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How to make a Flashgun Projector using Sugru
Inspired by various projects, discussions and products found at DIYPhototography.com and around the internet, I pondered a version of this light modifier that incorporated Sugru in the process. I decided to make it mostly from materials I had to hand - a 'low-fi' solution might be an interesting exploration for the resulting photographs, with happy accidents occuring. Here's my outline guide to my first prototype.
Kit
- 15 x 5g sugru (approximate)
- 1l plastic bottle
- A black plastic pudding cup
- A slide tray
- A macro filter
- A lens filter step-up ring
Step 1
I did some trial-and-error experimentation, sketching and preliminary studies prior to tackling building of the prototype.
Step 2
I made sure that the materials I used were suitable for the task in hand and safe during operation. I considered hazzards such as heat, combustion, fumes, electrical conduction and impact resistance. The macro filter was not used much, so it was great to repurpose it as a projector lens in this project.
Step 3
With care, using a sharp craft knife, I cut and trimmed the openings in the bottle to accommodate the projector lens (now composed of the macro filter and step-up ring) and my flashgun. The pudding cup was cut to suit. The pudding cup is held in place with Sugru and hopefully, assists in focusing the light from the flashgun and blocking stray light. The projector lens is held in place with more sugru. The macro filter component can be unscrewed from the projector body, if necessary - say, for cleaning or replacement.
Step 4
Slots were cut in the bottle to accomodate the slide tray. A seat was made for the flashgun using a modified camera screw, molding sugru around it to suit. This seat also acts as a tripod mount. I also added a tension anchor as 'belt & braces' for when the flashgun is inserted. This was made up of a small nuts and bolts, again, encased in sugru, molded to suit.
Step 5
Some quick testing and evaluation. With the prototype working as planned, I painted the exterior with black acrylic spray paint.
Step 6
I added some sugru bumpers at the opening for the flashgun. Sugru was added to the slots of the slide tray. This helps in stopping stray light. Additionally, more Sugru could be added here to act as friction sliders, if needed.
Step 7
Flashgun mount and dismount sequence. The rubber band acts as a tension strap. This assists in keeping the flashgun in the correct position during operation.
Step 8
Results from my prototype flashgun projector. A variety of media can be projected for practical, creative and dramatic photography effects.
