How to Use a Stroboframe Flash Bracket

The Stroboframe flash bracket is used with off-camera flashes.

The Stroboframe Quick Flip 350 flash bracket is used with an off-camera flash to prevent harsh side shadows and red-eye occurrences. It is designed to keep the flash above the camera lens and centrally located, allowing for even, natural lighting on portrait subjects. The bracket can be used by photographers at all skill levels and is especially popular with wedding photographers, according to Tiffen, the company that manufactures Stroboframe brackets.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Stroboframe Quick Flip 350 Flash Bracket
• Flash-specific sync cable

Instructions

1. Unfold the bracket. The bracket has a folding arm that aids in storage and portability.

2. Match the 1/4"-20 screw knob on the bracket with the tripod mount on the bottom of the camera, and tighten. The screw size is 1/4 inch for the width of the screw and 20 for the number of threads per inch.

3. Slide the hot shoe of the flash into the flash-shoe mount on the bracket, and secure the flash. The flash will either have a sliding lock or a knob that must be turned to tighten the flash onto the mount.

4. Connect the appropriate sync cable for your flash to both the camera and the flash. This enables the two units to communicate with one another. The bracket is adjustable to allow the flash to be positioned at different heights.

5. Begin taking horizontal photographs without altering the bracket. This position accommodates photographs of large groups. Using the flash bracket positions the flash far enough from the lens to eliminate or decrease the incidence of harsh shadows that distort images and red-eye caused by the flash being too near the camera lens. The bracket has a side foam grip to allow the photographer better stability when taking horizontal pictures.

6. Take vertical photographs by swinging the upper arm of the bracket at the top hinge 90 degrees. This ensures that the flash is still centered above the camera lens. The side foam grip becomes accessible from above when the camera is vertical, which decreases the stability factor.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to put batteries in the flash and turn it on before attempting to take a picture.

• The bracket will not accommodate cameras with large battery-pack accessories and motor drives that connect to the tripod mount.

References

• Tiffen: Quick Flip 350 Bracker
• Michigan Tech University Computer Science Department: Stroboframe Quick Flip 350 Bracket
• Camera Hobby: Flash Brackets