Godox S2 Flash Bracket and the Shiny Disk Thing Revisited

 

A few years ago I was introduced to the Pixapro PIKA200 (Godox AD200) and began a new direction with outdoor lighting. Whereas before I'd used Speedlites or Metz hammerhead flashes (now no more, an ex-flash manufacturer) for off camera lighting with all the limitations bought about with limited battery life, sync cables and optical or IR triggers with limited range or line of sight activation.

 

Godox have developed a true flash ecosystem where all the flashes from Speedlites to 1200Ws battery beasties and AC mains studio flash all fire with the same trigger.

What attracted me to the PIKA200/Godox AD200 were not stunning good looks, but size and power output relative to Speedlite flashes. The PIKA200/Godox AD200 pocket flash is not much larger than the average Speedlite and boasts nearly three times the output. It's also a system tool in its' own right with dedicated heads and modifiers.

If you wanted to use Bowens S-Type modifiers or umbrellas there was the S Bracket with the difficult to use click stop tilt - originally designed for use with Speedlites.

With advent of the AD400PRO TTL and soon after the AD300PRO TTL Godox introduced the S2 Flash Bracket, which is a vast improvement on the original product.

The tilt pivot now uses a friction washer to hold things in place with a smooth movement lacking click stops

There are removable blocks which allow the various flashes to be secured. I wonder how long it will be before I loose the plastic blocks?

It will still accommodate the expected range of S Type light modifiers etc, and now it will allow you to use a wide range of flashes from Speedlites, AD100, AD200 with the various heads, AD300 and AD400.

For me there are only two failings - when using a Speedlite or AD200 there's a lot of light wasted to the gap between the bracket and flash. Plus, Godox have yet to introduce an Elinchrom versio of the S2 Fllash Bracket for people like me who have a fine collection of Elinchrom hard and collapsible light modifiers and shapers.

I have resolved both of these issues. Forget Speedlites for now, I do not use Speedlites with larger light modifiers now the AD200/PIKA200 in available.

 

Light lost to the rear of the S2 Flash Bracket

Lost light means loss of efficient flash output. The power remains the same, but the light is not being directed where it's needed, especially when using a beauty dish with a deflector in place which relies on there being a reflective surface to the rear of the modifier, not non-reflective space to the rear of the bracket.

Mind the gap - a shiny disk thing in place improves flash efficiency by 2/3 - 1 stop depending on the flash tube position relative to the modifier

 

There are number of simple and relatively inexpensive solutions to fill the gap.

The Shiny Disk Thing - I have John Aldred at DIYPhotography.net for the handle
Also known as the Adapter Ring for Quickbox Softboxes available from Pixapro. I understand that they limited stock available https://www.essentialphoto.co.uk/product/pixapro-hybrid360-adapter-ring-for-quickbox-softboxes/

Alternatively, there's the white dome diffuser which has the dual purpose of softening and spreading the light within the modifier and preventing spill to the rear. If you don't want or the need the softening effect the dome can be removed from the metal plate by removing the crosshead screws https://www.essentialphoto.co.uk/product/pixapro-12cm-180-diffuser-globe-for-hybrid360-bare-bulb-flash/

 

 

Once the white dome is removed you'll see the vents which dissipate heat from the enclosed dome. I cover these with aluminium tape of the type used to join HVAC ducting. The tape also makes a great reflective surface, including scatter reflectors which give more natural effect than a flat reflector board.

When using using hard open face reflectors I've taken a 14cm umbrella reflector and trimmed 20-23mm from the circumference with metal shears to give me a plate which not only improves the flash efficiency, but a more consistent beam.
 

Summary

The S2 Flash bracket meets my two criteria with lighting gear, versatility and adaptability.

This post has not been made in conjuction with either Godox or Pixapro. It is to show how products can be adapted and improved. I sincerely hope Godox see this and consider a Shiny Disk Thing as an accessory for the S2/AD200 combination.

I offer one to one training for selected photographers, bespoke training for businesses who need to keep their photography in-house and establishing in-house studios with flash or low-energy LED continuous lighting.

Feel free to contact me to discuss your requirements.

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