Small Camera Softbox

Submitted by Waleed on Sat, 2005-08-13 23:40.

I've always wanted to reach a special effect in mind for portraits at home or on the move that I was only able to achieve using studio lighting.

Last night, I made a drawing of a softbox that attaches on the small flash and experimented with the different diffusers until I reached the effect I wanted.

(Image settings Camera=ISO 100 - 1/200 - f/2.0. Flash=1/128. Lens=135mm)

When I reached the desired effect, I cut a clean pizza box to the measurements and assembled the softbox (or diffuser). At the end I used a semitransparent paper as the diffuser and rubber-bands to make the softbox stay on the flash head.

I was thinking of painting it black on the outside, but I'm noticing the cardboard material is not as sturdy as I wished. I guess I'll need to assemble a plastic one for durability in the near future.

Here are the drawings if anybody needs them:
http://creativebits.org/files/550EX-softbox.zip

I know the drawings are for the Canon Speedlite 550EX, but at least you can get an idea of what I did. Perhaps you can make revision for your own flash. The idea itself is not new, you can find similar products on the net for around $15. But it's fun to make

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That example photo of your

Submitted by Ivan on Sun, 2005-08-14 05:51.

That example photo of your son (I'm guessing) is awesome. Great lighting. Thanks for sharing. Can such a softbox be attached to a Flash that is built into an SLR or it has to be a detachable one?

Thanks Ivan, yes that is my

Submitted by Waleed on Sun, 2005-08-14 06:03.

Thanks Ivan, yes that is my son Sulaiman, the youngest of my children. The photo was taken using the cardboard softbox, not the paper one (as the paper one would diffuse light from all directions).

I think the built-in flash is too small and fragile for such an attachment. I wouldn't recommend trying as it was not designed to be handled often with diffusers. A detachable unit is a must for best results and control of the power.

Waleed
www.waleedsgallery.biz

That is great but you can

Submitted by pompo on Tue, 2005-08-16 20:30.

That is great but you can buy you one very cheaply here:

http://www.lumiquest.com/

Ivan here they have a neat little diffuser for built in flashes too.

_P_o_m_p_o _M_u_l_t_i_m_e_d_i_a
http://www.pompo.com
=============================================
You will know fear...Then you will know pain.
Then you will use a Mac.

Thanks man! I don't have the

Submitted by Ivan on Wed, 2005-08-17 18:54.

Thanks man! I don't have the camera yet, I'm just planning my purchase. :/

At this time it's just a

Submitted by Waleed on Wed, 2005-08-17 20:40.

At this time it's just a rumor, but the word on the street is Canon is going to release the Canon EOS 5D with a full frame sensor and 13MP with a rumored price of $3500-$4000 around the end of August.

Waleed
www.waleedsgallery.biz

Unfortunately that's double

Submitted by Ivan on Wed, 2005-08-17 20:48.

Unfortunately that's double of my budget. :) I'm looking into a 350D.

Get the 20D Ivan, the price

Submitted by pompo on Thu, 2005-08-18 17:34.

Get the 20D Ivan, the price may even drop a bit more...5fps and it still a great camera. I'll pass on the 5D if it is indeed 3fps...I like the 50 ISO tho :)

_P_o_m_p_o _M_u_l_t_i_m_e_d_i_a
http://www.pompo.com
=============================================
You will know fear...Then you will know pain.
Then you will use a Mac.

350D is nice!

Submitted by Josh on Thu, 2005-08-18 18:03.

Although I have a D70, I did look into the 350D before I made my purchase.

The 350D is a great camera - especially for the price. And from what I've heard from people who own them, they really LOVE their camera!

A D70 is worth considering too, but if you are set on the 350D, you definitely won't be dissapointed.

Check out http://www.photozo.com <-- great digital photography website.

---------------------
Josh Stevens | Nautilus7 Design
My CB Blog

Thanks..

Submitted by Waleed on Wed, 2005-08-17 20:38.

Yes, I did write that its available for around $15 on the net ;)

Waleed
www.waleedsgallery.biz

wow!

Submitted by Fabio on Mon, 2005-08-15 07:36.

That really looks great Waleed!

I still have to save some money for an external flash (first I'll have to by a polarisation-filter). I've only just started to use and discover the use of the built-in flash.

A trick to diffuse the hard light of the buitl-in flash I learned from a friend is to put one or two large cigarette-papers over the front of the unit, the ones made of ricepaper. Kind of lo-fi, but hey.. It works.

In the meantime I will download your drawing Waleed, thank you! :-)

You're welcome Fabio, it

Submitted by Waleed on Mon, 2005-08-15 15:01.

You're welcome Fabio, it doesn't hurt to try anything as long as it doesn't break anything, hehe.. I still use garment hangers at the studio to hang reflectors, deflectors, and some backdrops.. If it works, use it :)

Waleed
www.waleedsgallery.biz

Nice effect!

Submitted by thermanlee on Mon, 2005-08-15 18:59.

(New guy here, thanks a million for the info on this site.) I've found another little cheap way of diffusing the light...use a coffee filter held on with rubber bands. You can adjust the amount of diffusion by setting it farther away from the lens, and I've since kept one or two in my camera bag just in case.

Welcome to CB and thanks for

Submitted by Waleed on Mon, 2005-08-15 19:30.

Welcome to CB and thanks for the coffee filter idea.. I've head that some have also tried the deodorant cap and it served a similar diffuser.. Lot's of ideas to share :)

Waleed
www.waleedsgallery.biz