I need to pick up a few good panels for some windy work and I was wondering if anyone has used this kit: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569962-REG/Interfit_INT305_Flexi_Lite_5_in_1_Panel_Kit.html#includes (just the panel and fabric, I don't want the C-stand)

The only thing I found about it was a reference by Steve Eastwood, but he said that they were better than a Sunbounce and I rather doubt that. Thanks!

They are in fact pretty strong and the folding mechanism allows a very quick set up. Though I wouldn't totally agree with Eastwood's statement they are surprisingly well made (in China) and the price is unbeatable.

bacilonur wrote:
I need to pick up a few good panels for some windy work and I was wondering if anyone has used this kit: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/569962-REG/Interfit_INT305_Flexi_Lite_5_in_1_Panel_Kit.html#includes (just the panel and fabric, I don't want the C-stand)

The only thing I found about it was a reference by Steve Eastwood, but he said that they were better than a Sunbounce and I rather doubt that. Thanks!

I actually just ordered one of these panels from B&H last week. Haven't received it yet (it's a special order @ B&H), but I'm certainly excited.

I too have only heard that Stephen Eastwood liked them, and not much else. Luckily, I also read something he wrote where he was not a big fan of some other things made by Interfit....so it appears he's not sponsored/paid by Interfit, and thus his recommendation for the panel is hopefully warranted.

If you can wait until I receive mine, I'll certainly post my impressions on it as soon as I get mine.

The only other observation I had about the flexi-lite was when they sell it as a kit (including interfit c-stand and grip arm) it's about the same cost as buying the panel w/o the interfit c-stand and buying an avenger/matthews c-stand/grip arm separately. I've never used interfit c-stands....but I imagine they couldn't be as nice as Avenger/Matthews versions.

cathpath - Looking forward to your review after you get them.

Hey Jeff, any updates?

I agree with Peter.

Better than a CSB is a pretty strong statement, but the design is certainly very clever. They look like a very good location tool. I'm definitely sure they would be faster than my venerable SkyLites and ScrimJims.

Cathpah,

That c-stand is no where near the quality of the Avenger or Matthews. But hey, how bad can any C-stand get?

Good luck.

Sorry for the delay on the update. I've got the large interfit flexi-lite panel. Initially I was pleased with it. Seems relatively strong, very simple/quick to open up, etc. That said, when I took it out the first time, I noticed a (rust?) stain on the brand new white diffusion fabric AND on the white side of the reflector fabric. I emailed interfit, got a very quick response, but then received one (not two) fabrics in the mail....and even then, it was for the smaller sized panel they offer. I emailed them again, and got correct/stain-free fabrics a few days later. I went to pull the stained fabrics out of the included bag...and then the zipper broke off in doing so.

So....the panel itself is okay, but I do worry about the longevity of everything given my experience thusfar. There's a bit of play in all the plastic joints, but I don't think it'll lead to breakage, as much as a bit of movement in the reflector itself. Maybe that bit of give will help it avoid being such an intense sail as so many diffusion panels are. Also, in good news....the fabrics are much tighter (more taut?) than they look in the pictures, which is nice as it'll allow the reflector to be more efficient and accurate.

So, overall I think it'll be a decent product but by no means could it be better than the calfornia sunbounce....and I think in the end I may just hold out on buying more until I've got enough money to go with something a little more pricey but with a better build quality (probably a CSB in the end...sigh.)

Oh, and Carmen....I 100% agree about staying away from their c-stand. Given it's almost the same price as an avenger/matthews equivalent, I wouldn't touch the interfit version of the c-stand with a 10 foot pole.

Interesting. Thanks a lot, Jeff.

Quick question: The panel is metal and the joints are plastic, right? And that kit comes with the crossbar and not the extension arm and the black double-knuckle, right?

I have two of these and like them.

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/RM7359K2/


the frame has a bungy cord inside so it fits together quickly. The fabrics are easy to get onto the frame.

The legs work fine in a no-wind situation, especially with a sandbag or two on them.

Calumet also sells a bracket that clamps to the frame and then to a light stand via C clamp action.

Not quite as big as the interfit but well made and easy to use.

bacilonur wrote:
Interesting. Thanks a lot, Jeff.

Quick question: The panel is metal and the joints are plastic, right? And that kit comes with the crossbar and not the extension arm and the black double-knuckle, right?

yes to everything.

I bought the double knuckle separately from amazon and can now use it with my avenger c-stands