DIY Power your mono block strobes anywhere! Power Inverter That You Can Build! True Sine-Wave Inverter September 28, 2008
Posted by tsidock in : DIY, Blog , add a commentWell, I am back at it again! Another DIY (Do it Yourself) photography project.
Hope you had a fun weekend! I might have mentioned that although Paul C. Bluff Inc. sells the VegabondII for powering the Alienbee’s and White-Lightening series strobes ($299 +shipping), I was thinking about building my own. Well, I couldn’t stand it, I did it, and here are the details and initial results. First though, the cost:
1- 300w sine-wave inverter $129.00
1- `12volt, 12 amp/hr gelled lead/acid sealed battery $43
1- smart gell battery charger $20
1- utility bag $15
That’s all! TOTAL $207 !!! and no shipping! saving at least $120. All available at Fry’s
The best part, Even if you are afraid of high voltage, things just clip together! Later I will cherry it out, but totally not required.
This is the Power Supply:
http://photos.tomsidock.com/AB-VegabondII-Clone/index.html
These are the photos:
http://photos.tomsidock.com/ABPort-Test/index.html
Kit:
AB-800 std 7″ reflecter
DIY power pack
2 Pocket Wizards
1- Compact Light Stand
1- sand bag
Light meter
No Modifiers
Canon 5D 70-200mm 2.8 L IS & 24-105 f/4 L is
1- wife to ham it up!
Time of day: 3pm - 4:30pm - way too early for the ‘Good Light’ but a great first test to beat down the sun!
Cool Huh?
Tom
Canon 5dMKII Announced as upgrded 5D! September 17, 2008
Posted by tsidock in : Blog , add a commentIn an eagerly anticipated announcement, Canon reveals today its EOS 5D Mark II. With an increase of capture quality over original 5D, plus integrated HD video capture, the EOS 5D Mark II makes the next step in the evolution of the DSLR. Solidifying the camera in the professional market, Canon elevates the 5D Mark II to handle the demands and rigors of the professional photographer. Starting with a 21.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor controlled by the brand new DIGIC 4 processor, for improved detail and allowing larger prints. The 5D’s durability has been greatly enhanced, Canon’s 5D has an improved shutter designed to run smoothly through 150,000 exposures. The body also features improved weather-sealing, protecting components no matter where assignments may lead.
Without having to learn or manage a new camcorder system, photographers can use the 5D Mark II to shoot broadcast quality HD video. Through an enhanced Live View Mode, up to 4GB video clips at breathtaking 1920 x 1080 resolution are possible.
This is an early synopsis, it looks like Canon is listening! More information as it arrives.
The Strobist in You. September 3, 2008
Posted by tsidock in : DIY, Blog , add a commentI don’t mind telling you that I have been a long time follower of the Strobist.com. David Hobbe has literally revamped the way I look at external flash. Also as you should know by now I am a consummate DIY’er. If I can build it or hack it so much the better! The first item I would like to show you is the Light stick:
This device has virtually turned my wife from an “are we done yet?” bored follower on my photo journey’s into an active participant as a voice activated light stand! Or more kindly, a Smart Strobe.
I have added an improvement to this device and after much bin diving at IKEA, i have finally found he perfect portable Beauty Dish. It only took me about an hour to build, you might want to spend more time on yours for a more professional appearance.
PHOTO
Finally not quite a DIY device, but for those of us lucky enough to be clicking around offices: The scissor swivel strobe mount:
Replacable LCD enhancer! August 11, 2008
Posted by tsidock in : Blog , add a commentI have already lost one camera to a mild bump in the LCD region, I wanted to keep it from happening to my precious Canon 5D! So I bought a Professional Screen Protector system from Giottos AEGIS Glass Protector.
It’s been just about a year since I installed the protector and yesterday, I went for a day ride in the mountains to take a few photographs with my 5D and when I pulled out my camera from the bag I was sickened to find a rather large spider crack across my sensor! Nw mind you I had completely forgotten about the Giottos protector or I might have been doubly mad. It seemed as though my camera was still functional so I trekked off to take some shots. As I was aiming for my first shot a glint of sunlight caught the Giottos brand on the botton of my LCD screen. I thought to myself, “I wonder…” Sliding my thumbnail underthe edge of the thin glass plate, it popped of to reveal a perfectly fine LCD screen. I was very relieved. I reccomend this product very strongly.
Tom
DSLR: Cleaning - Don’t be afraid of the machine, Sensor, Mirror, and Fucusing Screen cleaning is safe and fun! March 17, 2008
Posted by tsidock in : DIY, Blog , 1 comment so farGot your attention? I hope so, because once and for all I would like to dispel all of the hocus pocus foo-for-all that has been filling the info-sphere with stagnant lore and lame wives tales regarding the difficulty and inherent risk in cleaning your precious multi-thousand dollar mistress, DSLR camera. Am I insane? Some might say, but I have recently suffered through every known form of dust, grit and contamination that can befall a modern DSLR. I have read nearly every available blog and forum regarding the cleaning of this fugitive from a NASA clean room. WARNING, will-robinson! Danger! (That should date me) “Do not clean the sensor yourself”! “Do not use materials or fluids not specifically designed to clean your sensor”! “Send your camera back to us for service” - Canon But what if you get a glob of goober on your mirror, like I recently did? What do you do if the Focusing screen drops into your hands suddenly , while removing your lens? (This actually happened to me.) (more…)
Musing about photography February 23, 2008
Posted by tsidock in : Blog , add a commentNow
Is an infinitely thin sliver of time
traveling toward the future at the speed of light
Photography give us the ability to capture that sliver of time. A photograph persists, perhaps not forever, but long enough to allow the savoring of the moment. It allows us to share god’s golden moments with others.
A good snapshot stops a moment from running away. ~Eudora Welty
A photograph can also be so much more than that. It also allows the photographer to interpret what is being experienced in terms of how the photographer sees the subject. In landscapes the photographer is able to not only show what is seen, but also what the photographer sees in terms of his emotional vision.
Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter. ~Ansel Adams
In portraits and other forms of people photography the photographer can return a photograph of a person expressed as the photographer sees the inner person.
“It should be the aim of the artist-photographer to produce in the likeness the best possible character and finest expression of which that particular face or figure could ever have been capable. But in the result there is to be no departure from truth in the delineation and representation of beauty, and expression, and character.”
– A. S. Southworth, 1870 (more…)
Gary Fong, not, Semi Beauty dish on a pocket strobe! February 14, 2008
Posted by tsidock in : DIY, Blog , add a commentEveryone loves the light modifiers from Gary Fong, and if you don’t own one of his products, you most certainly have a Stofen modifier. That is what I have been using, until today. While shopping at a local craft store with my wife, I spotted these really cheap Needlepoint or Embroidery canvases. At less than a buck a piece, I couldn’t resist.
For examples and photos of the rigs construction click the link above. Total cost $5.00!
My initial thoughts on this device is that it provides a very smooth spread of light that is very usable with wide angle lenses 17mm to 35mm (35mm equivalent), while retaining a subtle center weighted specular highlight. This is actually the reverse of a ring flash but in many ways it is similar to a beauty dish or traditional press style flashgun bulb and reflector. Remember those beautiful Press photos?
You will need:
1 Stofen type modifier To fit your flash.
2 strips of Heavy Load hook and loop fasteners (Velcro)
1 - 5 1/2″ Plastic Canvas for needlepoint, available at Michaels and Annie’s Attic.
1 - 9 1/2″ Plastic Canvas for needlepoint, available at Michaels and Annie’s Attic.
3 2 1/2″ #10 machine screws with nuts
3 - 1 3/” to 2″ spacer tubes. I had to improvise with 3/4″ and 1/2″ set together.
12 #10 washers
Vinyl adhesive to bond the velcro to the plastic fabric.
No 40D under the Christmas tree! December 30, 2007
Posted by tsidock in : Blog , add a commentI wasn’t bad, Santa didn’t cross me off his list. When the day came I had a change of heart. The 40D is a fantastic machine it is more camera than any enthusiast has had since photography was conceived. But, the truth is, I couldn’t justify the purchase. I have a 5D and yes, it is missing some of the fine features that the 40D offers, but what are those features? Speed, weather sealing and a larger LCD. Oh, some would say LiveView. but I don’t see that as a feature due to the extra battery drain and potential for sensor heating. Sensor heating will increase noise. (more…)
Micro Studio Lighting - Learn how to use studio lights December 1, 2007
Posted by tsidock in : DIY, Blog , add a commentBuild a photo studio at home for $20.00!
Have you toyed with the idea of using studio lights but lack the experience? Tempted by those cheap deals on eBay or the camera store starter kits? I did exactly that and realized that trying to find the space to set up, not to mention finding unsuspecting family and friends to sit still while I fumble with the lights, was not the way to achieve studio bliss. My friends there is hope. That hope will fit on a coffee table and provide hours of enjoyment while allow you to practice moving the lights around until you understand what kind of lighting to use and exactly how to set it up. For this exercise we won’t be needing any strobes. I got the idea for this approach while shopping at my local Fry’s electronics. Sold as alternative (Green) desk lighting, these hi intensity, rechargeable lamps were being sold for $3.98ea! Each lamp utilizes 11 super-bright LED’s. (more…)
Canon 40D takes San Diego Photography Expo! November 13, 2007
Posted by tsidock in : Blog , add a commentThere was a camera show this weekend in San Diego. It was sponsored by our two largest camera store operators, actually, I believe they are our only two camera store operators. I am certain that this is a result of the heavy discounting available on the internet, but I digress. The show was very large and filled a 50,000 sqft facility with equipment and people. I love this show, it is a yearly event with free seminars by some of the top photographers in the country. Last year the late Monty Zucker gave spellbinding lectures on portraiture. In an hours time I learned more than I had in all the years I have been using lights and photographing people. (more…)
