About Us
Founded in 1980, Chimera designs and handcrafts unrivaled lighting products that provide soft and beautiful illumination for the professional image maker in film, video, and still photography.
Our Quality
Our products are among the most reliable in the industry and found in production rental shops even after decades of use. One of the hallmarks of the Chimera brand is the exceptionally high-quality standards that go into creating every product. Materials are sourced and produced in the United States to ensure that Chimera’s Lightbanks, Speed Rings and other products meet the company’s uncompromising standards.
Our Shop
Proprietary materials and superior workmanship guarantee that every Chimera product will be durable and long lasting. Handcrafted for over 40 years, all products are designed, sewn, and assembled locally at our Colorado USA headquarters. Meticulous inspection prior to shipping guarantees that each piece of gear is perfect before it reaches the customer.
Company founded with first collapsible fabric Lightbank
1980
Photographer Gary Regester grew weary of dragging foam core boxes to his shoots, sparking a game-changing idea. He envisioned a soft box that could collapse for easy transport and attach directly to lights. To bring this concept to life, he teamed up with mountaineering engineer Tom Frost.
Their collaboration birthed the Illuminata Lightbank, a groundbreaking tool for photographers. Its clever “feet and strap” system allows it to securely and effortlessly attach to strobe lights, offering a practical and portable lighting solution.
Speed rings allow one Lightbank to be mounted on multiple light fixtures
1983
Chimera took an already great idea and revolutionized it with their creation of the industry's first Speed Rings. This innovative development included 16 models, catering to various lighting needs and setups.
The introduction of Speed Rings was met with widespread excitement among professionals, simplifying workflows and enhancing flexibility. While photographers celebrated the breakthrough, competitors found themselves scrambling to keep up.
Super Pro introduced – silver lining recessed front screen
1985
Chimera broke new ground with the launch of their first Super Pro Lightbanks. Featuring a silver interior and a recessed front screen, these lightbanks deliver more directional lighting, offering photographers greater control over their setups.
Adding to its allure, the Super Pro Lightbanks sport Chimera's iconic Velcro™ racing stripes, combining style with function. This innovative design quickly set a new standard in professional lighting equipment.
Honeycomb grids for precise control
1986
Chimera revolutionized lighting control with the introduction of their first honeycomb grids. This breakthrough design allowed photographers to refine and shape light with an extraordinary level of precision. By directing light exactly where it’s needed, honeycomb grids opened up new creative possibilities and made it easier to achieve professional results.
The innovation was quickly embraced by the industry, celebrated for enhancing flexibility and control in lighting setups. Chimera’s honeycomb grids set a new benchmark for lighting tools, empowering photographers to work with greater efficiency and artistic intention. This advancement demonstrated Chimera’s commitment to pushing boundaries in professional photography equipment.
Improved Aluminum & steel poles – Speed Rings upgraded to allow rotation
1987
Chimera continues to lead the way with two groundbreaking innovations. First, they unveiled new and improved poles made of aluminum and stainless steel. By engineering a proprietary process for stainless steel rods, Chimera achieved the perfect combination of flexibility and strength, enhancing durability and performance for photographers who demand the very best.
Additionally, Chimera introduced the industry’s first rotating Speed Rings, offering photographers an unprecedented level of control. These innovative Speed Rings allow users to effortlessly adjust the position of a Lightbank, making it easier to fine-tune lighting setups. Together, these advancements reflect Chimera’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of professional lighting equipment and empowering photographers with tools that enhance creativity and efficiency.
Quartz & Daylight Lightbanks using high heat materials used in Hollywood for the first time
1990
Chimera made a significant leap forward with the creation of their innovative Quartz and Daylite Lightbanks. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of film production, these Lightbanks quickly became a game-changer in professional lighting. Their advanced design provided filmmakers with superior flexibility and control, making them a trusted solution for achieving exceptional lighting on set.
This breakthrough also marked Chimera's debut in Hollywood, a milestone solidified by gaffer Mo Flam's use of their equipment during the production of the iconic film Fried Green Tomatoes. The collaboration demonstrated the impact of Chimera's tools in delivering high-quality results, earning industry recognition and paving the way for broader adoption in the entertainment world.
Video Pro and Daylight Jr
1992
Chimera’s Video Pro Lightbanks and Daylite Juniors quickly gained recognition within the industry, setting new standards for professional lighting tools. These products offered the reliability and performance needed to meet the evolving demands of filmmakers and videographers, solidifying Chimera’s reputation as a trusted name in the field. Their commitment to designing solutions that enhance lighting precision and flexibility helped them stand out as leaders in the industry.
True to their innovative spirit, Chimera has maintained a relentless pace of advancement, introducing new products nearly every six months. By continually refining and expanding their offerings, Chimera ensures they remain at the forefront of the film industry's technological evolution. This dedication to progress reflects their mission to empower creatives with tools that push the boundaries of what’s possible in film and video production.
Panel Frame system developed
1995
Chimera Panel Frames have redefined versatility, earning their rightful place as an essential tool for creatives. Designed with convenience in mind, these frames feature bungee cords that keep all pieces securely connected, eliminating the risk of lost parts. Whether you need a black-out screen, a reflector, or a diffuser, these frames adapt seamlessly to your needs, providing unmatched flexibility for a wide range of applications.
What truly sets Chimera Panel Frames apart is their compatibility with 18 unique window patterns that can attach to the frame-mounted holder. This opens up endless possibilities for creative expression, allowing users to craft unique lighting effects and dynamic backdrops with ease. The combination of practical functionality and boundless creative potential makes Chimera Panel Frames an indispensable asset for those who value innovation and adaptability in their work.
Lanterns
1996
Chimera’s new lanterns have quickly gained recognition for their exceptional portability and durability, making them an ideal choice for professionals in need of dependable lighting solutions on the go. Their lightweight design and robust construction ensure they can withstand the challenges of demanding shoots without compromising on performance. By offering a harmonious balance of strength and convenience, these lanterns provide users with a dependable tool they can rely on anywhere.
What truly sets Chimera's lanterns apart is their simplicity in delivering omnidirectional soft lighting. Whether used in film, photography, or event production, these lanterns create beautiful, even light with minimal effort. Their straightforward setup and versatility make them an invaluable addition to any lighting kit, empowering creators to focus on their vision without technical constraints. Chimera once again combines practicality with innovation to elevate the standards of professional lighting.
Plus Banks and Fabric Egg Crates
1997
Chimera continues to redefine professional lighting with the evolution of Lightbanks into the innovative Plus Banks. These advanced Lightbanks feature removable front screens with varying densities, providing photographers and filmmakers with unmatched flexibility and creative control. This breakthrough allows industry professionals to fine-tune their lighting setups effortlessly, ensuring they achieve the perfect balance of softness and intensity for any scene.
Taking the art of light modification a step further, Chimera revolutionized the field with the introduction of Fabric Egg Crates. These versatile tools make shaping soft light more precise than ever before, giving creators the ability to direct and control light with exceptional accuracy. Together, these innovations not only demonstrate Chimera’s commitment to empowering professionals but also cement their status as leaders in the lighting industry. With these cutting-edge solutions, Chimera continues to set new benchmarks for quality and ingenuity.
Pancake Lantern introduced
2001
Chimera breaks new ground yet again with the introduction of its Pancake Lanterns, the first of their kind in the industry. Designed with practicality and performance in mind, these innovative lanterns deliver soft, omnidirectional lighting in a compact, low-profile design. Perfect for spaces with low ceilings or tight setups, Pancake Lanterns provide a seamless solution for achieving beautiful lighting without compromising on efficiency. This breakthrough tool reflects Chimera’s ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of professionals, providing them with game-changing solutions that streamline their workflow.
The arrival of Pancake Lanterns cements Chimera’s reputation as a trailblazer in the lighting world. By combining cutting-edge design with unparalleled functionality, these lanterns open up exciting possibilities for filmmakers, photographers, and event producers alike. Whether used in a studio, on location, or at an event, Pancake Lanterns empower users to enhance their creative vision effortlessly. With this launch, Chimera continues to push boundaries, leaving us wondering what revolutionary innovation they’ll introduce next.
Octaplus 5/7 two-in-one
2005
Chimera continues to raise the bar with the introduction of two groundbreaking products that redefine industry standards. The Quick Release Speed Rings simplify setup and breakdown, saving valuable time on sets and shoots. Designed with precision and ease of use in mind, these rings enable swift transitions while maintaining the durability and reliability Chimera is known for. With this innovation, professionals can focus on their craft rather than wrestling with equipment, making it an essential tool for anyone working in high-paced environments.
Adding to their impressive lineup, Chimera’s OctaPlus 5/7 Lightbank offers unmatched versatility as the industry’s only convertible size solution. This two-in-one Lightbank allows users to quickly switch between a 5-foot and 7-foot configuration, providing flexibility to adapt to various lighting needs. Perfect for diverse shooting scenarios, the OctaPlus Lightbank delivers beautiful, even distribution of light every time, embodying Chimera’s commitment to innovation and functionality. Together, these products underscore Chimera’s position as a leader in professional lighting, constantly delivering tools that enhance both efficiency and creative possibilities.
Triolet & Birdcage w stand adapters
2007
Chimera once again proves its expertise in lighting innovation with three remarkable new products designed to elevate creativity and efficiency. The Birdcage Lanterns offer a highly versatile soft light source, perfect for achieving smooth, even illumination in a wide range of setups. Whether used on location or in the studio, these lanterns provide creators with the flexibility to adapt their lighting to meet various artistic needs while maintaining stunning results every time.
Adding to this lineup, the Triolet Light continues Chimera’s tradition of versatile solutions by delivering an exceptional continuous light source. Ideal for both photography and filmmaking, the Triolet offers consistent, reliable light, ensuring professionals can focus on bringing their vision to life. To complete the package, Chimera introduces Stand Adapters, including a dual-axis version, which adds a new dimension of adaptability to lighting setups. This innovative addition allows for precise positioning, making even the most complex lighting configurations achievable with ease. With these groundbreaking products, Chimera empowers creators to push the boundaries of their craft.
F2x overheads
2009
Chimera continues to lead the way in innovative lighting solutions with the introduction of the F2x, a game-changer designed for photographers with grand creative ambitions. This groundbreaking system provides a perfectly smooth and consistent light source, ideal for large-scale projects that demand precision and high-quality results. Whether working on expansive sets, advertising shoots, or intricate artistic endeavors, the F2x delivers the reliability and performance required to bring bold ideas to life. Its thoughtful design ensures ease of use while maintaining the exceptional lighting standards Chimera is celebrated for.
The F2x isn’t just about size; it’s about empowering photographers to think bigger and achieve more. Artists can now illuminate massive spaces or highlight intricate details without compromise, opening the doors to new creative possibilities. With its remarkable capability to provide flawless lighting on such a large scale, the F2x redefines what’s achievable in professional photography. Chimera once again proves its dedication to innovation and excellence, giving photographers the tools they need to transform their vision into reality.
First collapsible Beauty Dish
2010
Portrait photographers know the magic of a beauty dish when it comes to crafting stunning, soft, and flattering light. Now, with Chimera's Octa Beauty, you can take that same exceptional lighting with you anywhere. This innovative lighting solution combines the signature qualities of a beauty dish with unmatched portability, making it the ultimate tool for photographers who refuse to compromise on quality, even when working on location. Whether you're shooting in a cozy studio or an outdoor setting, the Octa Beauty ensures you always have access to a reliable, professional-grade light source.
What sets the Octa Beauty apart is its perfect balance of performance and convenience. Its lightweight and compact design means it’s easy to pack and set up, so you can focus on capturing the perfect shot rather than wrestling with bulky equipment. Despite its portability, the Octa Beauty doesn't skimp on results; it delivers beautifully soft, even light that highlights every detail and enhances your subject’s natural features. With Chimera's Octa Beauty, portrait photographers finally get the best of both worlds—travel-friendly gear and flawless, studio-quality lighting.
Tech Banks - Lightbanks for LED panels introduced
2012
Chimera once again sets the standard for innovation with its portable and easy-to-use TECH Lightbanks. Designed with the future in mind, these Lightbanks are built to complement today’s advanced lighting technologies while being versatile enough to adapt to what lies ahead. Their portability ensures that professionals can take them anywhere, making them ideal for on-location shoots or dynamic studio setups. With a focus on usability, TECH Lightbanks simplify the process of achieving perfect lighting, allowing photographers and filmmakers to maintain their creative flow without unnecessary distractions.
What makes Chimera’s TECH Lightbanks truly stand out is their ability to seamlessly integrate with cutting-edge lighting systems, ensuring optimal performance with every use. Whether you're working with LED panels or other advanced lighting sources, these Lightbanks enhance the quality of illumination, delivering soft, even, and professional-grade results. Lightweight yet durable, they make setup and breakdown a breeze, saving time and effort on any project. With TECH Lightbanks, Chimera continues its mission to empower creatives with tools that combine innovation, practicality, and impeccable results.
Partnership with Lighttools
2016
Lighttools' soft fabric grids are a game-changer when it comes to controlling light with precision and ease. These grids excel at focusing light exactly where you need it, minimizing spill and enhancing creative control over your lighting design. Whether you're working on a film set, a photo shoot, or a live production, the soft fabric grids make it simple to achieve beautifully directed light without adding bulk or weight to your gear. Their portability and flexibility ensure they’re a dependable tool for professionals and hobbyists alike, letting you focus more on your craft and less on cumbersome setups.
Taking this innovation one step further, the ez[POP] Soft Egg Crates redefine convenience with their built-in tensioning frame that keeps the grid perfectly in place. This thoughtful design not only ensures quick, hassle-free setup but also guarantees reliable performance every time. No more worrying about misaligned or drooping grids – the ez[POP] offers a streamlined and professional solution for consistent results. Whether you're after dramatic shadows or soft, even light, these tools empower you to shape your scene with confidence and precision. Lighttools has once again raised the bar in lighting accessories by combining innovation, practicality, and superior quality.
POP banks introduced for popular 1x1 & 1x2 panel style LEDs
2017
Chimera redefines simplicity and innovation with the introduction of the POP Bank, its first-ever frameless Lightbank. Designed specifically for modern square and rectangular panel-style LED fixtures, the POP Bank eliminates the need for complicated setups. It slides effortlessly over the front of your fixture, entirely removing the need for speed rings or mounting hardware. This design makes the POP Bank a must-have for professionals who value efficiency without sacrificing quality, giving creators more time to focus on their craft rather than fussing with gear.
What truly sets the POP Bank apart is its seamless compatibility with today's LED technology. The frameless design not only ensures a snug, secure fit but also delivers soft and even illumination, perfect for any production setting. Lightweight and easy to transport, the POP Bank is ideal for studio shoots or on-the-go projects, ensuring you never have to compromise on versatility or convenience. Chimera's POP Bank is a testament to the brand's commitment to evolving with the industry, offering creatives cutting-edge tools that make professional lighting more accessible and hassle-free.
Powered by LiteGear - Panel Lantern and F3
2018
Chimera raises the bar in lighting innovation with its Panel Lantern, a portable LED lighting solution that merges LiteGear’s advanced LED technology with the proven durability and performance of Chimera Lightbanks. The lightweight yet versatile design makes it an essential tool for both on-location shoots and studio setups. Whether you’re creating soft, even light for interviews or adding ambient glow to complex productions, the Panel Lantern delivers exceptional results with minimal effort. Its compact portability ensures that professionals can bring high-quality lighting anywhere, eliminating the need to compromise creativity for convenience.
Taking lighting innovation to the next level, Chimera’s new F3 sets a new standard in overhead lighting solutions. Tailored for filmmakers and photographers working in large-scale productions, the F3 provides unmatched control and adaptability in shaping light. Built with Chimera’s commitment to reliability and ease of use, the F3 is designed to handle demanding setups while offering stunning, uniform light distribution. Whether you're crafting dramatic overhead lighting or fine-tuning a soft, seamless environment, the F3 makes it effortless to achieve professional-grade illumination. With the combination of the Panel Lantern and F3, Chimera continues to empower creatives to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Eyes on the future
2021
Chimera proudly shines brighter than ever, emerging from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic with renewed resilience and robust sales. Despite a global pause on filmmaking, their dedication to crafting high-quality, long-lasting products has remained unwavering. Each Chimera product is still meticulously handmade in Colorado, USA, reflecting a deep commitment to precision and care. This attention to detail ensures creators can rely on Chimera’s tools to bring their artistic visions to life, no matter the scale or complexity of their projects.
What truly sets Chimera apart is their collaborative spirit. By partnering with leading light manufacturers, they stay at the forefront of innovation, constantly introducing tools that inspire creativity and elevate production quality. These partnerships allow Chimera to deliver state-of-the-art lighting solutions, tailored to work seamlessly with popular technologies used in the industry today. With a steadfast dedication to their craft and the needs of their users, Chimera continues to empower filmmakers and photographers to create their best work.
