Skip to main content

Convention Camera Setup: Custom Brackets CB Mini Flash Bracket

I just tried out the new flash bracket at a convention last weekend. I always like trying unique setups that do not really fit into intended design parameters. Using a Custom Brackets CB Mini flash bracket, I was able to get a compact convention setup where it functions in both landscape and portrait, while not requiring a camera bag making it quick to access. It is also very compact and keeps the camera’s flash connector safe from having a large weight on it.

A fully kitted out bracket with camera, cable, and flash.

Get the Custom Brackets CB Mini Camera Flash Platform Bracket here: B&H Photo Video, Amazon, Adorama, and eBay. As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases! 

2023 Update: A viewer asked me if the Custom Brackets CB Mini would work with a pro camera. The larger camera I have on-hand is the Nikon Z5. That video is over 11 years old but funny enough I still have the bracket! (and it looks like CB still sells it)

This bracket should be alright with the Z5 as long as the flash used isn’t too wide…

To demonstrate my setup, check out these photos below: 

Here is me holding the setup horizontally.

As you can see, the camera flash is pointing up around 45 degrees upward with a diffuser. This allows for a good amount of diffuse and bounced fill light indoors.

The setup consists of:

  • Pentax K-7 with battery grip
  • Sigma EF-530DG Super flash with Stofen diffuser
  • Short adjustable flash shoe extension (generic Adorama brand)
  • Custom Brackets CB Mini flash bracket
  • A sturdy camera bag strap
  • 4 key rings

Vertical setup

When I use the camera vertically, which is 80% of the time at conventions, I hold the setup with the flash above the camera, and use the Sigma 530DG Super’s pivoting mechanism to have the flash point around 45 degrees upwards. It works really well, but does make my camera grip’s buttons useless. 

The benefit of having the grip on there is that it gives my left hand something to hold on to and also means I don’t have to switch out batteries as often. Getting a good vertical layout was my primary goal as I photograph people at the conventions. 

Both the horizontal and vertical work well thanks to the dual pivoting nature of the Sigma flash. It’s important because you don’t want to take vertical shots when the flash is positioned directly to the side of the lens as that can produce unnatural lighting and shadows. It should be noted that when I use the diffuser, I need to crank down my exposure to -2 in camera. 

The camera in a resting position.

I attached a camera bag strap to the bracket. It’s an almost perfect way to hold the camera for easy access and long periods of time. The lens is facing my body around the waist, so all I do is pull the camera up to my face in one fluid motion to take a shot. 

The bracket in more detail along with where I attached the rings.

The major positives of this bracket is that it is well constructed, designed such that the flash will not pivot (very important), and allows for a compact setup where the flash is not connected directly to the camera.

For $50, the bracket is a bit expensive in my opinion, but it does work really well for my intended use. It’s not the standard L bracket design, so it gets more points in my book for being unique in a good way. I’m certainly glad I bought it.


Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Nikon Z5ii Announced and My Thoughts vs the Original Z5

The Nikon Z5ii was announced recently. I haven't actually used this new camera myself, so keep that in mind. This is going to be mostly me looking at the specs and comparing it to the original Nikon Z5, which I've been using for a few years now. The original Nikon Z5 camera. Overall, the original Z5 isn't a bad camera. I've gotten it to a point where it works how I want it to and it's reliable for what I do.  My main use case is often anime and comic conventions, going there and taking photos of people in cosplay. I usually use the 40mm f/2 lens on the Z5, and it works well for that.  First-person view using the Nikon Z5 at an anime convention. Nikon Z5ii vs Z5: The Spec Sheet Comparison  Nikon has a handy comparison section on their Z5ii page, so let's break down some key differences based on that and my experience with the original. Nikon's website comparing the Z5ii and the original Z5 specifications. First up, the sensor. The Z5ii gets a backside-illumi...
Read more

EF-M Sigma 56mm vs. Viltrox 56mm

I was curious how the two native Canon EF-M 56mm f/1.4 lenses compared. Is one better in image quality or features than the other? At least right now there is a significant price difference between the two. Check out the embedded video to see how it goes!  Sigma and Viltrox 56mm lenses Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Canon EF-M: B&H: https://bhpho.to/3bNQUjk Amazon: https://amzn.to/3cC8pUb ebay: http://ebay.us/5Q3NxW Used on KEH: https://shrsl.com/2b947 Viltrox 56mm f/1.4 AF lens for Canon EF-M: Amazon: https://amzn.to/39sl5Pa B&H: https://bhpho.to/3nXMoF0 ebay: http://ebay.us/b4IRWE As an affiliate of these shops, I earn from qualifying purchases!  Here are the notes I wrote up while compiling data and deciding what I should mention in the video. Physical properties of the lens: The Sigma lens is shorter but thicker than the Viltrox.   Weight is 280g for the Sigma and 290g for the Viltrox. Sigma: 66.5mm x 59.5mm (W x L) Viltrox: 65mm x 72mm Both lenses have an ape...
Read more

Swapping Gear with MPB: A Hands-On Experience

I'm always looking for ways to upgrade my camera gear without the hassle of selling it myself. Recently, I decided to try something different: swapping my old equipment for new gear with MPB and getting some cash at the same time. I've used them to purchase equipment in the past, but this was my first time trading in. In the video I explain how it went, and I'll walk you through the entire process, from getting a quote to unboxing the new-to-me equipment.  It's a simple concept: you send them gear, and they send you stuff back. In this particular case, I even got some money in addition to the equipment because my trade-ins were valued higher than what I wanted at the time.  Why go this route instead of selling equipment directly? For me, it all comes down to time and convenience. The entire process, from shipping my gear to receiving the new equipment, took 11 days. They received it, assessed everything, sent me a final quote, I approved it, and then they shipped the n...
Read more