Clip it and Flip it

[nohnst]

For anyone who is interested and may find some use with this... I built my own flip it, similar to the Flip-it by Joe Demb, mainly because I wanted the flexibility of being able to clip on different size custom reflectors and diffusers. Using two small simple .75" metal binders, I'm able to clip on index cards, large postcards, metallic reflectors, and transparent reflectors for softer shadows. You may be asking, what is the point of clipping on different type of reflectors? I leave that to your own interpretation. :)

http://www.kainna.com/gallery/flipit/flipit.jpg




At most it can only be flipped back and forth at 180 degrees. It doesn't wobble unless if you clip on something heavy. I clipped a cd case with the cd inside and it held pretty well without wobbling. It's simple and easy, cheaply made but it has worked well for me so far. The stuff I use:

http://www.kainna.com/gallery/flipit/supply.jpg




I hope the pictures are self explanatory. My apologies if I'm not too clear on my instructions.

1) You only need one square velcro strip. Attach the two sides together and stick it to the side of your flash head. Hold it in place with one pass of electric tape all around
the flash head. Make sure it's firm but not too tight. You will insert the metal binder in between the velcro strip later.

http://www.kainna.com/gallery/flipit/velcro.jpg





2) On one .75" metal binder.. replace the two handles with the larger one from the 1.25" binder handles. They are detachable. Why do this? The thicker piece from the 1.25" will provide stronger support at the pivot and would less likely to wobble.

3) Glue the two .75" metal binder head to head like the image below. I recommend epoxy glue. Wipe excess glue. Let it set for a few hours.

http://www.kainna.com/gallery/flipit/closeup.jpg





4) Insert the longer end of the handle in between the velcro strip. Neatly, Run a few more pass of electric tape around the flash head, pulling on the electric tape to tighten the grip, and covering up the velcro strip.

http://www.kainna.com/gallery/flipit/sideview.jpg



Anytime when you do not want to use the clip, gently pull it out of the velcro strip. I hope this works for you, have fun.

[Nuttcraker]

Hi! Very nice. I was wondering if we can use a ruber band (large one) instead of the velcro and tape... i have to try it!

Thanks

[nohnst]

Hi! Very nice. I was wondering if we can use a ruber band (large one) instead of the velcro and tape... i have to try it!

Thanks

Rubber band is a very good idea. You need the velcro patch though becuase it's a padding for the clip. The binder handles will slide back and forth as you rotate the clip and you dont want it to scratch against the flash head.

Here's more, with 2 clips. Something like a diffuser for direct flash.

http://www.kainna.com/gallery/flipit/blue.jpg

And a large cut out foam piece reflector. Works well. Doesn't wobble.

http://www.kainna.com/gallery/flipit/foam.jpg

[Lotto]

Cool idea, thanks for the write-up, nohnst. I always wonder how those speedlight add-on modifiers work in vertical position. Your idea is simple enough I want to try it myself.

I have a large 3" binder, rubber band one handle to flash head, tape a 4x6" photo paper to the other. 30 seconds later, I am ready to test:eek: The results is pretty good considering the parts cost next to nothing.

direct flash-->flipper 60 degree forward-->bare flash head pointing straight up to the ceiling.

[nohnst]

Nice examples Lotto. A few more silly ideas.. I clipped on a slim yellow cd case to give it some color effect. The little penguine was shot in a dark room with white ceiling bounce and a bit of yellow reflected from the cd case to give it some warmth.

http://www.kainna.com/gallery/flipit/yellow.jpg
http://www.kainna.com/gallery/flipit/warm.jpg

With two clips on each side.. you can use it like a gel effect. I have plastic colored semi transparent index cards bought from an office supply store. Clipped on side to side, similar to one of the picture in the above post.. will give you this effect..

http://www.kainna.com/gallery/flipit/gels.jpg