Lightbridge Touchproof Introduced – Next-Generation Fingerprint-Resistant Reflectors
Lightbridge, the Austria-based lighting equipment manufacturer, has launched its new “Lightbridge Touchproof” reflector technology, addressing a longstanding issue with fingerprints and scratches on professional film lighting equipment. I talked to its founder Jakob Ballinger about the new product lineup.
Founded approximately eight years ago by Jakob Ballinger and his team, Lightbridge emerged directly from practical on-set experience. Before becoming manufacturers, Ballinger worked as a gaffer alongside cinematographer Christian Berger, who sought to create more natural-looking light by developing precision reflectors. Their goal was to keep film sets clear while achieving natural lighting by positioning lights farther away and using reflectors closer to the subject.
The problem Lightbridge Touchproof solves
The original Lightbridge reflectors offered five precise levels of diffusion, from mirror-like reflection to super white, with minimal light loss (only 3%) and 100% color consistency. What began as tools for their own productions eventually evolved into products shared with the wider filmmaking community.
Despite their quality, the first-generation Lightbridge reflectors suffered from a persistent issue: fingerprints and small scratches that became permanent if not cleaned immediately. The acidity in skin oils would leave marks that, if left for three months or longer, could not be removed.
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This posed a significant problem for rental houses and professionals who wanted their equipment to maintain its appearance. As Ballinger explained, “People weren’t treating it the same way that we do… the problem for rentals and for people owning the gear is they want to have the gear just the way it looked like new.”
Lightbridge Touchproof technology
After two years of development, Lightbridge has created a second-generation reflector with a new layering system and final protective sheet. The Lightbridge Touchproof technology allows fingerprints to be wiped off easily, even months after they’ve been made. The company tested the new surface with various substances, including saltwater and London rainwater, to ensure durability in different environments.
Importantly, Lightbridge confirms that the new Touchproof coating doesn’t affect the optical quality or light reflection properties. Side-by-side demonstrations show the Lightbridge Touchproof reflectors producing the same light quality as their predecessors.
Pricing and availability of Lightbridge Touchproof
Along with the new technology, Lightbridge is reducing prices by approximately 30% compared to their previous price list. This price reduction comes from changes in manufacturing processes and increased production volume.
The Lightbridge Touchproof reflectors are being released in batches starting now, with wider availability expected within four weeks. Given the company’s history of quick sell-outs, they recommend pre-ordering through dealers.
Custom Lightbridge reflector options
Despite moving toward larger-scale production, Lightbridge continues to offer custom solutions. In response to customer requests, they can produce round reflectors that create circular catch lights in subjects’ eyes, as well as star-shaped and oval reflectors for various specialized applications.
The new Lightbridge Touchproof technology represents Lightbridge’s continued evolution from a small operation that began with hand-applied stickers on reflectors to a manufacturer addressing the practical needs of film industry professionals.
What’s your take on Lightbridge’s new generation of “touch proof” reflectors? Have you worked with their products before, and what was your experience? Let us know in the comments below.
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