Strong flash gun holder: I have a Nikon D800 and a SB910 flash. Normally when I use it the crowds are sparse or just taking headshots, so putting it on a frame or the hotshoe is ok. I...

OviedoPhotos

I have a Nikon D800 and a SB910 flash. Normally when I use it the crowds are sparse or just taking headshots, so putting it on a frame or the hotshoe is ok.

I will be photographing a STEM competition in the near future and was wondering if there is a more durable holder? The competition will be held at school gym. With the camera on the hotshoe or even on a frame the expected jostling may break it or the camera.

I have as an antique a flash mounted to a frame, that uses D batteries and its rather rugged. Its a Honeywell Model 65.

I do have a Nikon sb400 and was going to settle for that.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Dbez1 Loc: Ford City, PA

I don't know what a STEM competition is but I wouldn't take a quality camera like your D800 into a situation where it might get damaged unless you are wealthy enough to write it off.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

OviedoPhotos wrote:

I have a Nikon D800 and a SB910 flash. Normally w... (show quote)

These are pretty solid, and relatively inexpensive on Amazon...

http://www.amazon.com/Stroboframe-Camera-Flip-Flash-Bracket/dp/B00009UTLU/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1422759440&sr=8-8&keywords=flash+bracket

You'd also need a cable, but the combination will make you appear serious and official, so it should work OK for a STEM event, which should be a little less raucous and rambunctious than a football game...

On the other hand, if this is full contact algebra or no holds barred DevOps, you might be in trouble, especially if it is a womens' only college. Those can get pretty competitive....

How many of the contestants are on the ice hockey team?

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Dbez1 wrote:

I don't know what a STEM competition is but I wouldn't take a quality camera like your D800 into a situation where it might get damaged unless you are wealthy enough to write it off.

STEM is an acronym referring to the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics...

Can get a little rough at times....

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

OviedoPhotos wrote:

I will be photographing a STEM competition in the near future and was wondering if there is a more durable holder? The competition will be held at school gym. With the camera on the hotshoe or even on a frame the expected jostling may break it or the camera.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Ask if the organizers can give you a photographer's spot. Take a small step ladder or something, anything that makes you look obvious and official to keep those raving and drooling scientists and muscle-bound computer hackers at bay!

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

OviedoPhotos wrote:

I have a Nikon D800 and a SB910 flash. Normally w... (show quote)

I have this old Vivitar bracket that's bult like they used to make things... to last!
You can still find them in ebay for around $20.00

OviedoPhotos

Thanks for the vivitar lead, I will check that out. The frame I use from time to time folds and the flash is also on the top.

Although this is not a full body contact sport, the kids these days tend to not look where they are going.

George Kravis

The Vivitar bracket shown is a sturdy comfortable grip, but it has one shortcoming, it does not flip for vertical shots so that the flash is positioned in the proper orientation. There are many flip type brackets on the market and the one I've used dependably for years in numerous busy shoots is the "Stroboframe", which costs less than $20. It's rugged, comfortable and easily articulated.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

George Kravis wrote:

The Vivitar bracket shown is a sturdy comfortable grip, but it has one shortcoming, it does not flip for vertical shots so that the flash is positioned in the proper orientation. There are many flip type brackets on the market and the one I've used dependably for years in numerous busy shoots is the "Stroboframe", which costs less than $20. It's rugged, comfortable and easily articulated.

:thumbup:

Jim Peters Loc: Pittsburgh

We Use Pro Media Gear. Expensive. But High Quality For Pro Use. Be Ready To Drop $300.00 Or For About $125.00 Stroboframe.

dar_clicks Loc: Utah

OviedoPhotos wrote:

:
I have as an antique a flash mounted to a frame, that uses D batteries and its rather rugged. Its a Honeywell Model 65.
:

Yikes! Don't hook that Honeywell directly to your D800. Unless it is a lot newer than I think it is and has a lower trigger voltage, it probably is one of the ones from back in film days when trigger voltages were high enough to fry the circuitry in modern DSLR cameras. (There is a gadget that is supposed to connect and cut the trigger voltage down to usable levels, but I've never used one and hesitate to recommend doing that -- Maybe MT Shooter knows something about that, seems he mentioned it once)

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

If you really think it will get that rough, I doubt the camera's hot shoe will be the problem.

The wing on the flash's shoe is probably the weakest link.