Umbrella holder compatability?

[k4show]

Hi,
Would this http://cgi.ebay.com/Flash-Shoe-Umbrella-Holder-Swivel-Light-Stand-Blacket-C_W0QQitemZ160328703369QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_F lash_Accessories?hash=item160328703369&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A15|39%3A1|240%3A1318 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Flash-Shoe-Umbrella-Holder-Swivel-Light-Stand-Blacket-C_W0QQitemZ160328703369QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_F lash_Accessories?hash=item160328703369&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A15%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318)
umbrella work with the CTR-301 triggers that have a 1/4 female socket on the bottom? TIA

[Milamu'g]

Doesn't look like it. You can always use a sync cable from the trigger to the flash. Given you're flash has a sync port otherwise you'll have to buy another adapter.
Also, I would be hesitant using a cheap ball head to support a flash and umbrella. They'll wear down really quick and start slipping.

[k4show]

Are you sure the hot shoe mount doesn't come off on it? It would also not be that hard to have a 1/4 bolt sticking through a piece of metal made for the hot shoe...

[k4show]

What about this one? http://cgi.ebay.ca/Flash-Shoe-Holder-Swivel-Bracket-Umbrella-Mount-N_W0QQitemZ170316913875QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_Defau ltDomain_0?hash=item170316913875&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A13 18

[msowsun]

It looks to me like the both first and second ones could be used. You would just need to unscrew the flash "cold-shoe" and mount your receiver on the stud. I would also be a little concerned using a ballhead, but it may work perfectly as well.

Here is a photo of the second type being used:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/msowsun/photo%20stuff/Newer/untitled.jpg

[k4show]

Thanks I ended up getting this one.

http://www.flashzebra.com/brackets/0041.shtml

[msowsun]

Excellent choice! :)

[Jannie]

Mike what is that one you are showing in the photo and where can I get one exactly like it if I don't use ebay? It looks rugged and the umbrella shaft hole is at a nice angle and not to big so that the shaft is not sloppy in the hole like the ones I have. The one in the photo you show has a better tightening screw on the top section than the ebay one as well.

Is it the same as this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=546375&is=REG

[msowsun]

I am not sure which one it is. I got the photo doing a google image search.

[mufutau55]

No. The one Mike showed above is the calumet version from the link below:

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/MF6830/

Both Calumet type and the Manfrotto/Bogen type are very, very good and durable.

Mufutau

Mike what is that one you are showing in the photo and where can I get one exactly like it if I don't use ebay? It looks rugged and the umbrella shaft hole is at a nice angle and not to big so that the shaft is not sloppy in the hole like the ones I have. The one in the photo you show has a better tightening screw on the top section than the ebay one as well.

Is it the same as this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=546375&is=REG

[Jannie]

Thanks, I've got it bookmarked.

[agedbriar]

I ordered the ballhead version last night, having mainly closeups and macro in mind, with the flash on the Stroboframe bracket. I'll report about sturdiness.

Shipped 12 hours after payment - good first impression.

[agedbriar]

I received the Yongnuo ballhead holder today, exactly two weeks after payment.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160328703369

It's well made, nicely finished and sturdy for the size (main body diameter 30mm, weight 132g, all metal except for the shoe and bolt grips), certainly worth the $13 shipped.

There is a caveat, though: the top flash shoe is entirely plastic and the side rails are thicker than on metal shoes, which prevents the 430/580EXII to lock home without straining the locking mechanism too much. With flashes with the fixing nut there is no problem.

So, 430/580EXII owners should remove the provided plastic shoe and either replace it with one like this

http://www.flashzebra.com/hotshoes-shoes/0066.shtml

(which fits perfectly), or, when using the OC-E3 cord, screw the terminal directly onto the ballhead arm.

I also applied a drop of Loctite to the foot 3/8 connection, as I have no use for this thread size and the foot with its inner 1/4 thread can remain on permanently.

I expect this ballhead holder to do a great job when mounted on a flash bracket for closeup/macro use, but on top of a light stand, where the ballhead adjustability is not required, I will rather keep using my somewhat heftier standard flash/umbrella holders, their plastic body notwithstanding.

[msowsun]

Is it sturdy enough to support a DSLR and small lens in a pinch? (cheap ballhead?)

[agedbriar]

Well, I just tried with a 30D and 60 macro.

Close to upright, acceptable (barely).

Close to 90 deg tilt, you have to turn the fixing screw pretty forcibly to block the ball. It's a metric M6 screw and body thickness (lenght of the inner thread) is 5mm, brass I guess. Threads might get stripped with repeated use in tilted position.

[msowsun]

OK, thanks.