Today, following a trip to the hardware store/Lowes, I’ve got my own DIY multi-flash Speedite Mount. DIY dual mounts are pretty common these days, and there are a couple of tri-mount units commercially available. Sadly, a DIY 4x mount is still a pipe dream; mine can only handle 3x Speedlites.
But what the hell, I still built it myself! And here’s how – photos and instructions after the break:
The parts list is modest, to say the least. The primary body of the mount is .5 cup sized Rubbermaid Easy Find Lids container. (Yes, you read that right.) I searched high and low for a square piece of material suitable for a body frame, and this is all I was able to come up with. And I’ll admit right now, it is by no means the perfect solution, nor is it one that I’m likely to stick with. But for the moment, it works.
The Rubbermaid container is joined by 3x coldshoes and a collection of misc. hardware, all of it 1/4″ x 20 spec., just to keep things simple.
I began by measuring out the center of each of the four faces, then using a hobby knife to cut holes in the Rubbermaid container, through which the mounting/structural support rods will pass. I also used the knife to trim off the perpendicular flange that ran around the container near the top, as it would get in the way of the coldshoes.
In step two, I fed in the 2x 3″ threaded rods and their associated hardware – some washers and nuts to keep them in position within the Rubbermaid frame. As I mentioned before, the purpose of these rods is twofold – first, they provide mounting points for the coldshoes; and second, they greatly increase the structural strength of the container.
With the rods in place (and as you can see above, one of the coldshoes attached), I used the knife to cut two holes in the bottom of the container, and two matching holes in the “Easy Find Lid” – these are for the umbrellas, two of which can feed through the container. Because the lid is made of a flexible rubber, I left it’s holes a little smaller, for some extra grip on the umbrellas.
Here’s the finished unit, with the coldshoes mounted and a threaded connector attached to the bottom post, so that the bracket can mount directly to the threaded post on the lightstand’s umbrella adapter. After threading the coldshoes into place, I used a wrench to tighten down all the nuts inside the container – the finished unit actually feels remarkable solid!
And here it is in action – three Speedlites securely mounted and firing in sync. It works!
If you’ve read this far and are any kind of photographer, you’re probably thinking that I’m crazy about now. For sure, a Rubbermaid container is NOT any kind of secure, confidence-inspiring unit that you’re going to mount nearly $1k in flashes to. And I’m right there with you.
What I was able to do here is build a multi-flash bracket that feels surprisingly sturdy, for under $25, in less time than it took to actually find the components. Amazingly enough, I actually have enough confidence in this contraption that I’d use it in the studio – albeit with frequent checks for plastic fatigue and cracking.
On-location, however, even I’m not nuts enough to use this thing – I get the distinct feeling that it’s just not up to being in constant motion in, say, the hands of an assistant. And I certainly don’t want to see three of my Speedlites take a nose-dive into the dirt.
So what was the point of all this? Call it a “proof of concept.” There are units out there like the FourSquare and Lastolite TriFlash, but I’m still not convinced that they need to cost $65-$100+ apiece. I still believe that there’s a better way – and I’m going to keep looking for a way to build one of these on my own. One, incidentally, that will actually stand up to the rigors of the field.
And that can’t be used to hold M&Ms during it’s off-time.
So that’s what those holes are for in the bottom — M&M dispenser
. Very clever idea. I wonder if using a short section of say 4″ PVC pipe would work and be less likely to crack if used on location.
Looks great. You could make it much sturdier if you replaced the rubbermaid container with something like a metal electrical junction box… Cheap at the store!
Very cool hack, I think I’ll give it a try.
I seriously considered an electrical junction box – decided against it only because I lack the tools to drill metal (the Dremel won’t handle it…I’ve tried). But you’re right, otherwise it would be perfect.
PVC might be just the thing… Definitely stronger and would hold up better, but is still easy to work with. Maybe I should have thought of that
Hmm, you might be able to find a J-box that has the knockout holes in the right spot? Then you just need washers big enough to cover them…
Hrm… cut a hole in the lid, and it can double as a Fong Lightsphere too! haha =), but very clever use of tupperware.
you could take a couple of those all threads to the local high school, and have their best welding student make a cross out of them. this will avoid the box all together. of course then you would have to figure out another way to attach your umbrellas.
interesting DIY, but is $65 too much for a professional and compact bracket? Would you really turn up to a paying shoot with what appears to be a lunch box holding your gear together? I suppose it depends on what work your doing. I use the TriFlash and love it.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=611177&is=REG
wood?
When I can make it myself for $20, just a nice looking, just as (or even more) functional, then yes, I believe that $65 is too much to pay for a “professional” bracket. But like I said in the post, I know this one isn’t up to that level – it is made with lunchbox parts, after all, and I wouldn’t trust it on a shoot. But that’s what seals the deal for me – I don’t trust it, not that it doesn’t look “right.” On the other hand, check out my most recent post, where I went back and built a new bracket, all from metal hardware. Looks just as good as the Trigrip, holds an extra flash, and is still just $20
I would prefer clients to judge my portfolio and not my gear bag.
Very cool, I like it! One question though- where did you get those sweet cold shoes, they look really great. Thanks!
The coldshoes come from CheetahStand, and they are great – I love the way they work, with the entire side opening/closing to lock the flash in, instead of just a tiny thumb-screw like most. And best of all, they’re only $10.
Agree 100%
What if you painted the inside black, then filled it with Great Stuff. That might make it way less prone to flex-crack failure.