DIY LED Flex lights (Video)

I thought this was a great video... wanted to pass it along if you by chance haven't viewed it.

Considering 4 Flex lights from the new Peter Hurley kit on B&H runs for over $6K this appears to be an affordable option. I'm thinking $300 or less to make...


Color temps look nice and the light output is close to the Westcott panels.

passing it on....
Hatch

https://youtu.be/qlMta​kaa7u8

Great idea to use the strips that way. The CRI of 85 is good and using the bicolor version will improve it even a bit mor. The lower Kelvin LED's have normally a higher CRI because of the color-gel on the LED self.

mmmfotografie wrote in post #17921634
Great idea to use the strips that way. The CRI of 85 is good and using the bicolor version will improve it even a bit mor. The lower Kelvin LED's have normally a higher CRI because of the color-gel on the LED self.

I agree. I think this person did a great job explaining how to construct the lights...even for someone like me who isn't very savvy when it comes to electrical work. lol

You would be able to create a number of different lights without breaking the bank.

Good stuff!
Hatch

This type of light is really hard on talent/client's eyes for portrait photography. I think it's great for environmental photography and video. At least I find it that way.

calico wrote in post #17921741
This type of light is really hard on talent/client's eyes for portrait photography. I think it's great for environmental photography and video. At least I find it that way.

Have a look here... I can see them being bright but, strobes are blinding as well LOL

https://www.youtube.co​m/watch?v=rGKV-yvNyy8

Haha I know. I've seen them (videos) all with kino flo and flex kits. I really wanted to like them but for portraiture I find modelling lights/strobes easier on eyes. Just a personal thing I guess.

calico wrote in post #17921834
Haha I know. I've seen them (videos) all with kino flo and flex kits. I really wanted to like them but for portraiture I find modelling lights/strobes easier on eyes. Just a personal thing I guess.

I've only used strobes... so... I'll drop back in once I build one of these things and give some feedback. They do look very bright.. and I can see where this would be a challenge for someone being photographed. I just know I'm not paying $6k for something I can make for under $100 Well... at least something close to the $6k product.

Hatch

A Westcott 12"x12" flexible bi-color LED mat will cost you $850. One of these is $60. Not bad if you can invest the time. It's a little labor intensive, but well worth it if you need lights like these.
I'm assuming that for $6000 you're talking about the Peter Hurley Westcott kit. That's some crazy money for those. You can probably make a system similar for less than 1/10 the cost.

Yes... I was referring to the Flex kit. I first saw his promotional video and thought... wow... this would be great to have. Then I jumped over to B&H...about fainted from the price... I then dropped in on YouTube and the alternative was there for us to build. lol I can't see spending more than $300 for a nice 4 light setup... maybe $400 if you go with larger lights. If you go off the specs for the Flex kit.... I think it is 2ea 1x3 lights and 2ea 1x1 panels? I'd have to check. Since I'm not interested in the "flex" portion of the lights, I was thinking ,... don't laugh... cake pans or cookie sheets would work really well. Aluminum to keep the lights cool... you could drill on the pans... install the dimmers... and mount an adjustable bracket to mount to light stands. Depending on the wall height of the pan... a little velcro and some diffusion material and you can soften the light. Just some ideas I had when I saw the original build.

good stuff!
Hatch

Hatch1921 wrote in post #17921964
Since I'm not interested in the "flex" portion of the lights, I was thinking ,... don't laugh... cake pans or cookie sheets would work really well. Aluminum to keep the lights cool... you could drill on the pans... install the dimmers... and mount an adjustable bracket to mount to light stands. Depending on the wall height of the pan... a little velcro and some diffusion material and you can soften the light. Just some ideas I had when I saw the original build.

when he mentioned voltage/heat and mounting on a metal surface i thought the EXACT SAME THING! LOL

I have somehow lost my half sized commercial sheet pans (BBQ is a pretty serious hobby) and have been thinking about picking up a few replacements: http://www.webstaurant​store.com …NaJi9C0pcsCFdgV​gQodj4MPbg

Savage makes a vellum type diffusion material that could be stretched over the face. I but that it being way less specular it wouldn't hurt the subject's eyes nearly as much.

If you don't need the flex then you can buy YN300 LED panels for around $60 each. I've used them for stills and video and can easily get 1/125 @ f/2 and ISO 100 from eight feet.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #17922285
when he mentioned voltage/heat and mounting on a metal surface i thought the EXACT SAME THING! LOL

I have somehow lost my half sized commercial sheet pans (BBQ is a pretty serious hobby) and have been thinking about picking up a few replacements: http://www.webstaurant​store.com …NaJi9C0pcsCFdgV​gQodj4MPbg

Savage makes a vellum type diffusion material that could be stretched over the face. I but that it being way less specular it wouldn't hurt the subject's eyes nearly as much.

Great minds think alike! LOL Thank you for the link, lots of cool stuff on the site. I just watched a video from Mark Wallace about vellum... cool stuff!

If you make the panels... be sure to post the end product.
Hatch

bumpintheroad wrote in post #17922671
If you don't need the flex then you can buy YN300 LED panels for around $60 each. I've used them for stills and video and can easily get 1/125 @ f/2 and ISO 100 from eight feet.

Thanks for the info, cool looking little lights. I think with the "faux Flex" panels you have a larger light surface and it can be diffused for a softer light. How harsh is the light from the smaller YN300?


Hatch

Pretty harsh, and the eye catchlights are tiny, unless you add a modifier. Sometimes I just spread out the barn doors at 45-degrees and tape some diffusion material over to soften them up. You can throw two of them into an umbrella or brolly as well.

Here's a self-portrait I did using those lights a few months ago. One keylight and two fill. This was the bare lights with no extra diffusion or modifiers. I had the key at 8' and around 80% power and the fills at 8' and 50%.

bumpintheroad wrote in post #17922726
Pretty harsh, and the eye catchlights are tiny, unless you add a modifier. Sometimes I just spread out the barn doors at 45-degrees and tape some diffusion material over to soften them up. You can throw two of them into an umbrella or brolly as well.

Here's a self-portrait I did using those lights a few months ago. One keylight and two fill. This was the bare lights with no extra diffusion or modifiers. I had the key at 8' and around 80% power and the fills at 8' and 50%.

Hosted photo: posted by bumpintheroad in
./showthread.php?p=179​22726&i=i37820783
forum: Flash and Studio Lighting

Doesn't look bad... lots of light for such a small light... thanks for the post.
Hatch