Homemade Flash Diffuser for Pop-up Flash
We all know the pop-flash on our camera's can sometimes give an unnatural white tone, i.e the flash is often too harsh.
To remove the harsh tones, a flash diffuser can be used. These give a more natural tone, especially when photogrpahing people. I know you can buy them on amazon for pop-up flashes, but why waste money when it's cheaper and more fun to make it yourself 
I have to admit using a film container was not my idea; but I did use my own intuition to make it into a diffuser
You'll need:
- Scissors
- Film Container & lid
- Ruler
- Pen
1) Get an old film container - a white one.
2) Measure the width of the pop-up flash and depth
3) Using a ruler and a pen measure the dimesions you measured of your flash. Add 2-3mm to the length to the lid of the container fits on. Measure from the open side of the container. See pic below.
4) Cut out the shape.
5) Slide it onto your camera's pop-up flash
6) Popthe lid on
7) Get shooting 
Here are some examples. Both with flash, Shutter speed of 1/45 and f/3.1 and ISO 100
First one is WITHOUTthe "diffuser". Notice that my hand is white. It's not usually that white
The second one is WITH the "diffuser". Notice how my hand is much more a realistic tone. It's not as washed out as the first one.
If you want to add some colour, try putting some tissue paper around the container. I have, however, never tried this and is just an idea. Should work ok, I think.
Have fun with this; I certainly did.
Fraser
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Nice idea. I use half pin-pon ball, but I will try this stuff.
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Thanks. When I was looking on the net for ideas on what to use for it, a ping pong ball came up
. I am very pleased with how well this worked, hence the Photo features article 
Good Luck! 
Fraser
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A great, simple and cheap idea that appears to work perfectly. many thanks.
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A fantastic idea. Tried to make something similar usuing paper, which worked great, but it got ruined after a few uses as it just ripped. This is a much better idea and would last much longer. Will have to give this a go. Thanks for sharing this.
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outstanding idea
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great idea, and thanks for the how to. I normally do not use a flash however just of late have had to on a couple of shoot's. and the intenistyof the flash made life a bit more diffuclt. So now all I need is a white film tube. thanks again for the great tip
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Great idea. Just one thing: what is this 'film' of which you speak... ; )
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Great idea but if you aint into all that "Blue Peter stuff".
Scissors. Film Container & lid. Ruler. Pen.
A Packet of 15p fag papers work just as well.
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I used a 6 pint plastic milk container, works a treat, just cut out the shape I needed, and allez oop!
http://tommo-outlook.blogspot.com/2011/03/derelict-witham.html
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Great ideas in here. My film canisters are black so no good. Will certainly try the ideas that have been shared. Thanks everyone.
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Good idea, better than holding folded up kitchen roll, lol at Freds "what is this film you speak of"
Dave
http://www.myfinepix.ru/gallery/265388
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Fraser I have modified your design slightly (Patent still with you lol) By glueing on another half film container you can increase the diffusion just by sliding it on from the other side of pop up flash. Excuse quality of pics from little point and shoot camera.
http://www.myfinepix.ru/gallery/265388
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Excellent
. Must make another one now 
Fraser
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When you make your millions Fraser remember me (-:
Dave
http://www.myfinepix.ru/gallery/265388
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Hehe
I shall 
Think I might try a coloured one too
Fraser
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very clever , I`m off to root through my old camera bag to find a film container
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Wot a great Idea, and to think I woz going to nick one of my God daughters little doly's socks to slip over the flash.
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Awwwww many thanks for sharing this what a great idea and at least you tried it out 1st and showed us the results great thanks again x
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Brilliant, Just got an S1800 for Christmas and was immediately wondering how I might do just this thing. Glad I signed up for this sight.
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Awesome information... this I will surely be trying out.
The rarest thing in the world is a woman who is pleased with a photograph of herself. - Elizabeth Metcalf
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Thank you for your well presented tutorial.
Cheryl
http://www.myfinepix.ru/user/cheryl-ellis
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Great stuff ! 10 points for innovation. Hope we all can be as smart. Thanks.
Definatly an amateur !
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Thank you for a great flash diffuser which is easy to use and make.
All the Best William
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Great idea! Also glad you used the camera I have as the prop. Will be much easier to make following your pictures. Now to find a few clear film containers. Though a thought on making the colors, a sharpie might work as long as you used the lighter colors.
Madness takes its toll. Please have exact change. O_O
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Great idea! Also glad you used the camera I have as the prop. Will be much easier to make following your pictures. Now to find a few clear film containers. Though a thought on making the colors, a sharpie might work as long as you used the lighter colors.
Madness takes its toll. Please have exact change. O_O