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Actor Headshot Photographer, california sunbounce, California Sunbounce Micro Mini, CT Headshot Photographer, Mattehews Grip Head
Hi and welcome back.
I get this question often. The California Sunbounce reflector system is, I think, the best on the market. However, you do pay for that quality!
The CS Micro Mini was the first piece of professional gear I purchased after my camera and lenses, and it has been with me for 8 years!
I currently own 2 Micro Minis, 1 4×6, and one of the 36″ Sunswatters.
The great thing about the CS system, is that it is based on an aluminum tube frame so that it is sturdy, the fabric stays taut, and you can attach it to a light stand so you can work alone.
However, attaching it to a light stand can be tricky since CS discontinued their Grip Head Pro a few years back in favor of the new Enterprise bracket, which is cumbersome at best. But there is a workaround!
The original Grip Head Pro was a traditional 2.5 inch grip head with a hole just the right size for the CS tube, which is an odd metric size:
This wonderful, and if you are reading Amy, my CS contact, you need to bring that back into production, was replaces by a bracket called the Enterprise.
The Enterprise allows you to attach either of the CS tube sizes: the small for reflectors and the large for the Sun Swatter or other products. This unit is big, bulky, and does not fit into your bag well:
But here’s the workaround: Purchase a Mattews 2.5″ Grip head, use Matthews as the head is made of brushed aluminum and then simply bring it to a machine shop with a tube section from your CS reflector. For the about $40.00, a 12 pack of beer, or a Box of Joe and some donuts, you can have the original grip head for less money. And it works!!
It is important to bring a tube sample from the reflector so the machinist can match the tube size.
This is a great solution to fix the problem and get that reflector on a light stand so you can work alone.
Thanks and till next time, keep reflecting!
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