Workaround for diffuser blocking the sensor?

Kitty · 02-07-2011, 03:37 PM

I have this diffuser for the flash and it blocks the camera sensor. So when I go to take a photo, the green light will come on and it can't take the pic. Just wondering if there's a good workaround, or if I need to cut the diffuser or get a different style. I'm testing it with the built in flash but the main reason I ask if I wanted to use this diffuser with a hot shoe flash unit. Thanks.

SOldBear · 02-07-2011, 03:48 PM

What flash/flash mode are you using? If you are using p-TTL, unless you block the lens

, you can't block the light sensor. p-TTL uses the light sensor in the camera's prism, behind the focusing screen.

If you are using flash auto mode in which the flash uses its own light sensor, some flashes make use of a "remote" sensor. Below is an example, note the light sensor attached to the camera's hotshoe.

Kitty · 02-07-2011, 03:51 PM

Hi, well I am just using the popup built in flash right now. I have it in M mode with the flash popped up. When I put the diffuser on (it's one of those funny looking types where you put your lens through the hole), it won't take the photo. When I take it off (and hold the diffuser so it doesn't block the side of the lens), it takes the photo.

JeffJS · 02-07-2011, 04:36 PM

Are you by any chance using an Auto focus lens and blocking the AF assist light with your diffuser?

Kitty · 02-07-2011, 04:39 PM

I think that's it. So, the answer is, no workaround for an AF lens? I may keep that diffuser for using a manual lens or AF in manual mode. Disappointed that I didn't know it would block it.

DaveHolmes · 02-07-2011, 04:45 PM

Ditch the diffuser... Get some gaffa tape a stanley knife and a translucent 35mm film can... Less than 10 minutes... Pop-on-Pop-up-Diffuser

SOldBear · 02-07-2011, 05:23 PM

Originally posted by DaveHolmes

Ditch the diffuser... Get some gaffa tape a stanley knife and a translucent 35mm film can... Less than 10 minutes... Pop-on-Pop-up-Diffuser

Yup. Like this:

JeffJS · 02-07-2011, 05:25 PM

Just keep your fingers out of the way of the Stanley for when it slips

02-07-2011, 03:37 PM	#1
Kitty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 102	Workaround for diffuser blocking the sensor? I have this diffuser for the flash and it blocks the camera sensor. So when I go to take a photo, the green light will come on and it can't take the pic. Just wondering if there's a good workaround, or if I need to cut the diffuser or get a different style. I'm testing it with the built in flash but the main reason I ask if I wanted to use this diffuser with a hot shoe flash unit. Thanks.

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02-07-2011, 03:48 PM	#2
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	What flash/flash mode are you using? If you are using p-TTL, unless you block the lens , you can't block the light sensor. p-TTL uses the light sensor in the camera's prism, behind the focusing screen. If you are using flash auto mode in which the flash uses its own light sensor, some flashes make use of a "remote" sensor. Below is an example, note the light sensor attached to the camera's hotshoe.

02-07-2011, 03:51 PM	#3
Kitty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 102 Original Poster	Hi, well I am just using the popup built in flash right now. I have it in M mode with the flash popped up. When I put the diffuser on (it's one of those funny looking types where you put your lens through the hole), it won't take the photo. When I take it off (and hold the diffuser so it doesn't block the side of the lens), it takes the photo.

02-07-2011, 04:36 PM	#4
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Are you by any chance using an Auto focus lens and blocking the AF assist light with your diffuser?

02-07-2011, 04:39 PM	#5
Kitty Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 102 Original Poster	I think that's it. So, the answer is, no workaround for an AF lens? I may keep that diffuser for using a manual lens or AF in manual mode. Disappointed that I didn't know it would block it.

02-07-2011, 04:45 PM	#6
DaveHolmes Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yorkshire Posts: 1,501	Ditch the diffuser... Get some gaffa tape a stanley knife and a translucent 35mm film can... Less than 10 minutes... Pop-on-Pop-up-Diffuser

02-07-2011, 05:23 PM	#7
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by DaveHolmes Ditch the diffuser... Get some gaffa tape a stanley knife and a translucent 35mm film can... Less than 10 minutes... Pop-on-Pop-up-Diffuser Yup. Like this:

02-07-2011, 05:25 PM	#8
JeffJS Inactive Account Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Michigan, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,484	Just keep your fingers out of the way of the Stanley for when it slips