25 replies to this topic

[sonikk4]

Ok folks, enough, either keep this on track or I will close the thread.

[Spider]

Guys, I've just cleaned up this thread.

Please, play nice, if you don't feel you can, then ignore the thread, it's only a discussion after all.

[68+86auto]

Just stick with good halogen H4s. Fitting LEDs causes legal issues (in what seems like every country) for very good reasons.

LEDs do not necessarily give better visibility, they need to be designed well and therefore a lot more expensive than what you are likely looking at. Although many LEDs may look brighter they can actually produce poorer visibility due to the quality (CRI etc) of the light output. That's why theatrical and film lighting still tries to avoid LEDs (other than cost).

I am however a bit biased as I like old lighting technology, I even have a carbon arc lamp.

[beardylondon]

I agree on CRI of LED headlights retro fitted to cars, but LED film lighting has come a long way in the last few years.

 

Yes you do a better light from old lighting tech, but there have been a hell of a lot of advancements in LED lighting recently, and the general public couldnt give a monkeys if its an arc light or the latest Arri Skypanel. I guess theres a time and a place for everything!

 

 

Just stick with good halogen H4s. Fitting LEDs causes legal issues (in what seems like every country) for very good reasons.

LEDs do not necessarily give better visibility, they need to be designed well and therefore a lot more expensive than what you are likely looking at. Although many LEDs may look brighter they can actually produce poorer visibility due to the quality (CRI etc) of the light output. That's why theatrical and film lighting still tries to avoid LEDs (other than cost).

I am however a bit biased as I like old lighting technology, I even have a carbon arc lamp.

[Rusty Mike]

thanks guys. just going to go with some sealed beam units. dont think the car will be going out in the dark anyway

[gazza82]

Unless they are better than the ones in the 70s you'll be much better off with H4 type lamps than sealed beams. Mine had the output of a candle ...

Plus when one fails it's a new bulb, not a new headlamp.

[68+86auto]

 

I agree on CRI of LED headlights retro fitted to cars, but LED film lighting has come a long way in the last few years.

 

Yes you do a better light from old lighting tech, but there have been a hell of a lot of advancements in LED lighting recently, and the general public couldnt give a monkeys if its an arc light or the latest Arri Skypanel. I guess theres a time and a place for everything!

 

 

Just stick with good halogen H4s. Fitting LEDs causes legal issues (in what seems like every country) for very good reasons.

LEDs do not necessarily give better visibility, they need to be designed well and therefore a lot more expensive than what you are likely looking at. Although many LEDs may look brighter they can actually produce poorer visibility due to the quality (CRI etc) of the light output. That's why theatrical and film lighting still tries to avoid LEDs (other than cost).

I am however a bit biased as I like old lighting technology, I even have a carbon arc lamp.

 

 

Exactly. The biggest issue is that cheap LEDs are not good and that is what most people would be looking to fit to a vehicle. For a vehicles headlights H4s work fine and are good value.

[68+86auto]

Unless they are better than the ones in the 70s you'll be much better off with H4 type lamps than sealed beams. Mine had the output of a candle ...

Plus when one fails it's a new bulb, not a new headlamp.

 

That also means you won't end up with two different looking sealed beams, just change the "bulb" and both headlights still look the same.

[Spider]

 

 

I agree on CRI of LED headlights retro fitted to cars, but LED film lighting has come a long way in the last few years.

 

Yes you do a better light from old lighting tech, but there have been a hell of a lot of advancements in LED lighting recently, and the general public couldnt give a monkeys if its an arc light or the latest Arri Skypanel. I guess theres a time and a place for everything!

 

 

Just stick with good halogen H4s. Fitting LEDs causes legal issues (in what seems like every country) for very good reasons.

LEDs do not necessarily give better visibility, they need to be designed well and therefore a lot more expensive than what you are likely looking at. Although many LEDs may look brighter they can actually produce poorer visibility due to the quality (CRI etc) of the light output. That's why theatrical and film lighting still tries to avoid LEDs (other than cost).

I am however a bit biased as I like old lighting technology, I even have a carbon arc lamp.

 

 

Exactly. The biggest issue is that cheap LEDs are not good and that is what most people would be looking to fit to a vehicle. For a vehicles headlights H4s work fine and are good value.

 

 

I have experienced a few different brands / types and qualities of retrofit LED Headlamps in friend's Mokes, one set was a reputed $300 a lamp, We even compared the actual light output and beam focus out on the road, side by side. Without a doubt, the H4's were superior to all of them. It's not to say that there might be better retrofit LED Units out there, but for the foreseeable time, I'll happily stick with my H4s.

[R32Egor]

Mini spares do a LHD and a RHD version of LED headlights!

[Davidmt]

I have just bought replacement LED bulbs from Classic Car LEDs - they have bulbs for every lamp (front & rear).  Made a huge difference so well worth considering.