Wanted - Ceiling system

[TURTLEC]

OK for a while now I've been looking around for a ceiling track system.
What I (think) I need is a 3m x 4m track system with 4 pantographs and a drop of 3m.

Just thought I'd throw out the question to see if anyone is selling one or knows where there might be such a system
available. Failing that I might have to purchase new

Viewfinder have a 3mx3m one for around a grand (inc vat) [url]http://www.viewfinderphotography.co.uk/products/Pantograph-Railing-System-Complete-Kit-of-3m-x-3m.-3m-Drop-Pantograph.html/url]

Any advice/alternatives etc ?

[William]

Colin, check out Photomart.  Their system is seriously cheap and most of it is very well made.  Some components, like the curved rails, are unique to them.  But do look carefully at their pantographs before you buy any.

[TURTLEC]

do look carefully at their pantographs before you buy any

Can you clarify why?

[William]

A couple of folks have contacted me privately to ask for clarification, so I'll put it on here.

The Photomart cheapie rails and carriages etc work as well as any and they'll allow us to save quite a bit of money.  When it comes to pantographs, we tend to get what we pay for.  Our one and only cheapie pantograph, lives in the cupboard, unloved, but then I'm used to having the best quality kit.

Photomart does both cheapie and Bowens pantographs and there's a good reason why one costs a lot more than the other.  It's up to the individual to look carefully at both and decide whether to splash out on quality.

Whatever you buy, follow the LOLA safety regulations.  If it's more than 11 feet above the floor, the law demands that we fit safety devices so that a light won't fall in the event of a support failure.  Below 11 feet, it's a good idea to follow LOLA.  We use chains rather than the steel cords.

[Stephen Iles]

My only comment would be, unless you have a a really high ceiling they do prevent you from getting the lights up high. I had a set-up at a studio that i used to rent and I found it too restrictive and I ended up not using it. Light stands on wheels I find much better.

Steve

[TURTLEC]

My ceiling is slightly over 11ft but its not a huge studio so I really like the idea of having everything
up out of the way and nothing on the floor etc

[William]

After moving to Somerset, it was a great relief when we had tracking again.  In Bristol, the tracking seemed to double the floor space in a tiny studio. 

Lights on stands are easily knocked over by ill-behaved kids and the GBP300 cost of replacing the flashtube would be as nothing compared with the "compensation" that some parents might demand for the trauma to little Johnny or Jenny!

We still have the option of using a stand, most conveniently on a dolly, as with the focussing spot that She-who-must-be-obeyed often uses.  This very expensive bit of kit is wheeled into a far corner whenever kids come to the studio.