Less than a week ago I finished making a macro diffuser for my Meike MK320. Unlike the first version of the diffuser (see here), which was intended to work with the built-in flash of my Olympus OM-D E-M10 and was made of paper – and was therefore fiddly and not very robust – this one is mostly made of cardboard. The inside is layered with aluminium foil, in order to reflect more light and therefore increase effective output and improve flash recycle time.
I’m not entirely sure that I have succeeded in making the setup more efficient, but I’m very satisfied with the look of the photos. The light doesn’t look hard, which is the most important aspect for me.
I’ve included several sample photos taken with the diffuser and the following gear down below: Olympus OM-D E-M10, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 45m f/1.8, Marumi DHG200 + 5, Raynox DCR-250 and FOTGA extension tubes.
Just like my previous DIY diffusers this one is not exactly what one would call pretty, but it does do the job it’s intended to do.
The angle at which it directs light to the subject (almost downward facing) was chosen because of the short close focusing distance of my macro setup. At highest magnification the distance between the motif and the last piece in my lens/achromat/tubes setup is only 3-4 cm. If you use a long macro lens and want to make a similar diffuser, make sure to adjust the angle, so that it directs the light to where your subject would usually be.
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Who cares what it looks like when it works this well — GREAT photos! Keep them coming!
You are right. The only important thing is that it works. And thanks for the compliment! 🙂
What a great set up and astonishings photos!
After a little research, I understood that good ilumination is crucial for getting sharp handheld images. I usually get blurry-out of focus images with low light conditions.
I own a Lumix G85 and the Olympus60mm macro lens, but no additional flash. Before purchasing the mk-320 to emulate your setup, I was wondering if it would be possible to use this flash (with or without the DIY diffuser) off-camera and if it would be automatically triggered. If so, would the diffuser block the optical signal from the camera?
Regards.
Whether it would be automatically triggered depends on your camera. Does the G85 have S1 and S2 modes? You need those modes to trigger an external flash gun with the built-in flash of your camera.
If you do it right the diffuser shouldn’t block the optical signal. The sensor on the MK320 is right above the hot shoe on the front of the unit (look at this photo) and there is no need to make a diffuser that covers that part of the flash gun.
Ivan, I miss your photography and your blog. Are you posting your photos on another site now? I sure hope that you are still taking photos. Wishing you and yours a marvelous new year!!!
Hey Joni! I’m stretched thin time wise as of late. All I do is work. A wonderful new year to you too! How are you doing?
Ivan, I hope that your work is something you like to do if it is not giving you enough time for other stuff. I am wishing you a great 2019 and hoping that more of what you truly want will come to you. I could do with more work, but I just take it day by day and try to find some joy in whatever I am doing.
Sorry for responding so late. I rarely check the comments on the blog these days. My work is a mix of enjoyable and unpleasant tasks like most jobs are. Thank you for the great wishes, all I can say is likewise!
According to some forums, yes, the G85 has those modes, so I’m buying the mk320 right now. Thank you so much for your quick and useful answer. I hope some day I can produce photos half as impressive as yours. Regards.
Yes, it seems that the G85 has those modes. Thank you for your quick and really useful reply. I’m buying it right now. I hope some day I will get photos half as astonishing as yours. Regards.
You are welcome Josep. 🙂
You will even better. Just keep doing it. 🙂
Yes, it seems that the G85 has those modes. Thank you for your quick and really useful reply. I’m buying it right now. I hope some day I will get photos half as astonishing as yours. Regards.
Yes, it seems that the G85 has those modes. Thank you for your quick and really useful reply. I’m buying it right now. I hope some day I will get photos half as astonishing as yours. Regards.
Hey Ivan,
as always, nice pictures :). I am planning on building a diffuser my self (I own almost the same setup). Can you elaborate on how you constructed the diffuser (especially the front)? Did you took pictures while building it?
Regards, Jan
Hi Jan,
if I recall correctly, everything is made of cardboard. There are two parts, the front part is glued to the “shaft”. There is white backing paper taped to the front, which takes care of diffusion. The inside of the shaft and front is covered with aluminum foil, in order not to waste flash power. I don’t have photos, unfortunately. I will try to make a sketch and post it here, when I have time.
Regards,
Ivan
Thanks for immediate response.