Lastolite Hilite Not Standing Properly?

[mark1616]

I received my 8x7 hilite today and just went to set it up to make sure all was OK, nothing missing etc.

Everything is there, the only thing I'm not sure about is that it doesn't quite hold it self open as I thought it should. This might be normal but wanted to check.

All is OK apart from the top (long side in landscape orientation). Even when I put a bar across the top it will either sag/dip at the front, or if I get rid of that it will sag/dip at the back, is this normal, or should it be straight both sides. I don't think it will affect shooting in any way, but also don't want a brand new piece of kit costing £400 to have a problem.

If only I had taken a camera with me I would have posted a photo.... oops!

[tonylong]

Originally Posted by mark1616

I received my 8x7 hilite today and just went to set it up to make sure all was OK, nothing missing etc.

Everything is there, the only thing I'm not sure about is that it doesn't quite hold it self open as I thought it should. This might be normal but wanted to check.

All is OK apart from the top (long side in landscape orientation). Even when I put a bar across the top it will either sag/dip at the front, or if I get rid of that it will sag/dip at the back, is this normal, or should it be straight both sides. I don't think it will affect shooting in any way, but also don't want a brand new piece of kit costing £400 to have a problem.

If only I had taken a camera with me I would have posted a photo.... oops!

I don't have that bit of gear, but I'd definitely say a photo would help! Two photos, that is!

[Scatterbrained]

There's a reason why they don't make backgrounds for the 8x7 . I have the 6x7 and it will lean a bit. There are white straps that hang off of the unit, I usually clamp them to something on the wall like a window blind pull cord. Of course, it's only really an issue when I have a background on it or someone bumps into it when there are no lights in it (the lights help stabilize it).

[OldA1]

I had the same problem with my 6 x 7. It has now been set-up for a month in the studio and does not sag as much. I just shrugged it off as being from staying in the bag too long. You can still see a minor sag/dip but does not get in the way. Hopefully yours will straighten out and does not have a defect.

Peace
Mark

[mark1616]

Thanks.

I'm going to pop it up again later and will take a couple of photos.

OldA1, good to know that after being out for a while it might be OK.

[xburrows]

Originally Posted by mark1616

All is OK apart from the top (long side in landscape orientation). Even when I put a bar across the top it will either sag/dip at the front, or if I get rid of that it will sag/dip at the back, is this normal, or should it be straight both sides.

Did you get a resolution to this issue?
I just received mine this weekend and face the same sag.
Thanks

[mark1616]

From talking to others it seems that this is the way things are with the larger hilite. I can either have the front or back up properly using the 5th rod and that's fine by me, it does a great job and it pays for itself time and time again