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02-03-2008, 05:56 AM   #1
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Macro shooters: Mini ballhead on flash bracket...help!

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I saw somewhere here of someone's macro setup, wherein the flash is attached to a mini ballhead, attached to a flash bracket... I searched but couldn't find it again Anyway, I have a flash bracket, and bought a giottos mini ballhead awhile ago... however, the thread for the ballhead is bigger than the screw on the bracket. How can I attach the ballhead to the bracket without breaking anything?

Also, to the macro shooters out there, what lighting setup do you use when available light is not an option? Mentioned above, I use a flash on a bracket (couldn't use the ballhead yet though), with a demb diffuser and flip-it to bounce light on the subject. Thanks!

02-03-2008, 07:05 AM   #2
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If you have a well supplied building store in the area they should sell a 3/8" to 1/4 screw in insert. The head most likely uses a 3/8" stud and the grip has the standard 1/4" version that mounts a camera. The hardware store will have something like this but if you have the time to wait, there's what you really need on the second listing.

HOSE ADAPTER: 1/4 INCH NPT M TO 3/8 INCH FM 473-0 - eBay (item 350021563317 end time Feb-08-08 23:25:00 PST)

Tripod adapters from Euro 3/8-inch to USA 1/4-inch, 2x - eBay (item 280197585559 end time Feb-09-08 03:28:04 PST)

Question 2. I got a Vivitar 6000 ring light from 35mm shooter (Marc). Also just built a softbox for the weekly challenge and that is too cool. Then there are reflectors with off camera flash. That works very well also.
02-03-2008, 07:27 AM   #3
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Thanks for the links and suggestions!

About off-camera flash and reflectors, do you set them up "off-cam" or do you use brackets or clamps or whatnot? I want my setup to be "on-cam" as much as possible, even on a tripod. Meaning all I have to setup is my tripod... I hope I'm making sense here
02-03-2008, 07:31 AM   #4
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Well with the ring light, everything is on cam. But with other setups the reflectors are hand held or propped up to suit the scene.


Last edited by Peter Zack; 02-03-2008 at 08:09 AM.
02-03-2008, 07:37 AM   #5
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Hmmm, thanks again! As much as possible, I don't want to use ring lights since I want my macro shots to have shadows... anyway, thanks again!
02-03-2008, 11:01 AM   #6
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I think the thread you are referring to is:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-camera-accessories/18223-af-540-fg...f-360-fgz.html
02-03-2008, 12:18 PM   #7
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I'm attaching a photo of a Bogen Manfrotto macro flash bracket which would allow you to mount a strobe on one side of your camera and a reflector on the other side. I've not tried it, but intend to. I'll admit it does look a little unwieldy. Just one more option, and much less expensive than some I've found.

CN


Last edited by Clem Nichols; 11-24-2009 at 10:24 AM.
02-03-2008, 07:27 PM   #8
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The bushing adaptor I think you're looking for, as listed by Adorama (but out of stock)

NPTRB Adorama Tripod Bushing 1/4-20 to 3/8" (1)

And a flash bracket with a ballhead. I have it. It holds the 540 firmly at any desired angle, altho with a macro like the Kiron 105mm, the setup can get a bit unwieldy for hand-holding. But nice in that you can get lighting from above and to the side, precisely aimed.

FLASHGRIFF Novoflex Flash Bracket with Padded Grip, Strap and Ball Head.
02-04-2008, 08:08 AM   #9
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be careful with pete's 1st suggestion. these may have pipe threads instead of regular bolt threads. there is a difference..
no way i wqas paying $160 for a simple grip. i had parts laying around and made one for about $16. i'm using a different diffuser now.

02-04-2008, 10:02 AM   #10
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Roy is absolutely right. I couldn't for the life of me, remember the name of what to suggest. It's a bushing and should be tested first with a gentle application. If it sticks or seems to bind in any way, don't use it.
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