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Post by fernwood on Mar 9, 2021 6:23:37 GMT -5
Looking to purchase or make a light box.
Ideal specs:
2' square
No attached light sources if purchased, as I would add my own.
Portable for use outside at times.
If I would make it, then just plans for a metal or wood frame. Something I could easily attach black or white fabric to and temporary lighting. Lightweight.
I looked at the one my employer has. It is very nice, but cost prohibitive. It was around $300.00 and much larger than what I would like.
Decided to upgrade from my vintage Costco kitchen stool that I added some cardboard and removable fabric to.
The light box would be used for rocks, slabs, cabs and finished jewelry.
Appreciate any recommendations or plans.
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Brian
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2020
Posts: 1,512
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Post by Brian on Mar 9, 2021 8:00:52 GMT -5
For my first light box, I made it out of small diameter pvc pipe and elbows but you can easily work with other connections as well. They sell three way corner elbows that work well. I made mine a box shape, but you can play around with the shape to make whatever you want.
I didn’t glue my pieces together so I could take it apart easily for storage. Plus, you could have a few different size side pipes to allow for various projects.
I used a white sheet to drape around the frame, but you could also use paper or any other reflective material.
The pvc light box was very cheap to make and lightweight compared to metal or wood, and I liked the flexibility in both design and the ability to take it apart and easily create different sizes.
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 9, 2021 8:28:19 GMT -5
I bought mine years ago and the company is gone, it was expensive, too. However, before that I used a cardboard frame with paper sides. Much like what Brian suggested above only with cardboard instead of pvc. If I had to do it again, I would do his.
Looking forward to seeing your new pics with the Canon.  |
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Post by opalpyrexia on Mar 9, 2021 10:58:30 GMT -5
Here's the light box that I made, Beth. I use it to photograph jewelry. It's lightweight, sets up in 2-3 minutes (I can do it in 1), and is large enough to get both hands and forearms in there to arrange items. It's easy to make and I have a parts list/instructions on SlickPic. (I don't use a light box for shooting cabs or slabs.) |
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Post by fernwood on Mar 10, 2021 6:05:37 GMT -5
Thanks for the recommendations. I bookmarked Gary's plans.
Still working on getting the new camera set up.
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USMC15
Cave Dweller 
I feel like I just came out of the tumbler ...
Member since March 2021
Posts: 273
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Post by USMC15 on Mar 19, 2021 10:16:19 GMT -5
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Post by orrum on Mar 19, 2021 10:26:26 GMT -5
Amazon has them very reasonanle.
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Post by greig on Mar 19, 2021 10:35:12 GMT -5
Just a thought if you know the shape you want...put an old stool, chair or table upside down and wrap the legs with white cloth. Bingo.
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