Cheap adaptions for Flash

[Hobjob]

Few interesting ideas here to modify flashes

DIY Lighting Hacks for Digital Photographers

I'm particularly interested in DIY Ghetto Flash Extender using a
fresnel lens - those flat plastic "magnifying" glasses.

[nightshade]

My viewing was blighted by an advert.It is always good that people try out their own ideas there could be one that makes money and others that make friends
One thing that has always fascinated me are those big cones that vets put on cats or dogs to stop them scratching. Should make a good diffuser with some work. I am also fascinated by the cake tins that can be hired to make a
large "O" shape, don't get me started on the vast array of plastic boxes and basins just right for lining with cooking foil ............

[Tormentil]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

I'm particularly interested in DIY Ghetto Flash Extender using a fresnel lens - those flat plastic "magnifying" glasses.

It says "Want to make one for yourself? This tutorial for the DIY Ghetto Flash Extender will tell you how.", but it doesn't, other than buy a fresnel lens and get some cardboard and straws. Surely one needs to know how far from the flash head the fresnel lens needs to be.

It would have been more accurate to say "Want to make one for yourself? This is what you need, now find out how to put it together".

[nightshade]

I think you can get some idea of scale from the picture and its not the end ofthe world to make another cardboard tube is it?

[Tormentil]

No it aint, but any old fresnel lens will not suffice. Surely you need a fresnel lens of the same focal length as that used in a Better Beamer ?

[nightshade]

You are probably correct, but serendipity will out there are many sites
that make the same suggestions,
Focusing Your Flash for 'Freezing' Motion
,none of them seem to be very specific

[Tormentil]

At least that site gave a starting point....

5. For a Canon 580EX flash, a distance of 23 cm (9") worked perfectly (Schmidt, date unknown).

Also, I should think plastic sheets, like that used by model makers, would be better than cardboard.

[nightshade]

Start with a cardboard template, then use that for cutting the more expensive plastic sheet. I think the problem may be finding a good fresnel lens. The Vivitar 285 had a comprehensive set of adaptors, tele and extra wide fresnels I have seen them in the older style camera shops

[Jason Green]

Thanks for the link, Hobjob. I've recently made my own Macro lens and was thinking about a ring-flash.

DIY : Poor’s man ring flash | All Day I Dream About Photography

Will try it and report back...