7 items under $20 every filmmaker must have

In addition to cameras, lenses, tripods and the other essential gear, there are also some cheap, random items every filmmaker and photographer need. Matti Haapoja from TravelFeels shares a list of these things you may find useful in all kinds of situations, and you can get them all for under $20 (most of them for even under $10).

1. Bongo ties

Bongo ties can come in handy in different situations. You can use them to wrap up cables or to attach things with them. You can tie more of them together if you need a bigger tie.

2. Shower curtain

It may look silly, but a white shower curtain can have an important role in your filmmaking or photography. You can use it to diffuse light, or as a backdrop. It’s cheap, easily available and it doesn’t take too much space.

3. Clamps

A few clamps should find their place in your bag. You can use them to clip that shower curtain onto a stand, to attach a backdrop, or for various DIY projects. Check out more possible uses here.

4. Step rings

Step rings will allow you to mount a bigger ND filter onto a lens with smaller thread. This way, you don’t need to buy different filters for every lens you own. As Matti puts it, these cost “negative dollars,” because they will save you a lot of money you’d spend on ND filters.

5. Gaff tape

Of course, the gaff tape, a must-have item for every photographer and filmmaker. It’s stronger than masking tape, yet it doesn’t leave any residue. You can use it in at least fifty different ways: for putting marks on the ground, labeling your gear, or covering your Leica logo to name just a few.

6. China ball

China ball is a cheap and easy to use item when you need to diffuse the light. You can use it in a variety of DIY lighting setups, and you can check out some of them here and here.

7. Black wrap (cinefoil)

Cinefoil is like black tinfoil. You can use it to shape light, block it and prevent light spills.

Would you add anything to Matti’s list? What are the cheap, random items you always have with you when you’re shooting?

[5 Random Things Under $20 Every Filmmaker Needs via No Film School]