Grid for Panel Light

Peter C.

Peter C.

Veteran
Any diy ideas or something I can buy to make a simple grid for a led 1x1 light panel? Unfortunately, the light doesn't offer any modifier accessories. I want something simple and inexpensive I can attach to control the spill during interviews.
 
Thanks for the suggestions:
David that's what I need but $70
Ahalpert not sure I want to have to cut it down.
 
I was just thinking - you could bunch the excess together on the sides and clothespin it together and then you dont need to cut. 12x12 is not a common size for the type of cheap fabric grids I like to buy
 
I need it for a shoot this Friday so I’m going to try this do this diy video as a temporary solution but I got tired just watching it.

I thought David’s grid was expensive until I saw how much a standard one costs. I might eventually get that because it’s so compact it will fit in my light bag.
 
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The grids for my Medium Chimera were almost $500.00 ea. and I have 40 degree and 60 degree. Sounds expensive
but I bought them 20 years ago and they still are working. Cheap grids literally fall apart, the threads start peeling off the
edges of the fabric. Like most things grip, you get what you pay for. Cheap ones are disposable.
 
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puredrifting said:
The grids for my Medium Chimera were almnost $500.00 ea. and I have 40 degree and 60 degree. Sounds expensive
but I bought them 20 years ago and they still are working. Cheap grids literally fall apart, the threads start peeling off the
edges of the fabric. Like most things grip, you get what you pay for. Cheap ones are disposable.
Click to expand...

counterpoint - you could replace a $15 grid every year and 33 years later it would equate the cost of the chimera grid. i'm not saying a person shouldn't buy the good, durable version, but it's worth considering how much you want to spend on it right now, how often you'll use it, et cetera
 
ahalpert said:
counterpoint - you could replace a $15 grid every year and 33 years later it would equate the cost of the chimera grid. i'm not saying a person shouldn't buy the good, durable version, but it's worth considering how much you want to spend on it right now, how often you'll use it, et cetera
Click to expand...

True. I use them on almost every shoot so for me, not having junk is important. If I only used them occasionally, possible to compromise. But counterpoint,
if I added up all of the incremental money I've wasted on shitty Manfrotto tripods, cheap lenses, crappy grip and lights, I could have definitely bought the good
stuff right off and would still be using it. When I switched to only buying good stuff, like Sachtler heads and tripods, that I bought 20 years ago that are still
going strong, I realized that shitty equipment is hobbyists. Good equipment should be bought by pros, buy once and be done with it. "

If you dabble, are a hobbyist, sure, buy the disposable Chinese stuff. That's what I am finding interesting, stuff like my new Godox VL300. It's not exactly cheap Chinese
junk, it's not built as well as an Arri. But it's built really well for $750.00. I think with some care, this light will last a LONG time. And it was cheap. So the paradigm is shifting.
 
I have such a variation of work it wouldn't get enough use to justify the cost. I'm always looking for the in between pro brand name and cheap junk. There is no denying a brand name like Chimera makes quality and durable products, unfortunately they really mark up the price. We're not talking patented technology or expensive material to justify $500. It comes down to if you own that softbox and need a grid, you will pay pretty much what ever they charge. I was watching a video comparing reflectors Profoto $250 vs $50 knock off. Were talking 5x the price for low tech, simple aluminum bowl. It's an old business trick to get you to buy into their gear then make a killing on the accessories.
 
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Peter C. said:
I have such a variation of work it wouldn't get enough use to justify the cost. I'm always looking for the in between pro brand name and cheap junk. There is no denying a brand name like Chimera makes quality and durable products, unfortunately they really mark up the price. Where not talking patented technology ot expensive material to justify $500. It comes down to if you own that softbox and need a grid, you will pay pretty much what ever they charge. I was watching a video comparing reflectors Profoto $250 vs $50 knock off. Were talking 5x the price for low tech, simple aluminum bowl. It's an old business trick to get you to buy into their gear then make a killing on the accessories.
Click to expand...

Interestingly, it was so long ago that I bought the Chimeras and the grids that at the time, Chimera wasn't making grids, not sure if they do today? The were made a company called Light Tools.
I bought them for all four of my Chimeras. Sadly, I am now using my new 47" Chinese Parabolic softbox with the VL300 as a key source and only using the expensive Chimeras here and there.
I have two of the Parabolic softboxes, a Nice Foto and a Laofas, I think they are made in the same factory in China, they are so similar physically. Both of these were around $150.00 ea.
They function really well but build quality, I'll be impressed if they last beyond a year or two.

I don't think Chimera even makes a 16 rod Parabolic softbox in Bowens mount though so if I want this style, I really don't have much choice beyond the cheap Chinese stuff. Chimera does make the Octaplus
Expandable but it's $550.00 plus another $40.00 or $50.00 for the Bowens speed ring and it doesn't appear to be the same Parabolic design I like, it's octagonal.
 
R_Marvin said:
Rosco makes one for their LitePad that might work for you. It attaches via elastic straps, price is $37.48 at B&H.

Rosco Eggcrate for LitePad - 12x12" (30.5x30.5cm)
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/564149-REG/Rosco_290650001212_Eggcrate_for_LitePad.html/specs
Click to expand...
That's a nice find thanks.
puredrifting said:
Interestingly, it was so long ago that I bought the Chimeras and the grids that at the time, Chimera wasn't making grids, not sure if they do today? The were made a company called Light Tools.
I bought them for all four of my Chimeras. Sadly, I am now using my new 47" Chinese Parabolic softbox with the VL300 as a key source and only using the expensive Chimeras here and there.
I have two of the Parabolic softboxes, a Nice Foto and a Laofas, I think they are made in the same factory in China, they are so similar physically. Both of these were around $150.00 ea.
They function really well but build quality, I'll be impressed if they last beyond a year or two.

I don't think Chimera even makes a 16 rod Parabolic softbox in Bowens mount though so if I want this style, I really don't have much choice beyond the cheap Chinese stuff. Chimera does make the Octaplus
Expandable but it's $550.00 plus another $40.00 or $50.00 for the Bowens speed ring and it doesn't appear to be the same Parabolic design I like, it's octagonal.
Click to expand...
That's why I don't like investing too heavily on accessories. Before you know it you've move on to something else.
I ordered a NiceFoto parabolic despite knowing they're low quality. I wanted an Aperture light Dome II but those are in such high demand they're hard to get a hold of. Of course a mono light isn't much use with out a modifier.
 
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ahalpert said:
counterpoint - you could replace a $15 grid every year and 33 years later it would equate the cost of the chimera grid. i'm not saying a person shouldn't buy the good, durable version, but it's worth considering how much you want to spend on it right now, how often you'll use it, et cetera
Click to expand...

countercounterpoints
- This is banking on the cheap grids not failing at the wrong time (which won't matter anyway if you're allowed to use cheap grids in the first place).
- After the 33 years you'll continue buying the cheap version every year vs. no more purchases.
- Time spent ordering something 33 x should be taken into account.

I'd be really impressed if a chimera lasted 30+ years. Dan's still has more than a decade to go to test out this scenario.
 
rob norton said:
countercounterpoints
- This is banking on the cheap grids not failing at the wrong time (which won't matter anyway if you're allowed to use cheap grids in the first place).
- After the 33 years you'll continue buying the cheap version every year vs. no more purchases.
- Time spent ordering something 33 x should be taken into account.

I'd be really impressed if a chimera lasted 30+ years. Dan's still has more than a decade to go to test out this scenario.
Click to expand...

Countercountercounterpoint -

Bring a spare

33 years is the better part of a career. Plus, you wisely invested the $485 you saved in year 1 and now you're rich!

But yeah if you face time pressure on set, you want the thing that's durable, reliable and fast to set up
 
ahalpert said:
Countercountercounterpoint -

Bring a spare

33 years is the better part of a career. Plus, you wisely invested the $485 you saved in year 1 and now you're rich!

But yeah if you face time pressure on set, you want the thing that's durable, reliable and fast to set up
Click to expand...

The most cost effective solution is to let light the light spill.
 
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