Broken Softbox Rods.

Any ideas in replacing the broken softbox rods? I am sure one of you guys had to replace them already.

Never broke any and I do assemble and disassemble when taking on location, however....

Of course it MIGHT help if you specified the manufacturer of the softbox, or at least the length, diameter, and what material the broken rod was made of.

1) Have you contacted the manufacturer? I would expect a reputable mfg to be able to provide repair parts.

2) Have you considered tent poles or fishing rods or contacting a photography store that buys and sells gear (not a big box electronics store)... the one near me has plenty of "odd stuff" which can be a fine source for the resourceful DIY person.

Heyspike said:

Any ideas in replacing the broken softbox rods? I am sure one of you guys had to replace them already.

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The original Chimera rods were fiberglass. They broke all the time and if you were careless sliding them out of the sleeves you'd end up with tiny fiberglass splinters in your hand. Impossible to remove and itched like hell!

After numerous complaints Chimera replaced every rod (four per box, four boxes per setup, 12+ setups) in the studio I managed with metal. Many glasses were hoisted in their honor after that, but, the metal rods do bend if mis-handled.

--
Henry Posner
B&H Photo-Video

http://www.fibraplex.com/tentpoles.htm

--
http://chkphotography.zenfolio.com/

Heyspike said:

Any ideas in replacing the broken softbox rods? I am sure one of you guys had to replace them already.

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All manufacturers stock replacement rods. Some even have a place on their websites to order them. Even if your box is discontinued, most manufacturers still stock the rods, or can cut them.

I had to replace 2 rods on my big Chimera. I took the opportunity to replace the speed ring with the Chimera "quick set" ring that lets the box fold up like a big umbrella. You can get those rings for just about any make of flash, and the Chimera ring span is compatible with most softboxes.

Once you've got that ring, you can put up or take down the box in jig time, and never bend or break another rod.

Oh, and if you do decide to try fiberglass or carbon fiber rods (they are as annoying as Henry describes) the quick ring isn't just "convenient", it's a necessity. You won't have a rod break in your hands when using the quick ring.

Personally, being born in Detroit, I like metal.

--
Rahon Klavanian 1912-2008.

Armenian genocide survivor, amazing cook, scrabble master, and loving grandmother. You will be missed.

Ciao! Joseph

http://www.swissarmyfork.com

Joseph S Wisniewski said:

Oh, and if you do decide to try fiberglass or carbon fiber rods (they are as annoying as Henry describes) the quick ring isn't just "convenient", it's a necessity. You won't have a rod break in your hands when using the quick ring.

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I do not think you will have a problem breaking carbon fiber rods of sufficient thickness if that is what you choose. They should not be compared with fiberglass rods.

Tom Reynolds said:

Joseph S Wisniewski said:

Oh, and if you do decide to try fiberglass or carbon fiber rods (they are as annoying as Henry describes) the quick ring isn't just "convenient", it's a necessity. You won't have a rod break in your hands when using the quick ring.

Click to expand...

I do not think you will have a problem breaking carbon fiber rods of sufficient thickness if that is what you choose. They should not be compared with fiberglass rods.

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Yes, if you got your hands on well made solid tensioned carbon fiber rods.

The carbon fiber tent poles that chk linked are hollow, and comparable in strength to fiberglass poles, they're just thinner. The goal is to save the hiker a pound, not to increase strength.

I said "well made" solid rods, because I ran into some solid rods a few years ago that broke pretty easily. We had the failure lab section one for microscopy, it was very poorly made, lots of interior flaws.

--
Rahon Klavanian 1912-2008.

Armenian genocide survivor, amazing cook, scrabble master, and loving grandmother. You will be missed.

Ciao! Joseph

http://www.swissarmyfork.com

Try Wallmart Bike’s flag about $5....Pom

Hi everyone, I was just able to break one rod on my hexagon 60Inch light bank. I am desperately searching the web for the replacement with very much NO luck...
Skipping all that blah... blah... is anyone got an idea how to replace it?
Thx in advance.

henryp said:

The original Chimera rods were fiberglass. They broke all the time and if you were careless sliding them out of the sleeves you'd end up with tiny fiberglass splinters in your hand. Impossible to remove and itched like hell!

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Strange. I've been using Chimera for over 30 years and never remember fiberglass rods. Maybe it was VERY early on.

I only say this because it's WHY I alway recommend Chimera. A little costlier but worth every penny. And the rods are metal. At least all of mine are. Now Photoflex did use fiberglass and I always heard stories of those rods breaking.