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Photoflex FlexDrop2
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 | | The Velcro tabs secure the FlexDrop2 to your stand of choice |
Unlike my other chromakey system, the FlexDrop2 does not turn into a giant sail when the wind blows. This is probably due to the sturdy stands that were supporting the FlexDrop2 and the fact that the FlexDrop2 is very lightweight.[an error occurred while processing this directive] | | The final setup |
One of the other problems that often occur with other chromakey screens is that they wrinkle very easily and when you get on location you have to spend some time getting those darn wrinkles out. My FlexDrop2 had been in the bag for a few days so there should have been plenty of problem areas. However, when the frame expands to full size the wrinkles snap themselves out in a few moments.
The color of the fabric in the FlexDrop2 is colorfast and is the true chromakey green and blue colors. So there is no problem bringing the footage into your NLE or effects system and keying the color out.
 | | If blue won't work for you, just flip the screen over to the green side and use it |
With all the plusses of the FlexDrop2 system, are there any drawbacks? Oh yes, one big one. If it only took me 15 minutes to set up an entire chromakey shoot, it took me twice as long to put everything away. Why? In my spare time I enjoy folding origami and generally don’t run into too many problems folding these pieces of paper into ornate shapes. With the FlexDrop2, I spent 15 minutes alone trying to get the screen to collapse back to its original shape. Even when you follow the directions provided, it proves rather difficult. Granted, I’ve only used the FlexDrop a couple of times since receiving it, and I imagine that the more I use it the more I will get used to folding the screen up quickly. But for new users don’t be surprised if you find yourself struggling to put this system away.
The only other drawback I have about this system is its size. Instead of 5’x7’ I would much rather have a 7’x7’ square. The size is just big enough for most situations, but not big enough for others. Imagine if you had to do a full body shot and your subject had to outstretch their arms fully. While the height would work, the width wouldn’t.
Still I think the FlexDrop2 is a great system and will be the go to solution for most people doing simple chromakey setups. The small size, portability, and convenience of the FlexDrop2 make it a system that I am glad to have in my bag-o-stuff.
For more information on the FlexDrop2 system visit Photoflex at www.photoflex.com
When not working deep in the labs of the DMN Central Division testing the latest and greatest software/hardware products Stephen Schleicher can be found at the local university teaching a few courses on video and web production. He can be reached at schleicher@mindspring.com. You can also visit him on the web at www.mindspring.com/~schleicher
Source: Digital Media Online, Inc.
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