Stroboframe Vh 2000 Stroboflip Flash Rotating Bracket
- Flash and Flash Accessory Type: Flashes
- Photography Accessory Type: Camera Stands and Accessories Flashes and Flash Accessories
- Brand: Stroboframe
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Stroboframe Stroboflip Rotating Bracket
Pros
Light and compact<br>Flash/lens aligmed for portrait shooting
Cons
Uncomfortable using vertical release<br>Flex with heavier flashes
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
I would only recommend for lightweight gear, but it's fun to use.
The Stroboframe VH2000 Stroboflip rotating flash bracket is designed to allow the photographer to shoot portrait aspect flash shots while keeping the flash above and in line with the lens. And it does just that...but at a price.
The Stroboflip appears to be well-made, using aluminum to keep it light and stiff. There is some flex, though, especially when the adjustable arm (fitted with the flip mechanism) is extended for clearance when a battery grip is used. This flex is very noticeable with heavier flash units (I use a Vivitar 283); smaller, lighter flashed (such as a Nikon SB-400) may not have this problem. The flip mechanism itself is sufficiently tight to prevent unwanted, inadvertant movement; once in either horizontal or vertical position, it stays there. Mine came with the SLR anti-twist plate with the cork pad. The provided mounting screw has a "T" shaped knob; I replaced this with a smaller hex-headed knob to allow a bit more fore and aft movement. If you have large hands/big fingers, you'll appreciate that. Since the flip mechanism is on the right side, same side as the camera's grip, finger clearance can be a problem.
Another modification I'm considering is removing some of the material on the rear base. The Stroboflip is designed to stand upright (and does it well), but the rear "leg" (for lack of a better term) prevents maintaining a comfortable grip if using a battery pack fitted with secondary shutter release/control wheels. I could probably become accustomed to it with use, but it's enough of an annoyance to make me want to take a Dremel to it.
A hot shoe fitting is provided to mount any standard flash unit to the flip mechanism. It has a pin on the bottom that correspondes to a hole in the mechanism to prevent twisting, and comes with a 1/4-20 screw. My D80 and D40 don't have PC sockets, and my Vivitar 283 uses a proprietary plug, so I use a Nikon SC-17 sync cord screwed in place of Stroboframe's shoe. Works, but I do have a bit of excess cord (a twist tie keeps most of it out of the way).
There's also a tripod socket (more like a counter-sunk nut) for use with a tripod. But when using the Stroboflip in vertical position, be advised your tripod head must be tilted also. If your using a tripod, though, more than likely you won't be using an on-camera flash. Unless it's the only flash you're using...then I'd suggest getting a couple of more flashes, stands, and Wein Peanuts.
The Stroboflip is small, light, and compact, "good enough" for what it's made to do, but hardly sturdy enough for the rigors of professional use. It's a quality, "Made in the USA" product. If your gear's lightweight, this will work for you; if your using heavier, pro gear, get the Pro-RI bracket.
The Stroboflip appears to be well-made, using aluminum to keep it light and stiff. There is some flex, though, especially when the adjustable arm (fitted with the flip mechanism) is extended for clearance when a battery grip is used. This flex is very noticeable with heavier flash units (I use a Vivitar 283); smaller, lighter flashed (such as a Nikon SB-400) may not have this problem. The flip mechanism itself is sufficiently tight to prevent unwanted, inadvertant movement; once in either horizontal or vertical position, it stays there. Mine came with the SLR anti-twist plate with the cork pad. The provided mounting screw has a "T" shaped knob; I replaced this with a smaller hex-headed knob to allow a bit more fore and aft movement. If you have large hands/big fingers, you'll appreciate that. Since the flip mechanism is on the right side, same side as the camera's grip, finger clearance can be a problem.
Another modification I'm considering is removing some of the material on the rear base. The Stroboflip is designed to stand upright (and does it well), but the rear "leg" (for lack of a better term) prevents maintaining a comfortable grip if using a battery pack fitted with secondary shutter release/control wheels. I could probably become accustomed to it with use, but it's enough of an annoyance to make me want to take a Dremel to it.
A hot shoe fitting is provided to mount any standard flash unit to the flip mechanism. It has a pin on the bottom that correspondes to a hole in the mechanism to prevent twisting, and comes with a 1/4-20 screw. My D80 and D40 don't have PC sockets, and my Vivitar 283 uses a proprietary plug, so I use a Nikon SC-17 sync cord screwed in place of Stroboframe's shoe. Works, but I do have a bit of excess cord (a twist tie keeps most of it out of the way).
There's also a tripod socket (more like a counter-sunk nut) for use with a tripod. But when using the Stroboflip in vertical position, be advised your tripod head must be tilted also. If your using a tripod, though, more than likely you won't be using an on-camera flash. Unless it's the only flash you're using...then I'd suggest getting a couple of more flashes, stands, and Wein Peanuts.
The Stroboflip is small, light, and compact, "good enough" for what it's made to do, but hardly sturdy enough for the rigors of professional use. It's a quality, "Made in the USA" product. If your gear's lightweight, this will work for you; if your using heavier, pro gear, get the Pro-RI bracket.
