Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

I used this product at a wedding recently and it performed well. the only minor issue was the base plate screws came loose and I had to tighten them up. I'll be visiting the HW store soon to buy some tiny lock washers. The base plate attachment to the frame itself also seems a bit light for the workout it will get, but I'm keeping the unit because of all the brackets I ordered, this is the one I found to be the best.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

I bought this for a trip where I knew I would be wanting to take nighttime photos of me and a friend in front of local landmarks. It was very easy to switch between landscape and portrait and eliminated visable shadows against the background. The unit also feels much sturdier than expected and the 'kick stand' is very convenient as it allows my to set my camera setup down in an upright position.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

Shame that 5D Mk2 with battery grip won't tighten up on supplied cork pad - needs anti twist plate and quick release set to fit securely and detach / mount quickly - more expense!
Can't comment on ease of use yet - have to buy plate and QR set.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

My studio has been in business for 65 years and I have been shooting for 35. I have had 7 or so Stroboframes prior, mostly for use with Hasselblads, but this one is totally non-functional. I have been on thousands of assignments with Stroboframe grips. But this thing? There is no grip, no balance, no comfort...it is nothing like it's predecessors. I ended up taking it apart to get pieces to rework one of my older ones, but I have no idea how this design got approved. The only redeeming grace was that we all had so many laughs trying to hold it. It has none of the qualities of the earlier models. I am dumbfounded that it could ever have reached production. My studio is in Canada and returning it would be a chore, so I am keeping it as a conversation piece.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

I am under 5ft tall and I sometimes get unattractive shadows. The Pro-RL bracket raises the flash and I got some amazing lighting results!!!

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

I tried it with a Q Flash and my Canon. It felt big, clumsy, especially with the handle that sticks out of the back. The flip feature is supposed to turn the camera horizontal and vertical, and this too, was clumsy and hard to do. I couldn't imagine using it to shoot weddings[...]

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

Great for shooting weddings and candid portrates.
Ergonomics are great, feels like the natural way to carry a flash unit.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

I lost mine in a home fire, this is a replacement. It has two features that I required: raises the flash high enough to allow the use of a 16" x 22" softbox (with a little help from a Photoflex shoe mount adapter on top of it) and it allows turning the camera vertically. I don't know any other bracket that meets those criteria. The first problem I found was that the knob that tightens the raising arm started turning freely. That happened when it was fully extended, so it was only a problem of packing a longer item. The second one was that in a hurry I did not place the monopods ¼" screw in exact alignment with the bracket's female ¼" hole, thus the thread on the bracket was damaged. As a consequence I ended up with everything above the monopod in the church's floor (the softbox cushioned the impact). Thus I drilled a 3/8" hole on the bracket and used a 3/8" screw, nut and washers with the monopods ¼"/3/8" removed. I found that none of the holes in the bracket was good for my Pentax 67II; therefore I drilled one in the right place and used ¼" bolt, nut and washers to tighten the camera, which works better than the one provided and the cork pad. My new bracket is going to get the same drilling and bolt experience, to get up to my reliability requirements.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

Sturdy bracket that gets the job done. First flash bracket purchase!! Works well w/ D40, D200. Eliminates deer in headlights look when you can't move flash away from camera

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

The screw to mount the flash bracket is solid, while the screw to mount the camera has a recessed section. Hope this helps someone. I had a little trouble because I had used the recessed screw to mount my flash bracket, and then couldn't get my camera mounted properly.

On a side note: With a 580 EXII mounted this bracket in my opinion feels better to hold, than simply mounting the camera on the hot shoe. The bracket makes it feel more balanced with the over sized flash.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

If you use flash frecuenlly... this is a very nice product.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

I use my bracket for capturing weddings (mostly). I like the ease at which the camera flips vertical, but do not like that it can not lock in that position as it does in the landscape format. The little red plastic tab that covers the locking device fell off within the first hour and now it is somewhere inside the church... should have glued it in place.
Also, the bracket holds the flash to the upper-right side of the camera so the sync cord passes IN FRONT of the SC-29 TTL off camera shoe cord w/ AF assist - coiled 3-9' and therefore rendering the device useless.
I love the support arm that keeps the camera upright when I put it on a table - genius design concept!

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

I am an events photographer and if you have ever photographed images in a hall will mirrors on the wall EVERYWHERE you will need a strong tall bracket to remover flash-glare from your images and ruining the exposures... this thing looks great, feels great, works great. The problems people have listed are true. Bring a wrench/screwdriver with you, bolts will loosen it is big, it is heavy. Its built for large hands on large people. GREAT for me. The padded handle doubles as a hook for hooking to my pants while adjusting lights lets say...

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

I liked the idea of the bracket, but in real life photography, it's just OK. Too cumbersome

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

Instructions weren't very good. It is versatile with being able to switch to the camera on its side while keeping the flash directly above. Have to watch your fingers. Pretty good for the price.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

Very difficult to get to the shutter button in vertical mode with or without the battery back.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

Returned it - no way to lock it in portrait and the thing kept falling over hitting my lens. Did not have the reach I was looking for and could have used a few more inch extension, overall did not like it for the uses I would put it through but could see it being good for others as it's good in landscape and easy to use.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

Used on any occasion when a mixture of vertical and horizontal shooting is being undertaken. It is very versatile, however the rubber grip slips after a while. It should carry a lip to stop the slipping. I am now on my second and enjoying it.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

Mostly used for wedding work this is a replacement and fourth Pro-Rl flash bracket. Simple and rugged. Easy tilt and height adjustments. Nikon body/lens remains in preferred position when rotating for vertical shots. I find a quick attach plate on the bracket allows me to quickly set up with tripod for formal shots after ceremony. I would recommend keeping a small wrench in your bag to tighten nut on the lock handle as it will become loose with use.

Comments about Stroboframe Pro-RL Bracket:

It looks professional and performs like it. However, the one-handed, left hand grip can be bothersome after several hours of shooting. And takes some time for a right-handed person to get use to the narrow clearence to adjust a len's focal point. The little kick stand is a nice touch. Just make sure the surface is flat. Hint: Type in the model number under some video heading to see how it's used. That's what I did. And I got a good Youtube demonstration.