Stroboframe Press-T question

[PacAce]

B&H Photo shows that the Stroboframe Press-T includes a "flash mounting knob". Exactly what is a "flash mounting knob"? Is this where the flash goes or do I need to get a separate plate for the flash?

Also, how necessary is the anti-twist plate that's sold separately for the Press-T?

Thanks.

[DaveG]

pacace wrote:
B&H Photo shows that the Stroboframe Press-T includes a "flash mounting knob". Exactly what is a "flash mounting knob"? Is this where the flash goes or do I need to get a separate plate for the flash?

Also, how necessary is the anti-twist plate that's sold separately for the Press-T?

Thanks.



I have the Pro-T which is the Press-T's little bit bigger brother. Other than the arm length these brackets are identical.

I don't know what the "flash mounting knob" is either, but you will need the hot shoe mount. It may come with the Press-T or it may not, and it didn't with mine. I use this same bracket with a Metz 45-CT4 and a Mamiya, so the mount is configured differently, and that's probably why nothing comes included. Anyway ask your retailer if you'll need to buy the mount separately.

You ABSOLUTELY need the antitwist plate. The included "cork" isn't worth a damn. Now I use the 10D with the BG-ED3 vertical grip, and the A/T plate that I use for that might be different than what you would need if you used the 10D without the BG-ED3. Actually I'm sure it does use a different one. But you will need one or the camera will pivot. Then you'll try to compensate by over tightening the bracket into the tripod socket - which won't work, and will likely damage the camera. The results of that will be you being truly pissed off!

The other point is with the Press-T all by itself. On the Pro-T the arm is longer by a few inches. In the horizontal camera position this just means that the flash is a bit higher over the camera and isn't all that important. When I'm using the Metz/Mamiya package I actually lower the arm so there's less stress on the cables. But with the 10D and the BG-ED3 I have to extend it all the way out so I can use the camera in a vertical shooting mode.

The idea is to get the flash directly over the camera lens, so that's there's no side shadow. Even with the extra length of the Pro-T's arm, the flash is a little off to one side, but it seems to give OK results. On the shorter Press-T the flash would be so off-set as to make the bracket useless for preventing this side shadow. If you have the BG-ED3 or plan on getting one I'd advise you to choose the slightly more expensive Pro-T over the Press-T.

[PacAce]

DaveG,

Thanks for your very informative reply. It's truly appreciated. I had initially wanted to go with the Press-T due to it's smaller size but you raised a good point about not being able to center the flash over the lens with the 10D in the vertical position and with the BG-ED3 attached.

So, Pro-T it will be then.

Let me ask you another question while I have your attention. How's the balance of the whole 10D, BG-ED3, flash & Pro-T setup? Does it feel ackward (such as very top-heavy) or is it OK?

Thanks again for your input.

[DaveG]

PacAce wrote:
DaveG,

Thanks for your very informative reply. It's truly appreciated. I had initially wanted to go with the Press-T due to it's smaller size but you raised a good point about not being able to center the flash over the lens with the 10D in the vertical position and with the BG-ED3 attached.

So, Pro-T it will be then.

Let me ask you another question while I have your attention. How's the balance of the whole 10D, BG-ED3, flash & Pro-T setup? Does it feel ackward (such as very top-heavy) or is it OK?

Thanks again for your input.

It feels really well balanced and sturdy as long as the anti-twist plate is snuggled up properly.

One of the great lies of most brackets is how heavy they are and that leads to fatigue. But luckily the Pro-T is both light and strong.

I was concerned about the support arm growing out of the handle on the right (shutter button) side of the camera. I wondered if it would get in the way of my hand, which it didn't. I also wondered if a super wide angle lens would vignette since the arm is forward of the camera body. My 16-35 is so large that it is physically forward of the arm as well, so that too was no problem.

I've been using the bracket in kind of a strange configuration lately. It's attached to the camera normally and with the 550 flash in the shoe. But I'm using the 70-200 f2.8 lens so I want some support and I've been using a monpod for that purpose. I'm also using the lens's tripod collar for better centre of gravity reasons and so I can rotate the camera from vertical to horizontal.

This was at an awards dinner and I wanted to use a long lens so I stayed away from the podium. I was using a second flash on a light stand and with lighting ratios on wireless TTL and I needed the 550 high above the camera so the second flash could see the instructional light pulse. Without the bracket I don't think that the wireless would work.