Narrow, rectangular softbox producing strip-shaped light with characteristic elongated specular highlights.
Technical Details
Strip boxes consist of a foldable frame made of fiberglass or metal struts, a reflective inner coating, and one to two diffusion layers made of heat-resistant fabric. The light distribution is asymmetrical with a beam angle of approximately 40-60° on the longitudinal axis and 80-120° on the transverse axis. Modern variants feature honeycomb grids with 20°, 30°, or 40° limiting angles for precise light control. Speed ring mounts allow attachment to flash heads, continuous lights, or LED panels up to 2000 watts.
History & Development
Strip boxes evolved in the 1970s from fashion photography when photographers needed elongated light sources to accentuate body shapes. Chimera introduced the first commercial strip box for film sets in 1982. The breakthrough came with the digitization of film technology from 2000 onwards, as DoPs could achieve more precise lighting without additional costs for film material. LED technology from 2010 onwards significantly reduced weight and heat generation.
Practical Application in Film
Roger Deakins used strip boxes in "Blade Runner 2049" (2017) to create the characteristic vertical light lines in the city scenes. Typical applications include rim lighting for separating subjects from the background, hair light to emphasize contours, and as a key light in close-ups simulating natural window light. The narrow light output prevents unwanted illumination of adjacent image areas and allows for precise shadow control. Mounting on C-stands or boom arms allows flexible positioning even in confined spaces.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike square softboxes, strip boxes produce asymmetrical light distribution with a more directional character. Kino Flo tubes offer similar light characteristics but without the focusing capabilities of grids. LED panels with barn doors achieve comparable results but require additional diffusion. Modern RGBW LED strip boxes from Arri or Astera combine color temperature variability with classic strip box functionality at 20% less weight than conventional HMI solutions.