hot spots with Nikon R1 flash system: Even putting styrofoam under the translucent plastic covers that go over the R200 flashes, on many beetles especially, I get glare spots. Example:...

robirdman

Even putting styrofoam under the translucent plastic covers that go over the R200 flashes, on many beetles especially, I get glare spots. Example: https://theearlybirder.net/flea-beetles/h35bcf869#h35bcf869
I've seen sites with beetles and no such glare and wondering what is used.

photoman43

robirdman wrote:

Even putting styrofoam under the translucent plastic covers that go over the R200 flashes, on many beetles especially, I get glare spots. Example: https://theearlybirder.net/flea-beetles/h35bcf869#h35bcf869
I've seen sites with beetles and no such glare and wondering what is used.

From the picture you posted, I am guessing flash is the man light and likely triggered with front curtain flash synch and the flash is mounted to the ring around the lens. The R1 flash system uses TTL BL settings in the Nikon Creative Lighting System. To help reduce the glare coming off the beetle's body, try one or more of the following: Set rear curtain flash synch, so the flash goes off at the end of the exposure and ambient light is the dominant light;
Set minus flash exposure compensation. like -1.3 to-2.3 to reduce the power of the flash. Experiment with different settings and they will vary from subject to subject. The goal is to minimize seeing the light from the flash;

Remove the flash from the ring to change its angle on reflective surfaces like the beetle. This might require a macro flash bracket.

Buy a new or used used copy of Mike Hagen's book on the Nikon Flash system:

https://rockynook.com/shop/topics-and-techniques/lighting/the-nikon-creative-lighting-system-3rd-edition/

Also check out his web site for videos. Some might be free.

https://www.creativelive.com/class/nikon-wireless-flash-for-creative-photography-mike-hagen/lessons/recaping-the-nikon-flash-system

robirdman

I was able to look at the setting for the shot, which were as shown here. The flash is the main light because the natural light is not enough for a small aperture, for depth with the closeness of the subject. This was an old D300s camera. Finding a more recent situation, this beetle shot was taken on a sheet at night with the Z9. https://theearlybirder.net/flea-beetles/hd04bb511#hd04bb511
With only a UV light, all the light is again coming from the flashes. I do think the problem is the proximity of the flashes to the lens, but what kind of adaptor bracket does someone make that would be useful? My friend shoots insects with Canon and I haven't seen his shots, but his flash system looks off the main line and with a diffuser farther from the flash. I saw nothing free on the links and don't understand recaping. Covering something up? there were no macrophotography examples. I'd like to see like subjects with the desired results.

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robirdman wrote:

Even putting styrofoam under the translucent plastic covers that go over the R200 flashes, on many beetles especially, I get glare spots. Example: https://theearlybirder.net/flea-beetles/h35bcf869#h35bcf869
I've seen sites with beetles and no such glare and wondering what is used.

Polarize flash and lens opposite each other.

MJPerini

The simplest and easiest thing to try, is get the flash off the camera and use some diffusion material between the flash and the subject.
Because the beetle is curved and shiny, curved surfaces need a big diffuser. You will also get nicer light.
You can go to any fabric store and buy a yard of white rip stop nylon, and a wooden canvas stretcher frame perhaps 16x20 "...(or bigger if you like)... you will have made a very handy accessory

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MJPerini wrote:

The simplest and easiest thing to try, is get the flash off the camera and use some diffusion material between the flash and the subject.
Because the beetle is curved and shiny, curved surfaces need a big diffuser. You will also get nicer light.
You can go to any fabric store and buy a yard of white rip stop nylon, and a wooden canvas stretcher frame perhaps 16x20 "...(or bigger if you like)... you will have made a very handy accessory

Excellent ! And a bit of ingenuity with velcro would allow reasonably quick and easy knock down and set up for maximizing portability.

robirdman

Does someone have a picture of using the Nikon R1 system used off camera with diffuser that is pretty easily hand held, and not going to flush creatures that are free to leave any time. I can't imagine going around with 16"x20" apparatus used easily. I go with a tripod but often can't get that positioned without scaring the subject, and usually there is wind, so carrying a sail isn't going to be practical.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

robirdman wrote:

Even putting styrofoam under the translucent plastic covers that go over the R200 flashes, on many beetles especially, I get glare spots. Example: https://theearlybirder.net/flea-beetles/h35bcf869#h35bcf869
I've seen sites with beetles and no such glare and wondering what is used.

I have been using thR1C1 system for years, I use one or two layer of Kleenex Tissue and a rubber band over the diffusion filters.

robirdman

Manglesphoto. That sounds like a good idea. Do you have some shots of convex reflective beetle types I could see?

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

robirdman wrote:

Manglesphoto. That sounds like a good idea. Do you have some shots of convex reflective beetle types I could see?

Nope,I used it mainly outdoors with flowers to stop movement, however I was shooting at f22 - f32 and ISO 64
and usually only one R200 hand held to add light from different angles

robirdman

I should at small apertures like that too, with low ISO but the subjects are much smaller and closer. those beetles were only ~1/4" or less.

Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD

robirdman wrote:

Even putting styrofoam under the translucent plastic covers that go over the R200 flashes, on many beetles especially, I get glare spots. Example: https://theearlybirder.net/flea-beetles/h35bcf869#h35bcf869
I've seen sites with beetles and no such glare and wondering what is used.

The glare slots you refer to are specular highlights. Or more simply, reflections of your very small light source. Any shiny surface will show the light source like that of a mirror. The only way to minimize them is to use a larger light source which will spread a less intense reflection over the beetles body. Simply adding diffusion material over your flash wont help. You will need to either bounce light off a reflector panel or put your light inside a soft box or umbrella to reduce specular intensity.

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robirdman wrote:

I should at small apertures like that too, with low ISO but the subjects are much smaller and closer. those beetles were only ~1/4" or less.

Buy something from KEH. It doesnt really matter *what* you buy.

It will be shipped wrapped up in mini-bubble bubble wrap. Put the new chatzke away, but save the bubble wrap. Use at least 3 layers over your flash reflector.