Which light bulb do I use with an HPUSN SB-02 Model AM21?

[donnajosbooks]

The lighting on my pictures has left much to be desired so I purchased an HPUSN SB-02 Model AM21 on eBay. The kit had everything but the light bulbs, which I figured I could buy separately. The instructions said that they should be 85W 5500K E27 CFL lightbulb.  So I bought two on eBay... and it didn't fit! The base was too big. So I have to return them, which I really don't like to do (but the seller does take returns but I still feel bad).

So I looked on another listing that includes the light bulbs.  Those are 85W 5400K light bulbs, presumably also E27 bulbs.  Are the 5400K light bulbs bases smaller than the 5500K light bulbs?  I don't want to have to return another set of light bulbs.

I'd really appreciate some advice.  

[titipeo]

You do realize that this forum consists of buyers and sellers alike that help each other out. eBay is just a platform that unite sellers and buyers, they are not a manufacturer nor have any idea on bulb to use. Did you Google the info, anything on instructions, checked manufacturers website (that would have been my first), checked with seller ( not that all knowledgeable on items they they sell),  What steps have you done?

[a_c_green · Accepted solution]

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@donnajosbooks wrote:

The lighting on my pictures has left much to be desired so I purchased an HPUSN SB-02 Model AM21 on eBay. The kit had everything but the light bulbs, which I figured I could buy separately. The instructions said that they should be 85W 5500K E27 CFL lightbulb.  So I bought two on eBay... and it didn't fit! The base was too big. So I have to return them, which I really don't like to do (but the seller does take returns but I still feel bad).

So I looked on another listing that includes the light bulbs.  Those are 85W 5400K light bulbs, presumably also E27 bulbs.  Are the 5400K light bulbs bases smaller than the 5500K light bulbs?  I don't want to have to return another set of light bulbs.

I'd really appreciate some advice.  

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Some basic Googling indicates that the E27 bulbs you bought (E = Edison Screw threaded base and 27 = base diameter in millimeters) were 240-volt bulbs for European power supplies. Here in the U.S. you should be looking for E26 bulbs, which are for 120-volt U.S. applications.

Ref: https://www.dekorfine.com/blogs/news/understanding-e26-and-e27-bulbs-a-comprehensive-guide-to-choosi... 

5400K and 5500K refer to the color temperature of the light output, not the size of the base; 5500° Kelvin would be just a bit bluer in color balance than 5400° Kelvin, although I don't know how much you would notice a difference. There is an eye-glazing discussion in the link below...

Ref: https://www.reddit.com/r/cinematography/comments/tfup88/what_kelvin_is_classed_as_the_whitest_white/ 

[slippinjimmy]

@donnajosbooks 

The wattage (85W), the Kelvin rating (5500k) and connection size (E27) are all independent numbers. A small difference in wattage or Kelvin rating won't matter but the connection size is absolutely critical as you found out.

Just wander down to your local Home Depot and tell the guy in the lighting department that you need an E27 bulb with a Kelvin rating of 5500k.

Once you get the right bulbs make sure to set the white balance on your camera to whatever gives the best results.

When it comes to selecting the appropriate bulb you should never presume.

[ryry-jj]

No idea what it is you bought, but there are light set you can buy now that just dial up your color temp from warmer yellow to the cooler daylight, they're dimmable, and you can select all the colors of the rainbow with a few clicks of a button

They also have just bulbs you can adjust the color temp on too with slide lever on the bulb

[inhawaii]

 I would go with the RZ2800 or the RZ2900.

[ryry-jj]

"Just wander down to your local Home Depot and tell the guy in the lighting department that you need an E27 bulb with a Kelvin rating of 5500k."

Wait, what?  Are you saying, not only is there a guy who works at Home Depot, but there is actually a person in lighting who will know something?  Wow....we must have different Home Depots...is your orange? 🙂

[a_c_green]

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@slippinjimmy wrote:

@donnajosbooks 

Just wander down to your local Home Depot and tell the guy in the lighting department that you need an E27 bulb with a Kelvin rating of 5500k.

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Per the OP, E27 is the size that didn't fit (base too big), apparently because that was the Euro-spec 240-volt bulb. They should be able to find a 120-volt E26 at any well-stocked U.S. supplier. 

[donnajosbooks]

Yes, I have done an internet search for which bulb to use.  I had to search for the manual, which I found in the listing for this product on Amazon (internet search #1).  That manual said I should have the E27 base and had a picture of a spiral light bulb.  With this knowledge, I bought the spiral E27 base 85w 5500K light bulb.  And it didn't fit.

Then I looked on the manufacturer's site, which is only on Amazon now. No other information, so I emailed the manufacturer.  The manufacturer responded asking for my order number, even though I told them my model number.  I have a feeling they only want to give customer service if I buy through Amazon.  That was a few days ago, so maybe I will get an answer (maybe).  I even told the manufacturer that if they sell the lightbulb, I would buy it from them. We'll see.

So I asked the eBay seller I bought the lighting kit from which lightbulb to use, and he told me a completely different lightbulb that looks more like a floodlight (the kind that can be used in overhead lighting like over a fireplace). 

I also looked for the same light kit on eBay and found someone who is selling the kit with the lightbulbs. They are the spiral kind but no mention of what base.

So, I am confused which to use.  I only post here if I can't find the answer after doing internet searches.  

Your assumption that I didn't is a bit rude.  It's a better idea to presume the best of people.  

[donnajosbooks]

Thank you so much!

[donnajosbooks]

I will do that.  I'll take my lighting kit with me so he can help me find the right bulb.