reflector recommendations

I have a few 4x4 reflectors that I use quite a bit, as well as a handful of inexpensive collapsible 5 in 1 reflectors. The 4x4 reflectors have lasted many years, but are rather large. The collapsible reflectors take up way less storage space, but are also less durable. The plus side is they are so inexpensive you could replace them often if needed. I also carry foam core for when needed. For reflectors 6x6 or larger, I would suggest breakdown frames you can re-skin as needed.
 
Correct, there are many of them available on amazon.com. I made my own 4x4s but there are also a number of them available from manufactures like Matthews.
 
Victor Nhat Nguyen said:
can you give me a link for your 4x4 reflector? and your 5 in 1 reflector is just probably a generic one on amazon correct?
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Matthews-style 4x4 reflectors can get quite pricey. Cheapest you'll find one is around 400$ not including shipping or the junior stand you'll need with it - alteratively you can use beadboard or foam core and a c-stand and platypus clamp
You can go to the insulation place in a Home Depot and pick up a 4x8 one, and bring a knife to cut it in half and tape them together to have both sides shiny.

I also grabbed some white glossy spray paint and painted one side with that, so one side is shinier and the other side isn't as much.

The 5-in-1s are ok, but they can get quite annoying to have to move around. Something sturier like foamcore and a c-stand is easier to position and aim and lock it down.
And easy to replace at around 5$ for the board


Another thing you can look at is getting a 4x4 frame and getting a 4x4 ultrabounce or silk. As David responded you can reskin it with whatever you'd like.
 
Bern Caughey said:
The most ubiquitous reflector in the film industry is beadboard with one side covered with silver. A single 4x8' can be cut into a 4x4, 2x4, 2x2, & a pair of 1x1.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/90658-REG/Rosco_102302734825_E_Colour_273_Soft_Silver.html

I don't care for pop-up reflectors for motion work, & use California Sunbounces when I need something easier to transport, but they're pricey.
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okay, so just use a foam core or bead board and just use gaffer tape to tape it on the board?
 
Foamcore doesn't hold up well, & is harder to grab, but is sometimes sandwiched between silver reflector, & beadboard to make it more stiff, & durable.

Use 3M's #77 spray on the back of the silver to mount it to the beadboard, & then gaffer tape around the edges.

If you only need smaller reflectors try a boxing stores. Most carry 2x4' sections of beadboard that will work fine.

You might find a discount on the silver at http://www.expendablesrecycler.com/
 
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For what it's worth. I get hung up on stow-ability, particularly for air travel. So stiff permanent 4'X4' are not likely to find favor with me. I like Rosco/ Lee 273 but some way to make a folding board (4X4with a fold/ hinge in the center) ships way easier.
 
When flying I either rent, improvise, or carry California Sunbounces. They're pricey, but stand mountable, & hold up to a strong wind without flexing.

If bigger reflectors are required I bring Chimera frames. They accept standard rags, are surprisingly strong, & perform in heavy winds.

I keep two each of the 2x2', 4x4', & 6x6', plus a bunch rags, plus 2x3', & 3x4' Sunbounces, in a single golf club case. All included the case weighs well less than 50 lbs, so flys at standard rates.
 
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Why are they call California Sunbounces when they are base in Germany? Kinda ridiculously expensive. I think I'll use that money for real lights instead.
 
Victor Nhat Nguyen said:
Why are they call California Sunbounces when they are base in Germany? Kinda ridiculously expensive. I think I'll use that money for real lights instead.
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Though they sometimes fill similar needs, lamps & reflectors are very different tools with uniques qualities.

For example what light are you going to buy to fill a subject backlight by the Sun. Have you budgeted in the Power Plant too?

Labeling any professional tool one has zero experience with "ridiculously expensive" is folly. Even with the goofy name they have a customer base that's kept them prospering, & I imagine most of these can afford "real lights" too.

I have issues with some of California Sunbounce's offerings, especially the Sun Swatter, but until there's a better collapsable option I simply pay up.
 
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Bern Caughey said:
For example what light are you going to buy to fill a subject backlight by the Sun.
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I earned my field 'technician' cert (Location camera/Audio/Lighting) way back in 1990. We routinely used a single Lowel Omni with a light spun over the front to light the back-lit interview subject. worked very well, and still does, though these days I like using my modified 35W and 50W HID lights instead of the hotlights. $299.00 is a great value for a 4,300k light ( after my MOD ). However, I am also very fond of reflectors and believe they are highly underrated in lighting. Indeed, you can do amazing lighting with some Fresnels and reflectors to simulate the effect of sun backlite + front fills. I do prefer to have a crew hand hold some the reflectors, esp for moving subjects.
 
Victor Nhat Nguyen said:
well, if you guys feel strongly about it then I'm okay with buying it.
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Don't buy something because someone in a forum feels strongly about it, buy something because it is the right tool for your needs!

For example.... What do you intend to do with this reflector, and how much do you have to invest in it and support for it?

Do you need a reflector for..... Exteriors, interiors, hand-holdable, to fit in small locations, large location, white, silver, gold?

Will you have others to help with this, or will you be using it by yourself?

Will you need to budget for junior stands and sandbags to use your reflector?

Do you need a frame you can re-skin?

Will a solid work, or do you need a break-down or collapsible unit?

Not trying to bone you here, just trying to help pinpoint what you really need, so you don't go and spend a lot of money on something that will set on a shelf after you purchase it.

All the Best!

Dave
 
Xcellent advise. Further. WAY TOO MANY enthusiasts with way too much expendable cash, just blow it on what I call, guaranteed rentals. It is advisable that an independent have his own core camera kit, as familiarity and disaster mitigation dictates ownership. But on specially items, MOST lighting and grip- rent if you can If you do not anticipate a 6-12 month ROI then DIY stuff and borrow or rent if possible.
David W. Jones said:
Don't buy something because someone in a forum feels strongly about it, buy something because it is the right tool for your needs!

For example.... What do you intend to do with this reflector, and how much do you have to invest in it and support for it?

Do you need a reflector for..... Exteriors, interiors, hand-holdable, to fit in small locations, large location, white, silver, gold?

Will you have others to help with this, or will you be using it by yourself?

Will you need to budget for junior stands and sandbags to use your reflector?

Do you need a frame you can re-skin?

Will a solid work, or do you need a break-down or collapsible unit?

Not trying to bone you here, just trying to help pinpoint what you really need, so you don't go and spend a lot of money on something that will set on a shelf after you purchase it.

All the Best!

Dave
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I'm just a student, just trying to learn. I want to use this mostly outside, but I want to use this inside also to reflect lights from main light source. I'm believe in " buy cheap, buy twice" so I just want the tool that work. However, this is just a hobby for me. I am not gaining any income from this and I work my butts off at a minimum wage job.
 
Do yourself a favor and start with one of the low cost 5-in-1 collapasible units. Purchase a more expensive 4x4 or larger when you are ready for it. For what it's worth, I have a Sprinter van full of reflectors/silks/flags and so on, including these low cost collapasible 5-in-1 reflectors which still have there place on shoots. They are so low cost, at under $20 I consider them expendables!

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...+reflector+photography&sprefix=5+in+1,aps,441
 
Listen to David. I also have a bunch of the 5 in 1 in a variety of sizes. Yes, they are cheap but they work well. The zippers are cheap and sometimes break if you rush them. But they are cheap and they work well. Everyone likes to own excellent tools and everyone likes working with excellent tools no put down here. So spend a little and learn a lot.
 
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