I purchased a Canon EOS50 camera last year and have been taking a lot of pictures of my family. It did not take long for me to realise that the built-in flash was quite inadequate. Therefore I recently rushed off to the market to purchase a 380EX speedlite, thinking that it was designed for the EOS 50 and could meet all the needs of a mere mortal like me.

Unfortunately before long I discovered that I have been taking most of my pictures in the portrait format and that I cannot bounce the flash off the roof because the 380EX cannot swivel to face the roof. Is there any simple solution to fix this problem ? One really unimaginative solution is to trade the 380EX for the new 420EX speedlite and spend around $200 Australian.

Many thanks for your suggestions and many thanks for running this excellent forum.

Hemant.

-- Hemant Kumar (hkumar@med.usyd.edu.au), February 13, 2001

Answers

Some photographers swear by a little device called the Stofen(sp?) Omni bounce. It is a relatively inexpensive plastic diffuser which slips on over the flash head. When the flash is fired, light is sprayed in all directions, that is, in front, up, and behind you. I believe this is most effective when used in a room, where there are walls and ceilings to act as reflectors as opposed to outdoors. In the absence of a swiveling flash, this might be the next best thing. Stofen does have a website, I'm sorry I don't know the address though.

-- Paul Swenson (paulphoto@humboldt1.com), February 14, 2001.

I think that even with the Omni Bounce you will be annoyed with the shadow on the side of the subject. These small bounce reflectors are only moderately effective, and only at very close distances anyway.

Probably the best option is to use Canon's Off Camera Shoe Cord 2 to get the flash off of the hot shoe. It's about $50 (USD). Of course then it takes three hands to hold it all so you'll need a flash bracket that keeps the flash directly above the lens when you rotate the camera. A Stroboframe Quick Flip is about the cheapest option.

The 380EX is somewhat marginal in power for bounce flash in many situations, so you might prefer the upgrade to the 420EX anyway.

-- Jim Strutz (jimstrutz@juno.com), February 14, 2001.

Many many thanks to Paul Swenson and Jim Strutz for your kind suggestions.

1. I did explore the possibility of using a Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce. Its manufacturers Bogen Corp. say the following about it ..The best way to soften the direct flash is to attach a Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce diffuser. This compact easy to attach accessory is made for the Metz 40,45 and 60 series Flash.

While this could be used for the 380EX I have been told that it does tend to markedly reduce the output(guide number)of the speedlite. And as Jim correctly observes the 380EX is indeed marginal in power. Cost of Sto-fen Omni Bounce is $60 here is Australia.

2. As far as Jim's suggestion about using the Off Camera Shoe Cord 2 and the Stroboframe is concerned, the cost of this option here in Australia is definitely bizarre. The cord costs $133 and the Stroboframe around $250 making a total of $383. Cost of the 420EX is $479.

Therefore, I think Jim's suggestion of upgrading to 420EX is probably the way to go.

Many thanks once again

Hemant.

-- Hemant Kumar (hkumar@med.usyd.edu.au), February 14, 2001.

Jim's advice is of course excellent, and the most practical for a consistent workable solution. Regarding the Omni-bounce ,I've heard you can make your own for a couple of dollars by cutting off the bottom of a plastic bottle of rubbing alcohol, or similar, with a smoky white plastic and big enough when cut off to slip over your flash head. I agree though that these work better with horizontal framing. I personally prefer a flash that swivels, not just for vertical bounce, but for rear bounce with horizontal framing.

-- Paul Swenson (paulphoto@humboldt1.com), February 14, 2001.

Sounds like someone is trying to rip you off with the off camera shoe cord. I got mine here in Newcastle for $100. It shouldn't cost you anymore than that. I also bought a small flat bracket that attaches to the bottom of the camera...and reconfigured it so that my flash sits to the side much like my Metz 45, only just a little higher.

Swivel and bounce and all is nice, but how can you bounce off the ceiling in a cathedral or a room with coloured ceilings/walls? My home made bracket is perfect and only cost a minimal amount.

-- Michael King (action_photo_guy@hotmail.com), February 15, 2001.

Many thanks to Micheal for his suggestion. The price of the Off Camera Shoe Cord was quoted to me by a reputed Camera dealer here in Sydney CBD. If I do hunt around I am certain I can get the cord for less.

I entirely agree with your observations on using a bounce where high or coloured roofs exist. My application was one of a more limited nature. I intend to use bounce only at home where I have relatively low white ceiling, to photograph my little one.

While I understand the position and configuration of your flash, I don't quite understand how you manage to achieve uniform, diffuse lighting with your flash. I wonder if you could kindly explain.

Cheers

Hemant.

-- Hemant Kumar (hkumar@med.usyd.edu.au), February 15, 2001.