Flash Brackets and macro

[RobertP]

My recent experiments with macro proved that you need plenty of light to get a good result.

Cost is an issue but even if it were not I'm not sure I'd want to go as far as a macro flash unit. I am going to get an off camera 'cord 2' so I can reposition the flashgun.... but how do I keep the gun targetted on the lens focal point?

I've been looking at flash brackets and assume I will have to fit a bracket diagonal on the camera base - and then I'm not sure if I will get the right aiming angle.
This one on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7607175124&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1) looked like it might be a solution but the cord end at the gun has a tripod thread not a shoe mount.

Its not beyond my metalworking skills to make something...but I'd rather just buy it :)

Any thoughts?

[Warspite]

See if this is any good - seems to be adjustable for various angles, not sure if its suitable though.

Linky (http://www.jessops.com/search/viewproduct.cfm?PRODUCT=JESPFFB&BRAND=&CONTINUE=false&FEATS=&FIRSTPRICE=&KEYWORD=&LEVEL=&MODELNUMBER=&NEWQUERY=True&NODE=0&NODE_PATH=0&ORD=ASC&ORDERBY=&QUANTITY=40&RECENT=0&REFINE=&SEARCH_FOR=flash%20bracket&SEARCHNODE=0&SEARCHURL=dointellisearch.cfm&SECONDPRICE=&SHOWCASEID=&STARTROW=1&SUBS=&WORD_SEARCH=Y&)

Actually scrub that, the Ebay one looks to have a much better build quality in the pics at the bottom of the page.

[RobertP]

Seen a few like that. they just hinge outwards. I'm trying to get the gun forwards of the camera and then pointed at a target say 10" from the lens front. The flash head does not tilt downwards so I need the bracket to tilt.

Didn't find much when I tried Google either. Someone must have done it.... unless it's just a bad idea?

:Ponders:

[Warspite]

You tried searching for "flash brackets" on WarehouseExpress site, they have all shapes and sizes made by Kirk, prices might not be to impressive though.

Link (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/arouse/kirk.html)

Then scroll down to Flash brackets at the bottom.
Some silly prices though:(

[RobertP]

Thanks. thats useful.

Like you said the prices are not too attractive but at least I now know the idea of macro brackets is used. Might just buy the ebay cheapie and adapt it for now, unless something closer and sensible money turns up :)

[Glen]

would this do, at the price you could buy a shed load and modify if you wanted...

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=7551

[RobertP]

Probably not exactly. But looking round the flash accessories and cheapie tripod type things on the site has given me some ideas ;)

[Glen]

cool :thumb:

[Keltic Ice Man]

This might be a real silly question but... how do you get the external flash to sync with the camera if it isn't in the normal hotshoe? :Ponders:

Allan

[Glen]

Not 100% sure but I think you either have a cable or wireless/Infared jobbie...me thinks.

[RobertP]

This might be a real silly question but... how do you get the external flash to sync with the camera if it isn't in the normal hotshoe? :Ponders:

Allan

I just bought One of these from ebay (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Canon-Off-Camera-Shoe-Cord-2-for-550EX-580EX_W0QQitemZ7607581841QQcategoryZ15215QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem) to do that

[noah]

This might be a real silly question but... how do you get the external flash to sync with the camera if it isn't in the normal hotshoe? :Ponders:

Allan
buy a nikon :p the d70/d200 have built in wireless flash

[ppp]

Could you not just get a cheap 2nd tripod for the flash to mount on

[Keltic Ice Man]

Hi Noah - I'd love to buy something a bit better. Maybe next year. - just having RAW would be nice :)

Robert P - Ah! I see now, - anyone know if you can get one of those cables for a fuji, all the ones on fleabay say canon. Is there a difference do you think as the hotshoe seems the same?

Thanks

Allan

[RobertP]

ppp - I'd like to be able to walk round with it as one unit chasing bugs etc.
Currently thinking of a 'toy' mini tripod thing attached to a flash bracket.

I've ordered the cable so maybe things will be more obvious when I have it in my hand.

[noah]

Hi Noah - I'd love to buy something a bit better. Maybe next year. - just having RAW would be nice :)
yeah, it's a big benefit for sure. wasn't meant to be a dig ***, was just winding up the canon chaps ;) :D

it can also be done via a little IR transmitter, i looked into it and my local shop had them for £15-20 and cheap manual flashes for £20 so it can all be done pretty resonably :)

[Glen]

You'll get into trouble!!!:stir:

[Keltic Ice Man]

yeah, it's a big benefit for sure. wasn't meant to be a dig ***, was just winding up the canon chaps ;) :D

No dig taken - Wind away :D

Thanks for the info though - so check list for when I upgrade my Fuji = RAW mode, built in wireless flash, Visit to bank manager :suspect1: or big win at Aintree (oh well thats out :smilenod: )

Allan

[Steve]

buy a nikon :p the d70/d200 have built in wireless flash
yeah, it's a big benefit for sure. wasn't meant to be a dig ***, was just winding up the canon chaps ;) :D

Needed to get enough light for a correct exposure to keep their well documented noise issues under control ;) If you can't use a sensor that is good enough you have to include other features to help you work around the design flaws, right noah :)

Just kidding you buddy :p

[dod]

have a look for the cobra 700AF flash gun, they were often supplied along with a flash bracket which if memory serves correctly would do exactly what you're looking for.

[noah]

Needed to get enough light for a correct exposure to keep their well documented noise issues under control ;) If you can't use a sensor that is good enough you have to include other features to help you work around the design flaws, right noah :)

Just kidding you buddy :p

:p fair dig :D

[SDK^]

By the time you've bought a flash bracket and wireless/wired transmitter you're not far away from a Canon MR-14EX macro flash unit.

[RobertP]

I've got the canon cord now. tried a few shots with the flash hand held and the results seem quite good but subject matter on a desk is limited :)

Going to get a Manfrotto 233B bracket because the arm is telescopic and can pivot forwards...about £35. I've bid on a similar one on ebay - if it goes too high I'll just buy a new one from T4 cameras.