G1 and lensmate questions

[cheekycj]

Hi G1/lensmate owners,

I know the G1 is outdated but I still love it and hope there are other owners that can help me out.

I got my lensmate (I know, I know what took me so long) yesterday. I put it on and took some test pictures. The shadow caused by it on pics taken with the internal flash was a little bothersome to me. I noticed it primarily on closer sample pics.

I read the FAQ that it happens at 4ft and closer. And that is primarily where I saw it as well.

My First Questions is:
Should I never take normal pictures (not closesups or anything) closer than 4 ft but rather stand further away and zoom in?

Does the tiffen or habuka adapters have a lesser effect on the flash due to their smaller size? I know the tiffen isn't smaller by much 3mm is what I read, but does it lessen it enough to warrant a change?

I know external flashes like the 420EX can solve this but besides it being a bit out of budget right now, I would rather not have such a big flash either.

Second Question is:
Are there cheaper non-canon flashes that work as well as the 420EX (i.e. support bouncing)

TIA,
CJ
Camere Owned >> Canon G1
Purchase Date >> June 2001
Level of Expertise >> Still a Novice :-(

[al606]

Hi Cheeky. I too love my G1 and hope it never dies with it's tongue hanging out.

I bought a lensmate shortly after the camera and leave it on 100% of the time. You're right about the flash, just step back a couple of feet and zoom it -- all will be ok and the DOF will likely make it a better picture anyways.

I purchased a Sunpak 383 flash because I didn't want to fork out $300 Canadian for a 420ex and can live with setting it manually. It cost $120 at my local camera store and does all forms of bounce. I also bought a diffuser for a few bucks (can't remember how much) which helps a lot. I selected the 383 for price and beecause the trigger voltage won't fry my G1 as some others might.

Al[/quote]

[cheekycj]

Thanx for the advise. I am going to stick with the lensmate, I was thinking of getting the 43mm Hakuba but the lensmate seems to be fine. Plus stepping back lets me zoom in to exactly what I want.

I do have one more question.. how do you clean your lens? I just noticed a bit of dust, and I was wondering if I can use the same compressed air blower that I use for computer parts or should I buy something else?

TIA,
CJ

[al606]

I bought a "lenspen" at a local store. http://www.lenspen.com/

Works like a charm.

[dicky109]

Most of the time, I just fog my lens or filter with my breath, and wipe it off with either a lens tissue or microfiber cloth. Its rare anything else is needed.