flash brackets etc.

just got my first big flash, a 580exII, and I sure wish it was a more rigid, rugged set up. The thing just feels fragile and like it is going to break off there for sure someday. A bracket or L frame seems like a better mount system to me, but I have no experience with them.

At 200 plus dollars, I think canon can keep their bracket. I don't mind paying for stuff I couldn't possibly build myself like a lens that zooms from 100 to 400 AND has image stabilisation and a cool color scheme, but simple objects with no real technology don't merit the high prices the lenses deserve. The off shoe cord should cost more than that bracket.

Heres what I am thinking. If you guys will tell me what you use and why you like it or hate it, I want to take the best ideas and designs and work up a bracket for myself. I am a journeyman toolmaker, I can do this right with the help of this here worldwide design team. Thanks in advance for your help on this.

I use a Stroboframe CameraFlip because it is what I could afford. Well under the $200 at the time. It works OK but seems loose and floppy? The linkages seem to flex too much.

I have tried a Custom Bracket Pro and found it to be sturdy and smooth in operation. Again, a camera rotator. http://www.custombrack​ets.com …Viewnew.asp?idp​roduct=121 It's heavy and expensive IMO.

Tool up a knock off of the Newton Camera Bracket. None sturdier for the light weight, built for exacting professional usage, holds up well for wedding shooters.

Another vote for the stroboframe camera flip. My beef is with Canon's ETTL II system. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I find myself using my Promaster 5950 TTL thrystor more and more over the 580ex II. Hasn't failed one time, plus no FEC needed, totally opposite of the 580ex II when bouncing.

OK, thanks for the input, so far so good. that Newton is a beauty, So far It is the most intriguing idea I have seen, just wondering how the 'swivels' lock in the 'closed and latched' position? there must be a snap button or a slide latch somewhere not easily seen on their website. I think I know how I would do it, just wondering what you think of their latch system?

There are no locks on the Stroboframe. I would expect there are none on the Newton. I believe the Custom has a spring lock of some sort with detents.