Have used this lamp for a month and it seems to be a good value. Bought off Ebay, 24.99 + 8.50 shipping.
ebay seller is a to t lamps.

link -
http://cgi.ebay.com/400-W-6500-k-Metal-Hal...bayphotohosting

I'm glad to see your also using this bulb. Mikyd first found this and shared another for me to test with about 6 mos ago. It is quite a bright bulb. Might you have some pictures of your projection for us to review. It would be welcomed.

how do you like the colors on it? have you used any other bulb besides this one?

Would you just use a M135 ballast with it? What is the lumen output of the bulb?

As far as the color goes, there seems to be a bluish tint to some of the whites. I have the ushio long bulb
and bought this bulb due to "dancing" within the gas envelope. This lamp seems to be decent.
My 2 cents - check it out.

it is an M59 ballast bulb and I ahve no idea the lumens, though we thinkits about 40,000

Six month update - Lamp still going ok, lights mostly on the first strike.