Strong flash bracket

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dancook

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I wanted a 600ex-rt + 22cm softbox on a bracket over the camera when it's in a portrait orientation - but I want it to be usable one handed, holding the camera.

I kind of got what I wanted with this cheap metal bracket (imagine the flash was rotated 90 degrees in the photo and had the softbox on), problem was the mount and the adjustable bolt you see in the photo could not hold the weight. The whole thing dropped forward.

I looked through some brackets to build my own, haven't worked out what I'd need yet - any recommendations? cheers

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Have a look at Stroboframe flash brackets, they hark back to the days when straight ahead flash was considered acceptable.
 
The large strong ones crop up on ebay now and again.
 
Look at Really Right Stuff http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/Shop/Off-Camera-Flash/ and Custom Brackets http://www.custombrackets.com/ Good, but pricey.

Edit: I have a DIY bracket that's very versatile and can take all kinds of stuff - bit of a mobile studio. It used to be able to flip over for vertical shots, but it was such a PITA that I changed it to horizontal only and it's now so much simpler and easier to use. I just have to work around those (few) occasions when I really want a vertically framed shot.
 
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I came to realise, something as simple as this will be good

View attachment 32767

I have a stroboframe bracket which rotates the camera in - but having tried that you can't use it one handed as the weight of the bracket rotates the camera :)
 
I quit using brackets. Unless you are very close to the subject the ~6" difference in position is insignificant. I suppose if it's a compatibility/balance issue...
 
sk66 said:
I quit using brackets. Unless you are very close to the subject the ~6" difference in position is insignificant. I suppose if it's a compatibility/balance issue...
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I will have a transmitter in the hotshoe of the camera, and need a flash on axis for fill.
 
sk66 said:
I would probably have the flash in the hotshoe trigger the second one optically... But I gather that you are going for TTL w/ both flashes?
I use a cheap little flash bar w/ my Nikon1.
Click to expand...

using the stuff in the first photo, yn-e3-rt and canon speedlights, so manual flash only . Can't use the 600ex-rt radio to transmit due to sony vs canon :D
 
I use a mini-rc flash bracket, as like you, I have a dedicated transmitter (622tx) and therefore couldn't put a flash on top of it.

The 622c transceiver allowed a flash on top while being in the hotshoe of the camera, but I hated it and was always thinking that the pressure was going to split something while turning to portrait mode all the time.

Very pleased with the mini-rc. Radio works fine, even being so close together. Very tight package ;) and much more happy. Works well as a fill light for a remote as its v close to the axis of the lens.

Also, you can very easily slip the flash off the bracket (using a cold shoe of some sort) to very quicly give you an off camera light if needed.
 
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The lengths one goes to for a hobby :D

that mini-rc is very secure, couldn't put the smaller softbox on because it covers the lens - but i don't seem to need it for the fill. So no worry.
 
One thing you might notice with this set up is the double catchlight in the eyes.

I doubt it bothers my clients, but it bothers me a little so I often take out the little centre pupil bright spot in post.
 
Kris said:
One thing you might notice with this set up is the double catchlight in the eyes.

I doubt it bothers my clients, but it bothers me a little so I often take out the little centre pupil bright spot in post.
Click to expand...

I actually quite liked it, at first, but now you've said - I will probably let it eat at me until I finally PP it out :D they will only be for my flickr page.
 
JennyGW said:
is that with flash forwards?
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In my right hand, the camera and forward firing flash (on the bracket). For Fill

In my left hand is the flash firing into a softbox on a extensible pole, I move this up and to the side for the key light.
 
dancook said:
In my right hand, the camera and forward firing flash (on the bracket). For Fill

In my left hand is the flash firing into a softbox on a extensible pole, I move this up and to the side for the key light.
Click to expand...

Doh me, I was being thick. That's a really nice light. Interesting and good job :)
 
Kris said:
I use a mini-rc flash bracket, as like you, I have a dedicated transmitter (622tx) and therefore couldn't put a flash on top of it.

The 622c transceiver allowed a flash on top while being in the hotshoe of the camera, but I hated it and was always thinking that the pressure was going to split something while turning to portrait mode all the time.

Very pleased with the mini-rc. Radio works fine, even being so close together. Very tight package ;) and much more happy. Works well as a fill light for a remote as its v close to the axis of the lens.

Also, you can very easily slip the flash off the bracket (using a cold shoe of some sort) to very quicly give you an off camera light if needed.
Click to expand...

I have the same setup flash-wise, so now looking at getting a bracket. Tempted by the mini-rc after seeing this, would ideally like the flash slightly higher, but also don't want to spend a small fortune!
 
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