HiLite background - which size is best?

Flash In The Pan

Flash In The Pan

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Like the title says, which size of Hilite background do you find the best for day-to-day use or transporting? Given a choice of, oh I don't know....150cmX200cm or 200cmX240cm? :naughty:

This question also applies to anyone considering such an item :D
 
I kind of wish I hadnt bought the 7' version as its a little too big. I find that its a pain to setup and take down inside, especially in peoples houses.... I would go for the 6' if I had the choice again.
 
jamesoliverstone said:
I kind of wish I hadnt bought the 7' version as its a little too big. I find that its a pain to setup and take down inside, especially in peoples houses.... I would go for the 6' if I had the choice again.
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That's interesting I was going to looking to buy the 7X8 this weekend..... Do you think youd miss the extra area of the larger one ?
 
I dont think so, as when I photograph tall people 6' 2" + I tend to find that unless you are cropped right in, you will clip the frame in the shot, so I tend to do shots that are not full length to get the full backdrop
 
I'd probably look to go for a 6' version. Thats assuming I were to find somone reputable selling them at a tempting price.:naughty:;)
 
Rob.Marsh said:
I'd probably look to go for a 6' version. Thats assuming I were to find somone reputable selling them at a tempting price.:naughty:;)
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Good luck on that one, Rob :lol:

The choice would be between the two sizes in the op, whatever they translate to in old money :shrug:
 
Having had one I would say that for general use the 6x7 is probably the best. The 8ft versions are probably better used in a studio.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Good luck on that one, Rob :lol:

The choice would be between the two sizes in the op, whatever they translate to in old money :shrug:
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In that case, the smaller would be the more practial considering the size of my flat, but I'd love to consider the largder too.

Ultimately it would come down to difference in cost I guess. Sorry if that's not much help for you!
 
Rob.Marsh said:
In that case, the smaller would be the more practial considering the size of my flat, but I'd love to consider the largder too.

Ultimately it would come down to difference in cost I guess. Sorry if that's not much help for you!
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Not 100% definite on costs yet, but as a rough guide half the price of a Lastolite one, but probably less....
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Not 100% definite on costs yet, but as a rough guide half the price of a Lastolite one, but probably less....
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So you're not buying a lastolite one? What one are you getting?

The 8'x7'box is very big (my friend has one) and you need decent ceiling height to use effectively - a great box but also certainly needs two lights to get any sotr of even light. It's pretty easy to setup with some space in the room but can be pretty difficult to get down!

I use the 6x7 hilite. This is the best size imo. Turn it one way for portraits of up to two or three people and then the other for widergroups up to about 5 or 6.

The 7' height is just enough in most standard living rooms for standing portraits of people - even those over 6'! i have the vinyl train too and although it shows up pretty grey, it's about a 20 second job to make it white with some shadow detail remaining :)

Turning it so you have the 7' width, you can squeeze a family of around 6 people into it. You will probably have some other areas to clean up but that's usually a quick job.

Any smaller and you are restricted a lot more. The small ones though are great though for on location head and shoulder or 3/4 portraits.

The hilite is a fabulous bit of kit. i also use the black bottletop which is a superb addition for a nice black background.

Also I can easily get a nice grey background by not adding too much light to it. All in all a great buy.

Takes me about 2 minutes to set up and the same to take down. Some people have difficulty folding it but once you get it, it can be folded in 10 seconds.

Good luck :)

JD
 
So I take it you think about offering a great alternative soon - cool. My preferred sizes are 200x240cm or 180x215cm (6x7) with the train.
 
The smaller one for me please Graham. With train :thumbs:

I'm not an all-in wrestler.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Not 100% definite on costs yet, but as a rough guide half the price of a Lastolite one, but probably less....
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Ok, you have me interested....when are they arriving?:)
 
I have the 6ft one and am happy with it for using on location. Now that I'm planning a more permanent studio I'm not sure it'll be wide enough - kids tend to run around a lot!

I didn't get the larger one because of the problems of packing it away which is not an issue if I leave it up!
 
I have been trying to decide between these two myself - i can't see the justification in the price difference which is my main reason for not going 8 x 7 - I work with football clubs and a lot of the players are 6ft+ hence my dilemma!!!
 
Count me in, I have been researching these and thought this was more info, wasplanning to buy one in Dec
 
Flash In The Pan said:
Remember these come from China...would you like The Mallard or The Flying Scotsman? :naughty:
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If you could also offer smaller ones that work like the Megalite or the kicker light, you may get more interest too. they are not that different to the HiLite
 
EOS_JD said:
If you could also offer smaller ones that work like the Megalite or te icker light, you may get more interest too. they are not that different to the HiLite
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It just depends on what is available, otherwise it's a custom order and the quantities required go up, up, up.....
 
Having looked into these I would say the 6' x 7' is the most approriate in terms of mobile use. A train would also be good (not fussy if steam, electric or diesel!).

I did ask Graham about these some time ago s it will be good if he finds a source that's viable.
 
haggis said:
Having looked into these I would say the 6' x 7' is the most approriate in terms of mobile use. A train would also be good (not fussy if steam, electric or diesel!).

I did ask Graham about these some time ago s it will be good if he finds a source that's viable.
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Yes the bag for my 6x7 is still fairly big and heavy but pretty easily transported in comparison to any other highkey solution I can think of.

I'd be interested in a comparison of the quality too. I'm quite rough with it moving it around and setting up/down. A pretty robust unit although at a price. If build quality comes close you could sell a lot of these!
 
EOS_JD said:
it's about a 20 second job to make it white with some shadow detail remaining :)
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What is the best way to do this?

Have just purchased a Hilite and taken first shots using a stool covered what is best described as a `creamish` furry throw type thing, would ideally like to be able to turn it white if possible.

Have CS4 but not really used it yet.

Thanks
 
Shutterbox said:
What is the best way to do this?

Have just purchased a Hilite and taken first shots using a stool covered what is best described as a `creamish` furry throw type thing, would ideally like to be able to turn it white if possible.

Have CS4 but not really used it yet.

Thanks
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i can't do it here without going off topic and takes longer to write than to do it!

But here's a quick video
http://www.ephotozine.tv/video/photoshop-tutorial-after-using-a-white-background-483

I use the Adjustment layer and a suitably sized soft black brush (rather than the erase tool and history).
 
hi - i have the 8ft, used mostly on locatian and so far the areas i set up in are reasonably large. the problem i have, as a female and not having the same strength as a bloke, i struggle to pack the hilite away. Its not a problem assembling etc and its a great piece of kit, my husband has it packed up in seconds but i just dont have the strength in my wrist/arms to do it! its well worth the money ***', and its super easy/mobile.
 
Strangley enough, I've been eyeing these up over the past few weeks.... so this seems like great timing.. :D

Get me inline for a 6x7ft .... and if we are talking trains , I'll take one aswell....Electric as Diesel in on the UP! ;)

Phil
 
I am very interested in giving a 6X7ft a go as well.
 
Flash In The Pan is now taking orders for these. PM him, see here right at the top http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=157807

I've asked for a 150x200cm which he reckons should be about £110-115. With train extra if poss. That's 6'6" x 5'. Bigger one 200x24cm (6'6" x 7'10") is too big for me.
 
HoppyUK said:
Flash In The Pan is now taking orders for these. PM him, see here right at the top http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/

I've asked for a 150x200cm which he reckons should be about £110-115. With train extra if poss. That's 6'6" x 5'. Bigger one 200x24cm (6'6" x 7'10") is too big for me.
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If anyone interested could pm me I will send out a mass mailing within the next 24 hours to gauge interest re sizes. To recap the sizes possible are


150cm x 200cm (6'6"x 5')

200cm x 240cm (6'6" x 7'10")

Thanks :)
 
whoooot I was expecting you to say yes its meant to you missed ....... and then I would feel silly
 
I'm waiting for confirmation one way or t'other as to whether a train is available. I'll update the thread when I know :thumbs:
 
the main consideration for me was the size of other people's houses as I do location shoots. The big lastolite one is 8' and the above is 7'10"! that is big and may not fit in many people's houses (remember you also need space at the sides for a couple of lights)

The smaller one is perhaps too small for anything more than two/three people so you just need to think about how you may use it before deciding.
 
The 6x7 lastolite is perfect for most houses. 6'6" height is great but then 7'10" is not wide for your average sized room (remember 2 lights will be required at the side and you need about 11' minimum width to accommodate it.

7'10" is a great height if you turn it but most houses ceilings are lower!

So it seems that that size is a tad too big.

the other with the 5' width is too small! Or at least very tight!
 
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