Flash Brackets

[nkryp]

I'm a first time user to these forums and will appreciate any help that you can offer. I've mostly been doing landscape and some street photography but now I want to get involved in event photography. Currently I'm living in Tokyo and from what I've seen at the exhibitions and trade shows here, a lot of photographers prefer to use a fixed-position flash bracket that places the flash right next to the lens. While photographers in the US seem to prefer using swing brackets that allow the flash to be positioned at any angle. From what I've researched, it seems that it is best to mount the flash high above the lens to minimize red-eye and also direct any shadows toward the ground so that they won't be caught in the picture. Mounting the flash next to the lens seems to be the worst position possible if you're trying to reduce red-eye.

So my question is that if it is better to position the flash above the lens, what are the advantages, if any, of mounting the flash next to the lens? With so many photographers here using these brackets, there must be a reason why but I have yet to find an answer to it.

Thank you all for any help you can offer.

[another view]

Positioning the flash about 2" - 4" above the lens will reduce red-eye but also drop the shadows created by the flash behind the person. You won't see a dark shadow if you photograph someone close to a wall if the flash is in that position. There will be a huge shadow if the flash is level with the camera and a few inches to one side! I've seen these attachments before but never figured out why anyone would want one.

I use a Stroboframe Camera Flip, the bracket is held in the same spot with your left hand and the flash doesn't move (always on top). Your right hand works the camera, and it has a mechanical linkage so the camera can be turned 90 degrees while attached to the bracket. Hard to explain but it works well. Actually it doesn't fit on one of my cameras like I found out yesterday... A friend uses the Flash Flip where the flash moves, not the camera (in relation to the bracket). Both are fine, but get the anti-twist plates too for both the camera and flash.

[petemac]

I use a bracket for most work with my flash. I use a flash flip style made by stroboframe. I also recomend that you get the anti-twist plates. The biggest un-thought of advantage to the bracket for me was the nice huge grip i could have on my camera while the bracket was on. I also like to bounce a lot of flash, often trying wierd angles. Having the flash higher helps with that too, I can sort of bounce up and back without hitting me. Also, because I look very young, the bracket helps make it known that I am at an event as a shooter. I am not sure about your japanese experience, but i know that I have been happy with my bracket I jsut wanted to give you my $.02.

-pete

[nkryp]

Thanks Pete and another view for your help. And thank you another view for confirming what I suspected about those fixed flash brackets. I really can't understand why there are so many guys using it over here. I checked out those Stroboframe brackets both of you mentioned but I've also been looking at the ones from Really Right Stuff. Their orbiting brackets seem to be a good idea since you can quickly reposition the flash head so that it's always above the lens.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/flash/index.html

Has anyone tried these out? Are they really as good as they seem?

Darin

[another view]

Has anyone tried these out? Are they really as good as they seem?

Another one I can't figure out! I do use their quick release plates and an AS tripod head which are a great setup. But I can't imagine that bracket making my life easier. It's very expensive (plus add all of the quick release plates for cameras/lenses) and it looks heavy and very slow to use. With either of the two Stroboframes (most expensive being the camera flip with both anti-twist plates for close to $100) you don't need to do anything but move your hand to put the flash (or camera) in the other position. Having to turn knobs and/or carefully slide the thing into the other position means you'll miss shots.

Don't forget to add a TTL flash cable to connect the camera and flash together. If you use Nikon, RRS and Kirk both make a shortened SC-17 cable which works really well on a Stroboframe, you don't have that extra 2-3' to deal with.

[petemac]

I agree with another view, i can't see how that would be fun to use. I have my system set up so the frame won't twist unless i want it to. But, with a quick flip, i can move my flash over. Its an eas move, i think, and i have never not had it where i wanted it. It takes literally .5 seconds to switch.

I use the 3 foot cable from canon, and it bundles itself up nice enough to not be in the way. I like using the long cable since I occasionally recruit an assistant (innocent bystander) and have them hold my flash a few feet away when i shoot biking. I again want to mention that unless you have really lightweight equipment, get the anti-twist brackets. Also, i think i have the absolute cheapest stroboframe you can get - and it is built well and is durable. I hope that helps some.

-pete

[nkryp]

Thanks for the help guys! I'll keep your advice in mind when I go shopping. Although it'll be a little difficult since I'm in Japan and they don't carry Stroboframe here. So if anything, I'll have to mail order. But thanks again!

Darin