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Flash Unit: Accessories
The flash unit, being triggered by a remote circuit such as those
described previously, is independent of the camera. Therefore, the
unit need not be mounted on the camera. (If the unit is mounted on
the camera and the camera has a hot shoe, the shoe contacts must be
covered with insulating tape. Otherwise, the camera will initiate
the discharge, thus bypassing the remote trigger.) In many
instances, one could simply prop up the flash unit in the desired
location using books or blocks or whatever is
convenient. For greater versatility and convenience in
adjusting the flash position, a variety of brackets are available.
The photograph below shows several. Look for them in photo stores or
catalog outlets. Click on a letter for a brief description.

Item
A: The flexible legs on this mini-tripod make it easy
to adjust the tilt of the flash. An accessory flash shoe (see item
C) would be screwed onto the 1/4" tripod bolt for mounting the
flash unit. The disadvantage of this tripod is that it tips over
easily when a flash is mounted on it. (A photo showing the flash
mounted on the tripod is shown to the right.) It would be a good
idea to tape the legs in place when actually in use.
Item B: This 1/4"
tripod bolt is designed to fit over the top of a 1/2" light
stand. An accessory flash shoe (item C) would then be screwed onto
the bolt for mounting the flash unit.
Item
C: This accessory flash shoe has 1/4" threads in
the base suitable for screwing onto a standard 1/4" tripod
bolt. A closeup of the shoe is shown to the left.
Item D: This small table
clamp has a ball-and-swivel joint with a 1/4" tripod
bolt. An accessory flash shoe (C) would be screwed onto the
bolt for mounting the flash unit.
Item
E: This handy spring-action clamp has a flash shoe
mounted on a ball-and-socket joint for tilting the flash through
many angles. This is probably the most useful of all the accessories
described here. However, it may not be possible to locate a source
for these anymore. If not, another option is to make your
own. An example is shown to the right. For this, you need a
spring-action clamp. These are available in several different
sizes at hardware stores. You also need a ball-and-socket head
with 1/4" tripod bolt (for a flash accessory shoe, item C) and
a 1/4" standard tripod thread in its base. The latter makes it
possible to bolt the ball-and-socket head onto a handle of the
clamp. The ball-and-socket is available in many photo
stores. (Be prepared to pay more than $20 for this accessory.)
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