PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

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Sean Hoffman
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p.1 #1 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

I'm wondering what people have found to be a better way to mount the TT5 on an umbrella swivel mount? It seems like the 1/4" stud would be more secure, but at the same time, if it broke there it would be catastrophic to the unit. Whereas the hotshoe mount might break away in a fall but be replaceable with less impact on the unit.

Anyone experienced this?

Feb 14, 2012 at 12:48 AM

Mr Kris
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p.1 #2 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

I've managed not to break any of the 3 flexes I have yet

I choose to just use the shoe mount, since as you mentioned... the shoes are user replaceable, and I believe the replacement part only runs $20 or so.

Also one thing to think about.... depending on what light modifier you're using, if any, you might not get proper alignment with the stud mount. Not important with an umbrella, but if you're using a softbox mount that doesn't adjust side to side you might have to fudge it some.

Feb 14, 2012 at 02:48 AM

Sean Hoffman
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p.1 #3 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

Hmm, great points. I was wondering about replacing those shoes, nice to know the part is available for user servicing. Thanks, I think you just sealed the deal for me. ...off to buy a couple new umbrella swivels.

Feb 14, 2012 at 03:16 AM

Mr Kris
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p.1 #4 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

Here's a link to a replacement walk through: http://ancientcityphoto.com/blog/2009/11/pocket-wizard-tt5-broken-hotshoe-and-foot-fix-canon-nikon-repair/

Feb 14, 2012 at 11:06 AM

Mark_L
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p.1 #5 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

I just use horizontal flash brackets. No issues with this and better light into an umbrella.

Feb 14, 2012 at 03:19 PM

Sean Hoffman
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p.1 #6 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

Mark, what bracket do you recommend?

Feb 14, 2012 at 05:46 PM

mill4570
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p.1 #7 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

Sean,

These are not cheap, but they work very well. Michael built me a custom horizontal bracket for use with a 24x24 Lastolite box, SB900 and TT5.

http://michaelbass.blogspot.com/2007/01/plugs-jacks-cable-hardware-misc.html#FlashMtHoriz9

Richard K.

Feb 14, 2012 at 07:50 PM

Sean Hoffman
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p.1 #8 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

I once dismissed those Michael Bass brackets because of the cost. I mean $40+ for a piece of plasti-dipped curved metal? I thought SOMEONE must want to make something similar at a lower cost...but that's never happened so I'll probably have to bite the bullet as this is just a much better way to mount TT5ed flash.

Also, thanks for the link Kris!

Feb 14, 2012 at 09:54 PM

Sean Hoffman
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p.1 #9 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

Richard, do you have any pictures (with & without EazyBox) and a final cost for the brackets you had made? I'd like to do similar but with SB-800s.

Feb 14, 2012 at 09:55 PM

Mark_L
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p.1 #10 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

Sean Hoffman wrote:
Mark, what bracket do you recommend?

I use the Michael Bass bracket. They are expensive compared to plastic chinese ebay offerings but for something this useful and critical after blowing lord knows how much on flashes and PWs it is worth it to me.

I have modded mine and added rubber for a more solid hold, probably not necessary but flashes are expensive.

Feb 14, 2012 at 10:48 PM

mill4570
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p.1 #11 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

Sean,

If you look down the page of the link I sent you, you will see "HFMB Medium Wide for Lastolite EZYBox. Those are pictures of one of my SB900s, my Lastolite Bracket and Flex.

I had MB make this because I was worried there was not enough adjustment with a SB900 mounted vertically on the Flex and still allow the flash head to center in the Lastolite bracket.

An SB800 is a little shorter than a 900, and would probably mount in the EZYBox vertically without the need for a horizontal adapter.

Richard K.

Feb 14, 2012 at 10:54 PM

Sean Hoffman
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p.1 #12 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

Ah, I see the pics thanks you guys!

Feb 14, 2012 at 10:57 PM

RJKphoto
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p.1 #13 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

I use the manfrotto litetite mounting the TT5 via the 1/4-20 stud. It's much more stable that the shoe mount.

Feb 15, 2012 at 02:27 PM

photogreen
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p.1 #14 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

Mr Kris wrote:
Here's a link to a replacement walk through: http://ancientcityphoto.com/blog/2009/11/pocket-wizard-tt5-broken-hotshoe-and-foot-fix-canon-nikon-repair/

Cool! thanks for the link!

Feb 16, 2012 at 03:25 AM

Michael White
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p.1 #15 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

I broke the hot shoe on one of my flexes and since started using the 1/20 mount and had no problems

Feb 20, 2012 at 09:27 AM

Roland W
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p.1 #16 · PW FlexTT5: Hotshoe or 1/4" stud better mounting?

If you are a Canon user of the Flex TT5 system, and not a Nikon user, you should also consider the PocketWizard AC7 RF Hard Shield, which gives you a mounting bracket type solution for your flash, and also gives you RF shielding for improved range for some flashes. The flash is also fairly well protected while in the hard shield, so it is much harder to break the foot off the flash. But the Flex TT5 remains exposed and could have damage from impact, although there is much less leverage than having a flash extending out from a TT5. The PocketWizard site shows using the AC7 with an umbrella swivel mount in their photos.

http://www.pocketwizard.com/products/transmitter_receiver/ac7%20rf%20hard%20shield/

Feb 21, 2012 at 03:49 PM


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