Hot Shoe Adapter Saved My Flash

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KevinBarrett
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Hot Shoe Adapter Saved My Flash

Unread post by KevinBarrett »

This morning I was shooting portraits in the park with a family. The air was chilly, but still, and I was surprised how weak a breeze could catch my umbrella and take my light stand to the ground. I'm using a lighter Manfrotto stand now, instead of my old cheap-but-heavy tripod, so I shouldn't have been too surprised.

Surveying gravity's handiwork, I found that the flash had separated from the umbrella adapter. Not good. I looked closer to see broken plastic and wires dangling from the bottom of the flash gun. Oh doggie-doo. But the flash was safe. The Seagull SC-6 hot shoe adapter took the damage. In fact, it appears as if it was designed to take the damage, being strong enough to hold a light steady, but weak enough to give in the event of a tragedy. Sweet. The FA-CS1AM off-camera shoe from Sony (and it's Minolta-branded counterpart) doesn't seem to have this inherent weakness built-in.
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Dr. Harout
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Re: Hot Shoe Adapter Saved My Flash

Unread post by Dr. Harout »

Hmm, now how should I put this? Should I say congratulations that your flash is safe and sound or should I sadden for the broken piece. I guess I'll opt for the former.
BTW, as I look at the picture I believe you can fix it with some "crazy" glue.
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Birma
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Re: Hot Shoe Adapter Saved My Flash

Unread post by Birma »

Ouch :shock: As you point out, it could have been worse!
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KevinBarrett
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Re: Hot Shoe Adapter Saved My Flash

Unread post by KevinBarrett »

Yeah, I could glue it back together, but then what if the glue is stronger than the original plastic? Will it give when it needs to? Or it could be the other way, too weak, and I'd never trust it. Instead, I found a place with bulk prices on these little babies and I bought three for about $7 apiece, free shipping.
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Dr. Harout
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Re: Hot Shoe Adapter Saved My Flash

Unread post by Dr. Harout »

Just glue it and don't use the umbrella outside. How about using diffusers either separately or some cheap stuff attached to the flash?
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David Kilpatrick
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Re: Hot Shoe Adapter Saved My Flash

Unread post by David Kilpatrick »

There's always that big shiny thing in the sky which we see occasionally, too?

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KevinBarrett
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Re: Hot Shoe Adapter Saved My Flash

Unread post by KevinBarrett »

You mean my fill light?
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pakodominguez
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Re: Hot Shoe Adapter Saved My Flash

Unread post by pakodominguez »

I think DK mean Sun light (not necessarily direct sun light...)
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