Home-made Macro light! (pics)

[royjr]

So, I had this old flourescent light sittin' around in my tool room for some time now. We used to use these @ work for microscopic surface-mount soldering of chips, resistors, transistors, etc. I had the idea of 'modifying' it to accomadate my 55mm Sigma lens that I use for macros.






*ahem!* [insert manditory Mr_Bucket-"That's not a macro." ]







Alrighty. With that outta the way....ON WITH THE TEST!

The light

It's angelic halo

The halo when lighted

Now, the test items:
- Canon 10D
- Canon Speedlite 550EX
- 8 1/2" x 11" piece of whiteboard (for flash bouncing)
- The homemade Macro light
- Turtle Beach POS 16-ch soundcard

First, I took a pic of the soundcard WITHOUT the flash

Then, I took a pic of the SC with the 550EX (direct)

Next, I took a pic of the SC with the 550EX, angled and using a whiteboard for "bouncing" the flash

Finally, I took the pic using the homemade macro light

From what I tested, I'd have to say this handy little light's a keeper. There's no over-exposure of the caps, solder points, or PCB for one. It applies adequate light from all directions, without over/under-exposure or shadows. Granted, it took a little grinding with the ol'Dremel to get the hole a little larger to fit a 55mm lens through it, but it worked out great! What'cha think?

 

[nutxo]

neat-o

 

[Mr_Bucket]

might want to do a custom white balance shot when you use that


put a coffe filter over the end of the lens and aim it at the area you are going to shoot, take the picture, then in the menu set it as the custom wb and then set the wb to custom wb on the top screen.

but it looks nice

 

[royjr]

Originally posted by Mr_Bucket
might want to do a custom white balance shot when you use that


put a coffe filter over the end of the lens and aim it at the area you are going to shoot, take the picture, then in the menu set it as the custom wb and then set the wb to custom wb on the top screen.

but it looks nice

True on the Custom WB. It's a little too 'greenish' for my taste ATM. I'll see what I can do about that. I'm still a little confused , in-regards, to the filter.

Plz AIM me for details.

 

[Mr_Bucket]

Originally posted by royjr
True on the Custom WB. It's a little too 'greenish' for my taste ATM. I'll see what I can do about that. I'm still a little confused , in-regards, to the filter.

Plz AIM me for details.

im at school right now so no aim


but just take a bleached coffe filter, the ones that you put in coffe machines and put it over the end of the lens to take the custom wb shot

 

[Schmave]

Does that thing use batteries or does it plug into the wall?

 

[royjr]

Originally posted by Schmave
Does that thing use batteries or does it plug into the wall?

A/C adapter

From what I've seen in catalogs for lab/workbench accesories, this thing lists for well over $250!

 

[Hooker]

man that is pretty cool : D! hehe what someone can do to get themselves a macro flash! (or light)

 

[FLECOM]

ya flurescant (sp) lamps give everything a green cast... i know this allllllll too well

and that soundcard... aureal vortex 8820.... almost set mine on fire... sigh... the drivers are a PITA to get to work in XP...

its in the pc in my car atm