Working with a Ring Light: I just purchased a Canon Flash Auto Ring B2 from eBay which is just the ring unit itself to go around the lens. No instructions are included either. I've...

nancyab Loc: Enfield, CT, USA

I just purchased a Canon Flash Auto Ring B2 from eBay which is just the ring unit itself to go around the lens. No instructions are included either. I've wanted one of these for years, although now that I've got at least part of one, I'm not sure why. Any ring light owners out there that can give me some advice and guidance? Thanks, Nancy B.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

I get the feeling that this is a unit from the 1970's and requires a flash unit to power it that Canon disconinued long ago...

http://photo.net/canon-fd-camera-forum/00X5QR

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Nancy,

If you check out our macro forum I think you will find ring lights mentioned and there are some users there who should be able to help you out. I do not have a ring light but think it might help those folks help you if you mention any model number or identifying marks on the ring light.

Dennis

jcboy3

nancyab wrote:

I just purchased a Canon Flash Auto Ring B2 from eBay which is just the ring unit itself to go around the lens. No instructions are included either. I've wanted one of these for years, although now that I've got at least part of one, I'm not sure why. Any ring light owners out there that can give me some advice and guidance? Thanks, Nancy B.

Use a ring light for macro / close-up. I prefer a unit that allows separate power adjustment on each side to avoid flat lighting. Or use a ounce card.

Use a ring light as a fill light with a hard light as key. Set the exposure at 3 stops below key.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

f8lee wrote:

I get the feeling that this is a unit from the 1970's and requires a flash unit to power it that Canon disconinued long ago...

http://photo.net/canon-fd-camera-forum/00X5QR

Let me repeat (does nobody read the postings of others here?) - this is a rather useless unit in that it hails form the '70's and is only a part of a system that Canon discontinued decades ago - without the main flash to supply the power (that plugs into that two-prong plug on your ring light) it is little more than an interesting paperweight.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

nancyab wrote:

I just purchased a Canon Flash Auto Ring B2 from eBay which is just the ring unit itself to go around the lens. No instructions are included either. I've wanted one of these for years, although now that I've got at least part of one, I'm not sure why. Any ring light owners out there that can give me some advice and guidance? Thanks, Nancy B.

Hi Nancy!
I can't help you with the ring light you bought. But maybe I can help you understand what you should have.
The ring of LED's, an adapter that screws in the filter threads of your lens, and a control unit that mounts on the hot shoe of your camera.
If, as others have said, what you got is from the 1970's, Sweetheart, you got duped.
And the rip-off that sent a partial piece of junk to you should be reported to Ebray.
I can only pray you didn't send the scoundrel much money.
Sit down... I only spent a tad over $30-$35 dollars for mine. Brand new, with a pile of lens adapters that let me use it with 4 of my 5 lenses. (And I have left over adaptors)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KJZGYQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Stories like yours is why people like me stay away from the bay. Some are legitimate.
But some are out and out crooked SOB's.
When they prey on the innocent, they need their butt turned into a coffee can.
I hope Ebray can make it right for you.

And if interested: My ring light in use.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-6.html#4177375

nancyab Loc: Enfield, CT, USA

Yeah, I think you're right. It was just about that time I was really getting into photography, and I really wanted one of them. The power supply wasn't included. The seller was settling a family member's estate who had bought a lot of expensive camera equipment, including a Hasselblad, but never got around to using any of it. I didn't do well on the ring light, but I did get the speed finder for my F1 for $50, including case, so it wasn't a complete loss. I checked out the articles you folks were kind enough to forward and will read over them more thoroughly after the holidays. It mentioned one of Canon's flashes which I may have somewhere in a closet, so maybe there is still hope.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

nancyab wrote:

Yeah, I think you're right. It was just about that... (show quote)

Merry Christmas to you Nancy, and Benji Too! Tell him Speedy sez Woof, woof-woof, and a wagging tail.

Selling an Estate. Greedy bastards that have no idea what they are shipping.

Try and have a Happy Holidaze anyway. ;)

jcboy3

nancyab wrote:

I just purchased a Canon Flash Auto Ring B2 from eBay which is just the ring unit itself to go around the lens. No instructions are included either. I've wanted one of these for years, although now that I've got at least part of one, I'm not sure why. Any ring light owners out there that can give me some advice and guidance? Thanks, Nancy B.

This is not a ring flash. What you bought was an adapter for an old Canon auto flash; this adapter connects to the lens and detects focus position for use by the flash to adjust intensity.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Here's a link to the entire setup...Due to the age of it, the power unit likely has a trigger voltage that would fry your DSLR's circuitry... Best that you didn't get the entire unit...I use an older ring/point light from the mid 80's for most of my macro shooting

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/canonf1/html/cat/index.htm

nancyab Loc: Enfield, CT, USA

Thanks, will do.

nancyab Loc: Enfield, CT, USA

Hadn't planned on using with my digital - wanted it for my Canon F1 film SLR, but thanks for warning.

nancyab Loc: Enfield, CT, USA

Ah-hah! Thanks for info that it really isn't a ring light.

fuzzypaddle Loc: Southern Illinois

nancyab wrote:

I just purchased a Canon Flash Auto Ring B2 from eBay which is just the ring unit itself to go around the lens. No instructions are included either. I've wanted one of these for years, although now that I've got at least part of one, I'm not sure why. Any ring light owners out there that can give me some advice and guidance? Thanks, Nancy B.

Go to canon website and you can download the owner's manual for the light.

nancyab Loc: Enfield, CT, USA

Thanks, will do. Best wishes, Nancy B.