The PC luminaire is a
lens
luminaire which employs a plano-convex lens. The
optical system
of the PC provides a
beam
angle of between 15O and 50O, and the
beam
has clearly defined margins. The type of
lens
finish, i.e. polished or pebble faced, determines the softness of the
beam
edges. The shape of the light
beam
can be controlled to a certain degree with barndoors and flags which, like color frames, can be inserted in a groove in front of the lens.
The PC is available in a wide variety of sizes and wattages. PC lenses are available in diameters up to 240 mm.
The inexpensive PC with its controllable
beam
and simple optics is a viable choice for many lighting rigs. A 650W PC with a 100 mm lens, or a 1000W PC with a 150 mm
lens
is suitable for illuminating an actor on a small
stage
from any lighting position above the stage. PCs are also used from FOH lighting positions where the
throw
does not exceed 10 meters, typically a 2000W to 2500W PC with a wide 200 mm lens.
