Anyone use this diffuser?

Erik Naso said:
I have the prototype as well and it's very handy however I've been using a large Photoflex shoot through silk umbrella more often these days with the HR672s. It's a big 45" model. With a larger diffusion the light is softer and wraps better. You know the rule the bigger the diffusion the softer the light. Since the HR672s comes with a light stand adapter that has the umbrella holder built in it's an easy way to soften them plus the light is farther away from the the front of the LED's and that also will soften the source better.

I also found folding some black wrap over the new diffusion mounts is great way to get a barn door on them. I keep a couple large pieces in the kit.
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Erik, do you have any sample pics/video with the Aputure Easy Frost? Your comment about the physics of light diffusion is definitely right on, but the types of shoots I do would bet be described as "sprint n' gun" :) A lot of corporate stuff where I have <30 min to set up lights/camera/sound by myself...
 
Erik Naso said:
I have also used it with the Light Storm and a Impact Swivel Umbrella Adapter. Old school works!
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838894-REG/impact_ca_108_swivel_umbrella_adapter.html

How about a 72" version!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/974655-REG/photoflex_um_rud72_72_shoot_through_umbrella.html
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How does it work with the Lighstorm LS1s? I currently fire the LS1 into a 4x4 diffusion frame for a key but have been looking into ways of reducing the stands needed and thinking of trying a shoot through umbrella and stand holder.
 
FrameFarmMedia said:
How does it work with the Lighstorm LS1s? I currently fire the LS1 into a 4x4 diffusion frame for a key but have been looking into ways of reducing the stands needed and thinking of trying a shoot through umbrella and stand holder.
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Easy. Just put the Impact swivel umbrella adapter on the stand and use the light stud that is provided. The adapter has the Umbrella holder.
 
Erik Naso said:
Easy. Just put the Impact swivel umbrella adapter on the stand and use the light stud that is provided. The adapter has the Umbrella holder.
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How is the light quality? Because the LS1 is spotty 25deg does it fill the umbrella nicely? I'm trying to sort out what kind of distance I can move the umbrella from the source.
 
Okay, so picked up the Aputure Easy Frost from BH photo today for my 672 light kit: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1207644-REG/aputure_easy_frost_softbox_kit.html
There was only one in stock (which I thought was kind of weird) so I had it held and picked it up in store... First off, when I opened the package the grid wasn't there like advertised. The package was sealed so not sure what happened... The brackets that hold the diffusion cloth feel flimsy and thin. Secondly, they don't fit well into the adapters. The instructions tell you to install the adapters on the lights first and then insert the brackets but I could not get the brackets in when they were on the lights, so I had to install them while the brackets were off. And even then they were difficult to fit at the proper angle, and the plastic on the brackets gets chafed... When I finally got the brackets installed on the lights, I found that two of the eyelets on the diffusion cloth barely had enough room to fit on the brackets and the material had to be stretched to the point of nearly tearing. I have some concerns about the Easy Frost surviving the rigors of production...

On my 672s they do a decent job of diffusing, but as a comparison I attached a sheet of cinegel tough white (curved from the light) and the results were similar.

I'm disappointed because Aputure makes such awesome lights. I hope the rumored upcoming softbox will be an improvement and at an appropriate price point...

For $10 or $15 I might keep this unit, but at $35 it's going back to BH...
 
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I messaged aputure on their fb page about my experience with the easy frost/when the softbox is coming and this was their response: "Hey, sorry to hear that! We're coming out with something in the next three months!"
 
Thanks for the relay. They must be shooting for NAB with the products. I hope the LS1 softbox is a good one as their lights are very nice.
 
That sounds like the full softbox they've been talking about (for HR672).
Seems the Diffuser Grid combo has had a rocky start given that it's further downplayed on their website and the grid isn't even mentioned at all outside of B&H site.
My guess is that the softbox will be "NAB ready" in April although may come out earlier (maybe March).

LS1 softbox is being developed by Chimera from what I understand.
 
I played around with the diffuser a bit more last night. It's workable but really what you have to do is put it together opposite of the directions included. Especially stretching the diffusion cloth onto the hooks, which is precarious at best when the 672 is on a stand. In any case BH clearly shows a grid with the easy frost on their website, so when they come back in stock I'm going to exchange. $35 is easier to swallow with a grid ;)
 
DSC09149.jpgPremiere Pro Bridget grade.jpgBridget Thumbnail.jpg

Shot a quick video with 2 HR672s yesterday. Here is the setup using umbrellas to shoot through.

Camera is the FS7 in Slog3/Cinema ISO 2000
Sigma 50mm ART at f3.2

Very even and yes flat but not looking for drama in this shot. Works pretty well if you are lacking room for 4x4 scrim and stands. I set this up in a few minutes.

I did have the advantage of shooting at ISO 2000. I know some cameras cant do this and be clean but I also didnt have the both lights at 100%. Camera left was at 60% and camera right was at 99%
 
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Thanks, Eric. I was hoping somebody would put up some shots with umbrellas. Btw what's going on in this shoot with the vest :)
 
So I messaged Aputure on FB about the easy frost and apparently the "EZ Box" will be available within 2 weeks. Hope it's decent quality and price point...
 
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