Lighttools Grids for Elinchrom ...

If you have the cash, the wait is almost over. I received the following from Stephen Pilby a few days ago (shown with permission):

"Hi David,

We now have the designs figured out for Lighttools Soft Egg Crates to
fit Elinchrom lightbanks. To make this possible we have sized a
lightweight one piece collapsible Stretch Frame with an apron, to fit by
friction on to the front of the flat Elinchrom softboxes. The Soft Egg Crate
is sized to fit perfectly into the Stretch Frame which then fits securely
onto the Elinchrom lightbank.

The Stretch Frames would be similar to the ones pictured on the following
page (the only difference being the apron/lip on the corners):

http://www.lighttools.​com/content/lighttools​/CustomPages/stretchfr​ame.htm

We will make the standard 30, 40, 50 degree and 30/50 degree Lighttools Soft Egg Crates to fit into the Stretch Frames for each size Elinchrom except the 40x60 that we do not have yet...

The Stretch Frame and Soft Egg Crates to fit Elinchrom will be sold separately (for the advantage of the Elinchrom user) since one Stretch Frame can be used and interchanged with up to four Soft Egg Crate models.

*30/50 only for the strips sizes.
**Note: this information is not yet available on the Lighttools website.

...

Best regards,
Stephen"

I was also sent a full price list for the grids and frames. By way of example, grids for the "Deep Throat" octa will be $319, $389, and $499 for 50-, 40, and 30-degree grids respectively. The required Stretch Frame will be an additoinal $109. As far as the 53" and 69" octas go, well, if you have to ask ...

Stephen sent me photos of one of the grids and frames on an Elinchrom strip. It certainly looks like a nice solution if you can handle and justify the cost.

Dave F.

That's great Dave. Can we see the images and get a better sense of pricing on some of the other modifiers?

Dave...
I have to ask
How much for the 40 degree grid for the 74 inch Eli Octabank?
I guess 1450-1800 USD with the frame

J Kacey wrote in post #10354387
Dave...
I have to ask
How much for the 40 degree grid for the 74 inch Eli Octabank?
I guess 1450-1800 USD with the frame

I think that of all the modifiers I would want to use gridded it would be the 74" Octabank.

If I was using that large a modifier it would be for a big soft wash of light and I wouldn't be thinking of directionality.

I prefer to have every tool in the toolbox.

J Kacey wrote in post #10354438
I prefer to have every tool in the toolbox.

If that's the case then you need these Jerry.

http://www.dailyicon.n​et …ools-designed-for-hubble/

Didn't Pilby just patent that?

J Kacey wrote in post #10354387
Dave...
I have to ask
How much for the 40 degree grid for the 74 inch Eli Octabank?
I guess 1450-1800 USD with the frame

The 74" octa seems to be the odd man out, Jerry. It doesn't appear on either the grid or frame pricelists. The largest modifier shown is the 69" octa. For that, grids are priced at $599, $749, and $1099 for 50-, 40-, and 30-degrees respectively. Frame is $149. Extrapolating to the larger octa, your guess would probably be right on target if one were to be made available.

Dave F.

tetrode wrote in post #10354518
The 74" octa seems to be the odd man out, Jerry. It doesn't appear on either the grid or frame pricelists. The largest modifier shown is the 69" octa. For that, grids are priced at $599, $749, and $1099 for 50-, 40-, and 30-degrees respectively. Frame is $149. Extrapolating to the larger octa, your guess would probably be right on target if one were to be made available.

Dave F.

Right because I don't know anyone that would set up a 74" Octa and wish they had a grid. I understand the desire to have a grid for each modifier but everyone that shoots with the Octabank use it where they want huge amounts of light and the nature of the beast is that is is not directional. I just don't think there is a real demand for that grid.

Most people want grids for modifiers that they're choosing with control in mind and that usually means the smaller octas, square and rectangular softboxes and strip boxes.

Do you know a bunch of people with one, Robert? You can't think of lighting setups when controlling the spread of a huge modifier like this would be beneficial? Lighttools actually makes grids as large as 20 x 20 for overheads and butterflies. I guess with these prices you will not know too many people using a grid on a 74" Octa

What is the largest Eli octabank you would recommend using a grid with?
39", 54",69", 74?

I actually do know a handful of people with the Octabank and no one wants a grid. Of course huge grids are made and there is demand somewhere BUT most photographers using the Octabank and doing fashion and glamour and in most cases the grid doesn't come in to play.

For my purposes, no, I can't say that I would want a grid for the 74" Octa.

TMR Design wrote in post #10354663
I actually do know a handful of people with the Octabank and no one wants a grid. Of course huge grids are made and there is demand somewhere BUT most photographers using the Octabank and doing fashion and glamour and in most cases the grid doesn't come in to play.

For my purposes, no, I can't say that I would want a grid for the 74" Octa.

Now if Brendan would weigh in with his thoughts ....

Dave F.

Wow, those are some pricey grid options. Youd have to REALLY want a grid to pay up to 3 times more for the grid than the softbox as in the case of the 69"....

More than $600 to put a 30-degree grid on my 39" deep octa is insane...and if *I* think that, I can't imagine they'll sell a lot of those!

ben_r_ wrote in post #10355238
Wow, those are some pricey grid options. Youd have to REALLY want a grid to pay up to 3 times more for the grid than the softbox as in the case of the 69"....

Very pricey. I guess that's where people will decide whether it's worth it to be able to use Elinchrom modifiers or if they just assume turn to third party products with less expensive grids.