Anyone used the Chimera 24x32 with the same-sized (in theory) Photoflex grid? The Chimera and the PFlx (silver interior) are a similar price and was curious if the less costly PFLx grid would fit. Dimensions are nice, but....
If you are looking to save money on the grid why not just go all the way and get the Photoflex box that fits. It's not like the Photoflex won't produce similar output to the Chimera. The main difference being build quality and durability, which is the same for the egg crates. BTW, nobody makes a higher quality grid than LightTools (supplier to Chimera) and they allow you to specify coverage to boot.
Using something other than a LightTools grid on a Chimera is like putting cheap tires on a Ferrari just to be able to say you own one.
Carmen, I respect your opinion, but I've used Photoflex's and PCB's grids for a couple years and they're as good as new. A softbox has a whole lot more parts and intricacy than just a grid, so it's clear what you're paying extra for. If you need something tighter than 40º, then Chimera/Lighttools is the only way to go. I can see Lighttools being a good choice for a rental house or a video production company, but I don't think they're necessary for your average part-time studio shooter. I have grids for all of my softboxes, but I'd be at least $1k poorer if they were Lighttools.
BTW, do you have a grid for your Octabank? Lighttools doesn't have one in that exact size but there are a few a little bigger at $1k+. I'll probably get a friend to sew a few of PCB's large grids together for < $200.
bacilonur wrote:
I don't think they're necessary for your average part-time studio shooter.
+1
Conner999 wrote:
Yet it seemed like such a simple, straight fwd question...
I've purchased cheap Interfit grids to use on various boxes, like Westcott. In some cases, I ended up going back to buy the matching box later. I'm never beyond trying to mate unmatching components to get a job done. As with almost all lighting gear, anything can be made to work. Just don't expect a "work around" to be an elegant solution.
Apologizes for the indirect answer, but from previous posts you seem concerned about nuances.
And with all due respect to my "champagne taste on a beer budget" brethren, I may have hit a little under the belt with the Ferrari comment.
