What is an optical framing projector?
When it comes to professional lighting art, nothing is more impressive or visually-effective than an optical framing projector. A hidden light source with a controlled beam of light precisely illuminates the canvas or sculpture and not the wall behind it. This technology has been around for many years and was first introduced by an optical scientist named Rudolph Wendel.
The History of the Wendel Projector
Mr. Wendel created the first optical framing projector, which thrilled art connoisseurs for years and was first used in the Louvre. For many years, Mr. Wendel’s creation was the gold standard for fine art lighting worldwide. Mr. Wendel’s optical projector has evolved over the years and moved from an incandescent pre-focus light source to a mini-can base halogen lamp. The halogen lamp produces a very white color of light that has good color rendering and is preferred by artists and collectors. Unfortunately, the halogen light source produces a tremendous amount of heat, which requires the housing for the equipment to be large and bulky. Optically, the Wendelighting® optical projector is still the same today as it was when it was created by Rudolph Wendel. With changes in the energy code, advances in light sources and optical design, the Wendelighting® optical projector is being left behind by the Phantom Contour Projector.
Today’s standard for fine art illumination is the LED Phantom Contour Projector. This high performance optical framing projector utilizes a very powerful and efficient 3000K LED light source. Fitted inside a unique optical chamber the light is magnified and distributed through a series of condensing lenses creating a very intense focused light source. This focused light is projected onto the art and then shaped to fit the exact contour of the object, regardless of the size, creating a lighted from with look. This is done with either an adjustable shuttering system, custom metal confinement plate, or pattern gobo to mask the light. It is even possible to illuminate more than one object individually from a single Phantom projector, by using the hand cut brass confinement plate masking method. In fact, the Phantom Contour Projector is so unique and so effective, it is was granted a US PATENT for innovation and design. The Phantom IC-Rated housings are half the size of the Wendelighting® optical projector housings and produce more light with less heat.
Use the following links to view our housing options: FFL Series – Float Finish Housing | NCL Series – New Construction Housing | RML Series – Remodeler Housing | SML Series – Surface Mount Projector | TAL Series – Top Access Housing
A review from a satisfied customer:
I manage a large lighting showroom in Houston. I have always been reluctant to specify or furnish framing projectors to my customers because they are expensive and usually nothing but trouble. My lighting representative showed me the Phantom Contour Projector and just how easy it was to install over Wendelighting® optical projector or Laymance optical projectors on a retro-fit job. My installer was quite pleased with how easy the rough-in process went, especially since no patching or painting was required with the RML series. We trimmed out the projectors yesterday and I could not be more pleased. The ease and simplicity of the adjustable shutters makes this one of the most affordable and effective framing projectors on the market. I also used the custom template to light not only two works individually, but three on one wall. I plan to make Phantom Contour Projectors my standard for lighting fine art.
If you’re interested in learning more about how a Phantom Contour Projector can transform the art on display in your home or business, please give us a call toll-free at 800-863-1184 or request a quote using our online form.
WENDELIGHTING® is a registered trademark of Jacksen International, LTD.
PHANTOM™ is a registered trademark of Phantom Lighting Systems, LLC.