I don’t (yet) own a flash so from time to time I use the built in pop-up flash. This produces harsh light so I picked up the Puffer by Gary Fong. It’s a diffuser that softens up the flash and I’ve been thinking of getting is for a week or two.
Here is an example just using one of my models. The top is without the puffer and is too bright. The puffer softens up the flash; it works better with people.
It’s about $20. I’ve been careful putting this into the hot shoe but I can see why some people have broken theirs. The plastic is brittle and feels like it will break easily. It should have been made out of plastic that is a little more pliable but if I’m careful I should have no problems.
It works but I need to pick up a SB-600 flash. This is not bad but nothing beats bouncing the flash off of the ceiling.
Johnny says:
Did you buy the genuine Gary Fong? Had I known you were looking for one, I found generic ones on eBay (before the “Gary Fong police” had eBay delist them. I got one for $6 delivered.
November 9, 2008 — 7:46 am
Jan Dembowski says:
Johnny,
I went to Calumet and got the “Genuine” Gary Fong version.
It’s not bad but I really need to buy my own SB-600 flash. The diffuser does make the built-in better but using bounce flash is better.
November 9, 2008 — 10:08 am
Johnny says:
Jan,
For me setting the in-camera flash to +2/3 or +1 helps compensate for the lost of light with the diffuser. The little Puffer does help soften the light, no harsh “blue spot”.
November 9, 2008 — 10:12 am