The KNOWLED G-Mount vs the Bowens S-Type Mount
The Godox KNOWLED range is a professional LED lighting range for large-scale video productions, with dedicated equipment designed especially to combat many of the day-to-day problems with traditional lighting equipment on-set. This covers a lot of things such as bluetooth control options, Green-Mangenta shift settings, and electronic diffusion options which are adjustable whilst rigged in place.
One of the features found within KNOWLED lighting is the new Godox G-Mount fitting. Found on the MG Lights only, alongside a range of reflectors, projectors, lanterns, softboxes and fresnel modifiers, this G-Mount is designed not only to better fit the MG range lights, but also to make gaffer and lighting crews' lives easier. So, what makes it different to (and better than) the standard Bowens S-Type mount that the vast majority of LEDs use these days? Find out below.
Find out more about the modifiers within the G-Mount Range
Fitting
The shape of the G-Mount is designed very similarly to the Bowens Mount, with the iconic twist-and-lock mechanism that makes these modifiers super efficient to attach and remove.
Size
While the shape of the fitting is very similar to the popular Bowens Mount, the larger G-Mount design allows for better suitability to the large construction of the MG range lights. Better suitability means better light efficiency, and also means that the modifiers are especially designed to shape the light to their best ability.
Durability
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As most Bowens fitting modifiers are designed for every use from amateur photographer all the way through to professional, this can mean that they're not designed to withstand the rigours and stress of a busy, large-scale film set. The average metal light head reflector can easily get dented or scratched if left in the wrong place or dropped from a height, but the G-Mount modifiers are designed to reduce this risk of damage.
Built with a super sturdy construction, G-Mount reflectors have a thick rim to protect the inner textured reflective layer, and are made from thick metal to provide them extra protection against damage. This means less risk of out-of-action equipment and therefore less risk of stress or delay on-set.
Electrical Contacts
The G-Mount's big selling point is the addition of small electrical contacts at the point of attachment. These electrical contacts align with contacts on the MG Range lights, and communicate with the lighting unit to provide two features:
1- If set, when the modifier is removed, the light will note the loss of electrical contact, and turn off the LED chip in the light, therefore making it easier for crew to swap or adjust modifiers without having to turn the entire unit off, or be dazzled by the light in the process.
Check out the BeamLight MAX90 cine reflector designed especially for MG1200 and MG2400 lights!
2- This will also allow the modifier and light to communicate with each other, to automatically allow the light to compensate for any tiny colour shift or inconsistency provided by the modifier. For example, if the lantern adds a slightly warmer tone to your light, the light will recognise what modifier is attached, and adjust accordingly. Pretty neat!
While these might be seemingly insignificant features to some, this can be a big deal for many in the industry who value quality-of-life updates and features that make their job a little easier. With an edge over competing brands within the film lighting industry, Godox are looking for even more ways to improve their KNOWLED LED equipment to make it that much more gaffer-friendly.
