New Gary Fong Diffuser - Whale Tail

[coreypolis]

Love him or hate him, the new diffuser is out.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/viperx27/whaletail3up.jpg






http://www.xanga.com/garyfong1/575833360/item.html

[Curtis N]

I don't love him or hate him. I think he's a marketing genius.

At least the new product is more versatile than previous ones.

My pricing prediction: $100 US.

Now we can just wait for the forum questions to come: "Should I shoot with the toilet lid open or closed?"

[Lotto]

LOL, it does look like a toilet. Is it for boys or girls?

[coreypolis]

LOL, it does look like a toilet. Is it for boys or girls?
The Fong John

[Angel_LCD]

Like the idea and looking forward to the test pictures :)

[TMR Design]

It does look like like a toidy but it might be cool. I'd be curious to see test shots.

[Wilt]

LOL, it does look like a toilet. Is it for boys or girls?

Gotta wonder why they don't invent the combination toilet + bidet in a single fixture, rather than having separate ones that require double plumbing and more floor space ?!?!?

And what Gary would do with THAT ?!?!?

[Wilt]

"Why do you have that plastic toilet up on your flash unit, Mr. Photographer?" (accompanied by snickers and giggles from the teens at the wedding)

"I dislike rubber banding white cards to my flash, and I dislike plastic toilets on there, too. It just does not look as professional as the Stoffen or the LightShere, and it is important to look professional at weddings", will be common posts on POTN.

[Honeybee]

The comments will seem like deja vu and GF will still be a millionaire. :rolleyes:

[Double Negative]

WTF? Pass...

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Errr.....???

[mbellot]

P.T. Fong is at it again.

Now if only he would make the band that secures it to the flash red he could retire once and for all - an L diffuser.

[Thornfield]

Seeing as it looks like a toilet is this why the came up witht he 580EX mkII weather sealing?

[Lightstream]

dddddddddddang!! :shock:

I do admire his candid honesty about the Fong John though, I did a double take when I realized that the man himself made that comment ;)

It's just a bit too odd for me. I absolutely CANNOT imagine showing up at an event like this. I'm not big or famous enough to be able to show up with whatever outrageous devices I need to do the job and tell the client "Don't worry about it". When you are the best in the industry you can do that.. I'll just have another drink and dream about it ;)

[Double Negative]

And we thought the Tupperware was... Interesting. :D

[dsze]

...not another one. I just don't get it.

[MDJAK]

I've got one of his originals and never use it. Probably should sell it.

This thing takes the cake.

But say what you will, he's driving a Range Rover and owns a yacht. He's a genius at separating fools from their money.

mark

[kkhardwarestore]

3) the prices are as follows; $79 for the WT-R, $99 for the WT-S, but $149 for the two combined. This is the original MAP as of today, don't think it will change. MAP means this is the lowest retailers can sell it for as well

I am a relative noob to photography but don't understand people's concern about the appearance of this (or any) of their gear as long as it isn't a coolwhip container with duct tape. For me it is the quality of the images that counts. People don't pay that much attention to the photographer, those who do soon forget, but they look at the photos for years to come.

Those certainly aren't the best product shots I have ever seen..there are much better on the light box thread in this forum, people using cardboard boxes and Wal-Mart lights.

[dsze]

He's a genius at separating fools from their money.

mark

Exactly :)

[davidfig]

To me the main problem the original had was that it was not over the lens when the camera was on its side (vertical). He cleaverly solves this problem in his video by having the subject next to a wall that will help bounce.

So the solution is to make one that one the side bends over to make it centered and when the camera is straight up it can turn to be centered that way also. Looks like he solved that problem. I may seriously consider it now. Although I already have my solution.

[gonzophoto]

Its sad but true, to be paid like a pro you gotta look like a pro. This thing looks worse than a yogurt container taped on a flash.

[kenwood33]

The concept reminds me of this diffuser:

http://www.joedembphotography.com/flipit/i/big-front-2.jpg

[Curtis N]

Its sad but true, to be paid like a pro you gotta look like a pro. This thing looks worse than a yogurt container taped on a flash.I have no doubt that the first guy who decided to pour flash powder in a tray and light it after he opened the shutter got some funny looks. But after it was demonstrated that this technique made better pictures, it became commonplace.

I'll gladly use any equipment that's useful, happily explaining it to curious onlookers. The appearance of this device won't stop me from buying one. But I still think there are alternatives that have it beat in efficiency, portability, versatility and price.

[dsze]

To me, the whole issue with these things (and I've done it too), is that rather than truly learning to use their flash and mix it with ambient lighting, people spend a lot of money on these fong-dongs in hopes that it will magically make every image perfectly lit. Its just not that simple. People will always want the quick-easy fix though...myself included. People like Gary bank on that and retire happy!

[Lightstream]

And we thought the Tupperware was... Interesting. :D


We have been upstaged! Must report this to Evil Overlords immediately. :p

[jr_senator]

P.T. Fong is at it again.



He's a genius at separating fools from their money.

mark

His products are an insult to photographers with half a brain or more. But, I wish I could come up with something to make his kind of money.

[coreypolis]

His products are an insult to photographers with half a brain or more. But, I wish I could come up with something to make his kind of money.
jealous are we?

his product delivers consistent results. Thats all there is too it. Canon charging $500+ for a super tele lens hood is an insult.

[mbellot]

His products are an insult to photographers with half a brain or more. But, I wish I could come up with something to make his kind of money.

It happens in plenty of markets.

Have you ever bought monster cable for your stereo? Kick that up a couple orders of magnitude and you can buy oxygen free, helically wound, pre-burned-in cables.

They include hook-up instructions, since they have been burned-in in a specific signal direction.

:rolleyes:

Never mind that a buck a foot 18 gauge (or 16 if you have a seriously powerful amplifier) zip cord is overkill. Or that audio is an AC signal, and as such has no inhernet "direction" (its alternating folks).


Oh how I wish I had the ability to percieve people as devoid of intelligence, I could have made millions by now.

[FlashZebra]

It happens in plenty of markets.

Have you ever bought monster cable for your stereo? Kick that up a couple orders of magnitude and you can buy oxygen free, helically wound, pre-burned-in cables.

They include hook-up instructions, since they have been burned-in in a specific signal direction.

:rolleyes:

Never mind that a buck a foot 18 gauge (or 16 if you have a seriously powerful amplifier) zip cord is overkill. Or that audio is an AC signal, and as such has no inhernet "direction" (its alternating folks).


Oh how I wish I had the ability to percieve people as devoid of intelligence, I could have made millions by now.
Good analogy.

As deep as it gets with some photographic gear barkers, stereo gear hucksters amplify this by magnitudes.

The tripe that gets slung regarding stereo gear is on a level that is almost unmatched.

Enjoy! Lon

[donlavange]

Come on. Let's see a poll on who has been FONGED!

[Moppie]

I also have a concern with this, how do I flush it?

[Double Negative]

What happens if it clogs on location and you don't have your carbon fiber plunger in your gear bag? I guess you can carry two, just in case. I guess that makes it a porta-potty.

So who's gonna be the first to develop paper ass gaskets for this? Or a doily for the top?

[Moppie]

Theres lots of talk in this thread about how good Mr Fong is at making things people want but don't need, and then selling it to them.

Well, Iv just thought of a device that fills that description, its called the "Moppie Roll" and its so clever it works in conjunction with the Fong John.

I won't go into to many details until Iv talked to my Patent attorneys, but lets just say rumors claiming its just a toilet paper holder attached to a flash bracket are mis-leading. In reality it will be so much more!

[donlavange]

Theres lots of talk in this thread about how good Mr Fong is at making things people want but don't need, and then selling it to them.

Well, Iv just thought of a device that fills that description, its called the "Moppie Roll" and its so clever it works in conjunction with the Fong John.

I won't go into to many details until Iv talked to my Patent attorneys, but lets just say rumors claiming its just a toilet paper holder attached to a flash bracket are mis-leading. In reality it will be so much more!

I am prepared to invest in this venture! LOL

[amonline]

A lot of talk for no examples or production yet. :rolleyes:

[jr_senator]

..his product delivers consistent results.

Yeah, consistently so-so results. I have seen photos of the 'Lightsphere' being used in a bounce mode, and in spite of it's ridiculas cost and size, it leaves 'raccoon eyes'. A Lumiquest 80/20 does a much better job, at less cost, and be folded flat for storeage.

[mbellot]

So who's gonna be the first to develop paper ass gaskets for this? Or a doily for the top?

How about an automatic lid lowering device so as not to annoy the lady photogs.

:lol:

[Double Negative]

...A Lumiquest 80/20 does a much better job, at less cost, and be folded flat for storeage.

That's why I bought one... Besides the default 80/20 design, you can swap in silver, white or gold reflectors and even add a diffusing screen. It gives fantastic results. Bonus - it weighs nothing and is maybe 1/4" thick. I even got the Snoot.

[donlavange]

How about an automatic lid lowering device so as not to annoy the lady photogs.

:lol:

Most creative comment awarded to you

[ibkev]

It looks like a part to a coffee maker or food processor.

[MrTED]

How about an automatic lid lowering device so as not to annoy the lady photogs.

:lol:

Now that's an investment I would make... where's the prospectus...???

[Moppie]

I am prepared to invest in this venture! LOL


Well, I need start up capital of $1million!

When can I expect the cheque?

[mbellot]

Now that's an investment I would make... where's the prospectus...???


Ummm... I accidentally flushed it down the Fong.

:p

[Yella Fella]

price aside, his products cant be that bad, reviews for his product have been nothing but high?

only problem with that (well looking the original bucket thing), is that it only works close up and possibly bounced? Similar to the lumiquest softbox no?

[Curtis N]

his products cant be that bad, reviews for his product have been nothing but high?Reviews from whom?only problem with that (well looking the original bucket thing), is that it only works close up and possibly bounced? Similar to the lumiquest softbox no?Anything you stick on your flash will "work" if it sends the light where you want it to go. If you want the light to basically go "everywhere", then the Fong products will get the job done. In small rooms this can create nice, even lighting.

I wouldn't compare these products to the Lumiquest Softbox. The Softbox is a larger effective light source and at least throws all of the light in the general direction of where it's aimed. It's reasonably efficient in large rooms with high ceilings. The Fong products waste light by sending most of it in other directions where it won't affect the field of view without some other surface to bounce it back.

[CyberDyneSystems]

The appearance of this device won't stop me from buying one. But I still think there are alternatives that have it beat in efficiency, portability, versatility and price....

And that don;t need to be flushed on occasion or swabbed out with bleach and a brush bowl?

[Double Negative]

And that don;t need to be flushed on occasion or swabbed out with bleach and a brush bowl?

You can use those blue tablets but you'll have to adjust your white balance.

[Wilt]

I just realized that this version of Gary's product clearly tips his hat in the direction of the NEXT product from Gary...it would resemble a URINAL rather than a toilet.

The concave shape of the back piece serves as a reflector (just like a white card!), the open top allows the direct light from the flash to hit the ceiling with greater intensity (just like a white card), as would the open front allow more lighting to go forward directly to the subject (just like a white card). And a clear frosted silicon rubber 'splash mat' at the bottom against the flash lens would serve to spread the light across a greater area of the ceiling (better than a white card), while the open grid of the 'splash mat' would allow the light to still retain a good amount of its intensity on the ceiling.

[Curtis N]

Seems like Wilt and Fong both do their thinking in the same place. ;)

[CyberDyneSystems]

You could then use urinal "Mints" as an "expo-disk"

Mmmmmmm Urinal mints ....

[jr_senator]

You can use those blue tablets but you'll have to adjust your white balance.


f-u-n-n-y! good one.

[Yella Fella]

Reviews from whom?

mainly british photography mags :lol:

[stathunter]

I hate to move away from the toilet jokes but.....I have never used his first difuser-------are you guys impling that it does not work?

[Double Negative]

You could then use urinal "Mints" as an "expo-disk"

Mmmmmmm Urinal mints ....

ROFL! I was waiting for a mint joke. :p

[Curtis N]

I hate to move away from the toilet jokes but.....I have never used his first difuser-------are you guys impling that it does not work?Depends on your definition of "work".

If it means spreading the light around a bit to provide a little direct illumination when it's aimed at a low ceiling, then it works. Of course, an empty milk jug with a hole cut in it will work, too.

If it means magically making every flash shot spectacular, anytime, anywyere, without any fundamental understanding of light on the part of the operator, then no, it doesn't work.

I think part of the disdain for Gary Fong stems from information on his website that tends to exagerate the usefulness of the product, and the general opinion that there are other devices and methods that will do the same job for a lot less money.

[Double Negative]

You forgot to mention the sheer folly of walking around with a Tupperware bowl attached to one's flash. ;)

[forkball]

You have to wonder if he's trying to make this thing look as ridiculous as possible. The LS design really wasn't all that unique if you really think about it. All you have to do is walk into any large warehouse type store... like Home Depot, or even Walmart, look up and you'll see giant size LS's on each of the lighting fixtures.

This one though... I doubt you'll ever see this anywhere but from GF...haha... I'm still laughing about the toilet bowl comments. Hysterical stuff.

http://www.xanga.com/garyfong1/575833360/item.html

[jr_senator]

---are you guys impling that it does not work?

There are many, many, attachments that are cheaper, more compact to store and do a better job than the LS.

[Titus213]

I've got one of his originals and never use it. Probably should sell it.

This thing takes the cake.

But say what you will, he's driving a Range Rover and owns a yacht. He's a genius at separating fools from their money.

mark

Hmmm....:lol:

[Wilt]

You forgot to mention the sheer folly of walking around with a Tupperware bowl attached to one's flash. ;)

Better a toilet tank, than a toilet bowl ! ;)

[CyberDyneSystems]

You have to wonder if he's trying to make this thing look as ridiculous as possible. The LS design really wasn't all that unique if you really think about it.

In fact that product was just a handy marketable version of the white milkjug/Isopropyl bottle flash diffusers that people had been cobbling for years. It broke no new ground at all, it simply "packaged" the tried and true dimestore Alcohol bottle approach for a nice profit. Sto-fen sort of did this first, (using the same thick semi-opaque white plastic, but they took the conversion for packaging too far in an effort to make the new product more portable and less "odd" looking than a bottle of rubbing alcohol!

With the original LS there were two arguments.
1. Why buy it when a used $2.00 rubbing alcohol bottle has done the same thing for years.
2. Why hack together some piece of crap with rubber bands and tape when you can buy the LS and it just fits?

At least with the new Gary Crapper Flush Toilet attachment it seems to be offering more solutions (ablutions) than the usual cobble jobs do... and it's definitely in a more portable package than the LS was..

Still no where to store your Ceaser Salad though.

[stathunter]

Ok.......now I see the light on the Fong Diffuser.

[Angel_LCD]

Well the business side of the diffusers must be booming ;) http://www.garyfong.com/garysproperties.html

[donlavange]

Well the business side of the diffusers must be booming ;) http://www.garyfong.com/garysproperties.html

Well he has some serious money involved here and I doubt that the lighting gizmo has added that much to his coffers. He says that he has sold 80,000. That adds up to. . . . . WOW. Have you seen the NEW improved gizmo I have for you?

[Angel_LCD]

I´m thinking about mounting a mini umbrella on my flash (patent pending) and sell it ;)
Need a new camera soon so this must be the way to get the money ;)

[Double Negative]

Well the business side of the diffusers must be booming ;) http://www.garyfong.com/garysproperties.html

That Fong guy seems like a real wang to me... Property mogul, yacht owner... Fancy Tupperware seller... Whatever he's selling, I'm not interested. :rolleyes:

[donlavange]

I´m thinking about mounting a mini umbrella on my flash (patent pending) and sell it ;)
Need a new camera soon so this must be the way to get the money ;)

A Company by the name of Larson had one in the 1970s. Actually, it worked very well!

[coreypolis]

That Fong guy seems like a real wang to me... Property mogul, yacht owner... Fancy Tupperware seller... Whatever he's selling, I'm not interested. :rolleyes:
:lol:

who cares what he owns or sells? how does that effect the product in the end?

[Angel_LCD]

I would believe it works great ;) would look silly :p but so does the toilet ;)

[MJP]

Yeah, consistently so-so results. I have seen photos of the 'Lightsphere' being used in a bounce mode, and in spite of it's ridiculas cost and size, it leaves 'raccoon eyes'. A Lumiquest 80/20 does a much better job, at less cost, and be folded flat for storeage.

im not familiar with the Lumiquest 80/20, does it also works if you are shoting in vertical?

[sapearl]

im not familiar with the Lumiquest 80/20, does it also works if you are shoting in vertical?

Yes, if you have one of the camera rotator brackets on the market it will work fine. I've got a couple of the Lumiquest products and use them on a 580 with the Newton Bracket.

[Double Negative]

The LumiQuest ProMax (80/20) works best with a bracket, since it's primarily designed for landscape orientation...

[MJP]

The LumiQuest ProMax (80/20) works best with a bracket, since it's primarily designed for landscape orientation...

darn it...i don't like using bracket

[sapearl]

darn it...i don't like using bracket

Is it the weight that bothers you MJP?

[Double Negative]

darn it...i don't like using bracket

I don't either, and don't even have one actually... But I get by withou it for now. With a reflector installed, you don't have to bounce off the ceiling/wall - but you do have to watch the directional light coming from the side. But at least it's much more diffused than straight flash. I usually angle it up and partially bounce it.

[X-WoodButch]

I don't love him or hate him. I think he's a marketing genius.

At least the new product is more versatile than previous ones.

My pricing prediction: $100 US.

Now we can just wait for the forum questions to come: "Should I shoot with the toilet lid open or closed?"
LOL!!;) Just about spit my Pepsi on my dog!! :p

[jr_senator]

im not familiar with the Lumiquest 80/20, does it also works if you are shoting in vertical?

You need a bracket. I use a Stroboframe VH2000.

[lennythelens]

Peoples,

You're all missing the point! To get fantastic flash shots, all you need is the Gary Fong Lightsphere, Lightsphere II, Lightsphere Cloud, Lightsphere clear, Light sphere chromeDome, Amberdome,and InternalDome accessories, and now the 2 Whaletail difusers, a degree in Light Physics and you're away. ;-)

[sapearl]

Or, a 3x5 index card and a rubber band ;) . Works great in at least 75% of shots.

[jr_senator]

Or, a 3x5 index card and a rubber band ;) . Works great in at least 75% of shots.

But, can one mix a salad in it?

[Lightstream]

But, can one mix a salad in it?


What? You mean that's not what the large black bowl-shaped plastic thingies Canon provides with their telephoto lenses are for? ;)

[mbellot]

But, can one mix a salad in it?

You mix your salad in a toilet bowl?

Remind me not to eat ove at the senator's house. :p

[jr_senator]

You mix your salad in a toilet bowl?



Only for you.

[g-money]

You mix your salad in a toilet bowl?

Remind me not to eat ove at the senator's house. :p


I think Krammer mixed his in the shower!!

Greg

[ifonline]

I think Krammer mixed his in the shower!!

Greg

One of the greatest episodes, as I recall!

[darktiger]

I would like to see samples...

[TMR Design]

One of the greatest episodes, as I recall!

He says "I prepared this whole meal as I bathed".. lolollol

[lkorell]

New term coined: "Auto Flush" :lol:

This guy is laughing all the way to the bank. I cannot see any serious wedding photographers purchasing this "new" version of his diffuser.
I think he is purposely making a mockery of the industry by trying to prove that people will buy anything.

I think we're all realizing that the variations on a bounce card are still the best way to go. I'm using the Flip-it but there are so many bounce card variations, and most of them work fine, including the one built in on the 580EX.

Lou

[sapearl]

............I think he is purposely making a mockery of the industry by trying to prove that people will buy anything............

Gee, reminds me - there was this guy P.T. Barnum..... and he had this famous quote.....:lol:

[donlavange]

Gee, reminds me - there was this guy P.T. Barnum..... and he had this famous quote.....:lol:

I was actually looking to find a new version of the Larson portable umbrella which I used in the 1970s on my F1(still have it). I was in Calumet in Cambridge, MA and they really recommended the Fong thing!

[Wilt]

I was actually looking to find a new version of the Larson portable umbrella which I used in the 1970s on my F1(still have it). I was in Calumet in Cambridge, MA and they really recommended the Fong thing!


But of course! They are a retailer, and they have 7 more models to also sell you, when the one you bought is discovered by your to be unsuitable for some circumstances.

[CyberDyneSystems]

At home I have an American Standard..

This is not some whimpy pastel colored low flow, no sir, this is state of the Art 1950's 10 gallon tank flush technology!
These days the toilets you see are so low profile, you take a Fong with your knees up around your ears.. and the flush.. it's not a flush, it's an apologetic whimper... and a number of them if you want to finish the job .. grrr.

I want to hear a LOUD BAAAAAA WOOOOOOSH when I flush and KNOW that all I'll see is white porcelain when I turn around!

Oh Did I mention that the American Standard is ETTLII compatible?

( Enhanced Through The Latrine )

[sapearl]

At home I have an American Standard..

This is not some whimpy pastel colored low flow, no sir, this is state of the Art 1950's 10 gallon tank flush technology!........)

And a good thing too - those pastels will REALLY throw off your white balance. :lol:

[IainB]

I still break out in a sweat when I think of the time I was engaged to shoot a book launch. Speeches were underway, the mood very formal, and the audience listening intently. I was taking a mixture of portrait and landscape shots when suddenly my Lightsphere 11fell from the flash and started rolling...... It was slow motion I swear. It looped in slowly decreasing circles around the open space in front of the stage. Time seemed to freeze as did the front rows of the audience, their eyes mesemerised by this rolling tupperware. When it registered that it was a piece of my highly technical equipment, I lunged forward to grab it. Slippery little B%$@&d it was. It took several goes and an orbit of the available floor space before I finally seized the beast. I hastily retreated to the side and wished I could be invisible but every eye in the room followed me as I tried to refix the dish to my flash. I could read their minds.....

[Wilt]

I still break out in a sweat when I think of the time I was engaged to shoot a book launch. .... I hastily retreated to the side and wished I could be invisible but every eye in the room followed me as I tried to refix the dish to my flash. I could read their minds.....

..."if that bloke simply put away that silly contraption, and had used a rubber (band) to afix a white index card to his flash, that would never have happended and interrupted this wonderful gathering!"

[donlavange]

But of course! They are a retailer, and they have 7 more models to also sell you, when the one you bought is discovered by your to be unsuitable for some circumstances.

No sorry, you misunderstood. They did not have anything like that and referred me to him directly!

[NickSimcheck]

I'm having a hard time understanding this correctly...

To change the white balance I use blue tablets to make it cooler, but to warm it up should I "#1" or "#2"?

Secondly, American Standard makes a much larger diffuser for about the same price should I just get it from them? I'm also considering a Japanese "Diffuser" that automaticly lifts the lid.

[sapearl]

I heard a rumor they're coming out with a bidet model of the whale tale....

[Lightstream]

I finally decided I would subscribe to the Joe Demb flipit ;)

[CyberDyneSystems]

http://www.whitesplumbing.com/images/amer_stnd/toilet_town_square_imgLarge1246.jpg

Baaaaaaaa WOOOSH!

[CyberDyneSystems]

Oh, and here's the namby pamby one that the Fong was based on;

http://i8.ebayimg.com/03/i/06/8b/39/85_1.JPG

[Lightstream]

http://www.whitesplumbing.com/images/amer_stnd/toilet_town_square_imgLarge1246.jpg

Baaaaaaaa WOOOSH!

Ahhhhh......the Seat of Power :mrgreen:

You would love aircraft toliets, they REALLY mean business and it never takes a second flush :lol:

[S Taylor]

I heard today on the radio that Will Smith has a 350,000 toilet. No toilet paper required... wet and dry clean installed on toilet. Fong has nothing on that!

[drookie]

give me a break!

[ifonline]

http://www.whitesplumbing.com/images/amer_stnd/toilet_town_square_imgLarge1246.jpg

Baaaaaaaa WOOOSH!

Good gosh... now that's a toilet! Mine pale in comparison. I feel so ashamed.

[marian]

Now! Now! Those little silver handles you see are to press, so the lid will open and the light will bounce out of it!

LoL!
: )

[donlavange]

Ahhhhh......the Seat of Power :mrgreen:

You would love aircraft toliets, they REALLY mean business and it never takes a second flush :lol:

Anyone looking for a toilet, the TOTO equals any airplane or ship toilet. In essence, the Canon of the toilet world!

[resqd1]

I see the arguement for a white card that is built into the 580 but you cant use it in portrait unless you use a frame, so for portrait wihtout a frame, I like the lightspere, does someone have a better option for portrait without a strobe frame?

PS whale tail looks funny, and the hole is for rear bounce, not to let light out the front, whoever said that wrong,

PPS Dang he has some freakin sweet places, I want that

[sapearl]

I see the arguement for a white card that is built into the 580 but you cant use it in portrait unless you use a frame, so for portrait wihtout a frame, I like the lightspere, .....

I don't own a LS, and maybe this is a non issue, but if you flip the camera into portrait mode (without a frame/rotating bracket) that will place the flash & LS on the side instead of top center above the lens. With the flash on the side, I'd think there would still be a little tendency to throw shadows behind the person to the opposite side. Are you saying the LS minimizes this?

[resqd1]

yes, you dont get the black outline with the LS, it fills the room with ligth and doesnt leave the black shadow rim. I dont see the arguement that some use also abotu the flash needing to be right over the lens, most frames have the flash off to the side in landscape anyways.

I have used my LS for many shoots and loved it, the hardest shoot was a low light ballroom with 30 ft ceilings

[sapearl]

yes, you dont get the black outline with the LS, it fills the room with ligth and doesnt leave the black shadow rim. I dont see the arguement that some use also abotu the flash needing to be right over the lens, most frames have the flash off to the side in landscape anyways.

I have used my LS for many shoots and loved it, the hardest shoot was a low light ballroom with 30 ft ceilings

OK - I understand now about the LS.

Regarding those frames with the flash off to the side - I'm not sure why people use it that way from a shadow standpoint, because it will cause some very harsh and unattractive lighting in situations.

For years I shot with a TLR and Metz "potato masher" in that fashion, the Metz acting as a very convenient handgrip. It was extremely comfortable and balanced, but I created some rude shadows.

When I switched to a MF SLR, I built a bracket that placed the flash exactly above the lens, about 8" up, and my pictures improved IMMENSLY. All shadows fell away behind and below the subject, modeling was vastly improved, color saturation and contrast improved, and all hotspots were eliminated.

[Curtis N]

does someone have a better option for portrait without a strobe frame?One of the (few) nice things about the Fong products is that you can use them with the flash head swivelled 90 degrees. When mounted on the hotshoe in vertical orientation, this puts the light source higher than the lens, but also left of the lens. Side shadows will still be present, but they will be somewhat hidden.

There are other devices that can work the same way, including the Joe Demb Flip-it (http://www.joedembphotography.com/flipit/)(a hinged bounce card designed to mount on the short side of the flash head). My flash heads have velcro wrapped around them, and I can stick a bounce card on them any way I want.

This is, at best, a compromise approach. There's still no substitute for a camera rotating flash bracket.

[NickSimcheck]

Holy cow, some of those TOTO's are more then $1,200!

That's a throne fit for a king!

[Thunder Force Kennels]

That's a throne fit for a king!


You mean a Fong fit for a king?

[cosworth]

I saw a guy shooting some models once. He had a fonger. He was indoors. We talked for a bit once he was done. He noticed my 580 and said he was going to sell his 2 550's and move up to the 580. I told him that I like how swivel and tilt were once button on the 580.

"Yeah I wish my 550s swiveled". I took a shot of him standing in his model's spot bouncing bare flash off the wall. He was stupefied.

Another one of those people that had money extracted from them.

Prepare to see this unit at swap meets in the future for $1.99 on the tables.

[CyberDyneSystems]

You mean a Fong fit for a king?

A throne fit for a King to "take a Fong" on...

[TMR Design]

Now if it came in black and looked like this, then I might buy one...LOLOLOLOOLOLOL
http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/cf_loo.jpg

[Capt_KA]

Now if it came in black and looked like this, then I might buy one...LOLOLOLOOLOLOL
http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/cf_loo.jpg

*LMAO* good one :lol: !

[Lightstream]

I saw a guy shooting some models once. He had a fonger. He was indoors. We talked for a bit once he was done. He noticed my 580 and said he was going to sell his 2 550's and move up to the 580. I told him that I like how swivel and tilt were once button on the 580.

"Yeah I wish my 550s swiveled". I took a shot of him standing in his model's spot bouncing bare flash off the wall. He was stupefied.

Another one of those people that had money extracted from them.

Prepare to see this unit at swap meets in the future for $1.99 on the tables.

I actually decided to make myself a 'preview' of the Fong, so I carved up the milk jug after finishing the milk (and yes I did wash it first :p)

So I'm happily blasting away, and thinking "Wow, this looks nice." I'm kinda liking the results at this point.

Then I remove all diffusers and proceed to shoot my 'control' shots for comparison. In a small room with white walls, the control shots looked JUST AS GOOD. I am really blown away at this point, having saved myself $60...

[chewytomato]

Gary should attach a toilet paper dispenser on the side of it but replace the toilet paper with lens tissue, that would be sweet!

[eslaydog]

Let's hate Gary Fong AND Bill Gates because they're successful. Their products suck, but they're marketing geniuses. haha

I love Microsoft and Gary Fong. Oh, and Adobe too.
Love,
Eric

[MJP]

Is it the weight that bothers you MJP?
most of the time if i shot a wedding, i usually carry 2 cameras, one my own(mk2n) and the other is rented (5D)...so i dont usually use bracket...

[sapearl]

most of the time if i shot a wedding, i usually carry 2 cameras, one my own(mk2n) and the other is rented (5D)...so i dont usually use bracket...

My setup is somewhat similar at weddings with both bodies. The 5D with the Newton Bracket always has the 24-105 on it. The 5D with the 70-200 doesn't get much of a flash workout, although I'll ocassionaly pop the other 580 on just using the shoe for some bounced reception shots.

[marian]

TMR DESIGN,

That's the picture of Gary's PRO Model! How did you get a sneek peek at that? It contains the light quite well!

LoL!

[TMR Design]

TMR DESIGN,

That's the picture of Gary's PRO Model! How did you get a sneek peek at that? It contains the light quite well!

LoL!

LOL :D

[Lightstream]

TMR DESIGN,

That's the picture of Gary's PRO Model! How did you get a sneek peek at that? It contains the light quite well!

LoL!


Oh, I must have overlooked that because I thought it was colored silver to match the Noob Silver Rebel ;)

[NickSimcheck]

Now if it came in black and looked like this, then I might buy one...LOLOLOLOOLOLOL
http://cache.jalopnik.com/cars/cf_loo.jpg


I will have a carbon fiber (fibre for you UK'ers) toilet before I die!

[dsze]

Peoples,

You're all missing the point! To get fantastic flash shots, all you need is the Gary Fong Lightsphere, Lightsphere II, Lightsphere Cloud, Lightsphere clear, Light sphere chromeDome, Amberdome,and InternalDome accessories, and now the 2 Whaletail difusers, a degree in Light Physics and you're away. ;-)

Exactly. :D

[dsze]

I will have a carbon fiber (fibre for you UK'ers) toilet before I die!

That is a hot look'n crapper for sure!

[Rudy M.]

OK--I bought into the fong dong sturr with the LS2PJ with dome and it works. I won't buy into more though because learned from it. No way am I doing toilet seat stuff! My boat is a Crestliner 14' with a 25 hp Merc-not a fong wave runner! Dont buy into it but study the method!

[digitaljoe]

Its protecting the ozone layer - very forward looking of Gary.

[sapearl]

Its protecting the ozone layer - very forward looking of Gary.

With the lid down it traps the higher velocity more damaging photons.

[Wilt]

With the lid down it traps the higher velocity more damaging photons.

But the downside is the lid up releases more ozone-depleting gases into the atmosphere.

[sapearl]

But the downside is the lid up releases more ozone-depleting gases into the atmosphere.

Good point Wilt - I missed that part... which is of greater concern because being that close to the output will result in hair loss. Oh.. I just realized I don't have much to worry about :lol: .

[CyberDyneSystems]

I'm glad this thread was resurrected, haven't told a toilet joke in days!

O-kay so Gary is already working on the next MkIV version of the Water Closet..

It's called "The Aristocrat"












..some of you might get it.....

[DocFrankenstein]

jealous are we?
Nope. Just have more than half a brain.

[DocFrankenstein]

I'm glad this thread was resurrected, haven't told a toilet joke in days!
Come on CDS. It's gonna be useful.

Just put some seeds in your flash and voila - a canon birdfeeded/attractor. :lol:

[cdifoto]

Oh, and here's the namby pamby one that the Fong was based on;

http://i8.ebayimg.com/03/i/06/8b/39/85_1.JPG

Is it just me or does that thing look like Flipper?

[CyberDyneSystems]

Is it just me or does that thing look like Flipper?



http://www.chatitaliachat.it/serpe/nuevas/116.gif

[olz]

Nono - Buy mine - It will generate less attention - Guaranteed!!!

157940

[Angel_LCD]

Nono - Buy mine - It will generate less attention - Guaranteed!!!

157940

:lol: you are going to get a call from PETA if you start producing them though ;)

[EdgarG]

And I Thought the Sinclair C5 was a little potty

[PhotosGuy]

Old tech:

[Double Negative]

Index card: Free
Rubber band: Free
Watching your buddy walk around with a toilet on his head: Priceless

[PhotosGuy]

Good point!

[20DNewbie]

I'm glad this thread was resurrected, haven't told a toilet joke in days!

O-kay so Gary is already working on the next MkIV version of the Water Closet..

It's called "The Aristocrat"












..some of you might get it.....

Yeah, but if we type the specs won't we get banned?http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/4816/248cc.gifhttp://img29.imageshack.us/img29/4816/248cc.gifhttp://img29.imageshack.us/img29/4816/248cc.gif

[Brittany35]

has anyone tried the whaletail out yet??

[Angel_LCD]

I would love to see some sample photos soon ;) even though it looks like yeah :p

[Brittany35]

from his videos ive watched, it seems like a really nice device, although like many others i agree its high priced, but i hate ghetto-rigged stuff, so id rather spend the money on it to have something nice. Also, ive read reviews from photographers and they say people only use to that dont understand lighting, but i dunno... maybe someone can explain that statement better.. how are you supposed to quickly diffuse or bounce lighting in an event thats not stopping for you?? lol

[rslv]

Someone please do a "Flip-it! VS Flush-it!" test!

I will propably be needing a diffuser (once the 580II arrives) that throws abit more light forward than abetterbouncecard. Demb or Fong? That is the question...