While experiencing an incredibly bored evening at work, I decided to use a bit of scrap paper and tape, as well as my research into diffuser models, to see if I couldn't make my own. While I admit that the first revision is pretty basic, and needs some work, it is a good start from the materials I used. First, there is the Paper version. This is, essentially, a two level box without a lid. The first level, with the 'bottom' of the lidless box, is what your flash would see. The second is what I imagined would be the sleeve or collar of the diffuser, sliding over the edge of the flash. If this was snug it would need no other mechanism to attach to the flash, but an elastic or tape would hold a loose one on mildly well.
The rev 1 I have made for actual use, or at least for trying to use, is not too bad either. The materials were very simple, a well rinsed 4 liter milk jug and some tape. I did my best to measure out the size of the flash head, and proceeded to shape the box to the size of the flash head. Sadly, I only had a single milk jug, so the collar type feature was not feasible on this revision. I still intend to use a non melting clear glue to hole the diffuser together instead of the tape you will see below, since that was always one of those 'in the meantime' solutions for keeping it together. It's also not very sticky tape, meant for baseboards while painting, so I am not sure how long it will keep holding. Now for the pictures.
1. Diffuser Type 1 Paper Mock Up 2. Diffuser Type 2 Paper Mock Up(1) 3. Diffuser Type 2 Paper Mock Up(2) 4. Diffuser Side 5. Diffuser Top 6. Diffuser Inside 7. Diffuser on Flash(1) 8. Diffuser on Flash(2) 9. Diffuser on Flash(3)
Future Plans: Like I said, I plan to use a clear glue to make the Type 1 Rev 1 stay together long term, without the tape it has now getting in the way of spreading the light. Once I can get a sheet of plastic that is more pliable and less restrictive than a milk jug, I will make a version that is all even and more measured than the one in this picture. It is uneven and very much thrown together, and I know there are ways I can improve on it.
Type 2 will be the second project, which I do not think has much hope to be a reality without a plastic sheet to start. I have tried to put a smaller mock up together, but it is poorly created, and I don't know if it will even be able to fit on my current flash. I would like to make a proper mock up that will have most, if not all but the collar as one single piece of plastic. I will be looking soon for a place to buy a sheet or two of plastic. Also, I will be working on this DIY lightbox, since I have at least 2 of the pieces already. I think that project will turn out much better with a guide to start, since I have found no guides to a decent looking DIY diffuser guide. Tune back in soon for more updates on my DIY on the cheap projects.
The rev 1 I have made for actual use, or at least for trying to use, is not too bad either. The materials were very simple, a well rinsed 4 liter milk jug and some tape. I did my best to measure out the size of the flash head, and proceeded to shape the box to the size of the flash head. Sadly, I only had a single milk jug, so the collar type feature was not feasible on this revision. I still intend to use a non melting clear glue to hole the diffuser together instead of the tape you will see below, since that was always one of those 'in the meantime' solutions for keeping it together. It's also not very sticky tape, meant for baseboards while painting, so I am not sure how long it will keep holding. Now for the pictures.
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1. Diffuser Type 1 Paper Mock Up 2. Diffuser Type 2 Paper Mock Up(1) 3. Diffuser Type 2 Paper Mock Up(2) 4. Diffuser Side 5. Diffuser Top 6. Diffuser Inside 7. Diffuser on Flash(1) 8. Diffuser on Flash(2) 9. Diffuser on Flash(3)
Future Plans: Like I said, I plan to use a clear glue to make the Type 1 Rev 1 stay together long term, without the tape it has now getting in the way of spreading the light. Once I can get a sheet of plastic that is more pliable and less restrictive than a milk jug, I will make a version that is all even and more measured than the one in this picture. It is uneven and very much thrown together, and I know there are ways I can improve on it.
Type 2 will be the second project, which I do not think has much hope to be a reality without a plastic sheet to start. I have tried to put a smaller mock up together, but it is poorly created, and I don't know if it will even be able to fit on my current flash. I would like to make a proper mock up that will have most, if not all but the collar as one single piece of plastic. I will be looking soon for a place to buy a sheet or two of plastic. Also, I will be working on this DIY lightbox, since I have at least 2 of the pieces already. I think that project will turn out much better with a guide to start, since I have found no guides to a decent looking DIY diffuser guide. Tune back in soon for more updates on my DIY on the cheap projects.
