Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce Flash

[irving_greines]

I've read about this device. It slips over the front of a flash and

supposedly gives soft, diffuse lighting, something like bounce light.

 

I will be leaving on a trip next month. I will be using a medium

format rangefinder (without TTL), with a flash attached in the hot

shoe. I will be taking portraits.

 

The effect I want is that the images not look like I used a flash; I

do, however, want there to be a catch light in the eyes. In other

words, I want a portrait that looks like only available light was

used, but with a wee bit of highlight in the eyes.

 

Previously, I achieved this effect by underexposing the flash by 1-

1/2 to 2 stops (by using an ISO adjustment on the flash) and basing

my exposure on an ambient reading. I was planning on using this

method again.

 

But I saw an ad in Shutterbug for this product and it looks like it

would render a soft image with 2 stops underexposure--all without

worrying about fooling the flash by adjusting the ISO setting on the

flash.

 

Will the Omni-Bounce work in the way that I would like it to work?

Does the Omni-Bounce offer any advantage over the method I have been

using (i.e., does it offer a softer, more natural overall rendition

than using straight, unbounced, underexposed flash)? If I used it,

would I get a soft portrait with a catch light in the eyes?

 

I'd be interested in hearing anyone's experiences with the Omni-

Bounce.

 

Thanks in advance for any input you can give.

[barry schmetter]

The OmniBounce may do what you want, but don't expect miracles. If you have some nearby walls and ceiling, preferably white, you will get bounced light, which will "wrap around" your subject. The flash will also kick some light directly forward for catchlights in the eyes. If you're shooting outside, I don't see a whole lot of use for the OmniBounce. It sounds like you're using an automatic, but non-TTL flash, so you still may want to compensate if you want to balance the flash vs. the ambient light. Remember that however you bounce or diffuse the flash, the sensor will keep telling the flash to pump out light until it sees a certain level of illumination.

 

I find the OmniBounce to be a useful accessory as long as it's used in appropriate situations. Using it without nearby surfaces to bounce off of will only needlessly burn through batteries. If you want to test the effect before buying it, you can construct your own version with duct tape and plastic cut from a water or milk jug.

[todd frederick]

I use an Omni-bounce almost 100% of the time for close portraits. You should still decrease flash output somewhat even with the softener unit. One word of warning: if you have a TTL flash, then you can use the Omni-bounce straight on, but if you're using an auto flash system with a light sensor right under the flash head, like on Vivitar 283 units, you MUST tilt the flash head up to 45 degrees otherwise the flash from the Omni-bounce will blast directly into the sensor and you will be greatly underexposed...I know the hard way!

[rolland_elliott]

"If you want to test the effect before buying it, you can construct your own version with duct tape and plastic cut from a water or milk jug."

 

Don't blow $20 on that overpriced piece of plastic!

Skip, that routine and buy a 16oz bottle of Swiss Formula conditioner for your hair. Cut the rectangular container in half and slip the bottom half over your flash. A conditioner bottle has much more ridgid plastic than a milk carton and duct tape. Not only does this setup work as well as the Omni Bounce it costs about 1/10th as much. Plus it looks like a "Pro" accessory not a homemade piece of junk.

[sam_portera]

Ron have did you make your own omni bounce? If so Id like to see what you came up with.