Recently I did a brightness test between an Optimus M-1200 that I recently fettled and one of my cherished Bialaddin M-305 lamps. The Optimus burned nicely but had a slight yellowish tint to it's light whick I have found to be the case in all of the Optimus lamps I have fettled except my 930. The M-1200 pictured gave off a pleasing mild light and not disruptive to the eyes but the Bialaddin clearly shone much brighter giving off a brilliant white light. I concluded that if I do not need terribly bright light, the Optimus would do nicely but if I were actually working on something and required a more brilliant light then my old favourite the Bialaddin would be my pick. Maybe I'm biased but for many reasons I do prefer the rugged, easy to use, easy to fettle, not finicky Bialaddin and Vapalux lamps. Your thoughts and comments are welcome. Cheers! Terry
Both lanterns are working well and the Bialaddin/Vapalux/Imber Research lanterns are good old workhorses.
Terry, it's always interesting when you compare different lanterns. And where light output is more appropriate for different situations. In this case I think the difference in mantle colour can be the different materials used to manufacture the mantles. As a comparison to electric light globes, you can get warm white (more orange in the light spectrum ) or daylight (brighter, more natural spectrum balance).
Martin: I agree with you and that is something that had crossed my mind. I know that I have experienced differences in mantle colour and brightness within my supplies of mantles for my Vapalux/Bialaddin lamps. On the Optimus I have only used original Swedish made mantles and all of them do seem to burn a bit more yellow. But as you have pointed out, materials in mantle manufacture certainly can make a difference. You got me on this one. I'll fess up, I am biased when it comes to the Vapalux/Bialaddins although they are not as aesthetically pleasing to some as the Optimus beauties. They all have a place in my collection though and I'm a happy Lampie! Cheers! Terry
Terry I think the CP rating of the mantles for the 2 lanterns is different. The 1200 being 200cp mantle. The Bialladin 300cp? Maybe burn the 1200 with a 300 400cp mantle on Amish mix, 75/25 naphtha/kero and with the addionally needed air pressure I'd think the lantern would burn brighter than the Bialladin. Maybe.
I use a lux meter app on my phone. Not very scientific and I am sure not accurate but for comparing two lanterns it gives an idea of relative brightness. Mantle material does affect the colour as others have said. All good fun..
Hanzo: Thanks much for the info. I'm investigating the "Amish Mix" and getting educated on it. It does seem it might just work. Just being cautious before I mix up a batch! Best, Terry
Fireexit1: I'll have to look into that app. Also looking at a luxmeter for future use. Fun to be had lads!
