Flash bracket for Canon 500/4

[Fredrik Backman]

Hi all,

I am looking for a usable flash bracket to use together with my 500/4 lens, to support a flash and a better beamer on top. I often use a monopod so it would need to be something tthat I can fix on the arca plate/foot that I am using.

Now, I know there are options out there from Kirk, Wimberley etc that will set me back 200 USD or something in that range. That is to me an obscene amount of money for something so simple. I am normally fine with paying for quality, but for a small metal bracket?

Are there no cheaper options out there (e.g. like there are replacement arca-type plates on eBay for a reasonable price)? Anyone have any idea on where to turn?

Thanks in advance,
Fredrik

[Ian Cassell]

I'm watching for responses with interest. I have a new gimbal mount and need some way to hold my 430EX and BB.

[Nicolas Frève]

A cheaper alternative: Jobu-Design Topmount Flash Bracket w/QR

[Chris Ober]

Make one yourself like I did. Cheap aluminum bar from hardware store and some paint. Bend it in a vise, drill and tap the hole, paint.

[Fredrik Backman]

Make one yourself like I did. Cheap aluminum bar from hardware store and some paint. Bend it in a vise, drill and tap the hole, paint.

I did consider it. Question is how to solve the fixation to the arca foot. Also, where do I get a proper cold shoe for mounting the flash?

Thanks,
Fredrik

[Chris Ober]

I used an old knob I had (but you can get one from the hardware store) through the plate and screws into the bottom of the bracket to hold it on. It's a standard thread. Another to hold the end of the shoe cord to the top of the bracket. You'll need the proper shoe cord or wireless set up, of course.

[Ulli Hoeger]

I got such a clamp-on flash bracket last Fall off ebay from a seller in India.
The fellow (dvaccessory23) sells gimbal heads and other video gear.
Pretty solid quaility .....
Currently he doesn't list these flash brackets, but you may want to contact him and ask about it. Back in October it cost me US$70 (shipping included).

[Fredrik Backman]

I got such a clamp-on flash bracket last Fall off ebay from a seller in India.
The fellow (dvaccessory23) sells gimbal heads and other video gear.
Pretty solid quaility .....
Currently he doesn't list these flash brackets, but you may want to contact him and ask about it. Back in October it cost me US$70 (shipping included).

Could it be the same as this one?

http://dvcity.com/dvc/product_info.php?products_id=304

If so, any pros and cons to share about it?

Thanks,
Fredrik

[Ulli Hoeger]

Could it be the same as this one?

http://dvcity.com/dvc/product_info.php?products_id=304

If so, any pros and cons to share about it?

Thanks,
Fredrik

Yes, that's the one I was talking about. It works! No cons.

Ulli

P.S. Use it on both of their gimbal versions.

[Ian Cassell]

Ulli, how does it attach to the gimbal mount?

[Charles Glatzer]

An inexpensive solution is below...

The Quick Flip 350 Flash Rotating Bracket from Stroboframe® provides centered, overhead flash, eliminating side shadows and red-eye. It has a rotating arm to keep flash centered over the lens for both horizontal and vertical comp position both on and off a tripod. The bracket features a high-density, neoprene foam side grip for comfortable shooting or carrying. This rotating bracket comes bundled with a shoe mount and 0.25" – 20" camera mounting knob. Simply attach the bracket to either the lens or camera plate. Around $40- 50, w/o remote flash cord. Works like a charm.

Chas

[Ulli Hoeger]

Ulli, how does it attach to the gimbal mount?

Sorry for the delayed reply.
It clamps to the ARCA plate. If you follow the previously mentioned link and scroll down to the bottom you will find a picture of the assembly off camera. On the horizontal bottom bar you can see the profile that slides on the arca plate and is clamped to its dovetail.
You will only need a ARCA plate long enough to provide ~3/4 inch of accessible real estate when the rig is clamped and balanced on your gimbal.