reflectors

B

Bruce Watson

Veteran
I'm going to need a field reflector in the not to distant future. By field reflector I mean something I can easily fit in a car for transport, so my usual white foam core sheets are out. I've tried it, they don't survive a long trip well -- just too big (or, the car is just too small, take your pick). Of the collapsible variety, I find the round spring-metal "twist to collapse" reflectors to be a pain. Too flimsy, the reflection material gets all wrinkled and creased (the frame doesn't pull them taut enough), the arms that hold them are too weak to hold them in some positions, and the slightest breeze drives them crazy.

So, I'm looking for something better. I've about settled on a small Wescott Scrim Jim frame, grip arm, etc. for use on a c-stand. I can pull it apart and roll the material up for compact transport. It's a fairly rigid frame and holds the material fairly taut. Using a grip arm on a c-stand should make for easier and more reliable positioning. I have no idea what it'll do in any wind, but it can't be any worse :happy: And if I need bigger, I can just buy extensions and bigger reflector materials while reusing the rest. Kinda sorta.

Before I commit, are there other systems of the Scrim Jim level I should evaluate? I've looked at the Mathews Road Rags, but find them to be a bit too small (24 x 36 inches) for what I want. I like that 1 meter square size (42 x 42 inches) from the Scrim Jim. What else is out there I should be looking at?

The reason I'm asking is I want to buy this thing just once and forget about it if I can. Sorta like buying a good tripod. I hope. :happy:
 
I've rented Scrim Jims & they're great, but second the recommendation for the SunBounce. I have a 2x3', & 3x4', plus a pair of their Grip Heads. A single head will support either of these Sunbounce(s).

I also have a pair each of Chimera's 2x2', 4x4', & 6x6'. Except for the largest frames they're mostly used for diffusion, or nets.

These are primarily for travel, so all six Chimeras, & the two SunBounces, live in a ATA approved SKB golf case.

http://www.amazon.com/SKB-2SKB-4812WS-Standard-Golf-Travel/dp/B0007VNZDG
 
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Bruce Watson said:
By field reflector I mean something I can easily fit in a car for transport, so my usual white foam core sheets are out.
Click to expand...

How about accordioning the foamcore so it folds in third?

Score it once 1/3rd from the top, then flip it over, & score it 1/3rd from the bottom. Fold along the score, & reinforce the cut with gaffer tape. Should fold up to 32"x4'. Even folded one side will be black, & the other white.

Put a strap, or rope, between two 2" A-Clamps, & you'll have a shoulder strap that can carry several of these reflectors.
 
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