Fotodiox Single Roller Paper Drive Background Backdrop Support System for Using Light Stand (Stands are not Included)

I have had these functioning for quite some time and virtually on a daily basis. I currently use PVC pipe and Material wrapping tubes, in combo to hold the various fabrics and paper. I love the workings and the mechanism for raising and lowering the material. They look professional and never snag or bind up. FYI, I use care, as the "chains" are plastic and made from pretty light material. I don't think I would use these in an environment or studio where others, without my supervision, would be handling them.

I was skeptical given that similar products are more expensive, but so far this is working really well. It's a breeze to install. The end pieces work like they're supposed to, turn the end and the inner sections expand to hold the tube tightly. So far I have one large seamless paper roll installed and it hasn't bowed. To add a holder for cloth backdrops I bought a 2" diameter 10' PVC pipe and had them cut it to 107", same length as seamless paper. It fit perfectly, works great. It does bow a little though.My only complaint is the plastic chain - it snapped once already. The paper roll was stuck just enough that the pressure was too great. Fortunately the pieces snap together easily, just throw out the broken link. But I'm looking into a metal chain.

The product is amazing, great product. I should give it 5 stars but they need to include dry wall screws and fasteners or have instructions on which ones to get and how to mount.Granted, if you ever used a power drill and hung something on the wall using dry wall screws and anchors, it's not hard to figure out.Here is what I used instead of the provided hardware which does nothing for drywall installations.Go to Home Depot and pick yourself up the following dry wall screw packages:1. Ribbed Plastic Anchors (Crown Bolt (brand)): #8-10 x 1" (you will need a total of 12 so get two boxes of 10 or the 50 pack)2. Ribbed Plastic Anchors (Crown Bolt (brand)): #14-16 x 1-1/2" (box of 5 works, you only need 4)3. 2" Metal Heavy Duty Spring Clamp (you will use these for the bottom of the paper to keep it from rolling up when it's dropped down. I used 3 on each 110" roll.After installed, it is pretty awesome. You don't need a long pole or PVC to run through the center as the expanding clamps on each side hold the whole paper backdrop in place.I would highly recommend this if you know your way around the drill set and can your backdrop by yourself. Otherwise another person and a ladder would come in handy. I used a ledge to stable one side of the roll as I placed the other into the slot.

After much research and ultimately taking the plunge I gotta say this is a pretty neat unit. It does require two to assemble though. You'll need someone to hold the other end while assembling and to help lift it. It works great.One reviewer mentioned to purchase 2" plastic poles of some sort from Lowes which I did but quickly discovered that my smaller sized background paper has the same size opening so it wouldn't fit and I had to re-roll the paper onto the pole in order for it to fit.If you use the large background paper you won't even need any poles of any sort. I also purchased drywall screws and used those instead of the ones in the kit as they seemed more secure for the added weight.Overall I am happy with my purchase and extremely happy that I had someone who was knowledgeable help me set this up.

Worth the price. If you're getting into photography on a budget, it works just fine. Stout enough construction, but the chain feels like it might falter with much use. I use it for my green screen muslin, so it gets hoisted infrequently and without much resistance, so it suits my needs plenty fine.If you're an old pro, you probably already know what you're looking for and know whether this is for you or not.

I bought these as a replacement to my very expensive Manfroto hanging system. Granted the plastic chains are kind of light and cheap looking, but they do the job! Everything works the same and seems very sturdy. I have 3-9 ft backdrops at the moment and I have not had any issues working the chain assembly. I would highly recommend.

The overall lack of instructions and information was not only disappointing it was VERY frustrating. After doing a lot of research and reading I found that the hardware included was for concrete/brick walls, not drywall.So after going to the hardware store and buying anchors for this so I could mount the piece to the wall and hang my seamless, the stupid roll holder fails miserably and it sags. I obviously do not feel comfortable putting a client under the roll.It does not tell you how far apart to put the mounts per whatever seamless you use so I wasn't sure if mine should be exactly at 107" or have some room, so I gave it an extra inch and change to be on the safe side.So now I will move the mount, again, and put it even closer, and I bought 2" PVC pipe to see if that helps to stabilize it.What I thought would be a 10 minute or so project turned into much more.Overall the lack of information/instruction resulted in a big waste of my time so that is why I am only giving 1 star. As of right now this product isn't even functional for me to use. I wish I had gone with a different brand. Saving $20 wasn't worth all of this BS.

This was so difficult to install. And my paper rolls keep getting jammed. And when I pull the chains I usually break one like once a month. They are click links so i remove the broken piece and snap it back together. I don't love it but it is getting the job done. I will invest in something nicer in the future. But as a first time studio owner, it was a good starting point for the money.