I got a Alienbees ringflash for Christmas and recently took it out with me on a shoot. To my dismay, I realized the difficulty on holding onto the ringflash and holding onto the camera while trying to take a photo. There has got to be a product out there that connects the camera to the ringflash or a bracket that connects that makes it easier to hold. Can anyone help me with this situation?
I just got mine yesterday. You are definately missing parts, then. There is a whole mounting block that connects the camera to the ringflash, which can then be mounted on a tripod or a lightstand, if you wish.
Maxximages
Posts: 1,704
Los Angeles, California, US
There should be a rectangular plastic mount ZRM1, see link below, that screws to the bottom of your camera and slides onto an adjustable mount on the light.
This may sound kind of dumb, but I'm wondering if whomever gave you the ring flash for Xmas forgot to include the missing parts when they gave it to you. (Or perhaps even missed the parts themselves.) When the product comes packaged in the mail, the parts you're missing come in a separate box underneath the actual flash. I wonder if this was missed or not noticed.
If there was a part missing...check on the AB website...you'll notice immediately.
Call them
Explain the problem and what happened
and if it was a new purchase I bet they send the parts out with a shipping charge only.
Karl Johnston
Posts: 7,238
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
I tried checking the site but there seems to be nothing where you can buy the whole thing again, just a camera mounting bracket (which is a part of it)
Digital Couture
Posts: 602
Washington, District of Columbia, US
Once you get the right mounting block, that requires you to have this awkward plastic rectangle screwed into your camera tripod mount, and needs a screwdriver to take it on and off when you realize it feels stupid to have on there when not using the ring flash you'll want to get one of these
Maxximages wrote: There should be a rectangular plastic mount ZRM1, see link below, that screws to the bottom of your camera and slides onto an adjustable mount on the light.
Oliver Anderson wrote: If there was a part missing...check on the AB website...you'll notice immediately.
Call them
Explain the problem and what happened
and if it was a new purchase I bet they send the parts out with a shipping charge only.
It seems like I have everything, but there is not a piece to just attach to the camera unless you are using a tripod.
Maxximages
Posts: 1,704
Los Angeles, California, US
Jeffrey Craig Photos wrote: I have the tripod mount, but I need something for handheld use.
I'm not sure what you seem to be missing. Does the camera attach to the ring light? There is no AB "hand grip" that makes it comfortable to hold the whole assy, at least not that I have seen. Thinking about it, it seems kind of dumb on ABs part as hand held is probably how these things are used most of the time.
I use one hand on the camera and the other holds on to the bottom of the post that the camera mount slides up and down on.
Edit: There are 3 pieces that are needed to mount the camera to the light 1) the light itself 2) the mounting block that attaches directly to the light and adjusts up and down to center the camera in the light vertically 3) the camera mounting block that screws to the camera and slides onto #2 and adjusts the position of the camera into the light and provides a slight horizontal adjustment
That platform is screwed into the bottom of your camera and mounted on the Ringflash for either handheld or tripod mounted use.
Do you know you are supposed to shoot through the middle of the ringflash?
You dont have to be rude. I honestly think I am missing a piece somewhere. That mounting bracket is just that, a mounting bracket. And I didn't see any specific photos on handheld use. If I could see a picture of what it is supposed to look like during handheld use, it would help a lot more.
You dont have to be rude. I honestly think I am missing a piece somewhere. That mounting bracket is just that, a mounting bracket. And I didn't see any specific photos on handheld use. If I could see a picture of what it is supposed to look like during handheld use, it would help a lot more.
I wasn't trying to be rude. If you are gonna ask for help here you had better be ready for some blunt questions.
Keep your right hand on your camera, as usual, and grab the bottom of the ringflash post with you left hand. This is quite comfortable when shooting landscape, almost like holding a gun.
It's a little more akward when you have to turn it to shoot verticle - try turning it both ways to see which feels more comfortable.
You dont have to be rude. I honestly think I am missing a piece somewhere. That mounting bracket is just that, a mounting bracket. And I didn't see any specific photos on handheld use. If I could see a picture of what it is supposed to look like during handheld use, it would help a lot more.
It all only goes together one way. It looks exactly the same when handheld as when sitting on a light stand, except without the light stand. Camera screws to mounting block. Mounting block slides back on forth on top of light stand adapter. Ring light slides up and down on front of light stand adapter.
It all only goes together one way. It looks exactly the same when handheld as when sitting on a light stand, except without the light stand. Camera screws to mounting block. Mounting block slides back on forth on top of light stand adapter. Ring light slides up and down on front of light stand adapter.
I am aware of that, I am just looking if there is a more comfortable way to use the ringflash. Like if someone custom built a mounting bracket and sells it online.
Stephen Fletcher wrote: No. Better find your book on the ABR800.
That platform is screwed into the bottom of your camera and mounted on the Ringflash for either handheld or tripod mounted use.
Do you know you are supposed to shoot through the middle of the ringflash?
Jeffrey Craig Photos wrote: You dont have to be rude. I honestly think I am missing a piece somewhere. That mounting bracket is just that, a mounting bracket. And I didn't see any specific photos on handheld use. If I could see a picture of what it is supposed to look like during handheld use, it would help a lot more.
The post seems factual and to the point. If you are missing a piece, you need to check the parts list in the documentation.
This ringflash made me go back to lifting weights at the gym. With that said, I can't imagine not using it now that I've gotten comfortable with it. Its definitely an acquired taste type of deal.
photomiz wrote: This ringflash made me go back to lifting weights at the gym. With that said, I can't imagine not using it now that I've gotten comfortable with it. Its definitely an acquired taste type of deal.
Do you find it beneficial out in the field or do you tend to keep in more for in studio use?
Gran Via 536
Posts: 269
Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
S W I N S K E Y wrote: try hand holding the ABR800 with an RB67 Pro SD w/180mm lens mounted on it.....
its almost like a punishment...
sorry to drag up an old post...
I´m interested in getting a ring flash which will work with my rz67. Whats your experience using the abr800 with the mamiya? I would be shooting mostly on tripod, location shooting for fashion.
What´s the vagabond mini like using in place like the beach very close to the water, does it have a long cord so i can put it a little bit up the beach? Or is it tiny and just attaches to the tripod neatly and unobtrusively?
I´m interested in getting a ring flash which will work with my rz67. Whats your experience using the abr800 with the mamiya? I would be shooting mostly on tripod, location shooting for fashion.
What´s the vagabond mini like using in place like the beach very close to the water, does it have a long cord so i can put it a little bit up the beach? Or is it tiny and just attaches to the tripod neatly and unobtrusively?
The Vagabond Mini Lithium weighs less than 2 kg, so mounting it on the tripod is your best option (no cords to trip on).
I use the older Vagabond II with mine, so its 9kg weight is useful to secure a lightstand.
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