Large camera top flag?

G

Greg_E

Veteran
I'm looking for a very wide top flag for our studio cameras. We get a large amount of flare reflecting off of the teleprompters that I want to try and block with a top flag. Yes I know we should be able to control this with lighting, but the lighting never seems to get done properly and the cameras are always extremely close to talent so they can read the prompter. Most of the flags I'm familiar with are not wide enough to fit across the mirror, needs to be more than 15 inches wide.

I may need to make my own out of sheet metal, but would would rather buy what I need because they will come out nicer.

[edit] the front of the mirror is 20 inches wide and I can do about a 4 inch overhang before it gets in the shot.
 
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If you're wanting to make something yourself, get some flat black foam-core and gaffe tape. I've made large monitor hoods out of it before. Any craft supply store, even Office Depot has it.
 
Foam core won't last with our students but might make a good pattern. Might end up taking a lighting barn door apart. Going to try the blackwrap version next week and see if things improve.
 
I was thinking some coroplast, but I see foam core has been mentioned already. You might find coroplast to be a bit more durable though. Lauan plywood could work too, it'll be slightly heavier and stiffer.

If you have the right sized barn doors on hand and you don't need them anymore then go for it but isn't a new set for a 5k like $200? In either case it seems wasteful and if you're purchasing them new, a lot of money to spend for a couple pieces of sheet metal.
 
A good hinge is the only part I can't roll, but I may see what the mechanical tech. department can make for me. I know they teach machine tools (mills, lathes, etc.), not sure if they have sheet metal tools. And if a $200 barndoor will get me there, I'd only need two of those to cover our three prompters and have a spare, i'd be totally worth it from a time spent point of view. I was too busy with problems all day to stick my head in and see if the blackwrap got a thumb up or if they pulled it off.

Oddly enough, Autocue didn't get back to me today, don't think I've ever waited an entire business day to get a reply from them.
 
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