Flash too powerful

[xavier]

Originally Posted by jet_kit

Good plan, Garry. I'll try that because the snoot will cut down the output pretty seriously, and i could always hang a ND in front of that. I'll let you know how I get on, probably at the weekend.

if you want an improvised snoot use a Pingles can with the bottom cut off

[jet_kit]

Originally Posted by hssutton

Hi Chris I used an homemade snoot to use on a flash where I've removed the flash tube from the flash head and extended the wires so that I can position the flash tube inside a flower. I made the snoot out of black card.

I made this initially for an experiment in backlighting a daffodil, the snoot was approx 18 in length with a narrow opening where I inserted the head of a daffodil. I adjusted the exposure by moving the flash tube inside the snoot/cone. Probably a little difficult to do with a complete flashgun though.

Harry

Hi Harry,
I love this shot. It's worked so well. It's nothing like what I'm trying to achieve, but it shows what can be done if you're not afraid of a screwdriver and soldering iron.

[hssutton]

Hi Chris and thanks, I didn't think you would be trying something similar, but it does show an homemade snoot could be the answer. You mention a screwdriver and soldering iron, but you forgot about the stuff that knocks your socks off.

For anyone thinking of doing something like this, beware as there can be a hell of a lot of electricty stored in the capacitors.

Harry

[jet_kit]

Originally Posted by hssutton

Hi Chris and thanks, I didn't think you would be trying something similar, but it does show an homemade snoot could be the answer. You mention a screwdriver and soldering iron, but you forgot about the stuff that knocks your socks off.

For anyone thinking of doing something like this, beware as there can be a hell of a lot of electricty stored in the capacitors.

Harry

Oh yes. ALWAYS discharge the capacitors before you go anywhere near them! If you don't know what you're doing then stick to safe pastimes like Bungee jumping and Skydiving.

[jet_kit]

Just to update this thread.
The lighting plan isn't working, so I'm trying a different approach which involves some changes to the studio layout. May have to wait for the summer!

[eagerbeaver]

What make of flash is it ? I know the old flash guns such as Vivitar you could turn down the power.

[jet_kit]

Originally Posted by eagerbeaver

What make of flash is it ? I know the old flash guns such as Vivitar you could turn down the power.

No idea. It's a very old flash I've had lying about for 40 years or so and, frankly, I'm surprised it still works. It's even lost the little GN calculator from the top. I think it was my first electronic flash that didn't need a car battery to drive it. However, there's no power adjustment, or any other adjustment for that matter, it just does what it does.
Anyway, the crux is that the idea doesn't work and I've got to do some mods to the studio to attempt it from another angle.