Flash Mounting Bracket Suggestions...CHEAP!

[78novacaine]

Ok, so I have two tripods, two speedlights, and two radio triggers for them, what I need is an adaptor that will allow me to mount them to my tripods (standard camera screw mount tripods) and also if possible in the cheap realm of things, later allow me to attach an umbrella bracket as well. I have about $110 or so in my entire flash, trigger and modifier arsenal, so this is definitely a budget setup, and am looking for suggestions to accommodate this type of budget please, lol.

Thanks,
David

[ggeen]

I bought this kit a few years back and still use it with my SB-600s. It is a pretty good little setup for a amateur such as myself.

Impact Digital Flash Umbrella Mount Kit DFUMK B&H Photo Video

[78novacaine]

That does look like a nice setup for the money, but is a good bit out of my budget at the moment :( Like I said, I only have that much invested in my entire lighting setup, hoorah for being broke!

[picman]

Like this?
Strobist: Lighting 101: Umbrella Adapters

[78novacaine]

How does that mount to the tripod though? Looks like some others I found, and they appear to just go over an open end, not screw on to the camera mount. This is the type of mount my tripods have, so they don't look compatible with that piece as best as I can tell, what I am looking for is something that will mount directly to this piece:



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[picman]

..... I forgotthis - did your Speedlights come with the plastic stand? If so, there is a 1/4" 20 threaded socket in the bottom. Just right for tripods.

[78novacaine]

Nope, they are some Ebay specials, lol, one is about a 25 year old used Vivitar, the other is a yongnuo did not come with one

[picman]

To answer your other question - if you look at the picture here: LumoPro LP679 Umbrella Swivel MPEX
there is a gold metal stud that has a 1/4" threaded hole in one end and a 3/8" hole in the other end. The other stud is threaded to attach the flash foot.

[jeeper]

Originally Posted by 78novacaine

Nope, they are some Ebay specials, lol, one is about a 25 year old used Vivitar, the other is a yongnuo did not come with one

They still don't cost much. Here's a Nikon one for $9 (any flash should fit it):
Nikon AS-21 Speedlight Stand for SB-900 Flash 4951 B&H Photo

And another (also $9):
Nikon AS-19 Speedlight Stand 4763 B&H Photo Video

[Dobick]

personally I would move away from using the tripods to support your lights. They are not really the ideal tool for that, and any money that you spend trying to find solutions to make them work will likely be wasted for later when you buy a lightstand.

Otherwise, head to home depot and get a big green clamp that has a hole near the end, and a 3/4" long bolt (1/4"x20 turn) and maybe a nut to go with it, and then use the clamp to hold your speed light in place on top of the tripod that you have the clamp bolted to.

For bonus points, carry all of your equipment into home depot and start assembling things right there in the isle -- that way you will only pay for the parts that you use.

You might be able to get away for as little as 45 cents or so

[z-monster]

VELCRO!




Win!

[questor]

You can always try something like this. Flash Shoe Umbrella Holder Light Stand 1/4" 3/8" Type E | eBay The piece that will screw to your tripod can be taken out and allow you to attach to lightstands as well.

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by 78novacaine

How does that mount to the tripod though? Looks like some others I found, and they appear to just go over an open end, not screw on to the camera mount. This is the type of mount my tripods have, so they don't look compatible with that piece as best as I can tell, what I am looking for is something that will mount directly to this piece:



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

That is designed for video. The pin should be spring loaded and compress if you mount something that does not have a hole for the alignment pin.

[78novacaine]

Originally Posted by Dobick

personally I would move away from using the tripods to support your lights. They are not really the ideal tool for that, and any money that you spend trying to find solutions to make them work will likely be wasted for later when you buy a lightstand.

Otherwise, head to home depot and get a big green clamp that has a hole near the end, and a 3/4" long bolt (1/4"x20 turn) and maybe a nut to go with it, and then use the clamp to hold your speed light in place on top of the tripod that you have the clamp bolted to.

For bonus points, carry all of your equipment into home depot and start assembling things right there in the isle -- that way you will only pay for the parts that you use.

You might be able to get away for as little as 45 cents or so

I found a cheap lightstand/swivel/umbrella setup for one of my flashes, but I also did something similar to this as well. I got the pictured tripod for free, and never use it so wasn't worried about screwing it up. I pulled out the wingnut/stud that the camera mounts too, and mounted a 1/4 bolt through the hole with a nut and lock washer, used some imagination and duct tape to get the extra thickness needed on the bolt to mount the extra swivel mount I bought to it, and now for a total of about $50 I have an adjustable light stand up to 8' and one up to about 4.5-5' along with an umbrella. The rigged lightstand is just as stable as the other btw, if not moreso because the tripod itself is heavier duty.

[TxTowman]

You should be using gaffer tape instead of duct/duck tape it leaves no residue when removed.