I've been stuck inside most of the day due to the foot of snow outside...
I'm waiting on my Yongnuo 560 IV to arrive, but I think due to the weather I will have to wait another day or so.
Having the day off work and a new extension tube to play with; I have been tinkering with flash alternatives and this is what I have come up with.
Using only household items and the built-in flash.
1 toilet paper roll
1 paper clip
small sheet of parchment paper/ or wax paper/ or tracing paper...
tape
aluminum foil
Picture attached of the flash diffuser is taken with Droid Turbo (camera is not that great, being 21MP... But that's a different discussion to be had..)
I simply traced the width half way up my K-30 built in flash, onto the toilet paper roll. Cut out a small rectangle so the roll could slip on and off the flash without the need for rubber bands or tape or anything. It fits snug and I can shake the camera around and it will not fall off...
Lined the inside with aluminum foil carefully so it wouldn't rip and poked a hole in the end closest to the lens with the paperclip.
The paperclip hooks around the parchment paper cut out to size. This allows me to spin the parchment paper on and off for different light intensities, as well as slip addition pieces of paper on if less light is needed.
All in all I know there are better ways of doing this, and yes I have the pringle-can diffuser setup as well. But this was just a fun little thing to do when I'm bored stiff waiting patiently for my proper flash...
At the bottom are some macro shots I took with this. Along with my Rikenon 50mm F1.7 + 49mm Extension tubes. Entire setup minus the K-30 was under $30...
There is dust on my sensor which I need to address when the flash comes (rocket blower is in the same box...)
You can be critical of my work, I don't mind. And I don't expect professional grade photos with toilet paper rolls and a $30 macro setup. But this just shows you it can be done with very little money.
You don't need a $500 lens and $300 flash to achieve results. Atleast to achieve the results for a hobbyist...
Regardless, I am waiting on a $70 flash and a $200 macro lens. This is because I still do want to have proper gear and I have experimented with what I have at hand and I'm ready for an upgrade.
Let me know what you think!
Thanks!