Inkie is a technique of professional lighting design.
Technical Details
Standard Inkies use 200-watt tungsten lamps (Type: EHD, 3200K) and achieve a light output of approximately 1,200 lumens at maximum beam focus. The housing typically measures 15 cm in diameter with a length of 20-25 cm and weighs about 2.5 kg, including barndoors. The four-step Fresnel lens with a 150 mm diameter allows for precise light shaping through axial lamp movement. Modern LED Inkies use 40-60 watts with comparable light output and offer color temperature adjustment between 2700K and 6500K.
History & Development
Mole-Richardson developed the first Inkie in 1936 as a compact alternative to the then-common 1000-watt Fresnel spotlights for detail illumination. In the 1950s, the 200-watt version became the standard for close-up lighting in Hollywood studios. Arri adopted the concept in 1963 for the European market with the "Arrisun 200" model. Starting in 2010, LED Inkies from Litepanels and later Aputure revolutionized the market due to lower heat generation and battery operation.
Practical Use in Film
Inkies primarily serve as eye lights for portraits and kickers for hair highlights. In Ridley Scott's "Blade Runner" (1982), Jordan Cronenweth used Inkies as hidden point light sources in the miniature sets. Their low heat output makes them ideal for macro shots and confined shooting locations. Typical application: distance of 0.5-3 meters from the subject, often with diffusion material (216 White Diffusion) for softer modeling. Battery-powered LED Inkies enable handheld lighting during Steadicam movements.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike a Baby (1000W) or Junior (2000W), the Inkie is suitable for subtle light accents rather than key lighting. The Dedolight DLH4 offers sharper focus (4°-50°) at 150 watts, but without the characteristic Fresnel softness. Modern LED panels (e.g., Litepanels Astra) are increasingly replacing Inkies with broader light distribution, but lose the pinpoint precision. For outdoor shots with daylight, the Inkie remains the preferred choice for selective fill light due to its compactness and defined light character.