Botero #005 Super Collapsible Background (8x16') (Dark, Medium Grey)

Comments about Botero #005 Super Collapsible Background (8x16') (Dark, Medium Grey):

I use it for one person full body pictures, and they look great, the combinations of grays is perfect.

If you have top ceilings, carpet on the floor and, and weights to hold it is useful, otherwise you have to create a way to stand it. Also in hard polish wood floor the fabric turns it in an ice slippery surface. it's very hard to fold it by one person.

Comments about Botero #005 Super Collapsible Background (8x16') (Dark, Medium Grey):

I needed an inexpensive, all-purpose background for individual headshots and photos of small groups of people. This has worked well, but don't expect too much of it. The Botero definitely won't stand on it's own as shown in the video. I used some clamps to attach it to a dropped ceiling and that worked very well. Also, folding it up is a challenge, although, with practice (and without trying to think about it too much), it's do-able.

Comments about Botero #005 Super Collapsible Background (8x16') (Dark, Medium Grey):

This seemed like a good idea, but it lacks in implementation. The spring wire is far too flimsy for its size. It's not stiff enough to stand up, either by a single central stand or leaning against a wall. It still must be clamped to a stand on each side.

Unfolding and erecting it is no easier or quicker than with a conventional muslin and dual stands with cross bar. Refolding it and getting it back into its bag is much more difficult than stuffing a muslin into a bag--the train is a tremendous hassle.

The spring is also too flimsy to stretch the wrinkles out of the fabric, which obviates one of the would-be advantages to a spring-loaded collasable background.

The fabric is very thin. Even with the dark gray fabric, a background light will actually shine through the fabric and illuminate objects on the other side--which will be visible in the image.

I abandoned this device and went back to the muslin and crossbar/stands until discovering the Calumet On-Site Portable Background System--a much better design in every way.

Comments about Botero #005 Super Collapsible Background (8x16') (Dark, Medium Grey):

This background was hard to close, but after i worked it a few times i got the hang of it.
Very large surface to work with, Love that and you need a large area to work with.
I like it.

Comments about Botero #005 Super Collapsible Background (8x16') (Dark, Medium Grey):

This background is extremely versatile and is great for taking to client's homes or any location. It packs up easy, I can do it by myself without a problem but watch the videos on how to do it first. Its also relatively light so I have no problem taking it with me. I even pack it in the car for family get togethers for impromptu family portraits. It's also very versatile if you throw a strobe with a colored gel you instantly get a different background.

Comments about Botero #005 Super Collapsible Background (8x16') (Dark, Medium Grey):

The Botero 8x16 background needs to be understood in order to set-up and take down easily. There are several key issues to understand.1 - you must have clearance in the height. That is, any vertical compression will not allow the sides to extend fully and lock properly and the unit will collapse on its own weight.2 - if the floor is too slippery, such as a highly polished wood floor, there will be a tendency to slide away from the vertical position, and collapse. Placing weights or tape at the bottom corners should cure this.3 - disassembly is tricky since I didn't see instructions included with the product. I happend to see a video of how to fold a Westcott background and applied that technique. By pinching in the sides, and letting the top collapse naturally, you have a good start. The last thing I worry about is the extra 8 feet of cloth that gets stuffed into the bag, at the end.Other than this, I have had good success with this background. It's light, and safe. Safe meaning that if it ever falls down, no one gets hurt. Currently I own a grey/white version and it suits my needs.

Expertise: Serious Amature/Part-time Pro

Problems Encountered: The biggest problem with this product is that it did not have any instructions or how to solve issues that may arise.

Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Westcott chroma key background

Items I Recommend: Gaffer's tape or some large soda bottles to keep the sides from sliding

Comments about Botero #005 Super Collapsible Background (8x16') (Dark, Medium Grey):

At this size, the spring ring collapsable concept literally collapses under its own weight. That and the huge, loose train of material flopping and dragging as you maneuver makes it too difficult to handle. You will still need two stands to hold it up (the spring ring can't support its own weight), and one person will have a devil of a time ever getting it collapsed and folded back into its package. On location, it's not practical unless you have a couple of assistants. In the studio, you might as well use conventional muslim or paper.