Calumet Light Panels (Dean Collins lightpanel clones)

http://mr-chompers.blogspot.com/​2010/01/lightpanelrevi​ew.html

Full review above.

Sadly the lightform brand is no longer sold, so I was hunting around for what the most equal equivalent is. It seems that Calumet's light panels are the most similar, but made out of aluminum rather than PVC. Since there is a Calumet in Dusseldorf, I purchased 2 frames, 2 diffusion fabrics, and 2 clamps. I plan to make my own black/silver version, but fabric store white fabric can introduce unwanted color casts, so I wanted to purchase the official diffusion fabrics, which were also the cheapest. The photos online aren't so great, and I couldn't find any reviews, so this is serving to show how the system works with closeups.

I have one of these and really love it I use it in studio for a light panel or a full body reflector and on location with the with the white/silver herringbone fabric. Seems pretty well made, I have the foldable legs and they work well.

good review - i have been looking for these panels for so long after watching dean collins' dvds.

Lightform was the name of the panels Dean used. The Photoflex, Calumet and Westcott frames resemble the Lightform but are not exactly the same.

Yep, I saw that Robert, but the Westcott panels are way more difficult to attach diffusion panels too, as they use velcro rather than the elastic corner straps. The Photoflex ones are almost identical, but their clamps don't have the tightening retaining screw. (and they aren't available in Germany from a retail store).

Thanks for the correction on the name, I couldn't remember if it was Lightform or lightpanel.

I managed to pick up the black/silver cover while in San Fran, and man, this is a powerful modifier. I put it on one frame, and just walked around my house to different rooms. If the room is light and airy, the black side can really help you get some contrast and darken one side for some more sculpted light. If the room isn't bright enough, the silver side can give you a great light source. I'd say at this size (1x2 meters) the black/silver setup is almost as powerful as a lightsource in terms of how well it can help you sculpt lighting on a person. Makes me wish I had a 3rd frame, but going to try to make do with two for now.

poopinmymouth wrote in post #9900694
I managed to pick up the black/silver cover while in San Fran, and man, this is a powerful modifier. I put it on one frame, and just walked around my house to different rooms. If the room is light and airy, the black side can really help you get some contrast and darken one side for some more sculpted light. If the room isn't bright enough, the silver side can give you a great light source. I'd say at this size (1x2 meters) the black/silver setup is almost as powerful as a lightsource in terms of how well it can help you sculpt lighting on a person. Makes me wish I had a 3rd frame, but going to try to make do with two for now.

I read on your blog and I remember you answered my question about their use outdoors. Didn't know you picked them up in SF. I drove the calumet over the weekend but didn't realize they were closed on Sundays. Will have to order by mail now.

I bought the two frames and two covers in Germany, but I was in SF on a business trip. The lady was incredibly nice, my Icelandic Maestro card wouldn't scan for the 75 dollar black/silver cover. She asked how much cash i had on me, and I said 43.50, and she said that was fine!!! So instead of 78 euro in Germany, I got it for 43.50 USD. Helluva bargain.

I really REALLY love these panels, and working with a light meter. Made this shoot so much easier.

http://mr-chompers.blogspot.com/​2010/04/smoothrimlight​.html

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/mr_chompers/4​490026343/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …s/mr_chompers/4​490668806/

I've been thnking about these for a while too and funnly enough it was after seeing how well Dean Collins uses them that I became interested! It's just great what this guy can do with just one light and a bed sheet, lol!

Cheers for great mini review, it's good to see you setup and some shots which use these panels.

I had a quick look on the Calumet UK site and they have a few items, but no kits I could see. The US store seems to have loads more!!

Cheers

Simon

Call or email them and ask. The german Calumet site didn't have them online either, but when asked directly they did have them.