Photoflex Community Discussion

Flex Drop

2013-03-11T14:52:32+00:00

Thanks, problem solved

MultiDisc 5-in-1 Reflector Features and Benefits

2012-06-21T18:30:05+00:00

What are the features and benefits of using a Photoflex 5-in1 MultiDisc reflector?

Do you have reflectors or umbrellas designed with holes in them to better manage the wind?

2012-06-11T17:33:51+00:00

Wind is a notorious hassle for photographers. Not only for equipment, but for the hair on the talent or messing up a set etc.
We do not manufacture products with wind perforations, as the minimum lot size required to manufacture would be much more than the demand. Our LitePanels were designed by a sailor who was familiar with the problems of wind. This is why we do not Velcro the panel all the way around the frame, but rather use elastic straps only at the corners, to allow more of the wind to pass. Perforated material does not last as long & would ruin reflections in many applications, which is why they are not popular in this field. An umbrella by its shape is a disaster waiting to happen on a windy day, which is why most pros opt for the SoftBox design. You could try cutting your own perforations, but I think you will still experience the problem and the equipment life will be shortened due to the cutting of the fabric.
An alternative idea for a larger light source outdoors is the OctoDome design. It naturally cuts the wind. Another tool is a weight bag. Our Rock steady bags can be filled with a variety of substance, including just placing 3-4 water bottles in each side pouch. They stick out a little, but make an easy portable solution. Just drape some weight bags over the LiteStand legs. If you are in a field, some pros carry pairs of tent stakes tied together with rope or bungee material, which they wrap a few times around lower sections of the LiteStand and hammer the stakes into the ground.

Cleaning LiteDiscs

2012-05-18T23:35:50+00:00

You can use a soft cloth & mild soap solution (like a little Woolite mixed in water) to hand wipe the affected areas on the fabric. Test small areas first.

I’m considering buying some LitePanels & can’t decide between the aluminum or PVC frames.

2012-05-18T23:16:23+00:00

When LitePanels were first introduced to the market, they were PVC. This is a light weight plastic material. It works fine in the studio with light use, but over time with extensive use, the aluminum will last longer. If the PVC is left in a hot car it can swell & bend. Also, for location work, the aluminum will hold up much better.

I bought your LitePanel kit, and want to know when I should use the soft gold fabric?

2012-05-18T23:13:45+00:00

The soft gold mixes silver and gold with much higher reflectivity than the white surface. It is called soft gold because the mix of these two colors results in a slight warming effect, which is often desirable for shadows. Outdoors it is excellent for use in open shade, where there is no direct sun. The white fabric in open shade likely doesn’t have enough reflectivity for the results you need, so the higher reflectivity surface will work better. The soft gold is also great in open shade caused by foliage, due to the greenish cast in this light. The warming effect gives a more pleasing light quality. Be careful using the highly reflective fabrics in direct sun when bouncing light into people’s faces, as you can blind them, but for outdoor rim/back lighting, this is an excellent choice. In the studio, the soft light from soft boxes is more like open shade & the choice between soft gold & white or other fabrics is more determined by your artistic vision & sometimes the white surface is not as reflective as you need.

Best reflector to own?

2012-05-08T16:43:58+00:00

What is the best reflector to own if I could only afford one to travel with?