Forgot Password
Pentax Camera Forums Home
 

Reply
Show Printable Version Search this Thread
05-15-2009, 12:05 PM   #1
Veteran Member




Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Alameda, CA
Posts: 3,206
Cheap Universal Flash Diffuser

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.


I recently restored a Sunpak 611, a Sunpak 522, a Metz 45CT4, and a Vivitar 283, with a Sunpak 544 in the work (not sure if I can salvage this one).

They have one thing in common: the flash head covers only as wide as 35mm (in 35mm format terms).

I don't want to buy a wide angle panel for each of them. Rather, I'd like to have one that fits all. I know bouncing against walls & windows helps but many times I don't have any place to bounce against.

I need something small (when not in used) and light, and quick to attach to and deattach from the flash head.

Will this one work?



05-15-2009, 04:00 PM   #2
Veteran Member
OregonJim's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posts: 1,327
That looks like it would work.

You can take a fresnel lens (like they stick in the back of RV/truck windows) and cut it into several wide angle panels for a few bucks. Less light loss than the diffuser if all you're after is wider angles...
05-15-2009, 04:21 PM   #3
Veteran Member




Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Alameda, CA
Posts: 3,206
Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by OregonJim Quote
You can take a fresnel lens (like they stick in the back of RV/truck windows) and cut it into several wide angle panels for a few bucks. Less light loss than the diffuser if all you're after is wider angles...
Yup, I'm only after wider angles, and concern about the amount of light loss.

I already have other kinds of diffusers, but want something really simple in this case.

Thanks, Jim, for the suggestion of wide-angle rear window lens. I didn't think of that. I'll drop by Auto Zone on the way home.
05-15-2009, 04:34 PM   #4
Veteran Member
OregonJim's Avatar

Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon
Posts: 1,327
QuoteOriginally posted by SOldBear Quote
Yup, I'm only after wider angles, and concern about the amount of light loss.

I already have other kinds of diffusers, but want something really simple in this case.

Thanks, Jim, for the suggestion of wide-angle rear window lens. I didn't think of that. I'll drop by Auto Zone on the way home.
No problem. I cut them a little wider than the flash head so they form a shallow "U" bend in front of the flash. Simple tension keeps them in place. The deeper the bend, the wider the coverage.

05-16-2009, 06:44 AM   #5
Forum Member




Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: ohio
Posts: 64
light loss

SOldBear how well does the diffuser work that you have in the picture. They made well. How many stops you loss with it. Looks like something handy to have in your bag, just in case.
05-17-2009, 04:39 AM   #6
Veteran Member




Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: WV
Posts: 1,495
You can build this for less than $2 US.

DIY Reflector-Diffuser

Skip the plastic cross-stitch thing--it isn't needed.

You can also make a smaller version that doesn't have the dome shape--in other words

ABetterBounceCard.com

You can get the foam sheets at Wal-Mart or most craft stores.
06-07-2009, 02:42 PM   #7
Veteran Member
pete_pf's Avatar

Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 599
$8?? no way man. you can find those much cheaper. i bought mine for like $3. i found this for ya: Soft Flash Bounce Diffuser Fits Canon 580ex II 430ex II - eBay (item 280352704027 end time Jun-07-09 15:04:07 PDT)

06-08-2009, 06:58 PM   #8
Veteran Member
GerryL's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 2,731
If you search the net for DIY diffusers, you can find a bunch of them.
From white styro cups to styro "paper" plates.
Some even use the bubble wrap and just wrap it around the flash head.
One of the more effective ones is the Ikea "drawer mat" pseudo-lightsphere.
..and also of-course the white foam mat that you can easily get at walmart.
Although, the one pointed out by MPrince at ABetterBounceCard.com is real easy to do.
06-08-2009, 07:00 PM   #9
Veteran Member
GerryL's Avatar

Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: CA
Posts: 2,731
The DIY diffusers are for personal (secret) use of course as they won't look professional if you do this in public and for a living...but if it works and you produce great results, what do you care about what others say anyway..right??..hehe.
Reply

Bookmarks
  • Submit Thread to Facebook Facebook
  • Submit Thread to Twitter Twitter
  • Submit Thread to Digg Digg
Tags - Make this thread easier to find by adding keywords to it!
35mm, flash, head, lighting, photo studio, strobist, sunpak
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Dirt cheap diffuser Stiv Troubleshooting and Beginner Help 29 05-17-2011 11:10 PM
Are wireless flash trigger universal? SuperAkuma Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 1 06-03-2009 09:45 PM
Pixco Universal Soft Lambency Flash Diffuser pete_pf Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 0 09-12-2008 11:42 AM
Cheap manual lens on cheap extension tube with cheap flash! Also cats. pasipasi Post Your Photos! 12 08-28-2008 04:43 PM
Flash Diffuser craig1024 Flashes, Lighting, and Studio 4 05-02-2008 05:31 AM



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:04 AM. | See also: NikonForums.com, CanonForums.com part of our network of photo forums!
  • Red (Default)
  • Green
  • Gray
  • Dark
  • Dark Yellow
  • Dark Blue
  • Old Red
  • Old Green
  • Old Gray
  • Dial-Up Style
Hello! It's great to see you back on the forum! Have you considered joining the community?
register
Creating a FREE ACCOUNT takes under a minute, removes ads, and lets you post! [Dismiss]
Top