Stroboframe vs. Custom Brackets vs. Just Rite

Subject:

Stroboframe vs. Custom Brackets vs. Just Rite

Hello,

From what I understand there are about 4 rotation camera/flash brackets that are "well known".

• Stroboframe "Camera Flip"
• Stroboframe "Pro RL"

http://www.tiffen.com/Header_page_Stroboframe.htm

• Custom Brackets "QRS-35-H"

http://www.custombrackets.com/

• JustRite Brackets "460 .. 645/45"

http://www.justritebracket.com/

I am in the market for a bracket, and since I am nowhere near a camera store that stocks these sorts of things, I will need to buy this "sight-unseen".

What is the general consensus regarding these units? (weight, ease-of-use, reliability, etc.)

I asked this question a couple of months ago, and the "Stroboframe Camera Flip" was suggested as an "inexpensive" solution. However, now that I am ready to make the purchase, I am now beginning to doubt the intelligence of spending $65 for a cheap bracket when I'll wind up buying the pricier version anyway.

What do the more expensive models do that the cheaper "camera flip" doesn't?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

David

I have been using the stroboframe quick flip (even less expensive than the one you listed) for about 20 years now. It always works. It has never given me any reason whatsoever to complain. I would highly recommend it.

Richard
http://www.dipics.com

B S D said:

Subject:

Stroboframe vs. Custom Brackets vs. Just Rite

Hello,

From what I understand there are about 4 rotation camera/flash
brackets that are "well known".

• Stroboframe "Camera Flip"
• Stroboframe "Pro RL"

http://www.tiffen.com/Header_page_Stroboframe.htm

• Custom Brackets "QRS-35-H"

http://www.custombrackets.com/

• JustRite Brackets "460 .. 645/45"

http://www.justritebracket.com/

I am in the market for a bracket, and since I am nowhere near a
camera store that stocks these sorts of things, I will need to buy
this "sight-unseen".

What is the general consensus regarding these units? (weight,
ease-of-use, reliability, etc.)

I asked this question a couple of months ago, and the "Stroboframe
Camera Flip" was suggested as an "inexpensive" solution. However,
now that I am ready to make the purchase, I am now beginning to
doubt the intelligence of spending $65 for a cheap bracket when
I'll wind up buying the pricier version anyway.

What do the more expensive models do that the cheaper "camera flip"
doesn't?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

David

Click to expand...

well worth the money, very sturdy, I had the strobe frame for about three days and sent it back to rickity for me. it was all stamped steel parts verses the Quality CNC machined parts of the custom bracket
Peter

I've been researching this myself, other than the price, the best I've found is at:

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/flash_arms/index.html

I use the JustRite bracket for my D60.....I am happy with it, but have never used another bracket to compare....

B S D said:

Subject:

Stroboframe vs. Custom Brackets vs. Just Rite

Hello,

From what I understand there are about 4 rotation camera/flash
brackets that are "well known".

• Stroboframe "Camera Flip"
• Stroboframe "Pro RL"

http://www.tiffen.com/Header_page_Stroboframe.htm

• Custom Brackets "QRS-35-H"

http://www.custombrackets.com/

• JustRite Brackets "460 .. 645/45"

http://www.justritebracket.com/

I am in the market for a bracket, and since I am nowhere near a
camera store that stocks these sorts of things, I will need to buy
this "sight-unseen".

What is the general consensus regarding these units? (weight,
ease-of-use, reliability, etc.)

I asked this question a couple of months ago, and the "Stroboframe
Camera Flip" was suggested as an "inexpensive" solution. However,
now that I am ready to make the purchase, I am now beginning to
doubt the intelligence of spending $65 for a cheap bracket when
I'll wind up buying the pricier version anyway.

What do the more expensive models do that the cheaper "camera flip"
doesn't?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

David

Click to expand...

--
...........everyone is somebody else's weirdo......

The Stroboframe Quick Flip works just fine. You may find the Stroboframe Camera Flip will not work with the Bg-ED3 attached. It is not a "cheap" bracket by any means, only an inexpensive price. The Right Stuff bracket looks impressive but one thing you need from a flash bracket is to raise the height of the flash head to throw the shadows behind the subject.

B S D said:

Subject:

Stroboframe vs. Custom Brackets vs. Just Rite

Hello,

From what I understand there are about 4 rotation camera/flash
brackets that are "well known".

• Stroboframe "Camera Flip"
• Stroboframe "Pro RL"

http://www.tiffen.com/Header_page_Stroboframe.htm

• Custom Brackets "QRS-35-H"

http://www.custombrackets.com/

• JustRite Brackets "460 .. 645/45"

http://www.justritebracket.com/

I am in the market for a bracket, and since I am nowhere near a
camera store that stocks these sorts of things, I will need to buy
this "sight-unseen".

What is the general consensus regarding these units? (weight,
ease-of-use, reliability, etc.)

I asked this question a couple of months ago, and the "Stroboframe
Camera Flip" was suggested as an "inexpensive" solution. However,
now that I am ready to make the purchase, I am now beginning to
doubt the intelligence of spending $65 for a cheap bracket when
I'll wind up buying the pricier version anyway.

What do the more expensive models do that the cheaper "camera flip"
doesn't?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

David

Click to expand...

I went around to a few local shops and tried pretty much all of the Stroboframe brackets (camera flip, quickflip 350, Press-T, and I think Pro-RL) and none of them allowed me to use the BG-ED3 grip properly. Either the base plate blocked the grip's shutter button or the camera had to flip the wrong way. The first two brackets felt much too flimsy to me. I'd like to get confirmation about the Pro RL though, as I can't remember if I tried it or not.

I'm currently thinking about the new Custom Brackets QRS-35EV (same as the one you posted but with a bend in the upright to allow for an ST-E2). I'm really favouring this design so that I can attach it to a tripod and use its camera flip ability to quickly switch from vertical to horizontal while on the tripod. It will also allow me to add another flash should I want to use one flash for ceiling bounce and another for fill. I just hope that it works ok with the Big Ed grip and allows me to use the grip's shutter button. It's pretty pricey, but at least it's not $350 (!) like the Really Right Stuff bracket.

Custom Brackets also have a new Junior CB bracket that looks similar to the Stroboframe Press-T but it might be better built but I haven't tried it myself: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=313176&is=REG

Good luck with your decision. I think I just kinda made up my mind, but I hope to get confirmation on how the QRS-35EV works with Big Ed.

Michael

B S D said:

Subject:

Stroboframe vs. Custom Brackets vs. Just Rite

Hello,

From what I understand there are about 4 rotation camera/flash
brackets that are "well known".

• Stroboframe "Camera Flip"
• Stroboframe "Pro RL"

http://www.tiffen.com/Header_page_Stroboframe.htm

• Custom Brackets "QRS-35-H"

http://www.custombrackets.com/

• JustRite Brackets "460 .. 645/45"

http://www.justritebracket.com/

I am in the market for a bracket, and since I am nowhere near a
camera store that stocks these sorts of things, I will need to buy
this "sight-unseen".

What is the general consensus regarding these units? (weight,
ease-of-use, reliability, etc.)

I asked this question a couple of months ago, and the "Stroboframe
Camera Flip" was suggested as an "inexpensive" solution. However,
now that I am ready to make the purchase, I am now beginning to
doubt the intelligence of spending $65 for a cheap bracket when
I'll wind up buying the pricier version anyway.

What do the more expensive models do that the cheaper "camera flip"
doesn't?

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

David

Click to expand...

--
Equipment list in my profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery

I bought the QRS-35EV, for my F5, and now I use it for my S2, I drilled a hole in the bottom and tapped it 1/4-20 for my bogen tripod plate. they make a quick release but it was around 100 bucks. I took the upright off of it and replaced it with a carbon fiber upright that I made to save on weight here it is .

B S D said:

Subject:

Stroboframe vs. Custom Brackets vs. Just Rite

Hello,

From what I understand there are about 4 rotation camera/flash
brackets that are "well known".

• Stroboframe "Camera Flip"
• Stroboframe "Pro RL"

http://www.tiffen.com/Header_page_Stroboframe.htm

Click to expand...

David,

Here's a shot of my Stroboframe RL2000 with a Kodak 14n attached, rotated into the vertical position.

http://www.fototime.com/ {AEB392F3-1CB9-43CE-9CB1-B6313183040D} picture.JPG

Hi,

Does anyone know if there is a web page detailing the differences in operation between the various rotating flash brackets?

Presumably, some are easier to work with than others.

Thanks,

David

Hi,

Thanks to all for the most helpful replies.

Upon further investigation, it seems that the pricier models will probably require additional camera/flash adaptation plates, thus pushing prices closer to $300.

So, I have placed an order for the cheap ($65) Stroboframe Camera Flip. I'll post my initial impressions when I receive it.

If the design is so truly pitiful, and I windup buying the better model, I'll probably just keep this one for a backup camera.

Thanks,

David

No problem here, take a look.

Mickey said:

I went around to a few local shops and tried pretty much all of the
Stroboframe brackets (camera flip, quickflip 350, Press-T, and I
think Pro-RL) and none of them allowed me to use the BG-ED3 grip
properly. Either the base plate blocked the grip's shutter button
or the camera had to flip the wrong way. The first two brackets
felt much too flimsy to me. I'd like to get confirmation about the
Pro RL though, as I can't remember if I tried it or not.

Click to expand...

Hi;

I've tried quite a few brackets, including most of those you mentioned, and they are all sitting in my basement gathering dust since I got a Custom Bracket. In addition to being very well designed and made, the custom bracket will let you rotate the camera from vertical to horizontal while still on the tripod and keeping the flash over the lens. It also has a very nice 3-legged base which will let you set the whole rig down without it falling over, and a nice quick release arrangement for both the camera to bracket, and bracket to tripod. Easy on, easy off. Small details perhaps, but I really began to appreciate them after using it for a while.

Charles Baldeck
Sunrise Studios

David,

I have a quickflip, which I used extensively with my Nikon N70, and then my D1x. I used it only for handhold shooting, and got tired of it for several reasons:

1. The bracket would tend to twist from square as the day went on, no matter how tight it was screwed into the camera.

2. The mounting screw gouges your palm when shooting in portrait mode (which I do a lot of).
3. The flash cord would sometimes get pinched while flipping.

4. The flash unit itself isn't held in a vertical position when shooting portrait (maybe a minor issue).

I switched to a Newton Di100FRVG, which I'm quite happy with. It's a bit fussy to get on, but is very solid and especially comfortable when shooting portrait. See http://www.newtoncamerabrackets.com/newton.html

I got mine from B&H.

Good luck

B S D said:

Hi,

Thanks to all for the most helpful replies.

Upon further investigation, it seems that the pricier models will
probably require additional camera/flash adaptation plates, thus
pushing prices closer to $300.

So, I have placed an order for the cheap ($65) Stroboframe Camera
Flip. I'll post my initial impressions when I receive it.

If the design is so truly pitiful, and I windup buying the better
model, I'll probably just keep this one for a backup camera.

Thanks,

David

Click to expand...

Charles,

Thanks for sharing your experience with Custom Brackets.

If the "el-cheapo" Stroboframe I just ordered does not work out, I think I'll get the Custom Bracket.

I am a little worried about the weight/bulk though....

Do you find the unit hard to carry around while in use, or have trouble transporting it safely due to size?

(I see a different poster replaced part if his unit with carbon fiber to save on weight... )

-- David

Charles Baldeck said:

Hi;

I've tried quite a few brackets, including most of those you
mentioned, and they are all sitting in my basement gathering dust
since I got a Custom Bracket. In addition to being very well
designed and made, the custom bracket will let you rotate the
camera from vertical to horizontal while still on the tripod and
keeping the flash over the lens. It also has a very nice 3-legged
base which will let you set the whole rig down without it falling
over, and a nice quick release arrangement for both the camera to
bracket, and bracket to tripod. Easy on, easy off. Small details
perhaps, but I really began to appreciate them after using it for a
while.

Charles Baldeck
Sunrise Studios

Click to expand...