R2D2 wrote:
Looong story here.
First, you need a nice fairly stiff plastic that when held up to the light you can see your fingers through, but not see your fingerprints. Getting the right amount of diffusion is the tricky part (plus you want a nice white plastic that doesn't impart any tint).
I comb the box stores constantly, looking for something with just the right properties. The security staff must think I'm crazy holding all manner of stuff up in the air whenever I find a likely prospect, be it a storage box or a toilet brush holder!
The original plastic sheeting I found was the perfect material. It was the cover of a threee-ring binder that I found at a Staples store years ago (it's since been discontinued). I bought a couple of them at the time, but should have bought a bunch more! Now I'm peering through everything from milk jugs to office supplies looking for the ideal plastic. I think you'll have to do the same!
BTW I found a pic of the diffuser mounted on my 28 Macro...
Crude but effective. I cut the hole just a bit smaller, so that the fit is snug and the diffuser stays put. The plastics I've found are non-marring.
Just an FYI for folks. Diffusion increases with size and (nearer) distance, plus you want to further eliminate hot spots as much as possible (sometimes I add a smaller central layer, or space two sheets a bit apart). Flash power becomes a factor though, as diffusion increases.
Creating a mini softbox out of Foamcore increases light transmission, and can attach right to your flash's head (I use velcro). It's not as portable as a simple sheet though.
R2
Good to know, I underestimated the part of finding the material with the right properties, not only in diffusion quality but also weight and rigidity.
I found this one that sells for $12 and can be folded into a small bag, similar to car's windshield shade. I probably go this route.
Thanks for sharing.