Question:

I have a CALIFORNIA SUNBOUNCE (Zebra/White reflector) and my assistant is very good and fast. I would love to have him doing other things than hold up the reflector. Can I mount the SUNBOUNCE on a lightstand?

Answer:

Yes, of course. Just use our specially designed SUNBOUNCE Gripheads for the safest fit. You could use any grip head, but the SUNBOUNCE Griphead is bored out to exactly fit the SUNBOUNCE tubing. A regular griphead may crush the tube if tightened too much. This will then give your assistant time to talk to the models.

Question:

I have bought my CALIFORNIA SUNBOUNCE Reflector many years ago - the frame is still perfect but the screen looks very dirty. What can I do?

Answer:

One of two things that you can do: purchase a new fabric (the fabric sizes have not changed) or just wash the old one in cold water and DO NOT use detergent or bleach! Dry with just air fluff in the dryer - no warm or hot tumbling! If you do you'll help keep us in business.

Question:

I was wondering whether my camera was OK - I had different exposures at the same location, with the same sun, same time of day, same f-stop, and same shutter speed. I had my camera checked, but they said everything was OK. I am using one of these pop-up reflectors. Can you help?

Answer:

Yes we can. The problem is your pop-up. They are too wobbly and thus tend to produce so called hot and cold spots. Due to the unique and patented construction of the CALIFORNIA SUNBOUNCE system, all of our products are tight from edge to edge - thus minimizing this problem even in very windy situations.

Question:

All my corner protectors of my Silver / White panel are worn down. Why is that and what can I do?

Answer:

Gte new ones! The latest generation of panels are very well protected with tough corner protectors made from the strongest Ballistic Nylon. That guarantees that they will last almost forever when treated right. A well known killer is concrete. Do not allow you assistant to drag them on concrete as it is the worst abrasive on any material!

Question:

My CALIFORNIA SUNBOUNCE PRO frame has the some holes at the flanges and matching holes at the bend end of the spreaders. Why? What are they for?

Answer:

When you received you frame it came with matching pushbuttons. You only need them when you work near heat or fire or any other extreme situation. For use under normal conditions - just forget them.

Question:

Why does CALIFORNIA SUNBOUNCE not use velcro to make the panels tension adjustable? Good idea?

Answer:

Sorry, it's not a good idea. We do not build them this way because of sand! Did you ever get sand in a velcro closure? Sand ruins the velcro. It gets into the hooks and loops and will not come out. The panel material that CALIFORNIA SUNBOUNCE uses is elastic enough to insert the cross bars and immediately gives you a very taut screen. We will never use velcro.

Question:

The metal coating of the SUNBOUNCE panels are too shiny. Most photographers probably demand that, but my personal style requires a softer light output ( I use a very worn Silver / Gold panel ). Do you make softer ones?

Answer:

You can always use the back panel of most any other panel because they are white. The backside of Black is so called Soft White, and is actaully a light grey. Which has a wonderful weak output. The best solution for you, since you own a Silver / Gold panel, is to wash it cold, do not use detergents, do not use bleach, do not tumble dry with heat, but intead just use the fluff air cycle. The result looks disgusting, like a mangy dog, but it will be utterly charming to your to your models. Wonderful smooth light - our personal favorite.

Question:

I already own a reflector. Why should I buy a scrim?

Answer:

With your reflector you can ony divert light into the right direction, but the sun will cast unwanted light on your models. If you want full control of any situation get rid of the unwanted light with a scrim. The scrim will give you an excellent overall light source, very balanced. Then use your reflector for definition and modulation like you would with strobes in your studio.

Question:

SUN SWATTER? Funny Name! What does that mean?

Answer:

The SUN SWATTER is derived from the term Fly Swatter because it swatts the sunlight (kills and /or reduces) like a fly swatter swatts the fly! It's very light and moveable overhead almost like a huge fly swatter.

Question:

I very often work at the beaches for international faqshio catalogues and sports magazines. The motor-home stays in the parking lot, unfortunately far away from the water where we shoot. When the models need to change it always takes along time (chatting with the stylist, calling their boyfriends, and so on ...). Is there something that can help?

Answer:

We do! Check out our DRESS TUBE which is the tiniest mobile dressing room which folds to the size of a frisbee when packed and is large enough for two to use. Of course like all SUNBOUNCE products it's very lightweight.

Question:

I use a relector system with plastic corners connectors. These connectors break seemingly on purpose in windy situations - so we ware always running out to find spare parts. Very irritating to say the least! How does CALIFORNIA SUNBOUNCE handle the wind?

Answer:

All SUNBOUNCE products are meant to be used in windy conditions and will not break! There will be no need to carry spare parts if used properly and not left alone.

Question:

I own a SUNBOUNCE with a Silver / White panel. Wow it is so bright that I sometimes want to reduce it's output. What can I do?

Answer:

Have you ever checked out TUNING CLIPS? They only cost pennies but help you modify your light output without having to drag out your sewing machine. Just grab any old lace or tooling that you can find at your local fabric shop - tear or cut it to the appropriate matching size and clip it onto the frame on the top of the panel using the tuning clips. Still too much light? Use a second layer!

Question:

We use a 6x6 SCRIM with a 2/3 translucent panel. I was told by a friend that I should buy a so called SUN SWATTER. What is the difference between my SCRIM and the SUN SWATTER?

Answer:

You can use the SUN SWATTER like movie sound people use a microphone on a boom stick. The SUN SWATTER is so lightweight and has only one crossbar, so it provides you what is called an openend "U" screen. No shadow of a metal frame on one side! Sensational and unseen in the size of the SUN SWATTER (4x6 or 6x8)! Due to the unique construction (patented design) of the SUN SWATTER and the fact the weight is so well balanced that it will be child's play for you assistant to work with the huge SUN SWATTER all day long. You'll be able to move with your models, and the long boom stick will give plenty of space between your assistant and the models.

Question:

I remember the good old days when the industry used C-stands. To apply sand bags for support was easy as putting a saddle on a horses back. Today we have lighter weight light stands which are easier to transport, but how do you prevent sandbags from sliding down the legs? I'm tired of smashing my knuckles too trying to fish the sandbag through the legs and leg supports.

Answer:

Don't hurt yourself anymore. CALIFORNIA SUNBOUNCE has got the solution for modern day stands. The SAND BAG ADAPTER - a unique product from SUNBOUNCE that works like a belt around the center post and lets you hook on several either SUNBOUNCE SAND BAGS or sand bags of your choice.