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Turn an Old Film Canister into a Flash Diffuser
Posted by Kevin Purdy at 3:00 AM on March 8, 2008
Still have the remnants of your pre-digital photo-taking taking up space in closets (or perhaps put to other uses)? Photo blog Photojojo details the steps one Flickr user took to turn an old white plastic film container into a snug-fitting diffuser for a pop-up flash, using only a ruler and a utility knife. It's a bit more rugged and adaptable than that other DIY diffuser, a coffee filter, and gets you the same reduction in pasty-looking portraits and over-exposure. Hit the link for step-by-step instructions and photos.
Tags: camera | digital camera | diy | photography
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
Richard
Posted March 8, 2008 6:27 PM
Genius! My wife is an amateur photographer and hates the flash on her DSLR so much that she never takes photos in poor light. Now there'll be no stopping her!! (=
sidepocket
Posted 5:18 AM 8/3/08
This may sound like a silly question. But where the hell am I supposed to find a film canister? I haven't used film in years.
sidepocket
fzzbzzdzz
Posted 5:47 AM 8/3/08
Even If I had one, most of them in the UK are black.
fzzbzzdzz
chance1376
Posted 6:19 AM 8/3/08
@sidepocket:
I was just going to ask what brand of film uses those white canisters. I think fuji but its been so long since I have used film
chance1376
Sparqi
Posted 6:19 AM 8/3/08
If I use these as diffusers, then where will I keep my weed?
Sparqi
TommySez
Posted 7:20 AM 8/3/08
It was Fuji.
Who keeps their weed in white semi-opaque canisters?
TommySez
dekay46
Posted 9:32 AM 8/3/08
film canister on my DSLR? i love the meta-ness of it. :-)
dekay46
c2d
Posted 9:32 AM 8/3/08
Just wanted to mention that you might want to increase the exposure compensation by +1/3 stop (or more, as necessary) to compensate for reduced light output if the picture appears under-exposed.
c2d
c2d
Posted 9:32 AM 8/3/08
Looks like a great idea. @chance1376: Yeah, Fujifilm does come in these translucent canisters. Going to try it this weekend.
c2d
Jeff
Posted 9:32 AM 8/3/08
Seems like it could be a great idea, depending on the amount of light that actually gets through the thing. My Sto-fen diffuser for my big flash unit is the most useful camera accessory I've got. The difference it makes is enormous - gets rid of hot spots and gives everything (and everyone) a nice, warm light).
If anyone knows what film comes in these, please post it here.
Jeff
Marius
Posted 12:39 AM 9/3/08
Cool stuff! I just made one for myself and it works great. I had a few canisters left as I still shoot film once in a while ;)
Marius
yitzle
Posted 1:54 AM 10/3/08
digital-photography-school.com had this on their forum for a while. I tried it and it works great.
I picked up a handful of film canisters for various uses from a photo development center. I just asked them if I could get a bunch of canisters, and the guy handed me some.
Its worth giving a shot!
yitzle
kyanos
Posted 4:31 AM 10/3/08
@yitzle: I second this; I simply walked into a CVS and asked the girl at the photo counter if I could have a few used film canisters for a project. They had a giant bag of them behind the counter, and gave me a few for free. Thanks Lifehacker!
kyanos
ry_ry
Posted 10:50 AM 12/3/08
This works...so-so. The hot center part of the flash still tends to show through, but nothing like an undiffused flash.
Fuji does use these, in addition to Walgreens brand (Studio 35). I don't believe I've ever seen a clear Kodak.
Most labs keep them to recycle/give away...some don't. One lab I worked at had a massive bag, another had smaller bags which got dumped when full.
ry_ry
unit22
Posted 10:50 AM 12/3/08
Just ask at a photo store. They usually have no qualms with giving out a few free canisters.
unit22
agraek
Posted 10:50 AM 12/3/08
Fuji isn't the only one, Kodak has some of the white ones too.
agraek
Daniel Filipe Bento
Posted 10:50 AM 12/3/08
Nice tip. I found today that using a DVD/CD in front of the flash light, we can see some interesting effects on the objects that we photograph. Mainly if them have an reflection part...
Attention: You will receive a reply of the flash light directly to the eyes position.
Daniel Filipe Bento