Best method of storing lights?

Sniper1154

Sniper1154

Well-known member
I've been gathering a decent little lighting package for shoots (having been inspired by the Colortran sticky in this forum); however now I've run into the problem of storing these lights. A few came with cases but most were bought off EBay and as such were shipped in a box.

How are you guys storing your lights when you're heading to a shoot? I drive an old '96 Buick Century and at the moment I carefully place them in a large sterilite bin, but I'm thinking there has to be a better method that doesn't risk them banging together in the back seat.
 
- 1 for milk crates.

The lighting parts ALWAYS get stuck in the nooks of the crate - i use Arri cases (with wheels) and ATA cases.

Milk crates only for stingers, gripology and what-nots.
 
Line the bottom and sides about halfway up with cardboard. No more holes.

My problem with large cases is that they're...large. And heavy. They're meant to hold not only lighting units but also stands which I wouldn't even want to use. In a limited space I'd rather have the versatility of 2-3 smaller milk crates over one huge rolling case.
 
I have a bunch of milk crates that I use for lighting and for grip gear. For the grip gear, I put a piece of board in the bottom to keep parts from sticking through the holes. I never had any issues with lighting fixtures in milk crates. You can use Coroplast or masonite or 1/4" plywood on the inside bottom. The obvious advantages are they are stackable, easy to move around, you can see into them, they're cheap and durable, and you can stand on them if you need to.
 
The Student said:
Check these out to line your milk crates with:
http://www.filmtools.com/micrlifandha.html
Click to expand...

Filmtools has some great stuff, and I have almost ordered from them a number of times, but everytime I go to checkout I cancel my order when I see how much they are charging for shipping.

Being the frugal guy I am, I'll say you can save a little money by using something as simple as a saved heavy duty cardboard box cut to fit your milk crates. My next little tip... Covering the cardboard or cut panel X with black automotive style covering. I used left over pieces from my Sprinter van interior wall install. Here is a pic, this stuff is not as thick as say automotive carpeting. A little Super 77 spray on each piece will keep them together.
 

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I usually throw a stinger or two in the bottom, and with 1-2 lights on top they're pretty protected and I've (luckily) never had an issue with parts getting stuck in the holes. I will definitely try out lining them with something though to keep that from ever happening though. I'd love to buy an Arri case right now, but until I upgrade or need it I think spending 50-60 on milk crates is a great alternative.

Adam
 
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