Hin's Photo Corner

I am quite happy in using the white panel as a reflector when the ceiling is black in color not serving well for the bounced flash. I normally prefer to use the transparent panel as it acts both as a reflector and partial light goes through it to ceiling for the diffused lighting for the subject.


Impressions & Notes:

• I use the solid white panel when the ceiling is not appropriate for bouncing light from the flash.
  
• I find the solid white panel more effective than the built in bounce card in Pentax AF540. For one it is much bigger in size and the most important enhancement is the angle that I can set in relation to the flash head.
  
• I can also slide the Velcro strap up and down the flash head to make minor adjustment to the distance between the flash head and the reflector
• I did try out the golden panel but I think I used it wrongly for indoor as shots come out too warm with a golden touch on faces in the dark. Perhaps, I would try the golden panel another time in outdoor setting for portraits.
  

Related

• Spectra Light Diffuser Review
• Spectra Light Diffuser on direct flash
  
• Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8
  
• Pentax AF540 flash
• Sunpak 422D auto thyristor flash
• Hin's Camera Gear

I happen to have a chance to use the Spectra Light Diffuser with my bounce flash in a direct position. I normally use my flash in a bounce position in an angle but I happen to take photos for my family in a church program at night with very tall ceiling, And I just want to try out the effectiveness of Spectra Light as a diffuser over the flash in a direct position



I actually snatch on the Velcro side way to give more diffused surface than what is shown in the picture. I need to find a spacer to align the transparent panel to center the panel over the flash head.

Results are pretty decent but I used it in the church in a good distance of 10 to 20 feet and effectively the longer distance may have already diffused the flash light. When time allows, I will try it on closer distance as in 5 to 10 feet away from objects. The first shot was taken at a closer distance to 6 feet. I used Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8 along with the spectra light diffuser for all shots in the church



The second shot above is in a good 15 to 20 feet away. The light is diffused enough so I can't really conclude how effective the Spectra light works as a diffuser. I will do more shots similar to #1 shot where the subjects are in closer distance. So far, I don't see the flash lighting that is overwhelming in the resulting shots.



The third and fourth shots are in a medium distance, roughly 8 to 12 feet away from my shooting position. It comes out quite alright to me. The shadow in #3 on the back is not as distracting as I would hope for.


Impressions & Notes

• Though I would prefer to use the Spectra light used with a bounced flash, I find that it helps a bit as a diffuser when the flash is in a direct position
• I need a spacer to center the transparent panel to the center of the flash head
• When used as a diffuser, I find the shots less flashy as compared to other shots when I use my flash in a direct position aiming straight onto the subject

Related

• Spectra Light Diffuser Review
• Spectra Flash Light Diffuser as Reflector
  
• Pentax FA 77mm f/1.8
• Pentax AF540 flash
• Sunpak 422D auto thyristor flash
• Hin's Camera Gear

I look for a diffuser to be used with the Pentax AF540 flash. I am pretty new to using flash but I find flash a necessity to make the shot clean. I like natural looking picture and hence I long for an easy to use bouncer and diffuser. Also as an amateur to flash, I experiment on using flash bouncing light with light color wall and roof. The caveat that I found in flash bouncing is in not finding a nearby light color wall and roof. And I found this gadget with Spectra Light comes in handy. Its design and look is intuitive and easy to experiment and learn with.

I don't have in-depth experience with other diffuser such as Gary Fong Lightsphere and hence I don't quite know how it compares. But one thing is for sure, the Spectra Light is inexpensive to get as I paid roughly $15.00 in ebay. And I used it in first shooting with my niece graduation and it helps the newbie strobist in me, giving me more confidence into fill-flash with a natural looking pictures.


Spectra Light Diffuser comes with five panels and a pocket holder:

• The translucent panel is used for flash bounce and diffuser
• The golden panel is used as a warming reflector. It comes with a sticky label on back that one can peel out and attach to the solid white panel.
  
• The silver panel is used as an intensify reflector. It comes with a sticky label on back that one can peel out and attach to the solid white panel.
• The two solid white panels can be used for bounce serving as a 4x4 solid panel redirecting light as a nearby wall or roof. Unlike the translucent panel, no light will go through the pane.
  
• Depending on your choices, I learn from Russel to attach the gold label to one side of the solid white panel and attach the silver label to the 2nd solid white panel. In that arrangement, I can have an alternate white panel to go with a colored panel in silver and gold color. Sweet arrangement for multiple strobes.
  

And I kind of like the design in the ball-head that allow me to move the panel quite freely in the vertical and horizontally.

I have used the gadget as a diffuser and bouncer using the translucent panel in my niece graduation ceremony. So far, I am quite satisfied with the assistance that Spectra Light offers to help bounce and diffuse light from my flash. Results seems consistent as if no flash is used.