DIY FlashBender
In this post reader Bob Jordan walks us through a DIY one-piece, strobe modifier, which is kinda like a FlashBender. Which in turn kinda remind me of the Honl system (which also has a Honl DIY version).
I am a big fan of the Honl speed strap system and have been using it along with my DIY straps and other additions for a long time. The high control along with the very light weight serve as an excellent on the go modifier system. While I have never tried the Bender, it looks like a worthy alternative. <switching to Jondan> I call it the Tiger-Lite. Lite...because it weighs about an ounce completely assembled, so you can easily use it on camera if you wish. I pattered this using a 580EXII which has a width of about 2.75". It can be used on or for any flash. If your flash head is significantly wider or narrower however, you might wish to adjust the "spine" dimension.
Here is all you need to do it...
Cut 3 squares to the dimensions shown. The mesh cuts easily with sizzors. Staple a doubled over piece of mesh about 3" high to act as a reinforced spine dead center at the bottom of the mesh square approximately the width of your flash head.
Start stapling. Try to stay close to the edge so you can cover the staples with electrical tape later.
Make 2 cuts 1.5" from the bottom and about 4.25" in (until you reach the spine).
Now tape and add velcro to strap...
Add snoot velcro...
Bend to any configuration you need or...
use as snoot...
...and there you have the Tiger-lite. Happy shooting!!!
Get the DIYP greatness via RSS, newsletter and Twitter
Connect with the community: Facebook Page, Discussions
Share Ideas, Setups, Images and Projects on DIYP's Flickr, visit Readers Photos
Comments
Fabulous idea
I really like the idea of active mesh to go into DIY modifiers. I may try this out, but using a piece of white and a piece of black self-stick craft foam. Put those on either side of the mesh, and finish with some edge matieral. Thanks for the ideas.
re: self-stick craft foam
Hi Rick,
That sounds like an excellent idea, and really fast to implement too. I'd love to see a version of it when it is done.
a few changes to this design
Great Idea, only in time and heat that electrical tape is going to get sticky and messy, so I would suggest using gaffers tape, and then add that using an adhesive called "super 77" to spray on the wire mesh front and back would keep the foam attached to the mesh.
Flash bender
What a great idea. Economical, fast , easy and versatile. What a combination. Rick beat me to an additional idea. However, I think I will use CRAFT BOND spray on glue and maybe not use an edge material. Additionally, if you place a piece of non-slip material along the bottom on each side it will make it more stable. WalMart sells a rubber shelf liner that I use. I also see the benefit of making the spine reinforcement 2" x 3" folded. It will then more easily fit on the side of the flash if needed. I wish I had thought of the idea originally. Thanks to Bob Jordan. I would like to see more of his productions.
Great DIY Tools
Great tips to make great tools....I am really going to try this multi-purpose flash bender... :)
My Photography
Sad
Hmmm, spent 10-15 USD on the DIY parts, or spend 30 USD on the real thing. Guess what I'll be doing.
It never ceases to amaze me that people will spend thousands on equipment and then stick a bit of crappy DIY stuff on their expensive flashgun.
It's 30 USD guys, not 300.
Flash Bender
We get great pleasure buiilding our own stuff. This is DIY (Do It Yourself). Maybe you missed that. There is something invigorating about "The Build". Elitists like you who must demean other people's accomplishments with words like "crappy" should not bother those of us who enjoy the chase. Or is it you just aren't dexterous enough and haven't enjoyed the victory? Udi has a great site and is a particularly nice guy. But you probably don't know him. Yes you are SAD.
re: DIY
Hi Anon,
Buying is always an option. Heck, even I caved in and turned my hacked poverty wizards for a set of "the real thing". It is a balance you must strike depending on your needs and budget. yea Flashbender is cheap, not all the modifiers are.
COPS has some good points about the joy and sense of accomplishment gained on a good DIY project done well. but there is more. (and thanks for the kind words, who is that nice guy you are talking about???)
While lots of the projects have very detailed instructions, I tend to look at them as general guidelines with a sound example.
say you wanted a bigger flash bender or a smaller one, or one with reflective gold to warm up the bounce or silver, or a way to make five of those benders meet to be a "constructicon" monster. It is hard to do it with a retail product that is specific, and was not designed to work this way.
A DIY project allows you to gain control and make something that really fit your needs - assuming you have the handyman skills.
So should you buy those? if you have the budget and need no modifications, sure, why not. if you need a little extra, you should consider dong it yourself.
Re:DIY
I just picked up some material to do this with and spent $45USD on it. The main difference is, for that money, I have enough materials for at least 4 of these. Mine will be sewn rather than stapled however, and I will be making a few other minor changes to suit my needs. In the end, I prefer to use the term "custom", and as far as "crappy" goes, I guess that's all up to you and your skill level.
Flash Bender & Flag
This is such a great idea. If you placed a mesh piece between a black and a white piece of foam, well glued, would you have a dual purpose reflector and flag in one item? I think I will try it.
Mods
I was thinking of making this, instead of gaffer or electrical tape, I was thinking of putting black velcro strips.
If I can find the gold and silver material, line the back of the gold/silver with velcro and tape the other side.
Combining the bender and honl into one.
Post new comment