Custom handheld off camera flash - Ideas needed

[pierre_c1]

<p>I got a Sigma EF-500 super flash for EUR 10 at the thrift shop because the hotshoe connector is broken.<br /><br />This was a good deal ! E-TTL is fully supported with my EOS 450D and it works with the Canon Off-Camera Shoe Cord II (using lots of tape to hold the broken hotshoe connector, lol).<br /><br />Anyway I plan to modify this flash to use it as a "Party Flash". I really like this concept :<br /><br />- Flash is held in the left hand, a diffuser is mounted on it (Lumiquest for instance).<br /><br />- Camera is held in the right hand, using a special camera strap that allows to hold and operate the camera with only one hand.<br /><br />I guess lots here have practised this technique, it works very well. Here are a few examples : <br /><br />http://photo.peufeu.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11665<br />In this picture, the flash is held to the left. It is a Canon 380EX flash. The camera is set to manual, and the flash to auto E-TTL mode.<br /><br />Here, the flash is held at arm's length to the right : http://photo.peufeu.com/main.php?g2_itemId=11617<br />(exif says "no flash" : an old Sunpak torch was used, so the camera is unaware of it).<br /><br />I like the looks of these, it is very different from the usual IN YOUR FACE look of on-camera flash (even with a diffuser).<br /><br />So, here is what I am going to do :<br /><br />* (already done) : cut the Canon Off-Camera Shoe Cord II in half and add connectors in the middle. I believe the price for a 3-foot Canon Cable is total abuse, so when I need longer reach I use a $5 DIY extension cord.<br /><br />-*rip open the Sigma Flash and <br />- add a Modeling Light (3W LED, color TBD, probably white).<br />- replace the broken hotshoe with a cable which can connect to my custom Canon cable.<br /><br />Now I'll get a very usable setup, but then :<br /><br />* I will add a handle to this flash. On the handle will be 3 buttons : Modeling Light, Autofocus, Shoot.<br /><br />Modeling Light will switch on the LED. This solves the problem of aiming the flash which is a bit tricky. It will also be useful as an AF Assist light.<br /><br />The other 2 buttons will behave like the Canon Remote. If my right hand fingers are operating the zoom and holding the camera, I can't press the shutter without moving my hand. This is annoying. The flash hand has several usable fingers. So I will focus and shoot with the left hand.<br /><br />While I'm at it I'll also add to the flash : an external supply connector, a tripod mount, and a wrist band. I'll post a DIY howto...<br /><br />Anyway, I'm looking for ideas, what did I forget ?</p>

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[picturesque]

<p>Sounds like fun, but my opinion is that a lot of your modifications are unnecessary. I use a cobbled light stick on occasion, and I use an ST-E2 for the focus assist. I can extend the light stick so I can have the flash on my right side too, but using the left hand to hold the stick. I don't use a hand strap, although that is a good idea--just the neck strap in case I ever slip and drop the camera. I operate the zoom with the stick and flash cuddled in my left inner elbow, then shoot. I don't really need a modeling light. You get good at holding angles after a bit. The flash is used with the OCSC or without (with the ST-E2).</p>

<p>For your setup--maybe a place to hitch the flash and handle when not holding it--like on your belt. Add a hook/loop to the handle--or put the handle through your belt.</p>

[bjscharp]

Sounds like a fun project. One thing you forgot are some gels for the flash. Colour difference between the subject and the background is very big. A CTO or half-CTO would fix that (Set the WB to tungsten).

[pierre_c1]

<p>I like gels (I should buy some more), for color correction but also for other funny applications : for instance you can put a blue filter on the camera (or in Lightroom), and a yellow filter on the flash, and use that in daylight (overcast day works better). The subject will have the right colors, but everything else will be blue. Other combinations work, too.<br /> <br /> I've tried a diffuser and it makes aiming much less critical so I'm probably going to drop the modelling light, or just use it as a focus assist. The flash has a focus assist on it but it isnt firing for some reason, gotta check this.<br /> <br /> The belt strap is an excellent idea.<br /> <br /> Parts are on order, so I'm waiting...</p>

[pierre_c1]

<p>I've made a quick prototype, everything works (control of the camera by left hand, E-TTL flash, etc). This project will have to wait until my next Farnell order (shouldn't be too long) so I can get this :<br /> <br /> http://fr.farnell.com/pro-power/gc1098/cable-spirale-8-conduc-gris/dp/1202619<br /> <br /> By the way the € 50 Canon off camera flash cable contains just a protection diode. I consider it stealing...</p>