flashlight Enthusiast
Well, I did replace a solarc in my Mac Ellie but only after I mis-used it taking off the head and reflector. Any easy replacement in this case--just had to watch so that I didn't put my gummy fingers on it before I inserted the bulb.
Karl
Karl
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BVH
Flashaholic
As I posted in another thread today, we often discuss how it is generally thought that frequently turning on HID lights for 30 seconds to 1-2 minute bursts is not good for the bulb. (Probably for the ballast as well) While it is probably true, does it really result in us having to frequently or EVER replace an HID bulb in our lights as a result of normal wear? I would guess that many members here on CPF are turned away from HIDs because of the "negative stigma" of short burst runs are bad. If, in the real use world, we never have to change bulbs due to normal wear and tear (which includes frequent on/off, short run cycles), then in reality, there is no harm in doing so and there should not be a reason to discount the purchase of an HID for general flashlight uses. If the normal life cycle of an HID bulb is 2500 hours and we only get 1250 or 1500 hours out of it because of frequent on/off cycles, are we really losing out? I would guess most of us replace our HID lights long before the bulb dies. 1250+ hours is a lot of use. I use all 3 of my N30's just like I would use a 2-D Mag. Lots of on and off, 30 second runs.
adamlau
Flashlight Enthusiast
Agreed on all accounts. I have not used any of my LED lights since the Mini-HID and PH50 arrived and have used incans for comparative beamshots only.
karlthev
Flashlight Enthusiast
Well, its got to be rather bright about YOUR house then!!
Karl
Karl
I've had to replace HID bulbs in cars but that's after they were used for years every day at night. The cheap Asian bulbs don't last nearly as long as OEMs but even though they'll give you a few years. Extreme color shifting & flickering are the reason for replacement but they still lit up. But we're talking about flashlights here.
I'm sure HID bulbs in flashlights like the Solarc don't last nearly as long but then again I won't get used nearly as long either. Most HID spotlights have automotive based HID bulbs these days anyways.
I've had my SL Mini HID Mag for years & never had to change the Solarc bulb. I don't use it that often which is why but I doubt I'll ever have to use my spare bulb for many more years to come.
BTW: Sorry, I'm the idiot who jumped the gun & voted yes.
I'm sure HID bulbs in flashlights like the Solarc don't last nearly as long but then again I won't get used nearly as long either. Most HID spotlights have automotive based HID bulbs these days anyways.
I've had my SL Mini HID Mag for years & never had to change the Solarc bulb. I don't use it that often which is why but I doubt I'll ever have to use my spare bulb for many more years to come.
BTW: Sorry, I'm the idiot who jumped the gun & voted yes.
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BVH
Flashaholic
Darkzero, no big deal on your vote. I think we're getting the idea that, at least for us here on CPF, overdriving, frequent on/off cycles and short runs on our HID bulbs doesn't seem to be causing us to replace many of them. I will continue using my HID's like LED or incandescents. I'm not going to worry about bulb and ballast life.
adamlau
Flashlight Enthusiast
mtbkndad
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2005
- Messages
- 1,295
Great poll BVH :thumbsup: .
I have not replaced anything yet, but at the same time the HID's that get the most use are my N30's and original L35. The N30 cost less then numerous replacement bulbs or replacement batteries from competitors. My bigger and more expensive lights go from photo shoot to photo shoot these days and that is about it.
Take Care,
mtbkndad :wave:
I have not replaced anything yet, but at the same time the HID's that get the most use are my N30's and original L35. The N30 cost less then numerous replacement bulbs or replacement batteries from competitors. My bigger and more expensive lights go from photo shoot to photo shoot these days and that is about it.
Take Care,
mtbkndad :wave:
carbine15
Flashlight Enthusiast
I've had to replace projector bulbs from normal wear and tear twice now. They use HID bulbs and are very very expensive.
BVH
Flashaholic
Carbine15, can you venture a guess as to how many hours you get out of them?
I have BB, MaxaBeam, Acro X990, 4 x WA 10W HID's. No failures.
Great thread BVH! I've been wondering this myself since getting my 2 POB HIDs. I've been afraid to turn them on for less than 2 or 3 minutes because of what I've read here on CPF. But then I got to thinking the exact same thing you mentioned in post #4- how much difference would it really make in a bulb that is supposed to last for as long as a HID? I think I'll start using mine like a normal flashlight and not worry about the bulb. Heck, I have a spare light for parts anyway.
BTW, neither one of mine have failed yet on the 20 minutes or so of use I have on them since I got them a few months ago.
BTW, neither one of mine have failed yet on the 20 minutes or so of use I have on them since I got them a few months ago.
BVH
Flashaholic
Yep, let's use the heck out of our HID's - short runs, long runs and everything in between and not worry about bulb life.
