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View Full Version : DIY Macro Flash Bracket - under $20

Laramie
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 20:22
So getting more into macro and watching the "Show Us Your Macro Rig" thread, I figured I could make a bracket for MUCH cheaper than the cost of others I've seen.

Part List:
- Piece of metal stock from home depot. Little over 1/16th inch thick. About 1 inch wide, piece was about 3 foot long. I picked a piece that was pliable enough that I could work with it, but would still be sturdy enough to support the flash and not wobble.
- Liquid rubber coating that they dip tools in for the grip.
- 1/4 inch by 3/4 inch hex head bolts for attachment to camera and flash.
- Camo duct tape...just for good measure :)

This is what the stock looks like:

http://tylerlewisphotography.smugmug.com/photos/509317730_hXL2Q-XL.jpg

For the shape, I pretty much just combined what I've seen in manufactured brackets, other DIY brackets, and my own idea. I used my boot, couple of vise grips and some good old muscle to shape it how I wanted.

http://tylerlewisphotography.smugmug.com/photos/509317797_CsoPQ-XL.jpg

After I shaped it, I dipped it twice in the rubber coating.

http://tylerlewisphotography.smugmug.com/photos/509317902_ZQs7o-XL.jpg

Next I wrapped the remaining bare metal in camo and attached it to the camera with the bolts. Feels really solid. Can carry my rig by the bracket and it doesn't feel like it's going to lose shape at all.

http://tylerlewisphotography.smugmug.com/photos/509317979_cdrWi-XL.jpg

And that's it. Easy as pie.

http://tylerlewisphotography.smugmug.com/photos/509318349_NTmwu-XL.jpg

http://tylerlewisphotography.smugmug.com/photos/509318447_rgf7Z-XL.jpg
ben_r_
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 20:35
Awesome! Good Stuff!
_aravena
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 20:37
That's so cool! Man...muscle bend metal like that. Must have been tedious for those kind of curves.
Grentz
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 20:42
Awesome, I really want to try doing this one of these days.

Did you find the rubber dip at Home Depot as well?
Laramie
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 20:47
That's so cool! Man...muscle bend metal like that. Must have been tedious for those kind of curves.

It was easier to use the excess for leverage, it wasn't that bad. Using the floor and stepping on it and the vice grips helped.

Awesome, I really want to try doing this one of these days.

Did you find the rubber dip at Home Depot as well?

Yep. About 6 bucks. Near all the loctite, glues and epoxy.
ryant35
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 20:58
Very cool.
L.Morey
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 21:01
Great job on the sheet metal work
batch
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 21:14
That is awesome! Love the ingenuity.

Btw is that a Lightsphere you have on the 580??
Laramie
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 21:52
Thanks all.

batch - it's a lightsphere knockoff I got from deal extreme for $15
dima1109
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 22:07
Great idea and execution :) Most of them are ripoffs (~$200 for a flash holder - come on!)

On a side note: are you using a Dot-Line off-camera cord for your flash?
Grentz
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 22:28
Great idea and execution :) Most of them are ripoffs (~$200 for a flash holder - come on!)



100% agree, it is just ridiculous when you look at what they are made out of as well!

O well, tends to be how this hobby/industry goes :lol:
Laramie
16th of March 2009 (Mon), 22:43
Great idea and execution :) Most of them are ripoffs (~$200 for a flash holder - come on!)

On a side note: are you using a Dot-Line off-camera cord for your flash?

Thanks! The off camera cord is actually a Samy's Camera Generic. Was about $35 if I remember right.
wantone
24th of March 2009 (Tue), 04:22
Love the cammo wrap, can't tell where the metal thing is at all :D
Laramie
1st of May 2009 (Fri), 11:39
links fixed, pics up again per some PM requests...
maximus96
1st of May 2009 (Fri), 17:53
did you use the 1/8" steel bar from homedepot? i wonder if the 1" or 1-1/2" wide aluminum stock at home depot is strong enough. it felt pretty stiff last time i picked it up.