[SOldBear]

A few weeks ago I picked up a Soligor ringlight from a local Craigslist - nothing fancy: 2 auto settings and full power manual.



It works great after I get to know how to use it. The only annoying thing is that it's a hassle to attach and detach the ringlight to/from the lens. The flash uses Series VII adapter. I have multiple macro lenses with different filter thread diameters. Keeping track of adapters of different sizes is no fun.

The other day when using my Raynox 250, I thought of using the Raynox Universal Adapter for the flash.

So I use 2-part epoxy to attach a 62mm-to-Series VII ring to the Raynox Universal Adapter:



A ring with diameter less than 62mm will not have sufficient gluing surface; and there will not be enough room for the Raynox lens. Here's the complete Raynox 250 with the 62mm series VII ring glued to the Universal Adapter (underneath is another 62mm series VII ring):



Now I can quickly attach/detach the ringflash to/from any lens with filter thread diameter from 52mm to 67mm. Here's a setup with the Tamron 90mm:



Some quick test photos:







I can quickly detach the ringlight and hold it to a side as an external flash if I don't want the ringflash effect:

As ringflash:



As external flash:



If you don't have the Raynox Universal Adapter already, it is available for about $6 + shipping as from here. Make sure you buy the adapter for CM2000 macro lens, not the one for CM3500 macro lens.

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Last edited by SOldBear; 08-22-2009 at 12:41 PM.

[imtheguy]

Pretty slick. You've got me pumped to go check my local CL right now before I turn in. Good info.

[GerryL]

Neat idea!
I too have the Raynox DCR-250.
Now, once I get the DCR-150, I would have another adapter which I can do whatever I please.

[GerryL]

I didn't immediately notice that you included a link as to where to get the adapter without the lens itself.
That is even greater in case we can think of other projects that would require one!
Thanks!

[GerryL]

Soldbear, is this flash safe or are you using a wein safesync?
I actually wanted to buy ring light flash for film cameras before since they are a lot lot cheaper than the digital dedicated ones.

[SOldBear]

Soldbear, is this flash safe or are you using a wein safesync?
I actually wanted to buy ring light flash for film cameras before since they are a lot lot cheaper than the digital dedicated ones.

The ringflash is safe. Its trigger voltage is 6.5V. The previous owner used it with a Canon 40D.

A DIY trigger voltage reducer can be had for about $2 parts. I've done it for my Metz 45 CT-1 (2 of them), Sunpak 522, and Sunpak 611. I just finished one with Sunpak 522 for Hin. I'll post photo if I have a chance.

I paid $62 for the Soligor. At the time, there was also a Lester-Dine (the same one that comes with the popular 105mm macro lens) for $70, but I liked the Soligor better.

[xjjohnno]

This little bundle might do the trick, a ring light readt to work with your choice of Raynox diopter less the need to glue things.
LED Macro Light with Raynox 250 Macro Lens Bundle [RL1200Ray] - $368.00 : PhotoVideo.com.au