Homemade flash diffuser how to....

[Rob]

After selling my last Sunpak 1600a Softlite bounce flash to Backalley last week someone posted that they had seen a way to make a flash diffuser for this flash using a fuji film cannister....Hmmm. I got another flash today(BTW these are excellent little flashes the size of a pack of cigs that have a manual mode and 2 auto modes AND its the smallest bounce flash capable flash I know off, great for a rangfinder camera) and decided to sacrifice a Fuji film can...I just used some clear tape to put it on with but velcro would be better. Just cut the can in half, trim out one end, tape it on and there you are...Credit to whoever came up with the idea I just put it here for others to see. It also shows the size of the flash compared to the film can. I have heard of cutting off the bottom of an alcohol bottle and pushing that on a flash works for the bigger flashes..
Rob

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Panels cut from the sides of translucent pastic milk cartons works nicely too! 😉 You can cut them to size for any of your compact electronic flashes. I have been tinkering.

Bob H

 

[eric]

Or go nuts like this:

www.maquiling.org/softbox
velum paper and foam core

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Very Nice! Try the milk carton plastic on that one. A gallon size should carton should work.

Also thanks to rob regarding the picture for the sunpak tip, that flash is the perfect carry-about size for a small bag and rangefinder.

 

[Kin Lau]

I'm thinking of trying the plastic milk/water container ala Lightsphere.

 

[sockdaddy]

my experience with this topic isn't even in the same league, but i thought that i would share...

i frequently have this problem - the built in flash on my two digital cameras are way too harsh and strong for indoor, softly lit settings like dinner with friends at a restaurant or bar. the flash always washes things out, creates harsh shadows, and blinds everyone!

i have learned to take a cocktail napkin (or similar material) from the table and tear out a small piece the size of my flash - i can then either hold it over the flash using my finger or lick the excess portion of the paper to temporarily stick it to the camera body. this produces great resutls...

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

That is definitely in the same league-- it's inventive.

Have you tried the paper towel bounce? Works too, the towels are stiff enough if you fold it in half before taping it to the flash. This would be with the head swiveled straight up. I like to believe that the uneven surface helps give a nice diffuse light. Worked nicely with a Vivitar 283.

Bob H