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FORUMS General Gear Talk Flash and Studio Lighting 
Thread started 15 Jan 2010 (Friday) 20:12
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My DIY Gel Holder - Total Cost 80 cent plus tax

 
mcgong
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Jan 15, 2010 20:12 |  #1

Here is my version of the a gel holder. The concept wasn't mine, I saw it on the web somewhere, probably on strobist. Total cost for me was 80 cent, might be more for some who don't have the necessary tools...but hey, this is an excuse to go out and get them...you can never have enough tools. :)

I picked up a plastic picture frame holder from Walmart for 80 cents. They have two sizes that will work. For the larger flashes, the 3.5x5 is good and for the smaller (yongnuo) flashes, the 3.25x2.25 I think would work better. The bigger size is 80 cents and the smaller size is 50 cents. So I bought a couple of each in in case I messed up and for my multiple flashes.

Here are the frames I purchased as well at the Rosco Gel displayed in my gel holder.

EDIT: I made a version of the smaller one also and I think the smaller frame would work better for most purposes. Check down the thread for picture of the smaller version.

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Here is what you will need:

Frame
Marker
Plastic Scoring Tool
Ruler or Straight Edge of some sort
Heat Gun or a lighter/candle will work as some have successfully used also.

Measure the size of your flash head against the frame and mark place with marker
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Place the ruler down and start scoring the plastic. This takes some patience but after a few minutes, you will be able to just snap the plastic in two. Its good to score more than halfway through first.
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Once you have snapped off the first piece, you will need to measure for the second cut. From the first cut I measured about 1.5 inches towards the base of the frame. This will be the part that attaches to the top of the flash. Once you measured, do the same as before and score the plastic till you can break it in half.


You should have this now.

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Next you will need to take the heat gun (or lighter/candle) and melt the plastic. I put on gloves as to not burn my fingers....it can get pretty hot and it helps with holding the hot plastic easier. Also use a ruler or a straight edge to help bend the plastic straight. I found it easier to heat the plastic on the opposite side of where the cut is, then flip it back around a use a ruler to bend it.

You will know the plastic is hot enough to bend with it starts to droop a little. Don't not hold the heat gun in one spot, keep waving it back and forth until the plastic is hot enough. This is so the plastic doesn't curdle.

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You should end up with something like this.


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Now just use some velcro to attach it to your flash or a rubber band and your set.

If you use a Lumiquest Softbox III like me, just pick up the smaller size so the holder doesn't overhang on the edge.

Hope this helps you. Good Luck!

5D2 - 20mm,50L,7-200L

  
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bobn15
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Jan 15, 2010 20:26 |  #2

none of your links are active


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zachbreaux
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Jan 15, 2010 20:28 |  #3

Yeah thats not the code potn uses


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TMR ­ Design
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Jan 15, 2010 20:39 as a reply to  @ zachbreaux's post |  #4

You're posting with HTML and you need to use BBcode.


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mcgong
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Jan 15, 2010 20:54 as a reply to  @ TMR Design's post |  #5

You are all keen observers :D

They should work now, I was in the process of fixing it. :D


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bobn15
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Jan 15, 2010 21:03 |  #6

Very neat, now I have use for my unused picture frames, thanks.


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PJ
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Jan 15, 2010 21:04 as a reply to  @ mcgong's post |  #7

I like this idea. It seems like it would also work well with a rubber band holding the gel holder in place as I dislike putting Velcro on my flash.

Nice execution!


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GerVaj08
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Jan 15, 2010 21:18 |  #8

Damn never knew this! Haha.. I got ton's of those picture frames "if I could find them in my boxes"... I'll have to try this! Thanks for the Info!


Canon 5DII, Canon 24-105L, Canon 100L, Tamron 70-200 f/2.8

  
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mcgong
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Jan 15, 2010 21:59 as a reply to  @ GerVaj08's post |  #9

Here are some pictures of the smaller frame. After having done this one now. I think the smaller one is a better choice all around. Its only 50 cents too. :lol::lol:

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I also added the soft side of velcro underneath so it doesnt scratch the top of the flash and took a dremmel to sand the sharp corners down a little. You could use a file if you don't have a dremmel.

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Here is a pic of the tools you will need also.

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5D2 - 20mm,50L,7-200L

  
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kwando
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Jan 15, 2010 23:26 |  #10

great writeup...


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c2thew
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Jan 16, 2010 01:10 |  #11

excellent write up with great shots of the process.


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ahdum
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Jan 16, 2010 03:20 as a reply to  @ c2thew's post |  #12

gonna try this tomorrow! thanks!




  
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NorCalNomad
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Jan 16, 2010 21:38 |  #13

ohhh, have been thinking up ways that my free gels could be held to my 430exII. Thanks for guide...time to go to walmart :D and find some hook sides velcro to the 50ft roll of loop side velcro I have :P (great chainstay protector for biking)


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RLipp69
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Jan 16, 2010 21:49 as a reply to  @ NorCalNomad's post |  #14

Thanks for the tip.


Canon 5DMKIII, 40D,EF 70-200 F/2.8L IS II,24-70 F/2.8L,35mmF/1.4[COLOR=red]L, EFS-580EXll.Pcket wizzard mini & Flex,Bees and beauty dish

  
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Liazon
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Jan 16, 2010 22:32 |  #15

Does the use of acrylic like that eat up light? I know gels do, but Velcro on the sides work for me. In some situations i dont want extra light to be wasted when i need it.




  
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My DIY Gel Holder - Total Cost 80 cent plus tax
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