Large Sun Scrims & Frames

I don't think the quality will be as good, but you could look at scrim-jims. This is also something you could diy. Think aluminum pipe or electrical conduit, and buy some pre made fabrics

Grant
 
ggrantly said:
I don't think the quality will be as good, but you could look at scrim-jims. This is also something you could diy. Think aluminum pipe or electrical conduit, and buy some pre made fabrics

Grant
Click to expand...

Scrim jim is a reflector and diffusion system manufactured by westscott. Mine are going on 20 years. I can configure them into 4 sizes (from 3' to 9') and use as butterflies, bounce, neg. fill, net, whatever... And the whole mess packs in a tiny case.

I wouldn't knock the quality of one of the most established and pro-favored brands going for two decades... And then suggest conduit... Sheesh... Conduit vs. an actual panel system? Ever used them? Or just guessing?
 
Michael Carter said:
Scrim jim is a reflector and diffusion system manufactured by westscott. Mine are going on 20 years. I can configure them into 4 sizes (from 3' to 9') and use as butterflies, bounce, neg. fill, net, whatever... And the whole mess packs in a tiny case.

I wouldn't knock the quality of one of the most established and pro-favored brands going for two decades... And then suggest conduit... Sheesh... Conduit vs. an actual panel system? Ever used them? Or just guessing?
Click to expand...

Actually I have a couple of them, Scrim-Jims that is. I like them well enough for being light and portable, but they are a bit flimsy IMHO and not at all stiff enough in a breeze. And when I mentioned a diy tube system, I was thinking 3/4" or 1" sch40 aluminum pipe with speed-rail corners. This would be entirely superior to a scrim-jim for strength, though more difficult to assemble and store. A 42x72 pipe frame with 4 speed-rail elbows could be done for about $80.

I would admit to not being too enthused about the conduit option, but it would be even less inexpensive.

The OP was looking for alternatives to a much more expensive system, and I gave him options with an opinion.

Grant
 
Tim, I would keep my eye open for used deals as a way to make your dollar go farther. But as Grant has suggested, a speed-rail setup could go a long way. With 4 corners, 2 connectors, 2 connectors w/ears, you could build any number of different sized breakdown units. I have also seen a few different rags on ebay for a good price. Don't forget, you will likely also need to factor into the cost, a pair of combo stands or overhead stands & sand bags.

Good Luck!

Dave
 
I have a roughly 4' by 3' frame of PVC. It's lightweight and can be disassembled easily, and cost nearly nothing to make. I haven't yet drilled holes for the zip-ties whose ends will be clamped down to my fabrics, right now I have some bleached/unbleached muslin. Would unbleached Muslin clamped to this thing being held up by two people (in lieu of expensive combo stands) work as an effective bounce for the sun? This will most likely be suitable for medium/closer shots. This is my first time trying to use and understand reflectors so I don't know if the material would have enough luminosity outdoors to make a noticeable difference in my exposure.

If that's possible, then maybe I can construct much larger frames to fill in bigger areas for wider shots. Or use the muslin to diffuse the sunlight instead.. wonder if that will be effective.
 
Muslin as bounce - it will need something reflective behind it. A fair amount of light passes through.

Muslin and diffusion - not enough light passes through for that use, in less you don't mind losing a few stops.

4x3 is decent for a reflector, as an overhead it will be pretty limited.

When you get to bigger frame sizes, you'll need to look into a stiffer material. American Grip and FilmTools sell connectors for square aluminum tube, available in bigger cities. Speed rail is an option, but the only rail I've seen (even smaller sizes) is kind of weighty stuff. With the purpose-made connectors, you get the proper ears for stand mounting, etc.

Conduit is really heavy, and the connectors aren't intended for a moving rig; I don't know that I'd trust them in a stiff breeze.
 
Michael Carter said:
Muslin as bounce - it will need something reflective behind it. A fair amount of light passes through.
Click to expand...

It's not absolutely neccessary to back your muslin with something. I use it all the time by itself as a bounce and it works quite well. Obviously you'll get more output with a 4x4 beadboard, but chances are the quality will be a bit different.
 
TimB said:
http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/pro...im_8x8_feet_frame_natural_white_screen/ss1055
Click to expand...

I have a couple of smaller California Sunbounces that I use as travel reflectors. They're well enough made, but a bit pricey.

What I find irresponsible on their part is showing a 8x8' frame supported on such inadequate stands. Many boats don't have much more sail area, & a decent breeze could snap those stands easily, potential leading to personal injury.

One alternative to frames is diffusion umbrellas. They can be handheld by one person, or mounted on a single stand. My favorite version is the 7.5' Chelsea 1-Stop Diffusion Umbrella.

Photek makes a version called the Sunbuster, but it's diffusion is thicker, so I prefer the Chelsea.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...84_Sunbuster_Convertible_Umbrella_System.html

Diffusion umbrellas are quite popular with fashion photographers, & it's possible to get decent coverage, especially when the Sun isn't directly overhead. Besides being quick to employ, they cast a different shadow than frames, which are often easy to spot in shots, & the Grips often try to disguise.
 
Last edited:
RyanT said:
It's not absolutely neccessary to back your muslin with something. I use it all the time by itself as a bounce and it works quite well. Obviously you'll get more output with a 4x4 beadboard, but chances are the quality will be a bit different.
Click to expand...

Ryan's correct. Both "Bleached", & "Un-Bleached", muslins are commonly used as bounce, or diffusion.

Unbleached adds a bit of warmth, while bleached is relatively neutral.
 
Last edited:
Bern Caughey said:
What I find irresponsible on their part is showing a 8x8' frame supported on such inadequate stands. Many boats don't have much more sail area, & a decent breeze could snap those stands easily, potential leading to personal injury.
Click to expand...

Even c-stands are pretty weak for supporting an overhead - even a 6x6 in a breeze.

Though you don't absolutely need hi-hi's or hi rollers ($$$!). The all-steel beefy babies are decent for an 8x8 (but for heaven's sake sandbag 'em). Roping the corners is some smart extra credit as well. I have some aluminum-riser beefy's, but I don't trust them up very high. They're lightweight workhorses but the tubes just ain't steel.

I'm about to buy some MSE Hollywood steel stands - their specs look tougher than beefies, for under $100... curious to see how tough they are.

Regarding unbleached muslin... Roger Deakins is a huge proponent of the stuff. He's written about running into a JCPenney on set and grabbing similar-colored bed sheets. It really is "just-right" warmth.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top