chimera question

[Matt Box]

Hi all. I got a great deal on a slightly used chimera softbox from a rental house. Only problem is that it's a "super" and not a video pro. Looking at Chimera's website it states that the super's are meant for strobe use only.

I personally don't think this should matter much as I wont be using the unit with unventilated/open faced/high wattage or hmi lights. Whats your take on it?

[BluesCam]

I don't think I'd risk it with a hot light. The strobe versions are not heat resistant.

[Mike]

Chuck...

DON"T do it! Those things will melt. Note that the inside is like a white vinyl, as opposed to the metallic foil that you will find on a video pro. I have a few Chimeras from my former life as a still guy and it kills me not to be able to use them, but it won't be good...unless you use something like a 100w lamp, which I'm sure is not the case.

[Matt Box]

Hmmm.... well the one I got is not a white vinyl lining. Its actually silver foil-like cloth like the video-pro's, just thinner. I guess I should try a test run outside with a fire extinguisher handy to see what it does. It will be like a BBQ in February! ;)

[Stoney]

I wouldn't go above a 500w light with it. It could melt. Even the video pros will scorch around the flaps if they come into prolonged contact with a light head. You could probably use it with an HMI and be okay. Don't spot out a tungsten light... it will burn through the inside. Just be careful.

[freedom]

contact chimera and ask!

[Matt Box]

Freedom beat me to it. I did call Chimera to get it from the source and there tech guy said it should be ok but not with any big-watt open face fixtures like totas or omni's. If I have any problems I will post them.

[Mike]

Yeah...do what he said! :-)