Nikon R1C1 flash for Macro Photography

[MMoretti]

Thanks for the links, Joe!

You might also look at the Kirk telephoto flash bracket, which appears to be functionally similar. Not sure they’re still in production, but maybe on eBay? I bought my R1C1 at least five or six years ago and have yet to try it out. This thread is inspiring me a little bit though. (I bought new batteries in the last six months, so I’m good to go.)

 

[Mike Delgado]

You might also look at the Kirk telephoto flash bracket, which appears to be functionally similar. Not sure they’re still in production, but maybe on eBay? I bought my R1C1 at least five or six years ago and have yet to try it out. This thread is inspiring me a little bit though. (I bought new batteries in the last six months, so I’m good to go.)

You will be impressed with the R1C1 system.

 

[MMoretti]

As a minor technical note, the R1C1 is designed for lens diameters up to 77mm.

 

[viper699]

Hi, keep in mind that with the R1C1 Kit you can control not only the small SBR200 flashes, but with the SU800 included in the kit you can control any flash in addition to the others or separately. You can create three distinct groups with each group of many flashes I don't remember the maximum. In addition there is also the R1 kit that has only the SU800 and control any flash.

Helpful! Didn't know that about the SU unit

 

[Mike Delgado]

As a minor technical note, the R1C1 is designed for lens diameters up to 77mm.

A great kit and you can find them at a great deal. At least I did so I purchased 2 of them.

 

[Calson]

With a macro lens and small subjects having the speedlights attached to an adapter ring at the end of the lens eliminates any chance of having the lens shadow in pictures with short camera to subject distances measured in inches. With vipers and frogs the Nikon R1C1 enabled me to get shots that I would have missed with a standard strobe. It is bulky and so I will make space for a place like Costa Rica to photograph small crtitters but I do not take to most wildlife locations.

The statement by W. Eugene Smith comes to mind when asked about "available light" photographs. He responded by saying "available light is any damn light that is available." One can use whatever is at hand or what one can afford and are willing to spend the time to learn to use properly. With digital the learning curve is much different and when I was doing underwater photograph with chome film I needed to wait a week to see the results.

The SU800 does require a special battery and although I have used the rechargeable ones I have found them to be unrelliable in terms of maintaining the necessary voltage. I now use only the non-chargeable batteries for use when traveling. The Tenergy CR123A cost about $1.50 each and this is quite affordable. I do take my batteries home and don't put them in the local trash to add to their landfills.

 

[viper699]

A great kit and you can find them at a great deal. At least I did so I purchased 2 of them.


View attachment 108516

As I'm only learning about these, what's considered a great deal on price?

 

[viper699]

With a macro lens and small subjects having the speedlights attached to an adapter ring at the end of the lens eliminates any chance of having the lens shadow in pictures with short camera to subject distances measured in inches. With vipers and frogs the Nikon R1C1 enabled me to get shots that I would have missed with a standard strobe. It is bulky and so I will make space for a place like Costa Rica to photograph small crtitters but I do not take to most wildlife locations.

The statement by W. Eugene Smith comes to mind when asked about "available light" photographs. He responded by saying "available light is any damn light that is available." One can use whatever is at hand or what one can afford and are willing to spend the time to learn to use properly. With digital the learning curve is much different and when I was doing underwater photograph with chome film I needed to wait a week to see the results.

The SU800 does require a special battery and although I have used the rechargeable ones I have found them to be unrelliable in terms of maintaining the necessary voltage. I now use only the non-chargeable batteries for use when traveling. The Tenergy CR123A cost about $1.50 each and this is quite affordable. I do take my batteries home and don't put them in the local trash to add to their landfills.

Thanks good to know on the batteries. It looks like a great system.

Underwater photography- man, that has to be so challenging between lighting, making sure you have enough air, among other things. I would love to try that with SCUBA at some point.

 

[Mike Delgado]

As I'm only learning about these, what's considered a great deal on price?

From looking around new ones are over 700.00 but Ive seen pre-owned ones as low as 300.00. You just have to shop around.

 

[MikeJ]

I got a complete R1C1 (with the SU800) for $422, and a complete R1 (without the SU800) for $211, both off of eBay a few years ago. Both were pretty much mint and work great.