Chimera XXS

Overview

"Chimera XXS" does not refer to a specific light fixture itself, but rather to the smallest size class (Extra Extra Small) of lightbanks – meaning softboxes or diffusion boxes – manufactured by the US company Chimera Lighting. These softboxes are placed in front of a light source (Tungsten, HMI, or LED fixture) and transform a hard point source into a broad, soft light source. The XXS is the most compact variant within the typical Chimera sizing scale of XXS – XS – Small – Medium – Large and is used for detail, product, and beauty shots, for small accent lights, or in confined sets.

The XXS size is offered across several Chimera product lines, including the Video Pro Plus and the Super Pro X Plus. The construction differs depending on the series (e.g., heat-resistant design for continuous lighting), with XXS denoting the dimensions of the front surface.

Technical Specifications

The following values apply to Chimera's XXS lightbanks according to the manufacturer and specialist retailers:

The delivery scope of a lightbank typically includes the box body, support poles (Speed Poles), a front diffusion screen (Front Screen), an internal baffle for even diffusion, and a bag. The interior is finished in silver to increase output.

On-Set Use

The lightbank is not screwed directly onto the fixture but is mounted via a separate Speed Ring, which must match the specific fixture type and is usually purchased separately. The softness can be controlled via the removable Front Screen and the internal baffle; for some series, additional front diffusion fabrics (e.g., 1/4 or 1/2 diffusion) and fabric grids/eggcrates for beam angle control are available.

Due to its small front surface area, the XXS provides a comparatively directed, yet still soft, light source and is suitable for close-up shots and situations with limited space. When equipping the lightbank, the maximum recommended wattage of 500 W should be observed to prevent overheating of the box.