[UserAccessDenied]

Just bought an AF201-fg flash for macro use off-camera on a Vello cord.
I think I would benefit from a flash diffuser, but I can't find one that is small enough and designed for this flash head...

I tried one of the generic plastic flash covers on eBay. It was too big.
Same issue with the white fabric ones... It just fell off since the flash head is smaller than the "standard" flash.

Any suggestions?
I might try making my own, but there's gotta be a solution out there. There are other flashes produced in this size, right?

Here's an photo of my setup:

[honey bo bo]

Just bought an AF201-fg flash for macro use off-camera on a Vello cord.
I think I would benefit from a flash diffuser, but I can't find one that is small enough and designed for this flash head...

I tried one of the generic plastic flash covers on eBay. It was too big.
Same issue with the white fabric ones... It just fell off since the flash head is smaller than the "standard" flash.

Any suggestions?
I might try making my own, but there's gotta be a solution out there. There are other flashes produced in this size, right?

Here's an photo of my setup:

Does the 201 have a pull out defuser that would be enough at different power or distance?

[UncleVanya]

These look a bit smaller. You could also add velcro around the flash head to bulk it up a little. If necessary you could make your own or modify one of these:

You Tube

You Tube

---------- Post added 01-25-17 at 10:58 AM ----------

Or maybe a DIY like this?
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/62-do-yourself/51061-diy-diffuser-solution-pop-up-flash.html


Easy Diy Camera Flash Diffuser

[wstruth]

I use a 8x6 softbox from Neewer. It cost me less than 10 bucks on Amazon.

[Pentax Syntax]

I use this for the AF200FG:

Sto-Fen OM-UNI Omni-Bounce Diffuser

Works well.

[UserAccessDenied]

I use a 8x6 softbox from Neewer. It cost me less than 10 bucks on Amazon.

This fits snug on the AF201?

[honey bo bo]

The pull out cards on the Pentax flashes aren't really diffusers per se. They are catchlights for portrait photography.

We'll have to get Ricoh/Pentax to stop calling them Diffuser or Wide Angle Panels. They in fact diffuse the flash light further than the original panel adding approx. 4mm to your basic wide angle setting. That is their main Purpose ; to provide a more diffused light source The same thing a Snap-on diffuser or bouncing or soft box does each one progressively softening and widening the light. The affects depend on the light source, distance and the diffusing method. The catch light is the source and reflection on the cornea of an eyeball. Shape size, position and intensity are dependant on a variety of light sources.

[photolady95]

I built my own diffuser from a model I saw on here built by user member Rense. It's made with foam board and aluminum foil, covered in black electricians tape and works as a diffuser/extender. And yes, it's works good on the AF201FG.

[clackers]

The clear panel is a diffuser, the white panel is for catchlights in portrait photography.

[UserAccessDenied]

The clear panel is a diffuser, the white panel is for catchlights in portrait photography.

There's only one panel on my AF201-fg. Am I missing something here?
I just wanted something to soften the light for macro use so any reflecting surface doesn't burn out with the flash.
That's a diffuser, right? Or am I searching for the wrong thing altogether?

[photolady95]

No, it's not missing something, just ours doesn't have the white panel, just the clear panel for use as wide angle.

I took photos of my diffuser if you want to see it.

And it's the diffuser you want. Same reason I built mine.

One suggestion when trying to keep light colors or red from blowing out, is to stop down a bit. Use f8 up to f16.

[stevebrot]

There's only one panel on my AF201-fg. Am I missing something here?
I just wanted something to soften the light for macro use so any reflecting surface doesn't burn out with the flash.
That's a diffuser, right? Or am I searching for the wrong thing altogether?

It is a wide-angle panel, meaning that the spread when used will be adequate for use with a 13mm lens on APS-C. This is in the user manual.

Although light through the wide-angle panel has a wider focus than without, the panel is not the same as a diffuser in that shadows will still be hard-edged.


Steve

[UserAccessDenied]

No, it's not missing something, just ours doesn't have the white panel, just the clear panel for use as wide angle.

I took photos of my diffuser if you want to see it.

And it's the diffuser you want. Same reason I built mine.

One suggestion when trying to keep light colors or red from blowing out, is to stop down a bit. Use f8 up to f16.

I'd love to see photos of the diffuser you made!

Here's an example of my setup taken at f16. I actually don't mind the light here, but I still think it could improve from a softer flash.

This is a green coffee bean by the way, just before roasting on the grill!

[photolady95]

'd love to see photos of the diffuser you made!

Here you go. Sorry it's kind of dirty and dusty but I use it a lot. LOL

[wstruth]

This fits snug on the AF201?

Yes it does.