Matthews Diffusion

[Gohanto]

I'm getting a 650 Fresnel soon and for a dramatic scene I want a very diffused source. At the moment I've got 12" diffusion sheets to clip to the front of the light but I'm worried this won't be soft enough.

I found a 48" x 48" silk w/ frame at B&H and was curious if any of you think this would be significanly softer for my purpose. Also, would this just need one C-stand to set-up? (with sandbags)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/32812-REG/Matthews_159015_Solid_Frame_Scrim_.html

 

[filmat11]

I have a preferance for the 4x4 silk, however, when to use it and where is your question here..
To answer as asked... One of your diffusion samples should match or come close to what a "Silk" may offer in softness. There is a difference, like Barry Green pointed out on another thread , about controlling soft light.. Your light will SPREAD differently when placed directly onto the light's barndoors, then say when you use a 4x4 silk away from the light. Spread, being the key word.
Some of the softest light comes from very large sources placed just out of frame. A large softbox, or even a shower curtain liner,a 4x4 silk or 8x8.
Yes, a C-stand can hold a 4x4, but use 2 or 3 sandbags, and make sure the grip head tightens correctly. I would trust a 4x4 indoors on a C-stand< however, outdoors, I would want a combo stand with a grip head and 2- 4 sandbags, depending on weather conditions , or you can rig it with two c-stands.

 

[Tim Otholt]

For the $70.00 from B&H, you should buy two open 48" x 48" frames instead and "skinning" it with a roll of 216 diffusion and 250 diffusion.

Skinning it = buy a 4' x 4' piece of diffusion, and tape it to the frame using whatever tape you have handy. Tape all the sides with 4' of tape (or a bunch of smaller pieces until you have everything taped off).

Here's where to buy it if you are in LA:

http://www.americangrip.com/flat(gel).asp

If you are in Los Angeles / Hollywood area, you get 35% off by walking in (65% of the price on the web). It's not a store - you need to call and order it first. They won't answer any questions - they are a manufacturer, and they are not in the business of answering questions.

If you find that the 250 is too heavy, you can always tear off the 250 and use something lighter, like 251 or opal.

If you want to save even more money, skip the frame - just hang the gel roll of diffusion from the c-tand, and use 4 #2 pony clamps at the top and bottom to keep the roll from coming apart. When you are done, roll it up and reuse it.

This sounds alot harder than it really is - find someone locally who's done it, it's *very* easy once you see how it's done.

Tim