Question for Chimera Man on Micro Lightbox at DVinfo.net

Marc Young · November 4th, 2003, 11:16 PM

For Richard Veil or anyone else with an answer. How sturdy are these:

http://www.chimeralighting.com/produ...?product=micro

Also, of all the portable light sources mentioned on your web site, which is the highest in quality? My current source is the Cool-Lux Mini Cool, which is not bad, but what's the next step up?

Of all the different models of the lightbox, what distinguishes one from the other? If I decide to switch manufacturers (CL, Frezzolini, etc.), are the only differences among the 1320 and 1325 the mounting hardware on the back?

Richard Veil · November 7th, 2003, 04:38 PM

Well as far as strength.. it is pretty strong.. the rods and fabric are up to par with our other banks. It has a 5yr warr.
The mounting system is rugged.

As far as changing lights.. it depends on the kit.. there may be some height adjustment needed as well. Chimera will always work with you on parts if you need them.

As far as lights................
there are so many good ones...
I will leave it up to you..

thanks

r

Marc Young · November 7th, 2003, 06:18 PM

Thanks, Rich. I'll be ordering a pair of Chimera micro lightboxes from B&H this weekend, for 2 different lights. I like the compact 5x7 format; it makes interviewing people less stressful.

Marc Young · November 12th, 2003, 05:30 PM

The only difference between lightbox models is in the bracket on which the light is attached. Thus, if it could be ordered as an accessory part, it would make it easier to switch over to another brand of light.

The fabric is indeed strong like Rich said, and should last at least 5 years. Stitching and fit are excellent.

Improvements could be made to the mounting hole on which the light mounts. It should not be threaded 1/4 - 20 for the mini cool, because this prevents you from aligning the mc's shoe mount. Ream this out if the light is mounted on your camera, and not a light stand.

The holes which hold the rods of the lightbox are a little tight. Use a finger hand drill to remove bits of aluminum still in the holes. Also oil the tips of the rods. Otherwise, removal is more difficult. The hood makes a snug fit, so loosen the velcro strip which closes one corner. Refasten it after the rods are secure.

Marco Leavitt · November 23rd, 2003, 11:30 AM

Jeez Marc, I wouldn't go anywhere near the speedring with a drill. You want those holes tight. The more you use it, they loosen up some.

Richard, are there more diffusion screens for this lightbox than came with the unit? I could use a little more flexibility.

Bryan Beasleigh · November 23rd, 2003, 12:36 PM

Re "oiling the tips of the rods"

Might I suggest a food grade silicone spray . Better lube than oil and it's not messy. I keep a big can of it handy at all times. Other uses are door and window tracks, door hinges. You can even use it to waterproof stuff (shoes, bags even wind shields) as there is no oily residue.

Oil or WD 40 would be messy.

Helen Bach · November 25th, 2003, 11:24 PM

I have a couple of Micro lightboxes: one for a dedo (DLH2) and one for a Lowel id-Light. I can recommend both lights.

The id-Light is a very good battery-powered camera top light (obie/OB/on-board) because it is dimmable. I think that a dimmer is essential for an obie if you want to avoid the bunny-in-the-headlights look. You can use just as much front fill as you need. It also works well as an eye light.

Note that Lowel also make a similar non-dimmable light, the i-Light.

www.lowel.com

The dedo is an altogether different and wonderful thing, and I recommend it strongly. Though I think that the id-Light is a better camera top light, if I could only have one of the two it would have to be the dedo.

www.dedolight.com/100series.html

Best,
Helen

November 4th, 2003, 11:16 PM	#1
Marc Young Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 112	Question for Chimera Man on Micro Lightbox For Richard Veil or anyone else with an answer. How sturdy are these: http://www.chimeralighting.com/produ...?product=micro Also, of all the portable light sources mentioned on your web site, which is the highest in quality? My current source is the Cool-Lux Mini Cool, which is not bad, but what's the next step up? Of all the different models of the lightbox, what distinguishes one from the other? If I decide to switch manufacturers (CL, Frezzolini, etc.), are the only differences among the 1320 and 1325 the mounting hardware on the back?

November 7th, 2003, 04:38 PM	#2
Richard Veil Chimera Lighting Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Santa Cruz CA Posts: 293	Hey.. From Richard on Micro bank.. Well as far as strength.. it is pretty strong.. the rods and fabric are up to par with our other banks. It has a 5yr warr. The mounting system is rugged. As far as changing lights.. it depends on the kit.. there may be some height adjustment needed as well. Chimera will always work with you on parts if you need them. As far as lights................ there are so many good ones... I will leave it up to you.. thanks r __________________ Strength and Honor RLV

November 7th, 2003, 06:18 PM	#3
Marc Young Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 112	Thanks, Rich. I'll be ordering a pair of Chimera micro lightboxes from B&H this weekend, for 2 different lights. I like the compact 5x7 format; it makes interviewing people less stressful.

November 12th, 2003, 05:30 PM	#4
Marc Young Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 112	The only difference between lightbox models is in the bracket on which the light is attached. Thus, if it could be ordered as an accessory part, it would make it easier to switch over to another brand of light. The fabric is indeed strong like Rich said, and should last at least 5 years. Stitching and fit are excellent. Improvements could be made to the mounting hole on which the light mounts. It should not be threaded 1/4 - 20 for the mini cool, because this prevents you from aligning the mc's shoe mount. Ream this out if the light is mounted on your camera, and not a light stand. The holes which hold the rods of the lightbox are a little tight. Use a finger hand drill to remove bits of aluminum still in the holes. Also oil the tips of the rods. Otherwise, removal is more difficult. The hood makes a snug fit, so loosen the velcro strip which closes one corner. Refasten it after the rods are secure.

November 23rd, 2003, 11:30 AM	#5
Marco Leavitt Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Albany, NY 12210 Posts: 2,652	Jeez Marc, I wouldn't go anywhere near the speedring with a drill. You want those holes tight. The more you use it, they loosen up some. Richard, are there more diffusion screens for this lightbox than came with the unit? I could use a little more flexibility.

November 23rd, 2003, 12:36 PM	#6
Bryan Beasleigh Trustee Join Date: May 2002 Location: Barrie, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,922	Re "oiling the tips of the rods" Might I suggest a food grade silicone spray . Better lube than oil and it's not messy. I keep a big can of it handy at all times. Other uses are door and window tracks, door hinges. You can even use it to waterproof stuff (shoes, bags even wind shields) as there is no oily residue. Oil or WD 40 would be messy.

November 25th, 2003, 11:24 PM	#7
Helen Bach Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 120	I have a couple of Micro lightboxes: one for a dedo (DLH2) and one for a Lowel id-Light. I can recommend both lights. The id-Light is a very good battery-powered camera top light (obie/OB/on-board) because it is dimmable. I think that a dimmer is essential for an obie if you want to avoid the bunny-in-the-headlights look. You can use just as much front fill as you need. It also works well as an eye light. Note that Lowel also make a similar non-dimmable light, the i-Light. www.lowel.com The dedo is an altogether different and wonderful thing, and I recommend it strongly. Though I think that the id-Light is a better camera top light, if I could only have one of the two it would have to be the dedo. www.dedolight.com/100series.html Best, Helen