Mini Review - eBay Flash adapter
studio1972
Registered Users Posts: 249 Major grins
I purchased this item on eBay a few days ago and it just arrived:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/B-Flash-Shoe-Holder-Swivel-Bracket-Mount-Umbrella-Stand_W0QQitemZ400049449148QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CamerasPhoto_CameraAccessories_TripodsSupports?hash=item5d24ce28bc&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262#ht_1884wt_1002
I thought a few people might be interested in how it compares to the adapters sold by Manfrotto and Calumet.
Firstly it's about 1/4 of the price.
The Calumet/Manfrotto models are both very similar. One flaw in both of them is that you attach the flash mount (the plastic part that comes in the flash's case (at least for canon flashes)) to a threaded brass part which is inserted into the top of the adapter. This part is easily lost, which is the main reason why I needed a replacement! The plastic mounts that come with the flash are also quite easily damaged if you screw them too hard onto the adapter part (or if they get knocked)
The eBay adapter works differently. It actually has a cold shoe type mount at the top, so you attach the flash directly to it, rather than using the plastic flash mount in between.
Another difference is that the eBay adapter is made mainly out of plastic, the other 2 are all metal. However, the cold shoe part is metal. The way I use my adapters, this should be fine. I leave them on the lighting stands all the time, attaching the flashes as required. However, if you like to remove them from the stands then this might eventually create some wear and tear.
In summary, I would highly recommend this type of adapter, especially if you take them out in the field and you are likely to loose some of the parts off them. If the pricing were similar, it would be a close call for me (the calumet/manfrotto versions do have a higher quality feel to them), but at 1/4 of the price, I think the eBay adapter is a 'no brainer'.
Hope you found that useful.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/B-Flash-Shoe-Holder-Swivel-Bracket-Mount-Umbrella-Stand_W0QQitemZ400049449148QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CamerasPhoto_CameraAccessories_TripodsSupports?hash=item5d24ce28bc&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262#ht_1884wt_1002
I thought a few people might be interested in how it compares to the adapters sold by Manfrotto and Calumet.
Firstly it's about 1/4 of the price.
The Calumet/Manfrotto models are both very similar. One flaw in both of them is that you attach the flash mount (the plastic part that comes in the flash's case (at least for canon flashes)) to a threaded brass part which is inserted into the top of the adapter. This part is easily lost, which is the main reason why I needed a replacement! The plastic mounts that come with the flash are also quite easily damaged if you screw them too hard onto the adapter part (or if they get knocked)
The eBay adapter works differently. It actually has a cold shoe type mount at the top, so you attach the flash directly to it, rather than using the plastic flash mount in between.
Another difference is that the eBay adapter is made mainly out of plastic, the other 2 are all metal. However, the cold shoe part is metal. The way I use my adapters, this should be fine. I leave them on the lighting stands all the time, attaching the flashes as required. However, if you like to remove them from the stands then this might eventually create some wear and tear.
In summary, I would highly recommend this type of adapter, especially if you take them out in the field and you are likely to loose some of the parts off them. If the pricing were similar, it would be a close call for me (the calumet/manfrotto versions do have a higher quality feel to them), but at 1/4 of the price, I think the eBay adapter is a 'no brainer'.
Hope you found that useful.
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