Pixel Addix 5-in-1 Grip Reflector

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by Tom PriceApril 28^th, 2016

Finding a reflector that is affordable and convenient to use can sometimes be a pain. It may be a case of one or the other. You may find a product that fits both descriptions but falls short in terms of build quality. If this scenario sounds familiar to you, then you may be interested in the Pixel Addix 5-in-1 Collapsible Grip Reflector (I agree, it is a bit of a mouthful).

Look, mom, no hands!

Traditional circular reflectors can be a little unwieldy for independent shooters, despite the shape’s effectiveness as a lighting tool. Unless you have an assistant to hold them in place, keeping them in a position can be rather troublesome. While crocodile clips, duct tape, and string are all viable (if inefficient) methods of fixing a reflector at the angle required, this plectrum-shaped offering from Pixel Addix seems like a trump card in comparison.

As with every other 5-in-1 reflector on the market today, this one provides five surfaces to meet a variety of lighting conditions and requirements:

• White
• Translucent White
• Black
• Gold
• Silver

I am sure you know the various effects these surfaces will have on your image. If you’re unsure, ask away in the comments – or shoot me an email. Whichever you prefer!

Of course, 5-in-1 reflectors are ridiculously commonplace. You’ll find hundreds, maybe thousands, of multiple surface offerings out there. That’s probably why Pixel Addix looked to do something a little different with this one. By using a fairly unique teardrop design in conjunction with a grip handle, they’ve immediately drawn a distinction between themselves and their competitors.

Again, a little improvisation in shape isn’t much to shout about, either. What’s really interesting is what Pixel Addix have done with the plastic grip they’ve added to this reflector. They have included a ¼”-20 tripod mount to the handle, allowing you to attach the reflector to a tripod or lighting stand – saving indie shooters a lot of hassle and time (and operators with assistants may hear cries of hallelujah).

So, downsides. What are they? Well, I’ve never had my hands on one of these reflectors, but I have heard one quite common complaint. While setting up your reflector is easy as pie, it apparently takes a while to get used to getting it back into the reversible cover. I do suppose that is more a case of practice makes perfect than anything, though.

Obviously, without checking the reflector out in person, I am also interested in seeing its build quality. While I’d normally be a little wary of cheaper items, I’ve only ever had pleasant experiences with Pixel Addix products – and I’d like to think that this would apply to their reflector, too.

Pixel Addix reflector features

• Collapses down to 12” in its slip cover
• The reflector is 29” x 30”
• 5-in-1 to fulfil various lighting requirements
• Ergonomically friendly handle
• ¼”-20 mount

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a relatively cheap 5-in-1 reflector that will reduce the hassle of setting up your lighting (or make your assistant smile, should you have one) then Pixel Addix may have you covered.

The Pixel Addix reflector is available from the Pixel Addix website for $25, but you can save a little extra by ordering it from Amazon instead ($23.46). While I couldn’t find a European link to the Pixel Addix 5-in-1 Reflector, I did find an alternative from Neewer at around the same price (I suspect it is actually the same product).

P.S. cinema5D’s Johnnie Behiri actually uses the Neewer—and in his words: “it works like a charm!”