Articulated hot shoe arm for softbox extension: I am looking for an articulated arm to extend my speedlight/softbox directly over my macro subject, facing down. A short elbow-arm is my...

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I am looking for an articulated arm to extend my speedlight/softbox directly over my macro subject, facing down. A short elbow-arm is my preference. I plan to support from the shoe mount on my Kalt L-grip.

Here are many choices: http://www.thefind.com/electronics/browse-hot-shoe-arm#page=1&local=0

Comments & advice?

Current Kalt L-Grip Flash Bracket

Built-in ball-joint on older Kalt grip, but no extension.

treslek Loc: London

I have a very similar grip to you so I will be watching this topic with interest.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I still haven't moved my flash down http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-4.html#1826300 , and have been thinking about it off and on for a long time. I'm thinking on the same level as my camera so it's not top heavy or off balance. I don't want to have to keep twisting with my wrist to keep it upright. I have the funds, just haven't pulled the trigger. I like the looks of the flash bending forward over the camera with the diffuser right over the lens, but it looks top heavy. Just thinking out loud. I like Geff's set up, makes for a short diffuser. Thomas Shehan's set up is about the same. I think either way we'll be shaking the bush on some shots. P.S. Like the link

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

That looks pretty easy Douglass. Does that put a lot of stress on the hot shoe?? My problem is a lot of the jumpers are under things, one reason my spider shots are mostly at an angle. this would have me shooting sideways trying to see in the view finder with my neck twisted and focusing with only a couple of inces for working distance

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

I have been looking at this but not sure yet it also comes in shorter versions
http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-Articulating-Magic-Power-Friction-Arm-mount-Camera-LED-light-LCD-monitor-/271180006748?_trksid=p2050601.m2372&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D250%26meid%3D7432110076817080367%26pid%3D100085%26prg%3D1112%26rk%3D4%26sd%3D390551914261%26%26clkid%3D7432111293782598277&_qi=RTM1303755

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I'm thinking you would want the flash behind the lens so your not hitting the subject

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

fstop22 wrote:

I'm thinking you would want the flash behind the lens so your not hitting the subject

I have been looking at options to keep in the same position as I have it now but with the option to change position easier than I do now the set up I have now have to use pliers to tighten it back up after moving flash

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

hangman45 wrote:

I have been looking at this but not sure yet it also comes in shorter versions
http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-Articulating-Magic-Power-Friction-Arm-mount-Camera-LED-light-LCD-monitor-/271180006748?_trksid=p2050601.m2372&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D250%26meid%3D7432110076817080367%26pid%3D100085%26prg%3D1112%26rk%3D4%26sd%3D390551914261%26%26clkid%3D7432111293782598277&_qi=RTM1303755

This one is 7-inches long: http://www.amazon.com/Camgeeker-Articulating-Friction-Mounts-Monitor/dp/B007RBME2M/ref=pd_sim_sbs_p_2
Too long, and the arm will look like a grasshopper's leg.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

fstop22 wrote:

That looks pretty easy Douglass. Does that put a lot of stress on the hot shoe?

That is why I use the L-grip attachment point.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

Douglass, consider RAM Mount components. That is how I built my arm and they are the same components that Wimberley uses to build their arms, my arm is all aluminum and very sturdy. Here is a link to my setup in the setup thread here. I provided some part numbers that you may be interested in as well as links to vendors. You can browse their catalogs as they have 100's of parts that you can use to design your own. A 1" ball system is more than strong enough for what you need.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-3.html#1172900

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I have an older Stroboframe with a flip arm to position the flash above the camera. Combined with the 1" ball system Geff mentioned, that might work. I'll see if I can re-assemble it for a photo

tinusbum Loc: east texas

i had mono pod i never used so i took the ball head off and drilled a hole in it,got a 1/4" bolt and bolted the flash to it.and it was cheap.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Following this thread, and your suggestion to move the diffused flash over the top of the lens, I ordered 3 parts from Amazon: Ram mount 1" ball with 1/4-20 thread, 1.0" dual socket arm, and diamond base with 1" ball. I intend to mount the base on my stroboframe bracket, add the dual socket arm and then my SC-23 + SB 400 and diffuser with be connected to the 1/4"-20 end of the other ball. I should have this by the week-end, so I'll post results/set-up.

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

Following this thread, and your suggestion to move the diffused flash over the top of the lens, I ordered 3 parts from Amazon: Ram mount 1" ball with 1/4-20 thread, 1.0" dual socket arm, and diamond base with 1" ball. I intend to mount the base on my stroboframe bracket, add the dual socket arm and then my SC-23 + SB 400 and diffuser with be connected to the 1/4"-20 end of the other ball. I should have this by the week-end, so I'll post results/set-up.

I also will be trying a new set up with the 7in articulating arm and a L[grip bracket.

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

fstop22 wrote:

I still haven't moved my flash down http://www.ugl... (show quote)

You're doing really well with your set up and your lighting is a little bit more even than mine, the biggest advantage that I have is that I can setup for just about any lens that I attach to the camera, a short reversed setup or even my 180mm macro on tubes... but other than that your results for the lens that you are working with are really good, no improvement needed.