I am modifying or fabricating virtually from scratch several flash brackets to fill my needs.
The first is a modification of a Custom Brackets Folding “T” Bracket. I don’t like a flash flip bracket. I have modified this bracket to use with my 70-200mm f/4L IS lens with a tripod collar. I have had the Custom Brackets rig for years but, have not used it extensively until I did this modification. I don't like a flash flip bracket because when bouncing the flash and going from a vertical to horizontal position, you need to realign the flash.
On this Custom Bracket CB-T modification, the camera is rotated from portrait to landscape using the collar. The flash is a Godox TT685C and is triggered by a Flashpoint R2T Transmitter. I really like using my 6D Mark-2 camera with the 70-200mm f/4L IS lens and a mini softbox for run and gun fill light portrait work outdoors.
I made the following modifications.
on SmugmugA. The skinny handle of the T Bracket is uncomfortable for my large hands. I did a double wrap of parachute cord covered by electrical tape to build up the size of the upright handle…
B. I added an Arca Compatible clamp which secures the Arca Compatible Bracket on the shoe of my lens quite nicely. I use an Arca Compatible plate when shooting with my 70-200mm f/4L IS lens.
on SmugmugMy 100-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II flash has an after-market Kirk tripod collar shoe which is Arca Compatible without using an accessory plate. I added a piece of aluminum plate as a stop which prevents the Arca Clamp from rotating on the attachment screw due to the torque of the heavy lens and camera.
C. I attached a woodworking L bracket between the upright handle and the flash arm of the flash bracket using electrical tape. This serves to prevent the flash handle from rotating. Since I rotate the camera using the lens tripod collar, I don’t need the flash arm to rotate.
D. I added a piece of aluminum stock to the cold shoe that attaches the flash to the flash arm. This acts as a stop and prevents the cold shoe from rotating due to torque - especially when I have a mini softbox attached.
This is a lightweight and very portable rig which with the mini softbox produces quite nice fill light outdoors for run and gun portraiture.
on SmugmugIndoors, it works great with the bounce flash. I usually use a Joe Demb Flash Diffuser Pro diffuser/reflector but, I shot this with the built-in flash card up since it was easier to shoot it that way and I am sure that you get the idea!
on SmugmugAnd I don't have to re position the flash when shifting from horizontal to vertical...
on SmugmugThe added bulk of the para cord wind on the handle of the bracket makes it more comfortable to hold and it serves as a handle when I am carrying the rig.
on SmugmugI am just about through with my total renovation of my Stroboframe Camera Flip Bracket which will be a multi use bracket. I am also going to retrofit an ancient Stroboflash twin lens reflex flash bracket into a macro photo flash bracket.
