A custom 5000k (temperature - not price) CR123 light?

After trying out a number of torches last night, I now realise I really like the Nichia 219 tint. And I also came to the conclusion that paying extra for a custom torch you get a much better beam pattern which I absolutely love!

Can someone please help me with a shortlist of which custom (or semi-custom) 123 sized neutral tinted torches are available?

I have a McGizmo Haiku on order, but I order before I realised my preference of neutral tints, and ordered with the XML2 emitter, but hey ho.

I have the HDS Rotary with a cool white emitter, I know they do a High CRI emitter (which I have emailed a French retailer about).

I LOVE my Malkoff Nichia, does Malkoff do a 123 sized version?

What I love about the HDS and the Malkoff is the big spread of beam, but you also get throw with them as well, and that is what I would be looking for in my next torch(es).

I’m sure I must be missing a ton of others?

Most of the folks here are of the "DIY" sort. We like to buy an existing flashlight and make it what we want it to be. To that end, the sky's the limit and you can have whatever you're willing to build. That doesn't sound like what you want to do though, so some thoughts:

  1. Not all 219's are the same. There are now basically 3 "generations" of the 219, called the 219a, 219b, and 219c. They're not the same, so be sure you know what you're shopping for. 'a's aren't used very often anymore, 'b's are more common, 'c's are just coming out and into usage.
  2. Within each type, you can get lots of different tints. You said 5000K so it sounds like you know what you want, but don't think that all 219's are 5000K. They're definitely not.
  3. The High CRI emitter that HDS is using is in fact a 219b, but its 4000K tint. Not sure if that's a deal-breaker for you or not, just be aware before you order another light that may not be what you want.
  4. The "spread of the beam" is highly dependent on the size of the emitter. It sounds like you may have a lot more experience with XM-L(2) emitters. Those definitely "spread". If you put a 219 emitter in the same host using the same reflector, you'll have a tighter beam. That's just how the physics works. You can get some "spread" from a small 219-sized (its a 3535 package, if you care) emitter, but that requires a different reflector or, depending on your requirements, an optic. Just because a light had "spread" with one emitter doesn't mean it still will with a different one.

I realize I didn't give you any answers, because honestly I'm not sure how to answer you. Sitting here this morning, before my coffee, I can't think of a single light that comes with a 5000K 219b (or c) emitter. How do you feel about building your own? :)

Many thanks for your reply emarkd.

I have never considered building my own, and really wouldn’t have a clue. Doubtful that I have the knowledge (or perhaps even the tools) to get it done?

I do have experience with the XML2 emitters, and I do like the beam pattern it produces.

In saying the beam pattern is partly governed by the emitter size, I understand that and obviously cannot dispute that. But the way the Malkoff M61 MD2 uses the Nichia 219b emitter, is sublime. Wide enough, throws enough, so surely it can be done?

I didn’t realise that not all 219s are 5000k, thank you for that. It’s definitely 5000k I want. Wait, is the Nichia 219b in the Malkoff 5000k, or is that 4000k? Because whatever is in that, is just beautiful.

Perhaps there is a kind soul on here who would happy to take on a project for me? Willing to pay, of course.

Your thoughts?

I really don’t know much about Malkoff, never had one or even handled one. Pretty sure its just a nice (but expensive!) P60 host, yes? In that sense I’m sure they offer the light with lots of different drop-in options. So you should probably try to find out what was in the exact light you handled and loved. A quick search of their website shows that they have part numbers on the hosts and the drop-ins, so maybe you can at least get the model number off of the drop-in you used.

And if that’s the case, then you’re in luck, because P60 hosts are one of the easiest things to build yourself. Just buy a nice host (Malkoff if you want it; SolarForce is very popular here). Then you can get all the parts to build your drop-in from lots of sources, including one of our favorites - mtnelectronics. Assembly requires a soldering iron with just the slightest bit of ability to use it, and some thermal paste. Needlenose pliers and/or good tweezers also come in handy, but that’s about all you need.

Or yes, you can probably find someone here to build you one like you want, but first you should make sure you know what you want.

A bit of reading required on my part then, thank you.

If anyone else can think of something we haven’t covered, I would appreciate it.

Basically you can get a Nichia 219 in any light that uses 3535 footprint with 3 pads
So Cree XPL, XPG, XPE as well as Samsung

The thing is, if I use a “lego style” light, will it produce the sort of beam that a higher end custom light produces? Because at the moment that’s what really has me drawn in.

James at 3Tronics is in the UK and does custom builds, perhaps you could ask him if he has ideas that might work for you.

http://www.3tronics.co.uk/

I’m vaguely thinking Convoy S2+ 18350 host, Nichia 219B 5000K and a suitable driver, but that’s not a CR123A light. CR123A might work, depending on the driver, but the cell would rattle in the tube. I focus on AAA / AA / 18650 lights, though, so there’s a decent chance James can come up with a better idea.

Thanks for your reply. I had a look around his site and will certainly keep it in mind.

If you just want to try out a Nichia 219B in a 4000K and 5000K tint, buy the following two BLF lights. They’re both under $10, and are 1xAAA keychain lights.

The BLF-348 comes with a 5000K Nichia 219B.

The Astrolux A01 comes with a 4000K Nichia 219B.

Both have great high CRI tints. You can then decide if you prefer the 4000K or 5000K version, before investing in an expensive light.

That’s a good idea WalkIntoTheLight, thanks.

I already have the BL4-348 which I have to say I really like. I doubt I want to go any warmer really. Thank you :slight_smile:

I’m not sure if the latest Astrolux A01 has a 4000K emitter in it anymore.

I personally love the warmer tints.
4000K is not that warm though, it’s still considered neutral.