DIY Ring-Flash with build imgs and sample shots...

[Scott_M]

heres a bit of progress. I'm also going a different route with the diffuser material. I found these replacement panels for fluorescent light fixtures that are heavy duty, opaque and easy to cut. Best of all it was only about 6 bucks.




and the dome as of this morning. I just installed the reducer and JB welded it all to hell.



I will update more as I go. I already want to build another one for two nikon SB400 flashes........

[Scott_M]

oops, heres the label for the diffuser material. Bought at home depot for about 6 bucks.

[motleypixel]

Scott...the shade looks perfect!  Don't forget before you put the reducer flange in, I would paint the inside of it and if you have that silver flashing tape to tape in on the outside of the 5" portion of the reducer.

I really considered those panels...I planed to bring my camera into Lowes one day and actually test it, but never got around to it.  I wanted to find a soft-white panel that had raised diamond tread on one side and make it face outwards thus possibly scattering the light better.

Keep up the good work and please post here...good material for others to read about.

Also, do you find posting threads here to be slow i.e. when you press "post" button that it takes a long time to post?

Thanks,
Roy

[Scott_M]

I really considered those panels...I planed to bring my camera into Lowes one day and actually test it, but never got around to it.  I wanted to find a soft-white panel that had raised diamond tread on one side and make it face outwards thus possibly scattering the light better.

That is exactly what this material is, smooth on one side, and diamond shaped texture on the other. It's pretty white and opaque. I'm actually afraid it will be too dense, but we'll see in a couple hours.

Also, do you find posting threads here to be slow i.e. when you press "post" button that it takes a long time to post?

yes, a bit, thats why I had that double post. I didnt think it was working so I hit post again, then realized the double post later on.

Thanks for the site, It's great and so are the Ideas. I have another project in mind i'll be sure to post when I get started.

[Scott_M]

Also, Just curious, why do you want the display of the flash unit to face up?

[Scott_M]

Ok, I wrapped the ring flash up today and I'm pretty impressed how it came out. I'm more impressed with the quick couple of shots that I took with it. The results are very much what I was looking for. I can see myself looking for more power output, but that will come with the revisions I have noted and will address in the 2nd build once i pick up some Nikon Sb400's.

I did a few things differently, 1st, I used a styrene lighting panel for fluorescent lighting fixtures. The material was perfect as it is white, opaque, and has a diamond plate pattern on one side, with the other side being smooth. It cut easily with the same shears I used to cut the aluminum dome. 2nd I used 1" aluminum stock for the frame instead of galvanized steel. It was lighter and easier to work with imho. I bought a 36" piece for 6.50 US. Last, I lined the inside of the lens tunnel with plumbers foam tape out to the outside collar to prevent it from scratching the lens or the camera body. It also helped to cover some of my sloppy JB weld skills.

heres a few pics:








sample shots

[motleypixel]

That's a classic look...laying on the couch enjoying some TV and bam...you catch your better half and say "Cheese"...I think this is the exact same smile I got from my wife  when I tested too

I love the ring-light catch-light in the eyes...looks like that florescent diffuser panel is perfect...may be just slightly too hot at the bottom...much less so than my first go.  I call this one a success!

You'll figure out why I chose to put the controls of the flash facing upwards.  Thanks for posting your results...you'll love this setup in the field.

Yea, I've got php post issue with the data base...so hopefully I can figure out why it's taking so long.

Thanks again,
Roy

[Scott_M]

Update, I've taken a couple shots with this rig and my 50mm f/1.8 In all positions I get varying degrees of vignetting. So, if you want to use smaller focal lengths you may have to use a smaller dish with a smaller tunnel. I might trim some of the collar in the rear being that I use 50mm quite often. Anything longer than 50mm should be fine with the current setup.

[Scott_M]

just an added note. A 50mm prime should still work on a DX format camera. My experience is based on use with a FX digital camera.

[motleypixel]

Scott,

Per you above comment:  That is exactly what this material is, smooth on one side, and diamond shaped texture on the other. It's pretty white and opaque. I'm actually afraid it will be too dense, but we'll see in a couple hours.

Do you think it's "too dense"?

Thanks,
Roy

[Scott_M]

I havent found it to be too dense, It actually helps more evenly distribute the light and give a nice even coverage. I've only had to crank my flash up once or twice as I was not as close as usual. With you being more of a macro user I think it would be perfect.

[Skydawg]

I have constructed one also.  I have the nikon sb-800 or 600 to use.  Can you tell me if it would be better to use the built in diffuser on those strobes when shooting?

Thanks,
John

[motleypixel]

It's possible putting the built-in diffusers could scatter the light better coming out of the SB 800 thus getting more light to wrap around the inside of the shade, but quite honestly, it probably won't make much of a difference.

Welcome and thanks for the question.

-Roy

[Johnsoir]

Been reading the forums for a while now, and have finally decided to build my own ring-flash. Only problem being, I can't seem to find a 10 1/2" reflector lamp. I've found a 8 1/2" version but not the 10 1/2.

Would anyone that has built one have the SKU# handy of the actual part?

Thanks,
Johnsoir

PS: MP, your shots are wicked!

[motleypixel]

Been reading the forums for a while now, and have finally decided to build my own ring-flash. Only problem being, I can't seem to find a 10 1/2" reflector lamp. I've found a 8 1/2" version but not the 10 1/2.

Would anyone that has built one have the SKU# handy of the actual part?

Thanks,
Johnsoir

PS: MP, your shots are wicked!

At Home Depot in Round Rock, TX:

10.5" Al Shop Light with socket and cord:  SKU 531515 for $10.97
10.5" Al Shop Light with socket, cord, and spring clamp:  SKU 596600 $12.97

Cheers,
Roy