Digital BW, The Print

"bertgf" <bertgf@...> wrote:
>
>
>    I use SoLux MR-16 bulbs in my home gallery track lighting system.
> http://solux.net/cgi-bin/tlistore/infopages/index.html
> ...


I think SoLux has about the best reputation for light quality.  In terms of efficiency (lumens/watt), however, I think they are about the same as standard halogen lights -- which are still hot wire technology.  (I hope someone sets me straight if I'm wrong here.)  

I'm hoping to find a more efficient light source not only for my home but also gallery.

LEDs are probably the future, but my impression is that their light quality is not close yet.  This may be changing, however.  One article I read indicated that even if their CRI is less, the lack of the CFL spikes gives them a better looking light.  I'm skeptical.  The spectrum graphs I've seen have a large spike in the blue region.

The best fluorescent lights, incuding CFL floods, seem to be a good combination of efficiency and light quality, althought there are still spikes in the spectrum.  The floods seem to spread the light so much (flood v. spot) that they appear to work best for art if they are quite close to the images.

I'll probably be buying several types of CFL floods for testing. 

Paul
www.PaulRoark.com