l_a_k_h_i_n_d_e_r Posted June 18, 2004 Share Posted June 18, 2004 I was using a Broncolor Primo head with a Westcott softbox (sizeapprox 30 "x 40") for evaluation purposes, and noticed just how easyit is to cause a big accident if the softbox does not insert properlyinto Strobe's collar. Not to mention the chance of the whole thingtripping on the side -- the stands are not sturdy enough perhaps. Orthe stand' locks giving way. Keeping safety as the first concern, I would like some practical tips. 1. Should I consider this softbox size only for fixed studios-- whichI certainly do not have. I am not a pro. My goal is to use softbox forportraiture mainly for 1 or two persons. Everything will getdisassembled each time I finish. 2. Any issue with Broncolor collars (or they are all very similar?) 3. Forget softbox, and go to Umbrella for this purpose? Or use asmaller softbox? 4. Which stands to use for this purpose. And those sand filled packsare a necessity too I guess!? Are Bogen stands okay. I noticed theyfold almost into a single pole! I like that for portability. WhereasMatthew stands kind of become two-dimensional after folding. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerbrain_ronny_perry Posted June 18, 2004 Share Posted June 18, 2004 I sandbag all stands including gobo stands in a studio, on the road I gaffer tape all stands to the floor if I dont have access to any sandbags.One slight slip on the stand and the whole deal is tumbling over on a unbagged stand.People who arent accustomed to being in a studio or on location with lighting gear all over the floor, wont see it and will bump and trip over it,, especially lightstand legs, so a sandbag is good insurance not to get anybody injured. Always match the proper stand size with the size of the lighting instrument, a oversized,,topheavy fixture on a small stand will collapse or fall over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ellis_vener_photography Posted June 18, 2004 Share Posted June 18, 2004 1.)<I>Not to mention the chance of the whole thing tripping on the side -- the stands are not sturdy enough perhaps. Or the stand' locks giving way.</I><P>, well get better stands and always keep one leg under the soft box.<P> 2.) Are you using Broncolor's attachment ring, Westcott's, or another.<P> 3.) What are using it for?<P> 4.) Sand bags are always a good idea. You make one out of a 1 gallon (4 liter?) plastic milk jug . Just add sand and some rope. Matthews (MSE) makes bags you can fill on and empty on location. it depends o nthe Bogen/Manfrotto stands. Matthews, or what I thin kare better, Bogen Avenger, C-stands are much stronger and generally more stable for their height. I have a mix of various heights of Bogen stands , Lowell KS stands & Avenger C- stands. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
will_perlis Posted June 18, 2004 Share Posted June 18, 2004 Also, fasten cables down low on the stand before they run across the floor to an outlet or pack so if they get yanked they'll be somewhat more likely to slide the stand and gear than to pull it over. Practically anything will work but I like these for that purpose and for keeping cables un-tangled in general: http://www.cableclamp.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
l_a_k_h_i_n_d_e_r Posted June 18, 2004 Author Share Posted June 18, 2004 Ellis, the attachment ring is from Chimera, and a really solid piece by itself. It is the mating of that ring with Broncolor strobe collar that I feel is a little wobbly. And that gets amplified when I put this reasonably large softbox! I am intending to use the softbox for casual portrait shots. I am a big fan of diffused sources of light like a big window or a skylight (and now the softbox). Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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