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DIY Lighting system upgrade - Multi Speedlight Softbox Diffusers
Nov 4, 2018 01:18:49   #
Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
This article shows how I converted old light stands to useable speedlight stands with light diffusers.

Several years ago a friend gave me five very used studio lights with 500 watt halogen style element and metal bowl style reflectors. They were wobbly and HOT as @#%$& when in use. The only thing worth keeping were the stands which were sitting unused. I decided to see if I could refresh and upgrade the lightstands. The goal was to end up with 3 portable lightstands, 3 speedlights, and one camera mounted speedlight as a commander; all with diffused light.

I own a SB800 Nikon Speedlight and was very pleased with its functions. To improve my portrait lighting I bought another SB800 in like new condition! Recently, I bought two new Godox speedlights, three Meking 12 Inch Gray Portable Softbox Diffusers, and four ChromLives swivel brackets with flash shoe mounts. I also bought a 16" Neewer Softbox diffuser.

Process:
1. Remove the smallest diameter (3/8") light stand pipe.
2. Place pipe in vice and use 3/8"-16 thread die* to thread 3/4" length of pipe end.
3. Thread on aluminum 3/8" female adaptor to pipe.
4. Attach Swivel Brackets
5. Install speedlights
6. Attach diffusers.
7. Program and sync flashes to camera

Successfully completed the conversion, mounting, synchronizing in about 1.5 hours. Saved a whole bunch of bucks by doing this DIY. This is a somewhat advanced DIY as it involves using thread die and requires some knowledge on how to work with pipe threading process.

*The Craftsman Tap and Die set shown belonged to my later Father. It is approximately 50 years old and still works great!





















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Nov 4, 2018 01:39:10   #
Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
Here is a photo taken with the refurbished lightstands+speedlights and diffusers.


(Download)

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Nov 4, 2018 01:40:46   #
RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA
 
Orange Krate wrote:
Here is a photo taken with the refurbished lightstands+speedlights and diffusers.

Well, that’s better than my self-portrait!

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Nov 4, 2018 02:39:32   #
Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
RWR wrote:
Well, that’s better than my self-portrait!


:) More light always helps that... especially if you are feeling thin in the skin. HA!

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Nov 4, 2018 03:04:34   #
Haydon
 
Re-purposing is always a great project and you feel a sense of accomplishment with DIY projects when you are successful. My only concern are the legs on the stands. They seem to be inadequate to support larger modifiers. I realize you are not using strobes as a light source. I'm curious, how high do the stands extend at their maximum height.

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Nov 5, 2018 14:47:21   #
Daryl New Loc: Wellington,New Zealand
 
Great article.

Reply
Nov 5, 2018 15:56:50   #
Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL
 
Orange Krate wrote:
This article shows how I converted old light stands to useable speedlight stands with light diffusers.

Several years ago a friend gave me five very used studio lights with 500 watt halogen style element and metal bowl style reflectors. They were wobbly and HOT as @#%$& when in use. The only thing worth keeping were the stands which were sitting unused. I decided to see if I could refresh and upgrade the lightstands. The goal was to end up with 3 portable lightstands, 3 speedlights, and one camera mounted speedlight as a commander; all with diffused light.

I own a SB800 Nikon Speedlight and was very pleased with its functions. To improve my portrait lighting I bought another SB800 in like new condition! Recently, I bought two new Godox speedlights, three Meking 12 Inch Gray Portable Softbox Diffusers, and four ChromLives swivel brackets with flash shoe mounts. I also bought a 16" Neewer Softbox diffuser.

Process:
1. Remove the smallest diameter (3/8") light stand pipe.
2. Place pipe in vice and use 3/8"-16 thread die* to thread 3/4" length of pipe end.
3. Thread on aluminum 3/8" female adaptor to pipe.
4. Attach Swivel Brackets
5. Install speedlights
6. Attach diffusers.
7. Program and sync flashes to camera

Successfully completed the conversion, mounting, synchronizing in about 1.5 hours. Saved a whole bunch of bucks by doing this DIY. This is a somewhat advanced DIY as it involves using thread die and requires some knowledge on how to work with pipe threading process.

*The Craftsman Tap and Die set shown belonged to my later Father. It is approximately 50 years old and still works great!
This article shows how I converted old light stand... (show quote)


Did you fabricate your own 3/8" adaptor?

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Nov 11, 2018 14:16:28   #
Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
Haydon wrote:
Re-purposing is always a great project and you feel a sense of accomplishment with DIY projects when you are successful. My only concern are the legs on the stands. They seem to be inadequate to support larger modifiers. I realize you are not using strobes as a light source. I'm curious, how high do the stands extend at their maximum height.


I will measure the height and post soon. Been a bit busy with the fires all around us.

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Nov 11, 2018 14:16:58   #
Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
Daryl New wrote:
Great article.


Thank you. I appreciate your comment.

Reply
Nov 11, 2018 14:17:43   #
Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
Julian wrote:
Did you fabricate your own 3/8" adaptor?


Although I know how to do that, I didn't have to as the adaptors came with the brackets. :)

Reply
Nov 25, 2018 21:11:57   #
Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
Haydon wrote:
Re-purposing is always a great project and you feel a sense of accomplishment with DIY projects when you are successful. My only concern are the legs on the stands. They seem to be inadequate to support larger modifiers. I realize you are not using strobes as a light source. I'm curious, how high do the stands extend at their maximum height.


Maximum height is about 10 feet. I extended the stands without the flash but considering the weight of the flash I wouldn't go higher than 7-8 feet. They are surprisingly stable.

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Apr 19, 2019 15:36:50   #
napabob Loc: Napa CA
 
fab reuse idea

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Apr 19, 2019 16:17:43   #
Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA
 
napabob wrote:
fab reuse idea


Thank you. Love it when a plan comes together. :)

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