Lavender nets (scrims)?

David G. Smith

David G. Smith

Steak Knife Member
I am looking to pick up some nets (Scrims) to add to my grip/lighting kit. I am looking at the 18"X24" and the 24"X36" sizes. I keep seeing some nets listed as "Lavender" nets. What are they? are they half nets, as opposed to a "Single" or "Double"?

Thanks.
 
Lavenders are a white diffusion material, usually cutting about 1/3 stop. It's so sheer it's not usually found in butterflies or overheads, just open-end scrim frames.

There are all sorts of white diffusion materials, most do "about" the same thing, but with different amounts of diffusion and differing amount of light loss, from about 1/4 stop up to several stops. Here's a breakdown, but sometimes you'll find individuals can use terms like "frost", etc. for different things.

http://www.advantagegrip.com/fabric.htm
 
Thanks man - That really should be a sticky at some point. especially since they tested each material under the same conditions. Damn handy, ain't it?
 
From my personal experience, I've never seen anyone ask for or use a lavender net. Stick with the singles and doubles and you should be fine.

Of course, not knockin' you if you try it, good to know they're around but I'm just letting you know!
 
RyanT said:
From my personal experience, I've never seen anyone ask for or use a lavender net. Stick with the singles and doubles and you should be fine.

Of course, not knockin' you if you try it, good to know they're around but I'm just letting you know!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I don't think I am going to get any at this time. I still need to get some singles and doubles first. I just did not know what one was.
 
I really find the flag-type panels with diffusion fabric (vs. solids or black nets) can be insanely handy for product stills and for closeups - I don't use 'em that much otherwise, seems like a big panel is what I always pull out.

They are handy for an extra level of diffusion closer to the light source, and a 24x36 can be handy in full sun for interviews, to soften sun from behind on hair & shoulders... if it's a pretty tight shot. That can save you from having to fly a big frame, though I'll usually just put up a 6x6 scrimjim to give me a wider useful area. (But that's two stands, sandbags and an assistant vs. just poking a flag on a grip arm...)
 
What I have had a problem with, for way too long, is mean ol' Mr. Inverse Square Law, and fighting to bring down the intensity of a light beam across a block, i.e., be able to control hotspots and the like. I think a few 24"X36" singles and doubles will really help out with that.
 
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