Camera Bracket
Camera Flash Accessories on the Cheap – Automatic Exposure Remote Flash
Remote TTL flash systems are nice and slick but they are expensive. Each flash can cost hundreds of dollars plus there is the cost of stands, umbrellas or soft boxes and more. But what if we could achieve something similar without a huge outlay of cash? We can build such a system and it could cost less than a single flash unit of the branded variety.
First I’d like to get us all on the same page about what to expect. There is no free lunch here, but what we will discuss is a viable alternative for many photographers. This system is a blend of old technology and new and will likely involve purchasing some used equipment.
Further, the expensive branded systems have all of their remote flashes set and controlled from the camera position master unit; our on-the-cheap system will require the photographer to alter settings on each flash manually. This system is not TTL; the camera’s meter isn’t used at all to achieve exposure.
Many years ago Automatic Flash was the preferred system of flash exposure. The flash was mounted on the camera and exposure was determined using a scale and calculator on the back of the flash. After using the calculator settings were made to the camera and flash. A sensor on the front of the flash measured the flash output and quenched it when the proper amount of light had been emitted. It was a simple system and it worked very well for decades.
Our flash system is made up of three parts. First we need three flash units and they must be Automatic Flash-capable. It’s time to get those Vivitar 283 and 285 flashes out of mothballs. They are ideal for this system. If you can’t find yours try buying them off your buddy, they generally bring less than $50 each. Key here is to find flash units with Guide Numbers at or greater than 89 feet at 100ISO.
Next we need a set of flash triggers. For the triggers I like the Promaster 4-Channel Flash Trigger set. Here is the fun part: The expensive branded TTL multi-flash systems only work when they are all in line of sight. However the Promaster 4-Channel trigger is radio frequency operated. Line of sight not required! Our system will need one trigger and three receivers with a total cost of under $100.
Last, we need some stands or tripods to hold the three flash units. Here we have lots of latitude, anything that has a 1/4X 20 threaded post will do. Look for supports that can hold the light anywhere from a foot off the floor to several feet above the subject. If the photographer chooses to use standard light stands they will probably cost about $25 each.
That’s it, for about $300 we now have a three-flash remote lighting setup. All that’s left is learning how to use it!
It will take some practice to develop the skills needed to use this system, but it won’t be terribly hard. Most of the skills will be involved with learning lighting patterns and there are dozens of books on the subject. What concerns us however is discovering the settings we need to use with our new system.
Let’s assume that we have a basic three-light setup: a fill light near camera position, a main light to one side of the subject and a hair light on the other side. The first thing we need to do is determine the setting for our main light. We use the calculator on the back of the flash and find the correct aperture for our camera. We set the flash sensor for this as well. Next we set the camera at the calculator’s f-stop and the shutter speed to 1/90 second. Now we have a good exposure setting for our main light.
Next we take the settings we calculated for our main light and set our fill flash’s sensor to expose one stop less. This is a little counterintuitive because we are setting the shut off point of the flashes not the exposure point. If the main light is set for f/5.6 our fill light could be set one stop less – f/4.0 for example. We want one stop less light so the fill flash has to turn off faster than the main flash. The third flash, the hair light, we want to have one stop more exposure so we set it to shut off at f/8.0.
We are ready for a test. The camera shutter is tripped and the main flash pumps out enough light to expose at f/5.6, the correct exposure for the subject. The fill light has been fooled to turn off at an exposure of f/4.0 so it will supply one less stop of flash than the main. The hair light has been told to expose for f/8.0 so it will pump out one stop more light than the main flash.
The result will be a subject with a well exposed light from the side, the frontally positioned fill light to lessen shadows across the face, and a brighter hair light to offer separation of the subject from the background. The first attempts may look stark and unforgiving, but practice in positioning the lights will pay off well in eliminating the problem.
It will take some practice to determine the correct working distances between flash and subject. Further, if light modifiers such as umbrellas or soft boxes are used we need to make sure that the flash unit’s sensor is still able to “see” the subject. I would strongly suggest that all three flash units be the same brand and model; it will help reduce any inconsistencies from one use to the next.
Experiment with different combinations of f-stop settings on the flashes. Try bouncing the flash to reduce the stark quality of the light or shoot through a handkerchief. Once the photographer has mastered the basics of this three-light system it can serve as a useful skill for years.
About the Author
Stu Eddins is blogger, instructor, merchandiser, and is generally in charge of a lot of things for Porter’s Digital Cameras and Imaging. Visit their site at www.porters.com. Years of experience over the counter and in classrooms have turned Stu into an evangelist for image preservation, capturing and sharing memories, and helping people understand digital cameras.
ALZO Flip Flash® Camera Bracket
|
|
Rotating Flash Bracket Grip + Off-Camera AF TTL Cord For Olympus $44.95 |
|
|
6.25″ Aluminum Camera Bracket $12.00 |
|
|
6.5″ ABS Full Body Camera Bracket $18.50 |
|
|
Flash Bracket with 90 degrees Camera Rotate feature $44.95 |
|
|
11″ Indoor Aluminum Wall Bracket for Camera Housing $9.99 |
|
|
8.5″ Aluminum, Camera Mount Bracket $12.00 |
|
|
11″ Ivory Powder Coated CCD Camera Bracket $18.00 |
|
|
(10) Ceiling Wall Mount Bracket CCTV Security Camera $28.40 |
|
|
Tabletop Copying Stand Camera Bracket Camera Tripod $15.80 |
|
|
Housing Bracket SAMSUNG GVI PH3512HB HEATER FAN SECURITY CAMERA IP66 outdoor NR $29.00 |
|
|
New CCTV Metal Iron Bracket for Security Camera Black $10.44 |
|
|
600 TVL 8mm Lens Security Camera Surveillance CCTV Outdoor LED with bracket USA $108.00 |
|
|
Wall Mount Metal CCTV Security Camera Bracket Stand $7.31 |
|
|
Mini CCTV DVR Camera Wall Ceiling Mount Bracket Stand $4.32 |
|
|
7 Small Hole Beige Plastic L Shaped Dome Camera Bracket $7.10 |
|
|
6.5 Inch Purple Housing Stand Bracket for CCTV Camera $7.34 |
|
|
CCTV Black Iron Metal Material Bracket for Security Camera $14.24 |
|
|
Vivitar Mini Zoom Video Camcorder/Camera Shotgun Microphone with Bracket $27.95 |
|
|
F9968A 600TVL 1/3 Sony 4-9mm Len IR Camera Free Bracket $89.95 |
|
|
CCTV Spy Camera Angle Adjustable Wall Mount Bracket New $6.45 |
|
|
Waterproof Housing & Bracket SAMSUNG GVI GV-HOU3512 SECURITY CAMERA outdoor NR $19.99 |
|
|
BK Metal Security Housing Mount Bracket for CCTV Camera $6.29 |
|
|
CCTV Camera Rotatable Beige Wall Mount Stand Bracket $4.81 |
|
|
Mini Black Foldable Digital Camera Tripod Bracket Stand $4.35 |
|
|
CCTV Security Camera Tilt Wall Ceiling Mount Steel Bracket White New bma $7.98 |
|
|
Dark Purple Outdoor Indoor Wall Mount Camera Bracket $9.04 |
|
|
Security CCTV Camera Off Wht Plastic Wall Mount Bracket $6.62 |
|
|
POLAROID 800 LAND CAMERA,WITH FLASH BRACKET,ORANGE FILTER AND CASE $24.92 |
|
|
HotShoe Mount Camera Flash & Umbrella Bracket Photo Studio Light Stand 802S $8.45 |
|
|
Hot Shoe Mount Camera Flash & Umbrella Bracket Photo Studio Light Stand 802P $8.39 |
|
|
Custom Brackets Digital Pro-E Camera Rotating Bracket $199.00 |
|
|
Plastic L Type Bracket Wall Mount Shelf for Dome Camera $9.36 |
|
|
Housing Bracket SAMSUNG GVI PH3512HB HEATER FAN SECURITY CAMERA IP66 outdoor NR $29.00 |
|
|
Wall Ceiling Mount CCTV Security Camera Stand Bracket $10.43 |
|
|
Nikon SK-E900 External Multi-Flash Bracket for Nikon 4500 Digital Camera $99.99 |
|
|
CAMERA BRACKETS $11.99 |
|
|
Film Holder Brackets 2x for Large Format DIY Camera* $25.95 |
|
|
CCTV Security Video Camera Stand Mount Bracket Metal $14.15 |
|
|
Wata Camera Bracket and Flash Holder $9.99 |
|
|
Camera Bracket and Flash Holder $11.99 |
|
|
Collapsible Camera Bracket and Flash Holder $14.95 |
|
|
Intova ISS 4000 Underwater Camera Slave Flash & Bracket $189.95 |
|
|
Wata Camera Bracket and Flash Holder $7.99 |
|
|
CCTV Camera Wall Fixing Gray Metal Big Holder Bracket $16.16 |
|
|
Camera Flash bracket $20.00 |
|
|
Flash Bracket + Off Camera Shoe Cord for Sony Alpha DSLR A100 A700 A200 A300 $47.95 |
|
|
Flash Bracket + Off Camera Shoe Cord for Sony Alpha DSLR A230 A330 A380 A500 $47.95 |
|
|
Flash Bracket + Off Camera Shoe Cord for Sony Alpha DSLR A290 A390 A560 A580 $47.95 |
|
|
Flash Bracket + Off Camera Shoe Cord for Sony Alpha DSLR A350 A450 A900 A850 $47.95 |
|
|
Clover Mbk002 3.5″ Medium Camera Mounting Bracket $7.16 |
|
|
Plastic CCTV Security Camera Wall Mount Bracket Stand $8.25 |
|
|
Flash Bracket + Off Camera Shoe Cord for Nikon SB-400 SB-600 SB-700 $47.95 |
|
|
Flash Bracket + Off Camera Shoe Cord for Nikon SB-900 SB-910 $47.95 |
|
|
Flash Bracket + Off Camera Shoe Cord for Canon 270EX II 320EX 270EX $47.95 |
|
|
Flash Bracket + Off Camera Shoe Cord for Canon 430EX II 580EX II $47.95 |
|
|
dmk2 Pivot Flash Bracket for 35mm Camera – New $12.99 |
|
|
Off White Painted CCTV Camera Wall Mount Metal Bracket $14.61 |
|
|
3.5” Wall Mount Metal Bracket for Security Dome Camera $37.30 |
|
|
Ceiling Mount CCTV Security Camera Bracket Stand Black $8.82 |
|
|
Lindahl Bracket Plus System for 2 1/4 Cameras, #17-2010. #10939 $49.00 |
|
|
Black 4.5″ Ceiling / Wall Mount Bracket for Brick Camera $1.99 |
|
|
Security Dome Camera Shelf Plastic Wall Mount Bracket $9.36 |
|
|
CCTV Camera Rotatable Metal Wall Mount Bracket Stand $7.24 |
|
|
Outdoor Weatherproof CCTV Security Camera Short Housing and Bracket One Set $11.99 |
|
|
CCTV Security Camera Ceiling Mounting Bracket for Outdoor Housing L Type $15.88 |
|
|
Metal Wall Mount Stand Bracket for CCTV Security Camera $10.43 |
|
|
Miniature Dome Camera Security Surveillance system w/ Bracket open box $25.95 |
|
|
Flash Bracket Grip Q-601 for DSLR Camera (Ship from US) $12.99 |
|
|
4X Aluminum 90° Tilt Security Bullet Camera Bracket Wall/Ceilling Mount White $19.99 |
|
|
Foldable Digital Camera Tripod Desk Bracket Stand Black $4.35 |
|
|
CCTV CAMERA STAND BRACKET DURABLE PLASTIC 7.5 LB $6.90 |
|
|
For iPhone 4 4G Front Camera Lens Plastic Holder bracket Clear Replacement RP19 $0.01 |
|
|
Indoor Video Camera Bracket w BNC Connector 220V $25.06 |
|
|
480TVL 1/3 Sony CCD Bullet Color Camera w/Bracket -43A $45.00 |
|
|
4pcs Outdoor Housing w/Brackets for CCTV camera use44A $79.99 |
|
|
540TVL 1/3 Sony CCD Bullet Color Camera w/Bracket -37A $75.00 |
|
|
Plastic Mounting Wall Dome Camera Holder Bracket Beige $7.10 |
|
|
Blk Wall Mount Metal CCTV Security Camera Bracket Stand $5.68 |
|
|
CUSTOM BRACKETS C35-ND5 CAMERA MOUNTING PLATE $24.99 |
|
|
CUSTOM BRACKETS C35-ND6 CAMERA MOUNTING PLATE $24.99 |
|
|
CUSTOM BRACKETS C35-CD CANON CAMERA MOUNTING PLATE $24.99 |
|
|
4 x 1/3″ CCD Security Color Camera, 4mm, 48 LEDs, IR PRO, Day & Night+ Bracket $90.00 |
|
|
Universal Security Camera CCTV Wall Ceiling Mount Steel Tilt Bracket Black bmb $7.98 |
|
|
Adjustable Head CCD Camera Wall Mount Bracket Off White $11.10 |
|
|
For iPhone 4 4G Front Camera Lens Plastic Holder bracket Clear Replacement RP19 $0.01 |
|
|
4 Pcs Metal Bracket Stand Mount For CCTV DVR Camera U2S $6.50 |
|
|
Flash mount holder camera bracket for flashgun Nikon SB800 SB28 SB28DX SB26 SB24 $5.39 |
|
|
Camera Mount/Bracket For iphone 3G High Quality Glass Lens + Aluminum Metal Ring $2.49 |
|
|
Surveillacne CCTV Camera Wall Mount Bracket Ceiling Stand $2.90 |
|
|
Metal Universal CCTV Camera Wall Mount Bracket Stand $7.47 |
|
|
MINOLTA CAMERA—BRACKET 2 FLASH ACCESSORY $0.99 |
|
|
CCD Bullet Color Security mini Camera w/Bracket +B-43B $45.50 |
|
|
BASE BRACKET YWV9AA2071D4 for Panasonic Dome Surveillance Camera, New! $8.00 |
|
|
Security camera housing x4 Free brackets CCTV +B -44B $79.99 |
|
|
CCTV Camera Wall Ceiling Mount Mini Bracket Stand Purple $7.29 |
|
|
CCTV DVR Camera Wall Ceiling Mount Stand Bracket $7.76 |
|
|
Metal Security Housing Mount Bracket for CCTV Camera Black $7.91 |
|
|
Indoor Angle Adjustable CCTV DVR Camera Wall Mount Bracket Stand Silver Tone $6.56 |
|
|
Aluminum Alloy Ceiling Wall Mount Bracket Stand for CCTV DVR Security Camera $7.01 |
|
|
Really Right Stuff BG1XL L Bracket for Canon G1 X PowerShot Camera RRS $52.50 |
|
|
COLOR BRACKET CAMERA NITE $159.67 COLOR BRACKET CAMERA NITE |
|
|
SM BRACKET CAMERA $68.07 SM BRACKET CAMERA |
|
|
MBK003 – Camera mounting bracket $5.99 Clover MBK003 – Camera mounting bracket |
|
|
MBK002 – Camera mounting bracket $6.99 Clover MBK002 – Camera mounting bracket |
|
|
Polycom EagleEye Camera Mounting Bracket $145.9 Polycom EagleEye Camera Mounting Bracket |
|
|
Axis Mounting Bracket for Surveillance Camera $46.15 Axis Mounting Bracket for Surveillance Camera |
|
|
Camera mounting bracket $36.99 AXIS – Camera mounting bracket – for AXIS P3343-VE P3344-VE P3346-VE |
|
|
UNIXBB1/T – camera mounting bracket $12 Sony UNIXBB1/T – Camera mounting bracket – black – for IPELA SNC-CH110 SNC-CH210/B |
|
|
Ceiling Camera Fixture – Camera ceiling mount bracket $18.99 Black Box Ceiling Camera Fixture – Camera ceiling mount bracket |
|
|
Color Bracket Camera Nite $137.99 BOYO VTB301 COLOR BRACKET CAMERA WITH FULL NIGHT VISION, IR & BUILT-IN MICROPHONE |
|
|
Bent Mount – Camera mounting bracket $108.99 D-Link Bent Mount – Camera mounting bracket – for DCS 6511 |
|
|
Sony Ceiling Mount Bracket for Camera $96.99 Sony SNC DF40N Ceiling Mount Bracket for Camera Mounting Bracket Sony Sony Corporation YT-ICB40 www.sony.com |
|
|
Boyo / COLOR BRACKET CAMERA NITE / VTB301 $149.75 Boyo – COLOR BRACKET CAMERA NITE – VTB301 |
|
|
Axis 5700-691 Mounting Bracket for Surveillance Camera $33.55 Axis 5700-691 Mounting Bracket for Surveillance Camera |
|
|
EverFocus BA11 Mounting Bracket for Surveillance Camera $29.35 EverFocus BA11 Mounting Bracket for Surveillance Camera |
|
|
Clover Large Housed Camera Mounting Bracket – Aluminum $9.4 Clover Large Housed Camera Mounting Bracket – Aluminum |
|
|
MOOG Videolarm RPVL2825 Mounting Bracket for Surveillance Camera $26.2 MOOG Videolarm RPVL2825 Mounting Bracket for Surveillance Camera |
|
|
Toshiba IPX-ICM Mounting Bracket for Surveillance Camera $86.05 Toshiba IPX-ICM Mounting Bracket for Surveillance Camera |