• Location: UK
  • Joined: August 25, 2013

Topic: voltage regulator for light flicker?

I've recently acquired several manual nikkor nikon lenses (50mm f1.4 and 55mm micro Nikkor). I remember seeing articles stating that parts of 'Fantastic Mr Fox' and 'Nightmare Before Christmas' were shot with some of the same lenses. Lee Hardcastle also uses them for his claymation videos. Previously, I had been using the standard 18-55mm kit lens but encountered lots of lighting flicker. I had thought that the nikon lenses would put an end to the problem, having manual aperture rings, but I still get light flicker problems albeit not as much as before.

I did try shooting at a slower shutter speed (with ND filter attached) so that the lighting is averaged out.  This has good results results but introduced a lot of noise to the image.

I had wanted to start animating at 24fps but the light flicker is more noticeable becasue of it. Would it be better to lower the frame-rate to something below that value? Maybe 18fps? (seems to be the sweet spot between 15 and 24)

Should I look into purchasing a voltage regulator? Are there any cheap voltage regulators that would serve my needs? I don't know much about them and don't know what I'm looking for.

Any help is greatly appreciated!
Thanks mini/smile

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  • Location: Gravity Falls, OR
  • Joined: February 4, 2009

Re: voltage regulator for light flicker?

I would be interested to know how that works out. The power in my house seems to be pretty uneven, I can see the lighting change every time the fridge turns on. I have never used one myself.

I think a lot of flicker is removed frome my shots due to the extreme number of long exposure shots in my movies.

Edit:
I found a pretty cheap one on amazon and figure it's worth a shot, I'll pick one up and let you know how it performs bit you know how slow things move in stop motion, it may be a few months till I find out how it performs.

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  • Location: UK
  • Joined: August 25, 2013

Re: voltage regulator for light flicker?

Yes, this is one of the one's that I've been considering. It will be interesting to see if it helps.

I saw dimmer packs being mentioned on animating forums aswell.

here's a great link: http://blogs.adobe.com/aftereffects/201 … raphy.html

Interestingly, one commenter at the bottom says: 'By far the cheapest way to deal with flicker is to have longer exposures which essentially averages the luminescence variations, just get good white balances before shooting.'

http://www.youtube.com/user/TasteMyUndeadCupcake
               
                - Tales of Medieval Mayhem Ep. 2 -
Script:100%  Sets built:100%  Animation:85%  Editing:45%