Most useful scrim jim size?
- Thread starter The Fog
- Start date
Michael Carter
Veteran
They're all handy - the smallest size makes a good reflector or to scrim off the sun for an outdoor closeup interview (and it's very easy to fly but sturdier than a popup).
The medium/tall size is handy as a reflector or scrimming off a full-length person, maybe more useful in a studio situation.
The 8x8 is a minimal overhead size (though the 4x8 is often just fine if there's not a lot of movement, and again, easier to fly).
You really need to think about what your uses will be, but the beauty of the system (if we're actually talking Westscott gear, not the chinese knockoff PVC stuff) is you have a bag of sticks and a sack of fabrics that you can alter for many scenarios.
Also, go down to the fabric store and ask if they keep contact info for of seamstresses (actually in my town, retired grannies who make draperies and stuff). You can buy ripstop, net, black mesh, solids, and a ton of loop-side sew-on velcro, and have them make you everything you need for much less. Handy if you want, say, an 8x8 black with a 1" ripstop strip down the middle, or similar stuff Westscott doesn't make.
The medium/tall size is handy as a reflector or scrimming off a full-length person, maybe more useful in a studio situation.
The 8x8 is a minimal overhead size (though the 4x8 is often just fine if there's not a lot of movement, and again, easier to fly).
You really need to think about what your uses will be, but the beauty of the system (if we're actually talking Westscott gear, not the chinese knockoff PVC stuff) is you have a bag of sticks and a sack of fabrics that you can alter for many scenarios.
Also, go down to the fabric store and ask if they keep contact info for of seamstresses (actually in my town, retired grannies who make draperies and stuff). You can buy ripstop, net, black mesh, solids, and a ton of loop-side sew-on velcro, and have them make you everything you need for much less. Handy if you want, say, an 8x8 black with a 1" ripstop strip down the middle, or similar stuff Westscott doesn't make.
JPNola
Veteran
Get the 6 x 6 kit and never look back. You'll be happy you did. Best additional $180 you'll ever spend.
The times were you find the 6 x 6 too large will be few and far between. The times where you find the 4 x 4 too small will be many and frequent. 4 x 4 as a bounce or diffusion to soften a key light is fine. But too small for an overhead. I have an 8 x 8 Matthews frame that I use for an overhead.
Your instinct to go bigger is a good one because, as my tag line says...
The times were you find the 6 x 6 too large will be few and far between. The times where you find the 4 x 4 too small will be many and frequent. 4 x 4 as a bounce or diffusion to soften a key light is fine. But too small for an overhead. I have an 8 x 8 Matthews frame that I use for an overhead.
Your instinct to go bigger is a good one because, as my tag line says...
David W. Jones
Veteran
While I do not own the Scrim Jim products, I will say that one size rarely fits all. That being said, I carry 4x4 frames, as well as breakdown frames in 6x6, 8x8, and 12x12. I also carry an assortment of soft boxes and grids for sources smaller than 4x4.