Reading mode: Light Dark

Stroboframe Camera Flip bracket with 10D & BigED?

Go to last post
Quick Flip I use is the 320 for 35mm cameras and have not had any problems using it with the BG-ED vertical grip. The Quick Flip does keep the flash head oriented to the sensor and the Camera Flip does not. The only thing I do differently is mount the handle and flash on the right side of the camera, this way the shutter release on the vertical grip is on top as well as the flash head. The only difficulty is (and not much IMHO) the CF door is restricted by the handle and you have to rotate the bracket to change CF cards. This is because I like the handle close to the camera and I can reach over to the shutter button for horizontal shots. If you want, I can post a picture of the setup.
Mickey said:
Also, if I understand how these brackets work, it seems the Quick
Flip models will have the flash aligned properly with the format of
the camera (in vertical orientation, the flash head will be
vertical too), whereas the camera flip will always keep the flash
head horizontal. Seems to me that the Quick Flip would be a better
choice, but I'm not sure about how they compare in terms of
functionality.

Michael
Ben Strasser said:
I don't use the camera flip but do use the quick flip with the
vertical grip on my 10D and it works extreamly well for weddings.
I do have the bracket mounted so the handle is on the right side.
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
Click to expand...
 
doesn't flop around. Just loosen the nut and tighten the screw with an allen wrench and re-tighten the nut. You can also go as far as being able to stand on the arm without moving it.
Mickey said:
Michael
Dennis Lathem said:
The major problem I had with the two stroboframes (medium format
and 35mm version) was not with the BIGED grip on my D60, but the
fact that the 550EX flash was so heavy that the flipping mechanimsm
on that arm would not hold it where I wanted it all the time.

I sucked it up and bought the custom bracket with the stand and
grip. I know you did not want to spend a lot of money, but after
more than a year of frustration the Custom Bracket was the final
answer.

The custom bracket is heavy, particularly when I have it rigged
with dual 550EXs, but at least you can set it down on its built
sand/base.

Good luck.

--
CDL
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
Click to expand...
 
Thanks Ben. I'd love to see how the camera and grip looks on the 320, esp. when it's in the modified right-side position.

I wonder why they say it's best to use cameras without accessory grips with the 320? Is it because the flash head isn't exactly over the lens when you're using the grip? I guess I'll see how it looks when you post the picture. :)

Michael
Ben Strasser said:
Quick Flip I use is the 320 for 35mm cameras and have not had any
problems using it with the BG-ED vertical grip. The Quick Flip
does keep the flash head oriented to the sensor and the Camera Flip
does not. The only thing I do differently is mount the handle and
flash on the right side of the camera, this way the shutter release
on the vertical grip is on top as well as the flash head. The only
difficulty is (and not much IMHO) the CF door is restricted by the
handle and you have to rotate the bracket to change CF cards. This
is because I like the handle close to the camera and I can reach
over to the shutter button for horizontal shots. If you want, I
can post a picture of the setup.
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
 
The first image is from the rear and you can see the Stroboframe label facing the photographer (backwards from normal operation). The handle is close enough for me to hold the handle and reach the shutter for horizontal shots.



Front view: Note that the Canon Off-Camera cord is attached directly to the arm. (the flash flipped on me and the plastic foot on the cord broke. That is how I discovered there was an adjustment for the arm tension)



The last shot (you would never guess I shoot pictures for a living) shows the flash positioned for a vertical shot.



Oh, one other thing with the Stroboframe or the BG-ED3. The length of the screw attaching the frame to the camera is a little too long or the depth of the hole on the BG-ED3 is too shallow. It holds the frame to the camera but not tight enough for my liking. I use a washer to take up the difference and it works great.
I hope this helps.
Mickey said:
I wonder why they say it's best to use cameras without accessory
grips with the 320? Is it because the flash head isn't exactly
over the lens when you're using the grip? I guess I'll see how it
looks when you post the picture. :)

Michael
Ben Strasser said:
Quick Flip I use is the 320 for 35mm cameras and have not had any
problems using it with the BG-ED vertical grip. The Quick Flip
does keep the flash head oriented to the sensor and the Camera Flip
does not. The only thing I do differently is mount the handle and
flash on the right side of the camera, this way the shutter release
on the vertical grip is on top as well as the flash head. The only
difficulty is (and not much IMHO) the CF door is restricted by the
handle and you have to rotate the bracket to change CF cards. This
is because I like the handle close to the camera and I can reach
over to the shutter button for horizontal shots. If you want, I
can post a picture of the setup.
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
Click to expand...
 
Thank you so much for those pics! I see what you're saying now - you didn't have to modify the bracket, you're just using it with the handle on the right instead of the left so that you can hold the big ed in your right hand and still keep the flash above the camera.

Do you find the inch or two offset of the flash from the lens axis shows any shadows to the side of the subject, or is the offset negligable? Also, does the AF assist lamp from the external flash still cover the centre AF point for focusing?

Michael

P.S. Wow, I never would have thought there'd be so many things to consider for a seemingly simple thing like a flash bracket!!
Ben Strasser said:
The first image is from the rear and you can see the Stroboframe
label facing the photographer (backwards from normal operation).
The handle is close enough for me to hold the handle and reach the
shutter for horizontal shots.
http://www.pbase.com/image/23459935.jpg
Front view: Note that the Canon Off-Camera cord is attached
directly to the arm. (the flash flipped on me and the plastic foot
on the cord broke. That is how I discovered there was an adjustment
for the arm tension)
http://www.pbase.com/image/23460009.jpg
The last shot (you would never guess I shoot pictures for a living)
shows the flash positioned for a vertical shot.
http://www.pbase.com/image/23460055.jpg
Oh, one other thing with the Stroboframe or the BG-ED3. The length
of the screw attaching the frame to the camera is a little too long
or the depth of the hole on the BG-ED3 is too shallow. It holds
the frame to the camera but not tight enough for my liking. I use
a washer to take up the difference and it works great.
I hope this helps.
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
 
Thanks Nikhil. I just sent you an email (it will come from "Morpheus Multimedia"). I look forward to your reply. If I can get it to work properly with my 10D and big ed, I think it's the better choice for me so I can have the bracket grip on the left side of the camera where it's supposed to be. Otherwise, I'm liking the look of the Press-T but when you add on the shoe adapter it's about $100 USD, which is a good deal more.

Michael
Nikhil Mehta said:
Mickey its a standard philips screw i could take a picture and show
you what i did if you would like to see that email me.

--
Nikhil
http://www.pt-studios.com
Member - Los Angeles Canon digital SLR Group -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lacdg/
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
 
Paul Andre said:
I've used it with my d60 and grip. Search ebay for some good deals.

--
My portfolio: http://www.PaulAndre.com (Experimental photo site.)
My girlfriend: http://www.iNikki.com (She's beautiful!)
My designs: http://www.2NV.com (Need a designer?)
My community: http://www.Jockable.com (Are you jockable?)

'Set no limitations. Break the rules!'

'Good photographers learn from their mistakes.
Great photographers learn from other's mistakes!'

Click to expand...
--
'Maintain a positive attitude'
 
Even though there is a minimum offset, I find the height of the flash head above the lens throws the shadows behind and below the subject. If your subject is really close to a wall, you will see a small shadow.

The AF assist lamp on the flash can be set to the center AF point by loosening the two height adjustment screws and tilting the arm slightly and re-tightening. It is surprising for such a simple flash bracket there are so many adjustments that can be made to it. A real credit to Stroboframe.
Mickey said:
Do you find the inch or two offset of the flash from the lens axis
shows any shadows to the side of the subject, or is the offset
negligable? Also, does the AF assist lamp from the external flash
still cover the centre AF point for focusing?

Michael

P.S. Wow, I never would have thought there'd be so many things to
consider for a seemingly simple thing like a flash bracket!!
Ben Strasser said:
The first image is from the rear and you can see the Stroboframe
label facing the photographer (backwards from normal operation).
The handle is close enough for me to hold the handle and reach the
shutter for horizontal shots.
http://www.pbase.com/image/23459935.jpg
Front view: Note that the Canon Off-Camera cord is attached
directly to the arm. (the flash flipped on me and the plastic foot
on the cord broke. That is how I discovered there was an adjustment
for the arm tension)
http://www.pbase.com/image/23460009.jpg
The last shot (you would never guess I shoot pictures for a living)
shows the flash positioned for a vertical shot.
http://www.pbase.com/image/23460055.jpg
Oh, one other thing with the Stroboframe or the BG-ED3. The length
of the screw attaching the frame to the camera is a little too long
or the depth of the hole on the BG-ED3 is too shallow. It holds
the frame to the camera but not tight enough for my liking. I use
a washer to take up the difference and it works great.
I hope this helps.
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
Click to expand...
 
Mickey said:
Has anyone tried the Stroboframe "Camera Flip" flash bracket with
the 10D and BG-ED3 grip? I'm looking to get a relatively
inexpensive flash bracket (i.e. no Custom Brackets) to keep my
420EX above the lens in vertical and horizontal orientation, but it
says it's best used on cameras "without large add-on accessory
motor drives". Does this mean the camera won't fit in the bracket
if I have the grip attached, or does it just make the lens
off-centre when shooting vertically?

Your comments and/or suggestions for other bracket options would be
appreciated.

Thanks,

Michael

--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
Click to expand...
--
Maybe a little radical?

I ended up modifying a quick flip, But it might be a little more than anyone would want to do and a bit of a hatchet job. Also let it be noted I don't use the Big Ed vertical controls, I prefer using the same style as I would with out Big Ed attached, grip up, although it will work fine using the big ed grip and its controls by just replacing the mounting screw to the camera with a flat styled replacement.

Its a bit of work starting with taping a new hole into the base and literally taking the bracket completely apart and basically turning it inside out. I taped the new hole to the same center as the previous holes. At this distance it doesn't fit my hand without removing the foam handle, nor can you get the CF door open and remove the card without the foam handle removed. Taping the hole further away would throw off the positioning of the flash center of lens in landscape position. The size of your hand is also a consideration since mine just fits. After this taking the arm and bracket off the vertical bracket arm and reversing them. Actually I think I would have trouble getting it back together the right way:)

Reversing the shoe mount, mounting it upside down on the bracket and at 180 degrees of its original fit which also required some metal filing to make it fit flat.

In the end I retain shooting portrait (shutter button up), access to batteries, and compact flash, also doubles as a hand strap since my hand just fits, back of hand supported by bracket) in-between the camera and bracket (foam handle cut, removed and repositioned in two pieces). The most radical modification was screwing a small screw into the base of big-ed to keep the bracket from inching its way forward from the weight of the 550ex since moving the bottom positioning of the screw mount left too much weight past the mount giving it leverage for movement. The 550ex doesn't line up perfect but is only fractions of an inch from center in portrait but the 420ex is dead on. After the modification it works just as well with big ed attached as it did before without although now big ed is required. I cancelled my order for the Newton I was so pleased.

Note: the st-e2 will fit for landscape position but the round Phillips head screw would have to be replaced with a counter sunk flat screw to make the bracket sit at a 45% angle without hitting the st-e2.
Photo examples embedded:









Thomas M

 
I guess that's one thing the Camera Flip can't do - adjust the angle of the flash bar - since it's all one piece. Also, I guess the ST-E2 wouldn't work either 'cause it would surely hit the bracket grip in portrait orientation (not that I have one, but I may in the future).

Sheesh, this is worse than choosing lenses! ;) Thanks for all your help though.

Michael
Ben Strasser said:
Mickey said:
Do you find the inch or two offset of the flash from the lens axis
shows any shadows to the side of the subject, or is the offset
negligable? Also, does the AF assist lamp from the external flash
still cover the centre AF point for focusing?

Michael

P.S. Wow, I never would have thought there'd be so many things to
consider for a seemingly simple thing like a flash bracket!!
Ben Strasser said:
The first image is from the rear and you can see the Stroboframe
label facing the photographer (backwards from normal operation).
The handle is close enough for me to hold the handle and reach the
shutter for horizontal shots.
http://www.pbase.com/image/23459935.jpg
Front view: Note that the Canon Off-Camera cord is attached
directly to the arm. (the flash flipped on me and the plastic foot
on the cord broke. That is how I discovered there was an adjustment
for the arm tension)
http://www.pbase.com/image/23460009.jpg
The last shot (you would never guess I shoot pictures for a living)
shows the flash positioned for a vertical shot.
http://www.pbase.com/image/23460055.jpg
Oh, one other thing with the Stroboframe or the BG-ED3. The length
of the screw attaching the frame to the camera is a little too long
or the depth of the hole on the BG-ED3 is too shallow. It holds
the frame to the camera but not tight enough for my liking. I use
a washer to take up the difference and it works great.
I hope this helps.
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
 
Yes, and thank you very much for sending it. I've been terribly busy today and have just finished work now (12:40 am). I think I see what you've done to mod the Camera Flip, which is move the camera mount mechanism over to the right which makes the connection to the rest of the bracket very short (about an inch or so?). I'm still torn between this unit and the 120 or 350. None of them really give me everything I'm looking for so maybe I'll end up biting the bullet and going for the Press-T or Pro-RL. Hopefully one of my local camera stores will have those brackets in stock so I can can get a feel for them.

Michael
Nikhil Mehta said:
??
--
Nikhil
http://www.pt-studios.com
Member - Los Angeles Canon digital SLR Group -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lacdg/
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
 
gvoid said:
Paul Andre said:
I've used it with my d60 and grip. Search ebay for some good deals.

--
My portfolio: http://www.PaulAndre.com (Experimental photo site.)
My girlfriend: http://www.iNikki.com (She's beautiful!)
My designs: http://www.2NV.com (Need a designer?)
My community: http://www.Jockable.com (Are you jockable?)

'Set no limitations. Break the rules!'

'Good photographers learn from their mistakes.
Great photographers learn from other's mistakes!'

Click to expand...
--
'Maintain a positive attitude'
Click to expand...
--
'Maintain a positive attitude'
 
Mickey said:
Has anyone tried the Stroboframe "Camera Flip" flash bracket with
the 10D and BG-ED3 grip? I'm looking to get a relatively
inexpensive flash bracket (i.e. no Custom Brackets) to keep my
420EX above the lens in vertical and horizontal orientation, but it
says it's best used on cameras "without large add-on accessory
motor drives". Does this mean the camera won't fit in the bracket
if I have the grip attached, or does it just make the lens
off-centre when shooting vertically?

Your comments and/or suggestions for other bracket options would be
appreciated.

Thanks,

Michael

--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
Click to expand...
--
Mart
I use a manfroto flash bracket cost 40 uk pounds at a guess $70 us.
 
I just don't understand how it works as I can't make out clearly what it looks like from the tiny photos on the Stroboframe site. It's also twice the size and 3 times the weight of other brackets like the Press-T, and quite a bit more money so that's a bit of a hindrance for me. Do you know if it comes with everything you need to attach the flash (unlike the Press-T which requires the optional shoe adapter)?

I like the simple compact approach of the Press-T but haven't heard how well it works with SLRs with grips. I wonder if the height is adjustable to get the flash centred in portrait orientation. It doesn't seem like any of my local camera stores have these in stock so I can't just try them out and pick which one I like best. :(

Michael
gvoid said:
gvoid said:
Paul Andre said:
I've used it with my d60 and grip. Search ebay for some good deals.

--
My portfolio: http://www.PaulAndre.com (Experimental photo site.)
My girlfriend: http://www.iNikki.com (She's beautiful!)
My designs: http://www.2NV.com (Need a designer?)
My community: http://www.Jockable.com (Are you jockable?)

'Set no limitations. Break the rules!'

'Good photographers learn from their mistakes.
Great photographers learn from other's mistakes!'

Click to expand...
--
'Maintain a positive attitude'
Click to expand...
--
'Maintain a positive attitude'
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
 
Does the stock custom provide for TWO flashes, or did you have to modify it. If the latter, what did you do?
BobB
Dennis Lathem said:
Mickey said:
Has anyone tried the Stroboframe "Camera Flip" flash bracket with
the 10D and BG-ED3 grip? I'm looking to get a relatively
inexpensive flash bracket (i.e. no Custom Brackets) to keep my
420EX above the lens in vertical and horizontal orientation, but it
says it's best used on cameras "without large add-on accessory
motor drives". Does this mean the camera won't fit in the bracket
if I have the grip attached, or does it just make the lens
off-centre when shooting vertically?
Click to expand...
The major problem I had with the two stroboframes (medium format
and 35mm version) was not with the BIGED grip on my D60, but the
fact that the 550EX flash was so heavy that the flipping mechanimsm
on that arm would not hold it where I wanted it all the time.

I sucked it up and bought the custom bracket with the stand and
grip. I know you did not want to spend a lot of money, but after
more than a year of frustration the Custom Bracket was the final
answer.

The custom bracket is heavy, particularly when I have it rigged
with dual 550EXs, but at least you can set it down on its built
sand/base.

Good luck.

--
CDL
Click to expand...
 
I'm in the same boat. Maybe you or I should post a new thread on it - I'd really like some feedback from some people that have one.

I have no first hand info.

Greg
Mickey said:
I like the simple compact approach of the Press-T but haven't heard
how well it works with SLRs with grips. I wonder if the height is
adjustable to get the flash centred in portrait orientation. It
doesn't seem like any of my local camera stores have these in stock
so I can't just try them out and pick which one I like best. :(

Michael
gvoid said:
gvoid said:
Paul Andre said:
I've used it with my d60 and grip. Search ebay for some good deals.

--
My portfolio: http://www.PaulAndre.com (Experimental photo site.)
My girlfriend: http://www.iNikki.com (She's beautiful!)
My designs: http://www.2NV.com (Need a designer?)
My community: http://www.Jockable.com (Are you jockable?)

'Set no limitations. Break the rules!'

'Good photographers learn from their mistakes.
Great photographers learn from other's mistakes!'

Click to expand...
--
'Maintain a positive attitude'
Click to expand...
--
'Maintain a positive attitude'
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
Click to expand...
--
'Maintain a positive attitude'
 
Sure, maybe you could post a new thread on that. I wish these things were regularly stocked by my local stores so I could try them out myself.

Michael
gvoid said:
I have no first hand info.

Greg
Mickey said:
I like the simple compact approach of the Press-T but haven't heard
how well it works with SLRs with grips. I wonder if the height is
adjustable to get the flash centred in portrait orientation. It
doesn't seem like any of my local camera stores have these in stock
so I can't just try them out and pick which one I like best. :(

Michael
gvoid said:
gvoid said:
Paul Andre said:
I've used it with my d60 and grip. Search ebay for some good deals.

--
My portfolio: http://www.PaulAndre.com (Experimental photo site.)
My girlfriend: http://www.iNikki.com (She's beautiful!)
My designs: http://www.2NV.com (Need a designer?)
My community: http://www.Jockable.com (Are you jockable?)

'Set no limitations. Break the rules!'

'Good photographers learn from their mistakes.
Great photographers learn from other's mistakes!'

Click to expand...
--
'Maintain a positive attitude'
Click to expand...
--
'Maintain a positive attitude'
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
Click to expand...
--
'Maintain a positive attitude'
Click to expand...
--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top