Light & Motion Sunray 2000X Video Lights

[Sully23 0]

New to the forum but have always viewed this site as a great source of information. I shoot video with a Canon 7D in a Nauticam housing, using Light & Motion 2000X video lights. I've generally only used my lights on trips abroad (live in Southern California) but would like to start using them on local trips as well. While I've only used the lights on three trips (yes, I'd have been better off renting at that rate of usage), I haven't done a good job of charging the batteries periodically when not in use. Net effect is that I now have a great set of lightly used lights with batteries that no longer work. I unfortunately realized early on in a recent trip to Palau that I only had one usable battery, which resulted in a lot of potentially great, but half lit footage.

 

I'm not able to locate any batteries, so I've really got two choices: If anyone knows of anyone still stocking these batteries (7.2V NiMH WN-6) it would be a great help, as I love the lights and would like to start using them more frequently. Conversely, if no batteries are available for sale but someone has a batch of batteries and a need to replace existing lights, I'd be open to selling as well.

 

All help appreciated, and look forward to spending a lot of time here!

[SwiftFF5 134]

I don't know about those lights, but I had an older set of L&M video lights, and the batteries were actually from some sort of power tools (Makita, I think). I was able to replace them fairly cheaply via Amazon. You might want to cross-check any model numbers that you can find to see if they are actually made for something else. Hope that helps.

[Sully23 0]

I don't know about those lights, but I had an older set of L&M video lights, and the batteries were actually from some sort of power tools (Makita, I think). I was able to replace them fairly cheaply via Amazon. You might want to cross-check any model numbers that you can find to see if they are actually made for something else. Hope that helps.

That's interesting. I'll check again, but thought when I'd searched the specific model number, results were very limited. I get that we all choose to participate in a hobby that can be an expensive one, but spending $3500 on a set of lights and then finding that the batteries are no longer available is a bit of a head scratcher. It's a limited market, so I understand the need for the companies in the space to sell new lights, but there has got to be some semblance of backwards compatibility built into the equation.

 

Thanks for the recommendation -- much appreciated! I'll see if that's an option

[Sully23 0]

In checking markets outside of U/W photography, it appears that there are a number of batteries with a similar form factor, but all have a different attachment than what's used on these lights. There is one company that appears to have them in stock -- a company called Fotografit. Appears to be a Norwegian company. Anyone familiar with them? Would just like to be sure it's a reputable place before ordering

[Fasano2112 0]

Hello Sully:

Have you had any luck with finding this model battery? I am having the same problem. I agree that it seems senseless to craft LED lights that last forever but to discontinue the battery manufacturing process.

 

I am in touch with an old marketing rep from LandM, he left the company ~3 years ago. I'm hoping he can assist. If I find any information, I'll be sure to send the advise your way.

[Sully23 0]

Hello Sully:

Have you had any luck with finding this model battery? I am having the same problem. I agree that it seems senseless to craft LED lights that last forever but to discontinue the battery manufacturing process.

 

I am in touch with an old marketing rep from LandM, he left the company ~3 years ago. I'm hoping he can assist. If I find any information, I'll be sure to send the advise your way.

Was never able to locate additional batteries. Completely agree with the assessment that it makes no sense to create LED lights that provide a longer lifecycle, but batteries that are obsolete once newer models are out. Would definitely like to hear what the former rep says. Thanks!

[bvanant 191]

Firstly you have to know that these lights are like 8 or more years old, an eternity in LED technology. That being said, isn't the battery connector (we had them years ago) a single waterproof pin? That being said, there are several batteries being sold on eBay right now, http://www.ebay.com/itm/Light-Motion-STINGRAY-underwater-video-Housing-with-SunRay-lighting-system-/121895094814?hash=item1c61838a1e:g:11kAAOSwzgRWt5dS

that listing has a bunch of makita batteries. If it were me, I would get some batteries from a heated underwater vest and use them, they are waterproof already and the correct voltage.

Alternately see what kinds of batteries are in the can of the L&M version.

Bill

[hammerhead02 0]

I had same problem and re-built the batteries. Because it was a learning experience, I messed the battery case up pretty bad on the first one. The second one was a breeze. Both work great, charge fine, last over an hour on brightest setting.

I would like to get another set to re-make #1.

 

Let me know if interested in selling any spare old ones that are not needed.

[hammerhead02 0]

And if anyone wants to try, you can cut open battery pack. Remove old cells. Replace with new cells. Requires soldering and a little electrical tape. Cells for one battery are about $25. I would be glad to rebuild 2 for someone if they have a third I can rebuild for me....

[Mendlovitz 0]

I am in the same boat. I have open and ready to solder and replace. What kind of cell brand and model number) did you buy the replace the old one?