F2X - Lighting Chimera - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Large Studio Lightbank (Softbox)
Available Sizes	5' x 10' (1.5m x 3m), 10' x 20' (3m x 6m), 10' x 30' (3m x 9m)
Frame Material	High-strength thin wall aircraft aluminum tubing with machined interlocking flanges
Cover Material	Fabric with diffuser and inner baffle
Assembly	Tool-free, color-coded poles for quick assembly (2 people, 2-3 hours for 10' x 20')
Light Output	Produces beautiful long continuous highlights; extremely even coverage for large subjects
Light Mounts	Adjustable light mounts with swivel tubes for aiming
Bracing System	Velcro™ cross brace brackets for stability (10x20 and 10x30 only)
Rigging Options	Light stands, rope and pulley, or FOBA motorized systems
Maintenance	Lubricate threads occasionally with Dry Slide Teflon Powder; clean cover gently
Safety	Ensure proper grounding, total light amperage appropriate for circuit breaker; have electrician check requirements
Manufacturer	Chimera Lighting, 1812 Valtec Lane, Boulder, Colorado 80301 USA
Warranty	Not specified; contact manufacturer

Frequently Asked Questions - F2X Chimera

Can I assemble the F2X alone?

It is recommended to have two people. A 10x20 can be assembled in 2-3 hours without tools.

What sizes are available for the F2X?

Available sizes: 5'x10', 10'x20', and 10'x30' (1.5m x 3m, 3m x 6m, 3m x 9m).

How do I attach the light to the frame?

Use the adjustable light mounts. Pre-assemble the light support assemblies and adjust the light tube angles. Slide all tabbed parts over the threads carefully.

Do I need tools for assembly?

No, the F2X is designed for tool-free assembly. Frame sections are color coded for quick alignment.

Can I use the F2X outdoors?

The F2X is built for both location and studio use, but care should be taken in windy conditions. Ensure proper rigging and stability.

How do I clean the lightbank cover?

Handle with care to avoid dirt. If needed, gently clean the fabric with a mild detergent and water. Avoid harsh chemicals.

What is the maximum wattage for lights used in F2X?

The manual does not specify a maximum wattage. Ensure that total light amperage is appropriate for your circuit breaker ratings. Consult an electrician.

How do I square the frame after assembly?

Check squareness by eye and nudge the frame as needed. It can be adjusted after lifting off the ground.

Where can I find assembly video?

Visit www.chimeralighting.com for the assembly video in their video library.

Can I mount the F2X on a ceiling?

Yes, you can use FOBA motorized systems or rope and pulley for overhead rigging. See www.foba.com for details.

USER MANUAL F2X Chimera

Orange sports car displayed under a black CHIMERA studio lighting fixture (no text or symbols on the car or background)

Xtremely Beautiful Light

The F2x produces those beautiful long continuous highlights that make you stand apart. Two people can assemble a 10 x 20 F2x in two to three hours -- WITHOUT TOOLS! Now, that's a huge savings in time and money.

F2x

New

From...

CHIMERA

FRAME:

● high-strength, thin wall aircraft aluminum tubing.
machined interlocking end flanges mate for Xtreme strength.
Frame sections are color coded for quick assembly.
• NO TOOL assembly.
• perfect for both location and studio installs.
initially available in 5'x10', 10'x20', and 10'x30'. (1.5m x 3m, 3m x 6m, 3m x 9m)

LIGHT:

• beautiful long continuous highlights.
• Xtremely even coverage for large subjects.
  ● adjustable light mounts.
  • See our web site for more details.

1812 Valtec Lane, Boulder, Colorado 80301 USA www.chimeralighting.com

Outline - F2X Assembly Instructions

Basic Information

■ Layout the parts, grouping by color codes. Poles are bundled in specific groups for your convenience.
■ Align tubes carefully as to not cross thread. Laying on the floor or a flat surface is helpful. Do not force if you encounter undue resistance.
■ Start the first bay on one side, and then complete the opposite side, working a bay at a time, adding top perimeter tubes as you go - bay by bay.
■ Position all the cross tubes tabs on the same side of the uprights, either all to left of all to right throughout, except as noted for the ends (1). Slide all tabbed parts over the threads carefully.
It is recommended to pre-assemble all cross tubes, including the light support assemblies (adjusting and locking the light tube angles (2) for efficiency.
■ Refer to the drawings for further instructions.
It is recommended to lubricate the threads occasionally with Dry Slide Teflon Powder for easier assembly.
■ Swivel tube Tabs. Each cross tube, when assembled, should have a stationary tab on one end and a swivel tab on the other end. This allows the tabs to be properly aligned during frame assembly. Tube components that have the swivel tabs are identified by a stripe of red tape on the tab end (3).

Start

Position all the bottom perimeter tubes first.

Cross Brace Assembly (10x20' and 10x30' only)

Layout a corner with a bottom long side tube, an assembled bottom end cross tube, one upright and an end cap.

As you assemble, the threaded studs will all be pointing in the same direction.

Repeat this for the opposite side.

Next, assemble the bottom tubes of the next bay, with the upright tubes between the bays.

Now go back and finish the top tube sections of the first bay.

Continue this procedure throughout the remaining bays.

Bracing Tubes

The upright tubes that support the bracing cross tubes have Velcro ^TM strips on the top end. When laying these out, position the uprights so when lifted into position, the Velcro ^TM is on the inside.

To assemble the bracing cross tubes:

1. attach a Velcro ^TM tube cross brace bracket on an upright on one side
2. insert bracing cross tube into its receptacle.
3. put opposite receiver onto the cross tube.
4. position the Velcro ^TM receiver unit on opposite side upright tube and slide this upward to produce tight fit. Securely wrap with the Velcro ^TM wraps.

Finishing Frame

When the frame is completely assembled, check squareness - nudge as needed to help straighten. This can be done by eye.

Now position the entire frame up on supports - off ground - on short stands, apple boxes, etc.

Attach web strap supports as per drawing details.

1. strap clips are positioned to inside (so they don't rub against cover).
2. adjust until taut - not overly tight.

Attach all lights and wiring with cables over top edge and hang down the sides.

Test lights before proceeding. It is suggested that you have an electrician check your electricity requirements. Check grounding carefully and make sure that the total light amperage is appropriate for the circuit breaker ratings.

Attach the inner baffle - clip to frame as per the drawing detail. First attach to diagonal corners and then the opposite diagonals and pull the fabric taut.

Lightbank Cover

CAUTION: take extreme care in next step to not get front diffuser dirty by dragging on the floor or ground. You can put clean material down over a dirty surface - tape it securely so it doesn't move. Raise your F2X frame off the ground at this stage, but not too high, approximately 2 feet, either on short light stands or apple boxes, etc.

Spread the cover and attach the four corner straps. Then lift and attach the end panels. Cover panels go inside top tube, over, and out and then Velcro's to itself.

Start to lift and attach side panels to every other bay. Finish by going around up to three times to tighten and smooth out the entire cover.

Top cover is spread over the top of the unit and attaches first to ends and again is stretched to flatten and smooth out material.

Rigging

The last step is to rig your F2 Lightbank. Your options are:

1. on light stands
2. rope and pulley
3. FOBA motorized systems – www.foba.com/eng/decken/decken.htm

3D rendering of a mechanical device suspended from a conical base (no text or symbols visible)

Also see the assembly video in our video library: www.chimeralighting.com.

CHIMERA®

PERFECT LIGHTING