FZ18 - A VERY inexpensive flash diffuser!

I'm a "beauty is as beauty does" kind of guy. Don't really care what it looks like, as long as it works!

--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

I remember them well. Still have a bunch around, but most of them, unfortunately, are black.

I did find a couple of real collector's items the other day in one of my old kit bags......METAL 35mm film canisters, complete with rubber gaskets. Now I'm REALLY dating myself!

--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

Bill,

Thanks for the tip regarding the diffuser. Couldn't but notice that one of your shots showing the diffuser also showed an eyecup around the EVF of your FZ18. I've had one on order for about 2 months and it remains on backorder.

Care to share some info about the eyecup? Such as where did you got it, how is it affixed, model, etc... Any info will be appreciated.

Thanks,

Gary
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Did anyone find a lens cap?

Panasonic does not offer an optional rubber eyecup for the FZ18. The one I ordered and installed is actually intended for another Panasonic model (I think the FZ50) and was recommended by someone on this forum.

The part number is VYQ3857 and called an "EVF Cover Cushion". It may be ordered from Panasonic Direct for $8.66 + shipping. The part is currently backordered, with a late January estimated shipping date.

The part is a good fit on the FZ18 and easily installed, with minor modifications. The procedure is as follows:

1. Separate the inner hard plastic insert from the outer rubber cover, Dispose of the hard plastic insert, as it is not needed.

2. Stretch the outer rubber cover over your viewfinder frame, so you can get a "feel" for how it fits. The cover will be a bit tight, but that's a good thing.

3. Remove the rubber cover.

4. Place a couple of drops of super glue on each of the four sides of the camera's viewfinder frame. DO NOT USE EXCESS GLUE OR PUT GLUE ON BOTH THE FRAME AND THE RUBBER COVER. A little goes a long way. I use Loctite Super Glue - Professional (Loctite Part #01-07008).

5. Slide the rubber cover over the viewfinder frame, being careful not to spread glue where the rubber will not cover. Be especially careful on the side where the viewfinder diopter wheel is located. The rubber cover will come close to the wheel, but will not touch it, if the cover is on evenly and straight.

(HINT: The cover is a tight fit and will try to slide around until the glue begins to set (15-25 seconds). Once the proper position is established, hold the rubber cover in place for an additional minute or so. You could probably use the camera 30 minutes later, but I let mine dry overnight, just to be safe.)

Written down, this sounds more complicated than it really is. I have installed two of these units (on my camera and on my daughter's camera) and it's really very simple.

Good luck and good shooting!

--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

Thanks for the eyecup info and the excellent installation instructions.

-Gary
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Did anyone find a lens cap?

I love the idea and your photos! I take many indoor shots of my kids so would love to diffuse the flash...Are these the cinnamon roll-type pastries that come in the cardboard rolls? I've never bought them before. I did get the part about icing and Pillsbury.

(Wow, adds a whole new excitement to grocery shopping).

thanks.

michele

mdemusis said:

I love the idea and your photos! I take many indoor shots of my kids
so would love to diffuse the flash...Are these the cinnamon roll-type
pastries that come in the cardboard rolls? I've never bought them
before. I did get the part about icing and Pillsbury.

(Wow, adds a whole new excitement to grocery shopping).

thanks.

michele

Click to expand...

I'd love a picture of the exact product. I'm with you, not quite sure what to buy

I have posted a photo of one of the pastry cans.

http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill/image/91323347

When you open the can, the rolls are on top and the icing is at the bottom, in the plastic cup (with a metal lid between the rolls and the icing cup).

--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

Michele:

Thanks for the good words. No such thing as a stupid question.

Yes, they are those pastries. They are probably really bad for you, but they are oh, S-O-O-O good! ...... and you get that high-tech flash diffuser as a bonus!

I have posted a photo of the kind we buy:

http://www.pbase.com/image/91323347

--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

Thanks for the good words.

I think I'll keep the girls and the camera! They all have brought a lot of joy!

--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

Deodorant caps work too



--
Please ignore the Typos, I'm the world's worst Typist



P880 E1 - The Colourmeisters

Looks good. I'll have to have a go with one of those. Might decide to carry one of each for different effects. Also, the deodorant cap looks like it might stay on better for vertical shots. Thanks.

Love your avatar!

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Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

Bill McClung said:

to carry one of each for different effects. Also, the deodorant cap
looks like it might stay on better for vertical shots.

Click to expand...

It reduces the side-shadow a bit too .

Bill McClung said:

Love your avatar!

Click to expand...

LOL - Yeah, Scrat needs a D50 to shoot his Acorn Collection ;-)

--
Please ignore the Typos, I'm the world's worst Typist



P880 E1 - The Colourmeisters

And my daughter loves Cinnabons...this will be a big hit for the whole family. Thanks for posting the photo!

And also check out the link below for a selection of diffusers:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=26327378
--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

Given the size of his acorn collection, he had better have a good Raynox unit!

--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

Bill McClung said:

I have posted a photo of the kind we buy:

http://www.pbase.com/image/91323347

Click to expand...

Icing... icing... I got tis word wrong - you were talking about Zuckerguss! ;-) (I was totally confused, but too lazy to ask the lion)

Too bad we don't have these cinnamon rolls in shops in Germany. Thus, I'll have to stick to the film can... which surely has room for improvement.

Marcel

But you have the REAL pastries and strudels that I like so much!

You might also be able to use the plastic cap mentioned below instead:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=26327378
--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

Bill McClung said:

But you have the REAL pastries and strudels that I like so much!

Click to expand...

Yeah, but where's the point in having real pastries when they come without a flash diffuser?

;-)

Bill McClung said:

You might also be able to use the plastic cap mentioned below instead:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1033&message=26327378
--
Bill McClung (a.k.a. 'NC BILL')
Image galleries at http://www.pbase.com/nc_bill

Click to expand...

I guess every supermarket is full of flash diffusers. Shopping becomes more and more like photographing: You have to keep your eyes open.

Marcel

The pastry cup works. However my teen age children would not let me use this wonderful tool with their friends/classmates.

Wrapping a short length of Teflon tape (Hardware store, garden hose section) around the flash almost works equally well. More importantly, the kids OK this alternative.