...anybody made their own DIY scrim? I'm going to, but am researching first. Design is important (but I can cobble together almost anything, having decades of carpenter skills and a small shop) but the main thing is: actual diffusion material for the panel itself. I want to direct a couple of LED multi-temperature lites through maybe a 3'x4' panel. Idea is to shoot *down* through this thing with the camera suspended (through a hole in the scrim)...I've got most of the engineering figured out, but the material thing is still the cork in the bottle. ;0)
Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
chasgroh wrote:
...anybody made their own DIY scrim? I'm going to, but am researching first. Design is important (but I can cobble together almost anything, having decades of carpenter skills and a small shop) but the main thing is: actual diffusion material for the panel itself. I want to direct a couple of LED multi-temperature lites through maybe a 3'x4' panel. Idea is to shoot *down* through this thing with the camera suspended (through a hole in the scrim)...I've got most of the engineering figured out, but the material thing is still the cork in the bottle. ;0)
...anybody made their own DIY scrim? I'm going to... (
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https://www.fabric.com/buy/av-570/108-bleached-muslin-whitemuslin, rip-stop nylon, drafting vellum or any more/less translucent material.
Gene51 wrote:
https://www.fabric.com/buy/av-570/108-bleached-muslin-white
muslin, rip-stop nylon, drafting vellum or any more/less translucent material.
...thanks, Gene, for the link. But, what material do *you* like personally...have you constructed your own? I want optimum diffusion...which of those choices provides that?
A classic scrim is a gauzy material which will allow you to see anything behind it that is lit from a light behind the scrim while not letting you see through it when it is front lit. When a scrim is used between the light and the object being lit it is a diffusing material. A diffusing material does not need to have the same transparency, reflective and size qualities required of a scrim. If you want diffusing, then any number of other materials will also work and not be as costly as real scrim (usually sold in around 10' widths by the linear foot). Wax paper, IKEA shower curtains, shear drapes (which can also work as scrims if you do not need a large size) frosted glass or poly-carbonate panels (like light panels for suspended ceilings), a t-shirt in a pinch. It will all depend on the level of diffusion you want and how powerful your lights are.
I've seen Jason Lanier use very large scrims for several outdoor shoots with really beautiful results. This one in particular stands out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCZ8P3nkYzkUnfortunately, once I sourced his Westcott Scrim Jim, I lost interest after seeing the investment.
It would be great to have a lightweight easy to put together frame for just such occasions. Still on the backburner but would love to have a sturdy put together that wouldn't break the bank.
Thanks Gene for the tips.
Thanks Steve for the link. I ran across that one last year. I'm looking for a larger scrim believe it or not.
Thanks for the inquiry sir. I'm looking for a 6'x6' that won't disintegrate on set at the beach. The Cine version from Westcott works out to $500 once you factor in tax. Looking to diffuse about 1½ stops of light.
Haydon wrote:
Thanks for the inquiry sir. I'm looking for a 6'x6' that won't disintegrate on set at the beach. The Cine version from Westcott works out to $500 once you factor in tax.
If you are ok building a frame, mosquito curtain comes in large sizes. You can layer it if you need more diffusion.
dsmeltz wrote:
If you are ok building a frame, mosquito curtain comes in large sizes. You can layer it if you need more diffusion.
Thank you, the frame is the biggest issue here. Finding the material would be the relatively easy part as long as you can get someone to sew for you :)
Haydon wrote:
Thank you, the frame is the biggest issue here. Finding the material would be the relatively easy part as long as you can get someone to sew for you :)
That is what Velcro is for.
dsmeltz wrote:
That is what Velcro is for.
To ensure longevity, a fold over seam and grommets would likely be best. Haha...I never considered velcro :)
chasgroh wrote:
...anybody made their own DIY scrim? I'm going to, but am researching first. Design is important (but I can cobble together almost anything, having decades of carpenter skills and a small shop) but the main thing is: actual diffusion material for the panel itself. I want to direct a couple of LED multi-temperature lites through maybe a 3'x4' panel. Idea is to shoot *down* through this thing with the camera suspended (through a hole in the scrim)...I've got most of the engineering figured out, but the material thing is still the cork in the bottle. ;0)
...anybody made their own DIY scrim? I'm going to... (
show quote)
I'm not particular, so I use a turquoise flannel blanket, a large blue fabric, or a large Hawaiian print fabric.
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