Posted by Tony T on 03-09-2007 18:46
#10
Philippe moniotte wrote:
Just one question : what exactly do you mean by 'the flash pointing to the outside of the paper tube " ?
Philippe
Crex wote: I would like to try this technique myself. I think I know how you set this up, but I'm not sure how you aim your flash and how large the paper tube should be. Do you have a photo of your setup?
The paper tube acts simply as a flash diffuser. It can be made from 8.5 x 11" or 8.5 x 14" regular office copy paper. By aiming the flash at the tube the entire tube acts as a light source so that the light comes from all directions. Otherwise you will most surely get harsh shadows if you aim the flash directly at the fly. The SB800 has a built in diffuser and I will sometimes use this as well as the paper tube.
Note that the flash is "off camera", has to be to get the flash above the tube.
It is important not to alter focussing using the lens; one must either move the entire camera or the fly. I keep the camera solid and move the fly (actually I move the entire fly holder + paper tube). Thus you need some sort of focussing rail that will move in 1mm or less increments.
Also a good idea is to have the camera and the fly-holder on the same rigid 'optical bench'.
I use various combinations of 105mm micros lens, PN11 tubes, 1.4 teleconverter, Nikon 4T close-up attachment lens.