Custom Bracket vs. Stroboframe flash bracket

[bbanke]

OK - I'm sold on the use of flash bracket; and looking at CB Jr. vs. Stroboframe Flip Bracket. Now one bracket to right the other to left - is this a consideration?? Seems to me you hold the camera in right hand and cradle the lens in left - but this is where experience comes into play. Costs are similar; so what do the experts of DPReview think??

CB Jr. link
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=653&A=details&Q=&sku=31
3176&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Stroboframe link

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=653&A=details&Q=&sku=105119&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

--
Collector of Beautiful Things

 

[BigRed13]

I own the Strobofram Quick Flip 350 - it sell for $45 and I love it. The handle is to the left of the camera - which allows you to hold the camera with the right hand and the lens with the left.

 

[jb_va2001]

The CB Jr feels more substantial to me. When shooting, you hold the camera normally, not the flash bracket. The handle is only used for comfortable transport. Also note, the CB Jr has a small, flip-out brace that prevents the camera from tipping forward on its lens when you set it down.

Be sure to get the Nikon/Canon anti twist plate as well.

Cheers,
JB

 

[bbanke]

Does build make up for the less height of flash? And since with the CB (which I assume you own) the upright rod is right, where your camera controls are - do you get any interfearance?

The anti twist plate does what?
--
Collector of Beautiful Things

 

[john p vansteenberg]

I used to hate all brackets equally. Then I met Mike at Custom Brackets and never looked back. The guy REALLY knows design and build and comfort.

As to the anti Twist plate, it is an extremely quick, secure release won't permit the camera to twist off axes.

--
John

 

[jb_va2001]

Yes, I own and use a CB Jr. (It is a shame you need to ask that. But there is a lot of nonsense posted here so I understand why.)

The flash is on a telescoping rod - so it can be raised higher. I'm not sure what dimensions you refer to. I use a D2X which is a very tall camera and the CB Jr is tall enough.

As I said above, you hold the camera normally when in use. There is -no- interference from the padded handle. The handle is used for comfortable transport only.

The anti-twist plate keeps the flash from twisting on the arm - without the anti-twist plate your Nikon or Canon flash might not point directly at your subject.

Cheers,
JB

 

[Kat225461]

I used to hate all brackets equally. Then I met Mike at Custom
Brackets and never looked back. The guy REALLY knows design and
build and comfort.

As to the anti Twist plate, it is an extremely quick, secure
release won't permit the camera to twist off axes.

John,

I couldn't agree more! Unlike you, I didn't have a blanket hate for all brackets but I did initially own a Stroboframe Camera Flip bracket and couldn't return it quick enough. It seemed to be a nice unit except my camera setup was apparently too heavy for it and I had to adjust the "flip" so tightly that it was difficult to change from landscape to portrait orientation. Also a problem ... when the bracket was outfitted with a quick release plate and flash sync cord, the camera wouldn't flip completely vertical for portraits!

Having said all that .... I ended up with a Custom Brackets Pro-M bracket (grip on left, which seemed natural to me) and was totally blown away by the quality of craftsmanship of this bracket. I'm certainly glad to have had the opportunity to handle both.

Kat
--

'Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO, what a ride!'

Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

 

[cate8]

Kat, I also have the Pro-M. What kind of flash do you mount? I ask because I've got the 580 EX plus homemade bounce diffuser, and OFTEN I have to really overtighten the knob to prevent the flash from falling. I have to tighten and retighten it so much, I'm starting to wonder if it's supposed to be this way...

 

[bbanke]

Well it seems the DPReview experts go with CB - now the question remains; the right (with the CB Jr.) vs. left ( with the Pro-M)??

Thanks to all for taking the time with this posting!!
--
Collector of Beautiful Things

 

[dipics]

Not so fast! I have to put in a vote for the Stroboframe quickflip 35. Have used one for over 20 years and absolutely love it. Very inexpensive, extremely durable and totally foolproof.

Have tried other brackets but the weight and complexity is always deciding factor for me.

DIPics

Well it seems the DPReview experts go with CB - now the question
remains; the right (with the CB Jr.) vs. left ( with the Pro-M)??

Thanks to all for taking the time with this posting!!
--
Collector of Beautiful Things

 

[Socos]

I just bought the stroboframe, and although it does have shortcomings I also looked at the other brackets discussed here.

I ended up modifing the Stroboframe to accept my 350XT with the battery grip. This way I still have the extra shooting capacity of two batteries and the veritcal grip. It adds weight to the setup.

I had to replace the original plastic bolts with metal and nylon. they hold much better and I don't have to keep retighting.

Price alone makes the Stroboframe a good buy even if you have to make some modifications.

 

[bbanke]

You say you bought the Stroboframe; did you ever hold the CB? I'm serving in Iraq and there aren't any camera shops to actually see the stuff; so that's why I'm going to the forum for answers - and I definatly couldn't get nylon screws.
--
Collector of Beautiful Things

 

[Kat225461]

Kat, I also have the Pro-M. What kind of flash do you mount? I
ask because I've got the 580 EX plus homemade bounce diffuser, and
OFTEN I have to really overtighten the knob to prevent the flash
from falling. I have to tighten and retighten it so much, I'm
starting to wonder if it's supposed to be this way...

...I use SB800s with my bracket. I do check the connection periodically but I have never been in fear that the flash would fall off.

Kat

--

'Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming WOO HOO, what a ride!'

Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.

 

[dipics]

If you are in Iraq (as is my son) I would strongly recommend the Stroboframe over the CB. There is a LOT fewer places where dust can gum up the works in a Stroboframe quick flip than with ANY "camera rotate" style bracket.

I have two of the quick flips. One has been going strong for over 20 years.

DIPics

You say you bought the Stroboframe; did you ever hold the CB? I'm
serving in Iraq and there aren't any camera shops to actually see
the stuff; so that's why I'm going to the forum for answers - and I
definatly couldn't get nylon screws.
--
Collector of Beautiful Things

 

[Socos]

I have not held the CB, but from what I have read the handle is just for carrying.. With the Stroboframe I use the left handed handle to hold everything and use my other hand to support and fire the camera. The plastic bolts are okay, but I had to tighten them all the time. They work, but I am sure would need to be replaced after several tightenings.

My prayers are with you in Iraq... God speed!

You say you bought the Stroboframe; did you ever hold the CB? I'm
serving in Iraq and there aren't any camera shops to actually see
the stuff; so that's why I'm going to the forum for answers - and I
definatly couldn't get nylon screws.
--
Collector of Beautiful Things

 

[Socos]

Sorry, but I mispoke.. the bolts are metal, the nuts are plastic.

 

[Scottydog]

I have the CB Jr and I think it's a great, solid piece of gear. I tried the Strobo, but found it to be flimsy in comparison, and more importantly, it flipped the"wrong" way. (i.e., I like to tip the camera 90 degrees left when shooting verticals).

The flash is on a telescoping rod - so it can be raised higher.

Speaking of verticals, this rod adjustment allows you to center the flash over the lense when rotating for verticals.

Cheers,

Scott
--

'The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.' -Marcel Proust

 

[Tom Batinich]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=117422&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

OK - I'm sold on the use of flash bracket; and looking at CB Jr.
vs. Stroboframe Flip Bracket. Now one bracket to right the other
to left - is this a consideration?? Seems to me you hold the
camera in right hand and cradle the lens in left - but this is
where experience comes into play. Costs are similar; so what do
the experts of DPReview think??

CB Jr. link
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=653&A=details&Q=&sku=31
3176&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Stroboframe link

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=653&A=details&Q=&sku=105119&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

--
Collector of Beautiful Things

 

[bbanke]

Damn - I never thought about the direction of flip; I also flip to left (so shutter button is on top). Just to clarify - that is what the CB Jr. does, and the Strobo flips to the right (so shutter button on bottom).

Thanks to all for help - making purchase this week to have for my R&R!
--
Collector of Beautiful Things

 

[Bimthecat]

Brackets are lazy and make FLAT light !
(start afterburner-flame(s) ON !)
Sure it tucks the shadow down and behind, yet it (sometimes) makes flat photos.

Solution: off-camera cord, bounce device of your choice, sometimes direct...
Shadow(s) show life, fear not the shadow
Without further yapping, take these with a bracket:
(you cant)