Black straws? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

12/23/2008 09:37:19 AM · #1

Does anyone know where you can buy black straws locally? I realize that stores will differ between regions, but at least it would give me a starting point. I spent yesterday morning checking all the local party and craft stores, to no avail.

In case you haven't guessed, I want the straws so I can build some grid spots for my Speedlights. I know I could order them off the Net, but that would require patience :-)

(For reference, I'm in Scranton, PA.)

CEJ

Canon EOS-40D

12/23/2008 09:46:27 AM · #2

Party Supply store - I was just in one a few days ago and was surprised to see black straws. They came in a set with all black napkins and plastic eating utensils and some other stuff. Two sizes even - cocktail as well as soft drink.

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

12/23/2008 09:57:44 AM · #3

Could always hit Panera but then I would never grab a stack from this cause that would be bad ;-)

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-85mm 1:3.5-4.5

12/23/2008 10:07:51 AM · #4

Originally posted by robs:

Could always hit Panera but then I would never grab a stack from this cause that would be bad ;-)

Yeah, I heard about Panera having them. But since I think their food is lousy and overpriced, my moral compass is giving me trouble with the notion of walking in and taking a handful - I feel like I'd have to at least buy something and gag it down.

electrolost

Nikon D200

12/23/2008 10:12:39 AM · #5

For some reason I think kfc has black straws as well.................................could you spray paint white ones?????? or use electrical tape around them...........

soup

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

12/23/2008 10:16:54 AM · #6

spray paint would likely melt them.

electrolost

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Nikkor 28-85mm 1:3.5-4.5

12/23/2008 10:22:05 AM · #7

not that the spray painting straws is a viable option but here is a spray paint made for plastic................krylon spray paint for plastic

Message edited by author 2008-12-23 10:22:30.

soup

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

12/23/2008 10:22:58 AM · #8

i forgot about that stuff.

david_c

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

12/23/2008 10:31:05 AM · #9

How odd...I just did the 'roundabouts this past weekend looking for black straws to make a DiY honeycomb grid. Everyone looked at me like I was insane, but I persevered and found 'em. Harvey's makes your hamburger...a beautiful thing. But, I suppose, it might be too far to go unless you live in Canada, eh?

Have you seen this site?

//www.saxonpc.com/index.html

It may actually be cheaper than a DiY.

Message edited by author 2008-12-23 10:31:16.

Nikolai1024

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4.0D

12/23/2008 10:57:34 AM · #10

White once will work too i think. Light that spills may not be noticable.

12/23/2008 11:03:49 AM · #11

Originally posted by Nikolai1024:

White once will work too i think. Light that spills may not be noticable.

I thought about using white ones, but figured that it would end up as more of a softbox effect, rather than a grid. I'm banking on the notion that the black straws work to narrow the beam, where as white ones would allow transmission and just diffuse the light.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

12/23/2008 11:04:20 AM · #12

Originally posted by david_c:

Thanks for the link! The SaxonPC grids are tempting, and the prices are pretty good!

BeeCee

Nikon D40

12/23/2008 12:04:05 PM · #13

Yeah, I didn't realise that stuff was so cheap.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

12/23/2008 06:43:18 PM · #14

Just in case anyone is wondering, I went with the 4 piece SaxonPC kit. It includes 4 different diameter grids and some pegs with which to stack them, all for $8.95 (free shipping until tomorrow). The more expensive kit had foam attached around the sides of the grids, but I already have some foamie sheets and figure I can glue them on myself.

BeeCee

Nikon D40

12/23/2008 06:52:07 PM · #15

Let us know how they work, kay? :)