I have put Fresnels and PARNels on the same page because these two 6” instruments throw a very similar light.
An adjustable-size circle of fairly even light with a soft (fuzzy) edge.
For changing a lamp in a Fresnel; you have to open the front of the unit.
Changing a lamp for a ParNel is done through the back, similar to ellipsoidal reflector spotlights.
Fresnel animation video
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ParNel animation video
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Fresnel Features video
Different brands of Fresnels have different types of control for “Spot” and “Flood”. Some units have a crank on the back or the front of the instrument. This unit has a slider on the bottom.
As we move the slide back, the light gets smaller, this is “Spot”. As we move it forward, the light gets bigger, this is “Flood”.
When using a fresnel, you may want to use a barndoor. These allow for more control of the light, much as shutters do with lekos. However, barndoors do not offer the same crisp clarity of a shutter. Most barndoors have slots for gels, and some can be spun. Barndoors come in two- or four-flap versions. I also recommend that you tie off your barndoors.
Some newer options include this ParNel by ETC which is a more efficient unit, and uses a rotating lens ring to control spot and flood.
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