softbox sagging

i was given a caumet 4x3 softbox from a friend who no longer uses it. Thanks! Before it, I had only used profoto softboxes. The caulmet really sags. like when its on a stand it really droops, looses its rectangle shape and gives off uneven light. Is this normal for this brand? I figured there would be something to help it keep its shape around the edge of it, but no. Im sure I could find a way to keep it taught, but it seems strange that this would be how its sold, large and yet to big to keep it shape. Maybe this is why i was given it at a great price. I was planning on buying a profoto softbox and still might if i cant get this one to work as I think it should. Im sure its me missing something, but I have no other access to another calumet box to compare it to.

thoughts?

I have a couple of Calumet softboxes and like your's they sag. I have ProFoto's that don't.
When I built up my studio in the early 90's I bought lots of Calumet branded equipment and in my experience most of it was on a par with Ikea's quality. As soon as I could I replaced it with better quality gear.
It was a great reminder about getting what you pay for.

You don't need to spend the big ProFoto bucks. I've got Photoflex softboxes that are 20 years old - the white coating inside is getting spotty, but they're solid. Last year I got a Fotodiox pro softbox from Amazon, a 6' strip light, for I think $100-ish. It is SOLID and legit, and the fabric grid equals the big names, not that shoddy satin-ribbon stuff. I have a few of the Photoflex hot-light softboxes and they're excellent too.

Could one put a structure of pvc strips to hold the shape?

Sirius Glass said:

Could one put a structure of pvc strips to hold the shape?

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thats what my son did, and he did a great job. makes a huge difference. it is clearly caused by the rods that support the box are, how does one say it, soft, and in need of softbox viagra

I wonder if the issue is "tired" fiberglass rods.

mgb74 said:

I wonder if the issue is "tired" fiberglass rods.

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yep, that was the main cause