Olympus m4/3.. pulling back the twin flash.

[Yawns]

Finished this project... the basic idea was to pull back the flashes from the lens mouth and build a diffusor that does not invade the working distance.

Now the flashes are like 4-5cm back and there's a good space from the flash light to the diffuser surface.

I did some previous "projects"...

https://www.photomacrography.net/forum/ ... highlight=

But now I couldn't resist a very good promotion at Olympus Portugal (almost 50% off and got the STF-8 twin flash... this flash will also allow for bracketing with flash ( I tried.. the camera waits for the flash to recharge when bracketing a sequence of photos)

The frame... (almost) all the parts are "SmallRig" ...
Screenshot 2019-12-28 at 16.29.37 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

Screenshot 2019-12-29 at 14.30.53 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

Screenshot 2019-12-29 at 14.56.14 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

Screenshot 2019-12-29 at 14.56.50 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

The diffuser is a "sandwich".. 2x a frame I designed and printed.. 2x 52mm Cokin series P rings.. and a piece of Savage Tanslum diffuser sheet.

Screenshot 2019-12-29 at 13.29.44 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

I could have used only one diffuser frame and only one Cokin ring .. but using two rings I don't lose the thread in the lens mouth and I can (if I want) add a Diopter, or filter in the lens mouth (red in the drawing)

Screenshot 2019-12-29 at 13.42.40 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

I modified the design of the diffuser .. it is 30 cm in diameter (12 inches) .. sometimes it was difficult to get right with the object / insect position because I didn’t see anything in front of me .... with the butterfly shape and the openings, like this I already see the lens mouth and the plants in front of me.

Screenshot 2020-01-09 at 00.31.07 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

added 2 extension rings.. this still pulls the flashes further back ..

IMG_20200108_161656 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

IMG_20200108_161642 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

I haven't had time to test this out a lot because it's still very cold and there are almost no insects yet.

fb MA280019 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

a large number of Oxycarenus sp...

P1100047 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

P1100065 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

if you want to try it yourself i'm more than happy to share the *.STL file ready for printing

THE FILE IS HERE
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l0dGYO ... sp=sharing


Screenshot 2020-01-18 at 15.53.05 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

[jojm]

Good job, Antonio!
I'm also using STF-8 flashes with Olympus OM-D cameras, your method to pull back the light is inspiring, thanks a lot!
I sent you a PM, I'm interested to get the STL file.

[Yawns]

here is the google drive llnk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l0dGYO ... sp=sharing

[Yawns]

List of parts and current configuration

It's no simple as it looks to get it well assembled... the right hand most fit ( I have small hands) the rods can't hurt the face etc...( I did not want to cut it shorter)

oly01 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

oly02 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

Screenshot 2020-01-19 at 12.09.00 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

I replaced all the SmallRig handles with M5 - 18mm long thread screws with a spring washer.

The handles constantly get loose.
The handles are very awkward and tight in strange positions making it sometimes impossible to fit other elements. (get in the way)
The handles may be quite hurtful in the hands.

IMG_20200119_125307 by antonio caseiro, on Flickr

[MarkSturtevant]

Fantastic! Your technical prowess at design is simply amazing.