Using a window screen to stop down DIY lightkit?

S

SassyCrow

New member
Hello all,

I was thinking of cooking up something similar to this light diffuser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5Vk_31hqvY

However, instead of a sheet, I would be attaching a wire mesh window screen. Do you guys think it would work to stop down my lights when needed? It's either that or installing a dimmer and I'm not sure thats the best idea.
 
SassyCrow said:
Hello all,

I was thinking of cooking up something similar to this light diffuser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5Vk_31hqvY

However, instead of a sheet, I would be attaching a wire mesh window screen. Do you guys think it would work to stop down my lights when needed? It's either that or installing a dimmer and I'm not sure thats the best idea.
Click to expand...

Using the mesh gives you some immediate advantages.

1. It's not a fire hazard unlike some other materials
2. It's dirt cheap
3. It does NOT change the color of the lighting like a dimmer would

I think it's a pretty good idea, just use appropriate caution. It's going to get HOT.
 
Can you even find wire window screen? All I have seen is fiberglass screen, which I have used effectively to knock windows down when they show in an interior shot.
 
I've scene metal door/window screen at home hardware etc. Not sure what type of metal. I think it was galvanized.
 
Most hardware stores sell metal window screen by the foot. I assume it's aluminum.

I often prefer it to gels, since gels can melt or fade on lights over 500 watts or so. When you buy a batch of screen, attach some to a 750 or so and run it for 20 minutes or so to make sure there's no coatings that might burn off. I've used brand-new screen and it's fine, but I salvaged some from an old window frame once and it got kind of stinky-smokey.

Heck, Mole & Arri sell metal screen scrim kits, though those are often listed as stainless steel. Screen is a great way to lower open faced lights that would normally need a big frame and a whole sheet of gel.
 
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