Large standing translucent diffusion screens - where to buy?

S

sladen

Active member
Hey guys - for productions shooting a large area, I often see massive translucent diffusion screens used - screens that are tall as 12' high. I don't need anything quite that big, but was curious where I might find a similar one to purchase?
 
I've been hunting up stuff like that. For me it depends on size, what you have to fly them, and how to transport them. Here's an 8'X8' frame from Avenger http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._H2008_Butterfly_Overhead_Foldaway_Frame.html A silk will cost you $112 from Matthews.

Chimera makes 6 X 6 and 4 X 4 frames that collapse. I got one. It's ok. Not as heavy duty as I would like but they bag up small. If you can carry 4 X 4 frames, the regular matthews ones are about $90 new and you can just put 216 on them.

You can also get the square frame corners. Check barndoorlighting or B&H for this stuff. Hope that helps
 
you can easily make a very nice butterfly 8x8 -to what ever size you need. Now if you have a decent grip dept. you can throw something together in a few minutes with grip heads and speedrail, plus clamps. But if you want a dedicated butterfly here's a cheap way.

1. go to home depot, buy some galvanized electricl conduit, size will depend on length, buy 4 corner connectors, this will give you the ability to make a square or rectangle. Replace the little screws with a butterfly head, this way you can tighten easy withouth a screwdriver. Now all you need is two grip heads and two stands to raise it. Also pick up some brass loops, this way you can tie or bungie the fabric to the rail. If you want to get really creative, get a hinge so you can break it down by folding it in half. Just look at some overhead butterflies on line to see it the way it should look.Should cost about 40.00 bucks.

Now goto joanne fabric and buy either white muslin, or white silk, you will need to most likely have it sewn to size. this should be about 50.00 so for around 100.00 you have an overhead as good as most, and you will save about 600.00 dollars. you could even buy the fabric from a manufacturer, then build it to fit that. your choice. hope this helps, im to lazy to post pics, but you will get it.

N
 
That is a pretty good idea! And even if you had to buy the silk you're saving a bundle on the frame.
 
While we're on the subject, does anyone know what kind of material I could get to make some nets? I've been looking into building a few various sizes of frames that I could clip material to and make a flag kit... most of the fabric is easy to find, but I have no idea what to do about mesh that'll cut light down without blocking too much or creating a weird pattern.
 
The Westcot Scrim Jim is a similar, but more portable solution. Built sturdy for regular professional use, but folds down into a bag: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Scrim-Jim-Reflectors/ci/10348/N/4232862723

The system maranfilms is good too for more of a DIY approach.

For a vertical bounce or diffusion surface, I've had really good luck using a single C stand with an extra arm and a regular old white bed sheet. Simply attach the two C stand grip arms at the top to form a "T", and clamp the bed sheet to either side of the "T". Now you have an approximately 8x8 bounce/diffusion system that doesn't require a frame at all. Of course, it relies on gravity, you can't angle it to block out the sun over someone's head, it's vulnerable to wind, etc. Still, it's remarkably useful in a variety of indoor situations, is inexpensive, and folds down to a much smaller size when not in use.
 
The translucent material you're referring to may be hilite. It's very similar to some shower curtains (which also can make a good low budget diffusion for large frames).
 
l really dig the look of 1/4 stop silk - any cheap fabrics compare? Muslins are too thick and so is regular silk..
 
I own a laundromat, one day I was changing out some dryer screen filters and it popped in my head that it would make a great screen for diffusion. they come already on a metal frame, and are rated for high heat (but will still burn if two close) they come in either white or black. and are cheap. size is like 18"x18". but you can buy bigger or smaller depending. I have been using then ever since. One knocks down about 1/2 stop. double them up and it a bit closer to a full stop. you get the point.
 
I have a little time today, I will make a quick vid showing how I made the butterfly with conduit. Cheap, strong, and best of all easy to put up and take down. Have to run a few errands, then will throw something together, Because it's really a must have for any style of swhooting.
 
maranfilms said:
I own a laundromat, one day I was changing out some dryer screen filters and it popped in my head that it would make a great screen for diffusion. they come already on a metal frame, and are rated for high heat (but will still burn if two close) they come in either white or black. and are cheap. size is like 18"x18". but you can buy bigger or smaller depending. I have been using then ever since. One knocks down about 1/2 stop. double them up and it a bit closer to a full stop. you get the point.
Click to expand...

good idea!
 
Not a fabric, but try clear visqueen, maybe doubled up. Used it as a diffusion once in a pinch and I thought it worked pretty well for something light.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top