Modelling Lamps?

[Harlequin565]

So at my last session I had two modelling lamps go out.

I appreciate that bulbs blow from time to time, but I wondered if those with more experience could say that they go more often than (say) a household bulb? Do you always carry a couple of spares around with you?

I bought my spare bulbs from Amazon el-cheapo (£7 for 2). Does one get better lifespan from more expensive bulbs?

It wouldn't ordinarily bother me, but having 2 (from a 3 light setup) go on one evening was a bit of a pain. Lesson learned to always carry spares, but I wondered if I was "doing anything wrong"?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Garry Edwards]

They tend to run hot and so have a limited life compared to modern fluorescent or LED household lamps. Also, filament bulbs should ideally be used in a vertical position, which isn't possible with modelling lamps, this also shortens their life.

The one thing that you can do to extend their useful life is to make sure that you never move the flash head with the modelling lamp switched on, and ideally to move it only when the modelling lamp has cooled down.