Vivatar 285 HV Diffussion Filter Suggestions

[tygersclaw]

I recently bought this flash to go with my Panasonic FZ20. I used this combo at a wedding reception last Saturday and found that the flash was quite harse especially on images of peoples faces where I could actually get close to them (the podium was some 60 feet from where I could get the closest).

I am in Canada and looking to buy in Canada first, then USA after. I have seen the Gary Fong filter on his site, and it is a candidate, even though it is big and funny looking.

Oh as for the images I got, they would have been great for a first timer/total amateur if it was not for the washout/harshness of the flash.

[genece]

Sto fen seems to make a diffuser for your Flash and it works well on a sunpak 383 , but I do not know where to purchase it.
http://www.stofen.com/Misc/ProductFind.cgi
I guess you can buy it here
http://www.stofen.com/Store/Products.htm

[tygersclaw]

Thanks Gene. As always you da man!!

I called the store where I bought the camera and flash and they DO stock that diffuser...so going to get it tomorrow.

Thanks again!! :)

[Bill Markwick]

I am in Canada and looking to buy in Canada first, then USA after. I have seen the Gary Fong filter on his site, and it is a candidate, even though it is big and funny looking.

Oh as for the images I got, they would have been great for a first timer/total amateur if it was not for the washout/harshness of the flash.

If you're interested in the Stofen diffuser, one source in Canada is Vistek. They have various outlets; see
www.vistek.com
Seems to me they're about $40 for what amounts to a small plastic cap. :eek:

I know you don't want to hear this, but a yogurt or margarine tub over the flash head works wonders. ;)

Regards,
Bill

[Dave6833]

I had a 285 with my SLR system and got this tip from a professional photographer: I simply put a piece of velum drawing paper cut to size on the front of the flash head in the slot for the wide-angle diffuser. It worked great.